AMC’s Comic Book Men is the brain child of writer and director Kevin Smith. The TV show is loosely based off of Smith’s podcast, Tell’em Steve Dave! and the life at the Stash, Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash comic book store in Red Bank, NJ. It’s part Pawn Stars and part True Life. At the Stash, Smith’s high school friends, Bryan “Teflon” Johnson and Walter “Walt” Flanagen with Michael “Mike” Zapcic and Ming Chen does the day to day grind, while buying and selling comic memorabilia.
(Bottom left to right): Ming Chen, Kevin Smith, and Walt Flanagan.
(Top left to right) Bryan Johnson and Mike Zapcic
Each episode, the team meets some interesting characters with interesting memorabilia. Some of the products are duds, but few are huge life-changing money making products. In season 1, you’ll see the authentic light saber from Star Wars to the 6 million dollar man action figure. The one thing I can take away from this show is how to negotiate. It’s crazy how high people think their stuff costs.
This guy bought a lightsaber for $60. Now it’s worth thousands!
The heart of this show is the group. From Chen’s so-called million dollar ideas to Bryan’s somewhat relax style of working, you’ll find someone in this group that remind you of someone (either a friend or a co-worker). During the down time in the show, the gang would ask each other weird questions that make you think…Hey! That’s how my friends and I talk to each other. For example, the gang talked about which comic book hero they used to pretend to be. Zapcic, the kind and light hearted guy in the group, without skipping a beat states, “Aquaman!” The gang laughs. Here’s why…
I’m not a huge fan of comics, but for whatever reason, I’m in love with these guys. They remind me of the random conversations I have with my friends. Let’s be real, my friends and I can get geeky, but just not in the comic book way.
Currently, Comic Book Men finished their second mid-season. I believe they will be back in February, like The Walking Dead. First season is available instantly on Netflix. Also, first season episodes used to be an hour long, but now it’s been cut to half an hour. Honestly, I liked it better when it was an hour long.
Want more Comic Book Men?
Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash Yelp
What’s your favorite TV show right now?
what’s with the aquaman hate? i’ve always wondered that….
@Kat: HAHA. I guess the reason that I can think of is that Aquaman has a weird power of controlling all the sea animals. I mean, you would have to lure the bad guys to the ocean, then kill’em. I don’t see anything wrong with Aquaman, but the guys at The Stash apparently do.
Interesting sounding show – I do love geek memorabilia. Right now, though, nothing can take my attention away fom Breaking Bad. So good!
@Jeremy: I haven’t gotten into Breaking Bad yet! I mean, I’ve seen the first two episodes, but I keep on getting distracted! Right now, I’m totally hooked on American Horror Story. If you like horror, sex, and crazy weirdness, then you’ll love this show.
I can’t believe I’ve never seen this show. I’m totally not into comic books or anything like that, but Kevin Smith! Come on! Actually, I’ve been listening to his podcasts less and less, too — maybe I’m going through a phase haha. Did you hear what he said recently? He’s going to make one more movie then retire from filmmaking
@Tiera: It’s a cool show. I’m into comics either, but for some odd reason, I just love watching them. They get into some funny shenanigans. If you have Netflixs, the first season is on instant. You should check it out and LMK.
I’m still listening to the podcast. I even started listening to “Tell’em Steve Dave”, which was the podcast that started this show.
I’ve heard Kevin Smith say that he was quitting filmmaking, but at another podcast, I’ve heard him say that he is making a miniseries on Hockey. So, I have no clue. I think he is trying to figure himself out. I heard now he is making a podcast books. Seriously, he is going to take all the podcasts and make them into books. I think the website is called the website is PodBookz.