Besides making his own films, Kevin Smith has sat down to write a few comic book stories, and tell a few stories about his own life, which have been published. Here’s a small sample of what might be found at your local bookstore or comic shop…
N/A
Green Arrow: Quiver – Kevin Smith brings Oliver Queen back to life (with the help of artist Phil Hester). The book recollects the first ten issues of the relaunching of the title. The explained resurrection works out pretty well, and we get stories involving Hal Jordan (and even a cameo by Barry Allen). Plus there’s a terrific scene where Queen goes crazy at the new JLA headquarters. It’s available in paperback for $17.95. The follow up Sounds of Violence (issues #11 – 15) delves into Queen’s reconnecting with those around him such as his son Connor and the Black Canary, and training a new Sidekick, while also trying to keep Star City safe from the villainous Onomatopoeia. It’s also available in paperback for 12.95.
Daredevil, Volume 1: Guardian Devil – Kevin Smith plays in the world Frank Miller made famous. This collection reprints the beginning of Smith’s run on the title. Smith plays heavy on Matt Murdock’s Catholicism and a test of faith that strains both his faith and sanity to their limits (and includes the death of a longtime Daredevil supporting character!). It’s available in paperback ($19.95), but you might have to hunt for this one.
Spider-Man/Black Cat: Evil That Men Do – The soon-to-be-released hardcover (July 21, $19.99) collects Smith’s six-issue mini-series, with artist Terry Dodson, teaming the Black Cat and Spider-Man together in the search for Felicia Hardy’s old friend. Other familiar Marvel characters such as Daredevil and Nightcrawler make appearances as well.
Tales From the Clerks – This new collection recollects many of Smith’s previous works together in one volume including Clerks, Chasing Dogma, Blutman & Chronic, and includes an all new story as well. Since most of these are hard to come by, this makes a nice collection for both old and new fans of Smith’s comic work. Soon to be released it paperback ($29.95)
Stan Lee: Mutants, Monsters, and Marvels – Okay, it’s a DVD not a book – but its focus is comic books, so I think it’s okay to include on the list. Kevin Smith sits down with Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee to discuss Spider-Man, the Comics Code, Lee’s use of language (Excelsior!), the Fantastic Four, Jack Kirby, mutants, and comic movies and TV shows. Fun stuff here with a strong fan friendly feel. Some nice extras include a tour of Stan Lee’s house (WOW!!), the story behind “the first” Fantastic Four film, and more.
 |
Silent Bob Speaks: The Collected Writings of Kevin Smith – A paperback collection ($13.95) of collected essays and writings of Smith on various subjects such as sex, his feelings on Reese Witherspoon, his take on the first Spider-man flick, interviews with Tom Cruise and Ben Affleck, the regularity and consistency of his bowel movements (um…yeah) and so on. The essays were originally published by the British magazine “Arena.” The stream of consciousness style may put off some readers but there are some golden nuggets worth digging through the marginal or just plain odd ones.
An Askew View: The Films of Kevin Smith – Interesting look back at each film and project that falls into the “View Askew Universe” including the short lived Clerks animated TV show and a “sneek peek” at Jersey Girl (which was still in production at the publishing of the book). Tons of fun tidbits, especially making the cheaper films like Clerks and Chasing Amy and the religious furvor and protests the crew faught during Dogma. It’s worth checking out if you’d like to know more behind the scenes info about any or all of Smith’s movies. In addition most of Smith’s screenplays are also available in print for those wanting to scan the pages for more of their favortie dialogue.