Book Review: Kick-Ass: Creating the Comic, Making the Movie


  • Paperback: 173 pages
  • Publisher: Titan Books; 1 edition (February 23, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1848564090
  • ISBN-13: 978-1848564091

You would not believe how hefty and beautifully done this book is. Kick-Ass: Creating the Comic, Making the Movie from Titan Books weighs in at 173 glossy, full-bleed pages. If you’re a fan of the comic book, the movie, or both, you’re going to love this book and if you’re uninitiated to the world of Kick-Ass, this is a great introduction.

Unlike many film tie-in books, this wasn’t done by someone that is disconnected from the property. Kick-Ass creator, Mark Millar provides running commentary throughout the book, in addition to comments along the way from John Romita Jr., Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn and the cast of the film. What is really interesting are the notes and quick sketches in the book that show you the progression of the film and the details behind making the film without a studio.

There are so many photos from the making of the film within this book, I almost wonder if they gave people too much, prior to the release of the movie. The photos are great and there are tons of behind the scenes pictures, production art and storyboards that film fanatics an aspiring actors/directors will really dig. What will standout for a lot of people (myself included) are the gorgeous pieces of concept art and sketches by John Romita Jr.

Check out some artwork, the intro to the book and my rating below.

Introduction by Mark Millar:

“Kick-Ass is the most fun I’ve ever had in my professional career. It’s just been the most bizarre and amazing journey. First, the comic came out and outsold Spider-Man from issue one and then just a few months later the movie starting shooting with the cream of British and American talent. Having this companion book chronicling how it moved from my little lined pad to a huge Hollywood movie is a brilliant idea. It’s proof for me that I haven’t been bumped on the head and am imagining all this. The movie, I think, is going to redefine superhero movies in the same way Pulp Fiction redefined crime movies. Suddenly, all the other stuff just looks old. I get goosebumps every time I watch the rushes. We’ve stumbled onto something pretty special here and pretty much every note, thought or drawing we’ve ever put together on Kick-Ass can be found in this beautiful book.”

I Give “Kick-Ass: Creating the Comic, Making the Movie” Five Out of Five Stars

 

 

You can pick up your own copy of Kick-Ass: Creating the Comic, Making the Movie right HERE or head over to Titan Books for more information.


Jason Moore
Written by Jason Moore

is a member of the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films and the Founder/Editor In Chief of SciFi Mafia®