Comic Book Heroes is a fascinating television documentary that follows the lives of a group of Australian comic book creators as they work on bringing their stories to the page. The show premiered on August 22, 2013, on ABC. The series focuses on the ups and downs of several comic book writers and artists based in Australia. From trying to make a living as a comic book creator to the creative process behind their writing and art, the show offers an in-depth look at the comic book industry and the challenges that come with it.
One of the main themes that the series explores is the idea of self-publication versus traditional publication. Many of the featured artists and writers are self-publishing their comics, which means they have to juggle working multiple jobs to support themselves while also trying to make their comic book dreams a reality.
The show introduces several key figures in the Australian comic book industry, including Robert Love, the writer and artist behind the hit comic book series "Alpha Girl," and Wolfgang Bylsma, who runs Gestalt Comics, a small comic book publishing house based in Perth.
We also get to meet Skye Ogden, a newcomer to the industry who is determined to make a name for herself as a self-published creator. Skye's story is particularly compelling, as the show follows her journey from creating her first comic book in her spare time to quitting her day job to focus on her comic book career full time.
As well as following the day-to-day lives of these creators, the show also delves deeper into the comic book industry itself, examining the various challenges and opportunities facing those working in the field. This includes the importance of conventions and expos in promoting their work, the role of social media in building an audience, and the impact of digital distribution on the industry as a whole.
Throughout the series, we see the creators struggling with various aspects of their work, from writer's block to the pressure of meeting deadlines. We also witness their triumphs, such as Skye's successful Kickstarter campaign to fund her next comic book, and the excitement of seeing their work in print.
One of the standout moments of the series comes when the featured creators attend the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con, the largest comic book convention in the world. We see the creators attending panels, meeting fans, and networking with other industry professionals, offering a rare glimpse into the world of comic book conventions.
Overall, Comic Book Heroes is a fascinating and insightful look into the lives of Australian comic book creators. Whether you're a fan of comics or just interested in the creative process behind them, this series is well worth checking out.
Comic Book Heroes is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between August 13, 2013 and on ABC