Through compelling storytelling, archival footage, and interviews with industry insiders, the documentary pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of comic book shops and their enduring impact on our society. It explores the symbiotic relationship between these shops and the larger comic book community, celebrating the role they play in promoting diversity, encouraging literacy, and fostering a love for the medium.
This documentary ultimately serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of independent comic book shop owners and the invaluable contributions they make to our culture. It invites viewers to appreciate the extraordinary journey of these shops, understand their struggles, and recognize their enduring significance in an ever-changing world.
ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY
Why we’re making
this Documentary.
For regular comic book shop go’ers, we probably don’t need to explain this but, comic book shops are more than just stores that sell books to nerds like me. They have become cultural landmarks and community gathering places. In some cases, they’ve become a second home for people from all walks of life who share common interests.
They’ve also become a place where creativity, diversity, equality, learning, and community converge. Now here’s the catch. While there are outliers, MOST comic book shops are not a money-making business and often can’t weather catastrophic market collapses brought on by events like the global pandemic.
As one of our goals for this documentary, we want to show the world that Comic Books, and Comic Book Shops are a major part of our culture…and not just American culture…but the WORLD culture.
“There are so many factors going against comic shops these days, I think there will be 200-300 less shops next year.”
Rick Shea - Owner of Famous Faces & Funnies Comic Book Shop
faq
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Pending funding, Surviving Comics will be released to crowdfunding supporters via online streaming or Blu-Ray release (depending on the level of donation) in Winter 2024. Following the initial release, Surviving Comics will premiere at select local theatres before moving onto Film Festivals.
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Since we are still in production, we are more than happy to interview Comic Book Shop owners who have interesting stories and industry insight to share with us. If you feel that you and your shop fit that description, feel free to email us.
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We are currently running a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. If you’d like to support us directly, we are accepting donations/grants. We are also open to Executive Producers who wish to invest. Support us on Indiegogo.
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Yes! We are doing our best to schedule interviews with well-known Comic Book Creators, life-long collectors and industry gurus. If you feel that you fit either of those descriptions and wish to appear in the documentary, please email us.
meet the directors
Joe Nicklo
Director / Producer
Joe Nicklo is an award-nominated Director & Director of Photography who has had a life-long passion for Comic Books and the world that they foster. Joe finds inspiration in the medium of Comics each and every day and founded this project out of a desire to share his love & passion for Comics and the people, places and communities that keep Comics alive! Joe is also the owner of the Production Company, Driven Films – the studio behind this Documentary.
Danny Soto
Co-Director
Danny Soto is a filmmaker with a passion for telling compelling stories & beautiful cinematography. Whether it’s a commercial or a documentary like this one, he believes that there’s always a story worth telling… and the challenge of finding it is what drives him. Danny lives in south Florida with wife and two daughters. Oh, and he has a puppy that his wife let him get name Juno.
Meet the film crew
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Matthew Tucker
CINEMATOGRAPHER
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Locksley Lennox
CINEMATOGRAPHER
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Mac olink
CINEMATOGRAPHER
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AJ Festa
ASSISTANT CAMERA
How you can help!
So far, Surviving Comics has been entirely funded by our production company, Driven Films. To keep the production moving forward, we need your help. In the comics months, we’ll be launching a crowdfunding campaign on IndieGoGo to raise funds. In the meantime, spreading the word on social media is the best way to help!
Follow us on social and share!
