San Diego Comic-Con, a massive gathering of fan tribes and creative industry heavyweights, has been a staple in the entertainment industry for over five decades. Rooted in the youth culture of the 1960s and 70s, Comic-Con has evolved over the years while still maintaining its authentic origins. A newly announced documentary seeks to shed light on the early days of the event with a treasure trove of archival videos.
Writer/producer Mathew Klickstein has explored the origins of fan culture through his podcast series and oral history book centered around Comic-Con. Surviving members of the founding generation share colorful tales of Comic-Con’s early days, where teenagers laid the foundation for an event that would eventually shape popular culture. The upcoming documentary, produced by David Permut and filmmaker Oscar Boyson, will feature recently unearthed footage of Comic-Con’s earliest days, shot by one of the original production staff members.
The documentary aims to showcase the underdog story behind Comic-Con’s beginnings, focusing on the passion and dreams of young fanboys and fangirls that grew into a global phenomenon. The project highlights the importance of community, ambition, and the belief that change can happen without permission. The centerpiece of the documentary is a collection of videos from the 1970s, captured by amateur videographer Scott Smith, offering a rare glimpse into the formative years of the convention.
The archival footage includes snippets of panels, interviews with comic creators and early celebrities, behind-the-scenes moments, and even a 30-second TV commercial for the Con that ran on local television. Some of the footage features counterculture icon Timothy Leary being interviewed by science fiction authors on a panel in 1976. The documentary also features insight from surviving members of the founding generation, providing further historical background on the event’s early days.
Despite not being authorized by Comic-Con International, the nonprofit organization that runs the event, the documentary explores the origins and evolution of Comic-Con through the eyes of those who were instrumental in its creation. The film aims to give credit to the individuals who laid the groundwork for what Comic-Con has become today. While the current-day show has grown to attract nearly 150,000 fans and is a showcase for major entertainment announcements, it has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings.
The upcoming documentary promises to offer a unique perspective on the early days of San Diego Comic-Con, incorporating rare archival footage and insights from the founding generation. The project aims to capture the essence of the event’s origins and how it has shaped the entertainment industry over the years. Despite not being officially affiliated with Comic-Con International, the documentary seeks to honor the legacy of the event’s founders and the impact they have had on popular culture.
