Comic Book Men (2012–2018) User Reviews

Kevin smith fans will love it... unfamiliar viewers will remain puzzled

[virtualxi · 7/10 · 13 February 2012]

As a Kevin Smith fan I can say that I enjoy most of his work in both film and in in recent years Smodcast Internet Radio and to be quite honest I think that this show is targeted for Smith fans only.

The humor has the signature "Smodcast" written all over it. There is comic talk, there are escapades to the flea market and there are dick jokes. In the radio show when the conversation works it is really funny and, when it doesn't you keep listening waiting for the conversation to improve and it applies also to the TV show: When the "comic book men" bounce on one another it is funny to listen but I felt that the haggling with the customers was too "weird" for the sake of being weird... yes, I know there are customers like that in comic book shops - I've dealt with them - but in no way, shape or form would I consider filming them, those are the parts that I'd "switch-off" waiting for the funny talk.

Like I said at the beginning. If you are a Smodcast/Tell'em steve dave you'll enjoy this similarly to how you enjoy the podcast,(see/hear once, laugh, forget about it). If you are a casual viewer... well I don't see how this would appeal to you, not because it is bad but because it is targeted for a very specific demographic for better or worse.

As a SMod fan the only thing that I feel is that this is a bit redundant, specially in the form of a TV show. It is filmed for the sake of being filmed instead of told in a podcast as a funny story.

7/10

Finally something for the true geek and not the huddled masses.

[julia-rosendahl · 9/10 · 13 March 2012]

For sure I am a true Kevin Smith fan, and I think that his genius shows through even in this media. He has made some great movies, an awesome pod-cast so why not kick ass in the TV media? and I must say he and the other cast does it very well.

References are flying left to right and the all speak from the heart. They get all hot and bothered when they speak about comics/heroes/toys, they relay the feeling all we nerds across the world has felt many times over when sifting through this weeks comic book releases or when we finally got our hands on that collectible to we lost or never got somewhere in our childhood.

I love that they use clips from "The Stash" with real customers, everything from the nut-case- geek to the politically correct mom that despise everyone that can give their little child a cat woman doll. And the spontaneous conversations that just nerds get, like which Spiderman costume did you think was best? etc. etc.

So, to sum up. If you love comics, heroes, collectibles, sci-fi you should definitely check this show out. I'm a computer programmer by trade and I would give up my job in a heartbeat to get to work in Comic book store like that. So this is the next best thing.

I enjoy this show and do NOT read comic books!

[thesavants08 · 8/10 · 19 March 2012]

This show is hilarious! I am a female and do not read comic books, and I really enjoy this show. I hate when people say oh you have to read comic books or love Smith to enjoy this show. That is far from the truth. What I do know of comic book stories(which is not much), I get from movies made from them. From the show: I enjoy seeing how much the toys,books, etc. brought in off the streets to the store are worth. I also like when they explain some of the comic books in the show. They sound ten times better than the movies made from them half the time. I think the interaction between the guys on the show is what makes it for me. They are constantly asking each other about crazy hypothetical situations, and in general always saying something hilarious. They have also gotten into some funny situations on the show. All in all I enjoy it, and it conveniently comes on after the Walking Dead.

Just what nerds needed

[akqjofspds · 10/10 · 19 March 2012]

I don't care about old tea kettles and lamps, Im a comic book nerd and this is my pawn stars. The guys are funny and knowledgeable. They have a lot of neat stuff that comes through the front doors and some of the stuff on the show feels scripted but who cares as long as its entertaining, i mean who really wants "reality" any way. Then they do this podcast thing every episode thats really fun, just a bunch of friends hanging out. and they start every episode with some really funny topic that usually gets a good laugh or two.. like "what superhero chick would you want to have sex with?" lol. Im so glad kevin decided to make this show. hopefully there's a season 2.

Comic Rock!

[Tactrix · 10/10 · 13 March 2012]

I'm a big fan of comic stuff, like old superhero's, movies, obviously comics. To me this show actually goes above and beyond I mean, it's literally like clerks but in a comic store. Probably because its directed by Kevin smith but still.

When I first heard about this show my thoughts were "it's just going to be a boring comic book show", but it's not! This show is hilarious and the stuff they talk about is something you can really see yourself doing when you sit around and just joke with friends.

I give it a 10/10 because its just got every element that you expect in a comic book store show and more.

Oddly Awesome and Compelling

[Brattsy · 10/10 · 25 March 2012]

I clicked the stars to rate this at first an eight, but then I got to thinking about how I came about watching this show and I had to bump it to a ten.

Normally, Reality TV and I do not mix well. They're just not a type of show that interest me. When I started the first episode, I had no idea it was reality TV. I almost turned it off. And then a customer came into the shop.

It was like the Antique Roadshow(a show I love), but with comic books and a funnier cast.

I quickly found the rest of the episodes and I haven't stopped watching.

The store's manager is funny, smart and he has integrity, something many Reality TV shows lack in their main cast of characters. The whole cast of the show is quirky and interesting, actually.

This is the first review for anything from me on IMDb, though I've belonged for years. I just felt compelled to write this review, much like the compulsion to watch the show.

I don't even like comic books! It's still really, really great.

I'm not a fan of comics but i'm a fan of Kevin Smith

[Pallez · 10/10 · 27 November 2012]

With that said, i have grown to truly love this show. The stash staff is awesome and they make some awesome jokes and things happen. My knowledge of comics is pretty standard, i know all the obvious stuff like Spiderman, Batman, Turtles and so on. But even when something totally geeky comes to the shop, i am still very excited about it.

You can feel their love for their jobs/hobby and that is what makes this show so good. I wish the episodes would be longer and i hope they will continue to make the show for a long time.

Sometimes even Jason Mewes comes by the shop and he's always a joy to see.

Highly recommended!

Four Colour Behind The Scenes Of A "JOKE BOOK" DEALER

[redryan64 · 7/10 · 26 May 2014]

WHEN WE FIRST came across this AMC Cable TV 'Reality Series, we sort of shook our cyber-space head and thought that it surely must be the ultimate example of the superfluous. Producer Kevin Smith, who reportedly owns the New Jersey Comics Shop depicted here, surely had introduced an American Original; being the Electronic equivalent of the Vanity Publishing industry.

TIME, HOWEVER NOT only heals all wounds; but can also do a lot to alter ones attitudes. As we tuned in week after week, we discovered that we were becoming increasingly interested in this half hour of frivolous goings on. It seemed that this celluloid 'Joke Book' Anthology was growing on us, just like warts.

THE FACT THAT we were steeped in the tradition of the 'Long Underwear' Super Heroes and Costumed Crime Fighters from periodical publishing companies with names like DC, Marvel, Quality and Radio Comics, did give us a soft place in our hearts for the series. The characters with names such as: Superman, Batmqn, The Flash, Green Lantern, Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man, etc., ranked right up there with TOM SAWYER in our book!

AS WITH ANY other "Reality Series", the pre-recorded version of 'real life' has the advantage of direction, editing, scripting and re-shooting. In short, COMIC BOOK MEN is a dubious reality, at best. Of course, this indictment is not limited to just this series.

INSPITE OF ALL of Mr. Kevin Smith & Company's narcissistic self indulgence and excessive laughter, we do confess that it does serve a purpose and does having "Redeeming Social Value." Its existence serves to remind the world of a Sub-Culture of 4 Color heroes and tales of characters; whose origins, powers and activities are all akin to Legendary heroes, Biblical Epics and Ancient gods and immortals.

I like this show

[Vincenza8907 · 8/10 · 12 March 2012]

I am not going to say this is the best show ever or anything like that, but I enjoy watching nerds talk. It is a funny show. I think the guys are hilarious. I would actually be disappointed if this show went off the air. I was not expecting to like the show as much as I do. The main reason I started watching was because I like kevin smith, but I also like his friends in this show. I hate reality TV. If this show goes off the air, but crap like Jersey Shore remain I will lose all faith in humanity. I am not a comic book fan. I never was able to get into it, but I appreciate them as some of my friends are. This really is a show about nothing. It is hilarious and awesome.

Comic book Clerks

[paudieconnolly · 7/10 · 18 November 2020]

Always an easy watch . journey into a happy place where the people's job is there passion and that is infectious. With some great appearances over the series

A Promising New Series

[charlespdk · 8/10 · 13 February 2012]

It's really too early to tell if this show will be good or not, but I'll make a guess anyway. As a comic book enthusiast, I enjoyed seeing Blade's first appearance comic book and an old Marvelmania Thor poster by Jack Kirby brought into the store to pawned-er-I mean sold. As with Pawn Stars, there will be questions as to whether or not the 'sellers' are real people or hired actors given props to sell to the store. The show also seems to favor a round table like discussion (which is apparently Smith's pod cast) on the events happening in the store rather than doing those aside confessions synonymous with reality television. This format favors discussion and 'nerd' talk rather than backstabbing gossip. The two characters who seem to come at odds the most (Bryan and Ming) are always talking to each other, never behind the others back.

Which brings me to the crux of the show. Even if it is faked, the most important aspect will be these people who work (or in Bryan's case don't work) at the shop. Walt and Mike come across as the businessmen. Smith states that the success of the store is thanks to Walt and his assistant manager Mike. Ming apparently works on the stores website, but is something of a gofer for purposes of the show, I'm sure. Bryan is an older, heavy set, long gray bearded man (similar to Alan Moore's beard) who is supposed to be the shows Kramer, Chumlee, or Mikey. The funny guy who doesn't seem to do any work. While I found him amusing, it's still yet to be seen how the audience will respond to him.

I enjoyed the pilot and will continue to watch the series. As we see more episodes, we'll be able to find out how much is faked or not faked which may change my opinion. My hope is that they'll focus on that comic book shop talk that I've come to enjoy so much over the years and not the 'drama' of the more popular reality shows.

Meh.

[peryteran2 · 2/10 · 24 February 2012]

Adding to the already flooded market of "how much is my crap worth" shows like Pawn Stars, Auction Hunters, Oddities and the original Antiques Roadshow comes Comic Book Men.

If you're Kevin Smith fan, you'll probably like this, but for the rest of us, this comes across as a stale formula that is already being done on the Travel channel, for crying out loud.

I've watched two shows and can't say that anyone really stands out, except for a guy who has a ZZ Top Beard.

Basically, it seemed like the show is set up to belittle "customers" who come in to have their stuff evaluated with the prerequisite "I have to check with my buddy who's an expert in (blank)" and then the person is told that their junk is worth nothing.

Then, we switch to a studio where Smith tries to ramp up the drama where we get to make fun of the chump and celebrate the "Men" and their efforts.

I suspect that Kevin Smith supports recycling. It should have the green symbol underneath the header. it look like he's using content from his podcasts and spitting it out as a TV show.

The feeling that these customers have been pre-screened a hundred times and coached is pretty strong here. I just feel bad that a bunch of dumpy middle-aged guys need to feel better about themselves at the expense of even dumpier dudes......

40 year old virgin already taught me what the value of an Oscar Goldman doll is. I don't need these guys telling me as if it's secret knowledge.

In the words of their animated forefather: Worst Show Ever.

Good and fun pop culture history of comics, toys, and collectors a dream for any geek!

[blanbrn · 8/10 · 12 March 2012]

Sure I'm 34 but I have to say that AMC's new series "Comic Book Men" brings back memories and the child in me as I remember the days when I enjoyed the thrill of buying and collecting comic books and the many action figures that I played with that had me in escape. This series is a pop culture showcase for any comic, toy or superhero film geek. As creator and known filmmaker Kevin Smith showcases his old Jersey roots of Red Bank as each week he shows his buddies Walt Flanagan, Mike Zapcic, Bryan Johnson, and Ming Chen as they run "Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash" and seeing the insides of this place this is a pop culture dream for a fan! Kevin conducts on air radio interviews with each and clips are shown of customers coming in the shop buying trading and selling comics. And it's hard to believe the value of some these especially the older comics! It's nice to see the guys go to conventions, and shoot commercials, and chat with customers and make deals as Walt really knows his comics and culture of toys it's nice to see the many treasures brought into the shop I for one like seeing the old Mego dolls!(now a world wanted valued toy item). Plus these fine gentlemen give talk on their favorite films, superhero picks and they talk about horror films. All in the process these guys have fun doing so. Sure this may not be everyone's cup of tea but if your a comic book or toy doll or action figure collector fan this series is a nice joy! Even as an adult it will bring back childhood memories, yet still yet your never to old to be a fan of Batman, Star Wars, horror films, or Mego dolls!

Basically, Pawn Stars but with a lot more TV, Movie, and comic book references!

[Atomic_Peace · 8/10 · 27 February 2013]

Like the summary said! Comic Book Men is set in Kevin Smith's trade and barter store based in New Jersey, known as Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash, often shortened to just The Stash. Smith and friends operate the store, solely founded over film and comic book propaganda.

I rather enjoy the show, I am an avid movie and TV fan, and I plan to start reading comic books, sometime later this year. I enjoy trade and barter, it is a subject I have fond interest in it, as you never know what you will see. I don't get the comic book references, but I try, and that's what counts.

Let me put it this way, did you grow up on TV, movies, and comic books? Merry Christmas!

The fact that they do this unscripted is surprising, because trust me when I say that this show is hilarious!

I give the show 8 film rolls.

Fanboy's delight...

[poe426 · 8/10 · 17 February 2012]

I tried for years to get one of the local comic shop owners- in two different cities, in two different states- to do just such a show for Public Access; none of them were interested (despite the fact that it would've amounted to free advertising), and I finally quit asking. It's all moot, now, I guess, because the local Public Access channel was dropped from the local cable system (despite protests, although I read somewhere just recently that a local religious faction is clamoring for air time, so it may be resurrected). Public Access was- and still is, in cities where it's available- the perfect venue for a talk show about comic books. And it's about time, too: comic books are Big Business these days in Hollywoodland. COMIC BOOK MEN is the perfect companion piece to THE BIG BANG THEORY.

Great View

[miokid · 9/10 · 15 February 2012]

Thoroughly enjoyable show. Includes the banter between between the employees of the store and Kevin Smith (owner) in a podcast like setting; as well as the regular rigmarole of comic bookstore banter.

For those that don't know, this show arose from Kevin Smith's inquiry into a "pawn stars" type for for "geek culture". When they were trying to find a comic book store to cover, the lead developer for the show; on AMC's stumbled upon the highly rated "Tell'em Steve Dave" podcast which includes Bryan, Walter and sometimes Ming (we rarely hear Mike, except when he's hearing complaints for a ringing phone, etc). So for those that are complaining about the break points that lead into conversation, you have to understand that this show was only spawned because of a podcast.

This show is not a pure "pawn stars", and it definitely has some adult content; if you care to watch simple buying/selling... this is not the show for you. If you want to be entertained and get a lot of laughs, you should check this show out. Watch for subtle jokes, because they are by far the funniest (which lies along the lines of many of the podcasts in the Smodcast family, because those short comments the employees shoot back and forth to one another are by far the most amusing.

Pretty close to a day in the life of a Comic Book Man...

[spencer79-594-417104 · 10/10 · 29 January 2013]

Let me start out by saying that I know the buyers/sellers are set up in advance, and that's part of the show. That being said, the interaction between employees and customers is pretty spot on for a Jersey comic book store.

As a teenager growing up in central NJ, I worked at a comic book store named "That Hobby Place" (South Amboy, NJ). It was a teen boy's dream job. During the summer months, I spent all day reading comic books, playing games, and discussing my favorite movies (i.e. Star Wars) with almost every customer who walked through the door! On weekends, the boss Gary would take me and a buddy to comic/sci-fi conventions so we could make some extra cash for the store and get autographs (to sell at the store, of course!) from our favorite stars.

When I watch Comic Book Men, it gives me warm fuzzies as I see these guys doing EXACTLY the kind of stuff we did...pranking each other, the banter, and almost getting into arguments over what super hero would kick who's butt.

This show is good fun for anyone who grew up reading comic books, watching Star Wars, or otherwise entertained by the fan side of pop culture. Kudos to Kevin Smith and team for creating a show that brings me back to my teenage years, and allowing me to look at the perplexed look on my wife's face and say, "See??? Told you I'm not the only person who does/thinks that!!!!"

From "Clerks" the movie to Clerks.. in real life!

[JamminRon · 10/10 · 9 April 2012]

When Kevin Smith announced that he's soon retiring from the movie-making business, I didn't understand why, at first I thought he meant retiring from everything but in later interviews he made it clear that he's venturing into other genres of the entertainment business. From his twitter entries to podcasts, "Evening with" standup Q&A videos and more = "Comic Book Men" has yet again proved that Smith can change course without disappointing nor have to make 'adjustments' to his empire.

Okay, long story short - I was introduced to Smith's work back in 2001 with "Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back," an old friend wanted me to see the movie, and even though I hadn't seen the previous "Jersey" movie titles ie "Clerks," "Mallrats," I was definitely entertained. So if you're NOT familiar with any of Smith's previous work, then "Comic Book Men" could peek your interest because the stars of the show have lots of history with Smith & his work. These aren't 'actors' on a staged reality show, sure some have acted in Smith's movies but this is the real deal.

For me, it's great to see Walt & Brian again, be sure to check out the making of "Clerks" to see some more interviews featuring them. Who knew that Walt was such a character?!! and Ming, who designed Kevin's website all those years ago, who assured Smith that "you'll never be lonely again" because of the forum-based community online. Wasn't familiar with Michael but he seems like a great addition to this show.

I'm not a comic-book fan, I read various comics when I was younger but never got into them. You're probably asking yourself - 'so why do you watch + like this show?' Well, I also enjoy the show "American Chopper," which is another reality show that follows the lives of a motorbike-building family, I have no interest in bikes but it's really the passion these people have for what they do & they make me want to be more interested in what it is they're producing & selling! they're just interesting & entertaining people, simple as that.

Not a reality show that sets out to humiliate people, put people up on auction blocks, nor trying something stupid that results in ruined lives and the loss of money ie "No experience? no interest? here- we're gonna let you run this company for three months, it's gonna be on film. Good luck!" Whether you're a comic-book fan, a Kevin Smith fan or of his movies, a TRUE 'reality show' fan, a fan of interesting people, a fan of well-produced TV shows, a fan of commentary = "Comic Book Men" is just flat-out a good time! Smith & crew all partake in a podcast throughout the show, reviewing some of the merchandise customers have brought in, and sometimes talking about them too! What's great is that all of these guys know each other, they weren't a bunch of newcomers thrown together, they have history and it shows. And it makes for great TV, never a dull moment.

I'm hoping this show gets renewed for a 2nd season, I'm about to watch the 6th and final episode from the 1st season. Well done, Smith & team!

Douchebag Dudes

[Johnny_West · 1/10 · 27 June 2018]

Comic Book Men or Douchebag Dudes? I tried to watch this show and it was just a butt-kissing contest on every episode. Kevin Smith is the big Hollywood star and the rest of the cast is made up of his comic book store employees. The fawning never ends. Every time Smith says something, his lackeys gasp in awe of his amazing wisdom.

The only thing good about this show was the interesting collectibles that were featured, and the occasional guest stars that appeared on the show.

Simply great entertainment

[Sohailfilm · 10/10 · 14 March 2012]

This is the greatest show to come in years and some of Kevin Smiths best work. he's always way more interesting as himself. I've been a comic book collector for many years and have worked as a film-director for the past 15 years. I wouldn't consider myself a nerd, but I feel totally entertained by these guys at the Stash. Used to hate all reality shows until this. Yeah I feel like the show was created for comic book fans like me, but it's not that. I just love these guys and Kevin Smith for their personalities. I find myself laughing out load at the screen. The humor is fast and witty and the subject is spot on. Most of all the show reminds me of the joy from childhood and well into my teens of collecting and reading comics. I might even watch this more than once.

Ming Chen and friends

[three8s2013 · 10/10 · 25 November 2017]

That's what this should be called. A fun look at all things nerdy. Walt's and Mike's knowledge of comic books is impressive. Ming's passion and Bryan's wit makes this a great foursome. The guests are a blast and surprised to see all the raps stars into comic books like Method Man and Run DMC. When will Kevin Smith write and direct a comic book movie?

Is what it says and more

[anthonyjackson-420-730996 · 10/10 · 7 March 2021]

Originally based on the podcast Tell Em Steve Dave this show works because of the relationship between cast members who've known each other since their teenage years. It has cameos from some of the stars of the comic book world as well as one of a kind items on screen. Great comedy, fantastic show.

Good cast, good guests, and great collectibles featured make this a fun show.

[wadyups · 8/10 · 19 January 2022]

I love the comicbook men. I like the cast. I'm fairly certain it's not scripted, but there is a lot of planning In it. I mean Planning like having a Wookie mask come into the store for sale, and having Peter Mayhew just around the corner that day.

Something I want to know is... Is there a soundbit of Bryan Johnson heavily inhaling after a laugh that they keep on editing into the show? Haha.

It's the near perfect store for a comic shop. The hey need a hobby store style show. That is doesn't single our movies and comic products. Like MTG cards tabletop gems, hell even pokemon.

Good for nerd interests but obviously and poorly scripted reality TV

[magoo10498 · 5/10 · 24 February 2014]

The conversations between the staff members are funny at times but they seem forced. I would like to see more of a "fly on the wall" version of the conversations. In saying that, they all end the same way. Bryan says something cynical at the expense of someone else (usually Ming), Walt laughs that Seth Rogen-y laugh and a customer comes to the counter. Cue awkward random person remembering his lines about why he is selling that item and the ridiculous price haggling. I'll never understand why someone would sell their rare item to a store on TV when you could easily sell it online and get that higher price for it. Is selling items on eBay that hard really??? Oh and don't forget Rob Bruce, the guy who magically knows everything about everything: year released, units sold to the public, current market price, hell, even the production company's CEO at the time! To top to all off, Kevin Smith asks at the start of each episode, "What happened in the store this week?" Well, there's a lot going on in one week Kev, you're all wearing the exact same clothes in the pod-cast segment of every episode...

This could've...should've been great.

[tjlamb0518 · 2/10 · 9 March 2012]

These guys are TALENTED on their podcast. Very funny. So, when the show was announced, I was pretty excited. Sadly, this is so scripted....so watered down, that AMC took 3 great talents (and Mike) and neutered them with set up bits, staged interactions and forced insertions of the King of Self-Promotion (and Denial), Kevin Smith. And I used to LOVE Kevin. Heck, I own Jersey Girl on DVD and LIKE it. But the last couple of years, his head has been somewhere else and he's become very much the antithesis of what he used to be.

I thought him being on the West Coast meant this was going to be a show with the TESD cast doing what they do. Instead, we get Pawn Stars in a comic shop.

Please let it end, AMC, and let these guys go back to being fun and funny without your interference.