SCENES FROM THE
SMALL PRESS: COLLEEN DORAN
A Film by Rich Henn
Club 408 Graphics
www.timespell.com

It’s weird being fans of comic writers and artists, sometimes. Until relatively recently, you could be a devoted fan but have no idea how old a writer was, or what an artist looked like. Sure, that’s changed a bit, especially with the advent of the Internet and the proliferation of large-scale conventions, but we still don’t always get that personal connection between creator and reader.

Rich Henn’s SCENES FROM THE SMALL PRESS changes all that. The first in a DVD series focusing on single creators, his spotlight on Colleen Doran is a unique and much-needed addition to the world of comics fandom. Doran’s striking and vivacious personality makes an immediate impact.

Familiarity with Doran’s work is a plus, but certainly not a requirement. Before long, you’ll feel like you and she are good friends, and she’s letting in you in on a secret. In fact, Doran talks quite frankly about her experiences, shining a light on the sometimes seedy underbelly of the late 20th century comics biz.

Her stories of boorish, chauvinistic editors seem like something out of Dickens – and indeed, they’ve served as the basis for characters in Doran’s work. But Doran doesn’t only talk about others. Her frank and often painful accounts of her own struggles are moving and inspirational.

Like every story, we want a happy ending… and we get it here. Doran is quite happy to relate the success story of her recent graphic novel, ORBITER, and how she’s overcome the barriers in her way.

Director Henn doesn’t necessarily have a gift for deft camerawork, but he obviously excels at providing an environment for Doran to share her intimate feelings, digging much deeper than your usual “fanboy” interview. He’s doing quite a service to fans that want more than your average WIZARD article.

SCENES FROM THE SMALL PRESS: COLLEEN DORAN can be ordered from www.timespell.com. The film is also listed in the May issue of PREVIEWS on page 250 from Club 408 Graphics, item number MAY04 2454.

Reviewer: Doug Giffin

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Doug Giffin is the creator/writer of Harlow's End: Elijah's Tale (as previously seen in Digital Webbing Presents #3). To see more of Doug's work, visit his website at www.psychoengine.com

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