The recently released trailer for the thought-provoking documentary “Shopping for Superman,” directed by Wes Eastin, offers an intriguing glimpse into the evolution and challenges faced by comic book shops across the United States. Highlighting these stores’ pivotal role in both the comic book industry and as cultural hubs, the film promises to explore how they have shaped superhero media over the years.
The documentary is described to take viewers on a “50-year journey,” spotlighting the origins of neighborhood comic shops and the individuals committed to keeping these beloved establishments alive.
“After five years of diminished sales, a global pandemic, and the digitization of retail shopping dominating most markets, ‘Shopping for Superman’ asks the question, ‘Can our local comic shops be saved?'” Stated the film’s description.
Featuring insightful interviews with shop owners, comic book historians, and artists, the documentary aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how these retail spaces have served as vital community centers.
Throughout history, comic book shops have transcended their primary role as places to buy comics; they’ve become gathering spots for fans to discuss cherished narratives and iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man. During the mid-20th century, these establishments were instrumental in nurturing superhero culture and sustaining the comic book industry.
However, the trailer also hints at the contemporary difficulties many shops are experiencing. With the rise of digital comics, the growth of online retailers, and shifting consumer preferences, traditional brick-and-mortar stores are under significant pressure. Competing against the convenience and pricing of digital platforms and e-commerce giants has led to a troubling decline in independent comic shops nationwide.
“Shopping for Superman” aims to make a compelling case for the support of local comic book shops, emphasizing their importance as cultural institutions. Despite the ongoing relevance of characters in popular culture, questions loom about the future of the stores that originally spotlighted them.
The film is set to be released later this year. You can pre-order the Blu-ray, along with other merchandise, for the documentary on their website.
Meet the creative team behind the project
Director
The project boasts a talented team led by director Wes Eastin, who brings over 20 years of experience in digital video, television, and film production. With a diverse background as a director, content producer, and writer, Eastin has made significant contributions to the arts. His multimedia art exhibitions have been featured in leading publications such as Public Art Review Magazine, the Huffington Post, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Art Papers Magazine. These exhibitions, which focus on empathy training, are housed in permanent collections at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia and the Columbus Museum of American Art. Funding for these works has come from notable organizations, including Creative Capital of New York and Flux Projects, among others. Eastin’s work has also appeared on platforms like The Independent Film Channel (IFC), CBS Sports, and Funny or Die.
Producers
Joining Eastin are accomplished producers Imoto Harney and Molly Coffee. Harney, the owner of Captain Crazy Productions, INC., has built a reputation for crafting meaningful content. With over a decade of excellence in video and film production and photography, she has traveled the globe as a shooter, producer, and editor. Harney collaborates with well-known brands and organizations to promote their messaging and cover events through engaging video walkthroughs, commercials, and compelling social media content. In her downtime, she is passionate about pinball machines and actively supports the resurgence of pinball arcades in various cities.
Molly Coffee adds her expertise to the team with a strong foundation in the art department. She began her film career working full-time on popular shows like The Carbonaro Effect and The Walking Dead. Building on this experience, she has lent her design and fabrication skills to series such as Stan Against Evil, Brockmire, and the FX series Atlanta. As the owner of Zombie Cat Productions and co-owner of Action Artwork Rental, Molly brings a wealth of knowledge to the production. She is also a proud member of IATSE Local 479 and the Art Directors Guild.
The Dazey Phase, a production and sales company based in Syracuse, NY, focuses on inclusive and responsible storytelling. The company “aims to create projects that align with this mission in both narrative and nonfiction spaces, while also developing and packaging additional projects.” Currently, The Dazey Phase is preparing for several scripted features based on existing intellectual property, showcasing creators from The Indigenous List, The CAPE List, The Black List, and Sundance Fellowships.
Post-production
The post-production team further enhanced the project’s quality with a talented crew. Wes Eastin takes on the role of editor, with Dana Engell served as post-production supervisor. Tashi Trieu handled color correction, while Stephen Krystek contributed GFX and animation. The musical score is composed by Antonio Teoli, and Thomas Andrew Lawson served as the graphic designer.
Together, this creative team combines their diverse talents and experiences to deliver a compelling project that promises to resonate with audiences.
About the film, according to the filmakers
“Shopping for Superman,” guides viewers through a 50-year journey revealing the origin story of their friendly neighborhood comic shops and the people fighting to keep their doors open.
Since it began, the retail comics industry has contracted by over 75% with more shops closing every month.
After five years of diminished sales, a global pandemic, and the digitization of retail shopping dominating most markets, Shopping for Superman asks the question, “Can our local comic shops be saved?”
“Shopping for Superman,” does more than explain the history of retail comic book shops. Its underlying narrative reveals how shops directly influenced comic book publishing to cultivate some of the most daring and controversial materials ever committed to print.
Through the evolution of comics, bolstered by shop owners, local communities gained access to safe spaces for individuals having a crisis of identity, a place that promoted literacy and critical thinking in areas where those things are scarce.
Audiences will see, first-hand, just how necessary their support will be in keeping these shops open and available for future generations.
