Watch The Story of Rock 'N' Roll Comics

The Story of Rock 'N' Roll Comics is a fascinating documentary from 2005 that explores the life and times of one of the most influential comic book series in modern history. The film is directed by Ilko Davidov and produced by Robert Conte, and features interviews with some of the biggest names in music and comics, including Alice Cooper, Grant Morrison, and Mojo Nixon.

At its core, The Story of Rock 'N' Roll Comics is a tale of rebellion and controversy. In the mid-1980s, two young entrepreneurs named Todd Loren and Gary Groth had an idea to create a comic book series that would blend two of their passions: rock 'n' roll and comic books. The result was Rock 'N' Roll Comics, a series that told unauthorized biographical stories of famous musicians such as Nirvana, Guns N' Roses, and Led Zeppelin.

The comic books were an instant hit with music fans and collectors, but they also generated a fair amount of controversy due to their unauthorized nature. Many musicians depicted in the comics were unhappy with their portrayal, and some even sued Loren and Groth. Despite this, the comics continued to sell well and became a cultural phenomenon in their own right.

The Story of Rock 'N' Roll Comics uses vintage footage, comic book images, and interviews with former employees and fans to tell the story of this groundbreaking series. The film explores the inspiration behind Rock 'N' Roll Comics, the controversies it generated, and the impact it had on both the music and comic book industries.

One of the film's most captivating segments is an interview with Alice Cooper, who reflects on his relationship with Todd Loren and the impact Rock 'N' Roll Comics had on his career. Cooper explains how he initially had mixed feelings about the comics but eventually came to appreciate their unique perspective on his life and career.

Another standout interview is with Steven Crompton, who was the primary artist for the Rock 'N' Roll Comics series. Crompton shares his memories of working on the comics and the creative process that went into each issue. He also reflects on how the controversies surrounding the series affected his personal and professional life.

The Story of Rock 'N' Roll Comics also delves into the legal battles that eventually led to the downfall of the series. Loren and Groth faced numerous lawsuits from musicians who wanted to control their public image, and eventually, the pressure became too much for the fledgling company. The film explores the impact these legal battles had on Loren and Groth, as well as the broader implications for the music and comic book industries.

Overall, The Story of Rock 'N' Roll Comics is a captivating documentary that offers a unique glimpse into the history of two of America's most enduring art forms. With its mix of vintage footage, interviews with key figures, and insightful analysis of the comics themselves, the film is a must-watch for fans of music and comics alike. Whether you're a diehard collector of Rock 'N' Roll Comics or just interested in the cultural impact of this controversial series, this documentary is sure to entertain and inform.

The Story of Rock 'N' Roll Comics is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.