Review: “Kevin Smith: Live From Behind”

The show was broadcasted in a dynamic, video podcast-ish setting complete with live audience, twitter Q and A participation, previews of upcoming projects, commentary, and of course a bevy of penis jokes more often than not involving Batman.

Quite honestly, this was the first time I have ever participated in any sort of live theater broadcast. I found often found myself mesmerized by the rawness of the broadcast. Microphones would cut in and out, fans would shout their commentary to add to Kevin and Jasons’ discussions, and audio cues weren’t playing when they should have. All of this was occurring for entirety of the 3 hour show.

The first hour of “Kevin Smith: Live From Behind” was hilarious… well, Kevin was the hilarious one, Jason would usually piggyback off of Kevin’s anecdotes and add annoying sound effects. Without a doubt, Kevin is the only person who can tell a story about turtle rape and his Batman brand of justice efforts to aid the smaller, raped turtle, in initiating turtle rape payback. Other stories proceeded during the Jay and Silent Bob Get Old portion of the set, but this was the main highlight of the odd bunch.

Intermission was quite a treat for us comic book fans in the crowd as we were given a sneak preview of AMC’s original series Comic Book Men. If you have yet to hear about Comic Book Men, it’s AMC’s response to Pawn Stars, but for nerds. Be sure to check out the series premier February 12th after Walking Dead.

The Q and A portion seems like it would have greatly benefited if the Q’ers were pre screened before asking their questions, due to the fact that questions were either super typical or were gift giving session, thus throwing off the comedic pacing of the event. Several questions peaked my interest though.

Audience – how do you feel about SOPA/PIPA?

Kevin – As a writer I guess I’m supposed to support it, but I don’t. I say play the ball where it lays. We now live in a try it before you buy it society. And if my fans are downloading my stuff, and like it, they usually tell me they are going to go out and buy it as a result of that download.

Audience -Who do you prefer to work with, Marvel or DC?

Kevin – At Marvel they tickle your balls while at DC they put spikes through your balls. But in all honesty neither is very different, I just prefer DC. All they said was just don’t make gay jokes about Batman and Robin. It was really cool writing for Batman. Overall I could write whatever shit I wanted. They would say keep doing that shit, the new 52 is going to erase all that shit!

A – Who would you want to see Batman fight? Person, object, etc.
K – I would want to see Batman beat indifference, apathy, starvation, and Spider-Man. Does Batman ever beat his dick?
A – Yes, in his Batcave
K – Who would you want to see Batman fight?
A – Stephen Hawkins, in a robot suit.
K – What?! How did he fall from grace?!

Other questions led to long discussions regarding commentary tracks for movies he never had the chance to make, an alternate ending to Red State, and Kevin’s upcoming writing retirement plans.

I consider myself a Kevin Smith fan, not a rabid one that would name his child Dante or Randall despite the child’s gender, but enough to pay to watch his flicks in theaters. The event was a one of a kind experience that I would like to see occur in theaters for Kevin Smith and others alike more often. But the lack of Q and A screenings would bring the flow of the broadcast to merger trickle of comedic value.

Would I sit three hours in a theater to listen to Kevin Smith’s anecdotes again? Yes, as long as I had a lot more popcorn and comics to read during the boring parts.

About the Author: Ryan Rodriguez  (12 Posts)

Ryan has been slaying the beasts of World 4 in the 3rd venture into the Mushroom Kingdom from the tender age of 4 and has been continuing to do so in other kingdoms until this very day of his manhood. He often finds himself plopped on his couch alongside his faithful companion Midna (the dog), and his beautiful dame Cynthia (not a dog) playing whatever games his grubby hands can acquire from his place of work. Ryan has been working in the world of videogame retail for the past 5 years and has participated in nearly every discussion with customers that involve; how to evolve Togepi, raise a gold Chocobo, upgrade Ed-E’s armor, complete legendary mode, properly confront a Big Daddy and how to fix a red ring (buy another one). If you are ever in doubt on what to buy or look forward to next in the world O’ videogames feel free to shoot him a line, its more than likely he already has it on his shelf or pre-ordered.