Beyond the Comic Panels
98 Minutes | Documentary | 2019 | Buy: $4.00 USD (1.06 GB) / Rent: $1.00 USD
Distributed worldwide by Filmhub and available to watch on the following streaming platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Cineverse, Hoopla, Xumo, Plex, Fawesome, Relay, Stash Movies, PlayNowMedia, Gan Jing World, and Infobase
Produced, Directed, and Edited by Jason C. Gares — A Video Workbench Production
Step inside the colorful world of comics with Beyond the Comic Panels, a feature-length documentary from Video Workbench owner Jason C. Gares. Filmed on location at Wizard World Madison, this inspiring film explores the art, craft, and passion behind the comic book industry through the eyes of twelve professional artists, publishers, and animators.
Each guest shares how they got their start, the creative challenges they’ve overcome, and their personal tips, tricks, and techniques for breaking into the business. From pencil and ink to digital design, Beyond the Comic Panels reveals what it truly takes to turn imagination into art and make a living doing what you love.
Blending behind-the-scenes footage, honest interviews, and Jason Gares’ signature documentary storytelling style, this award-winning film celebrates creativity and perseverance while offering practical guidance for aspiring artists.
An official selection at ten film festivals and recipient of twelve awards, Beyond the Comic Panels carries on the Video Workbench legacy of educating, inspiring, and celebrating the artists who bring imagination to life.
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW:
About the Cast
Featuring comic-book artists, illustrators, animators and publishers who share how they turned their passion into profession, Beyond the Comic Panels pulls back the curtain on the creative process. Discover the inspiration, perseverance and techniques that drive their success — where art and imagination truly go beyond the comic panels.
Cast Includes:
Barbara Kaalberg – Veteran comic-book inker and creator of Divinity, with 35+ years working for DC, Marvel, Image, Malibu and others.
James Munch – Publisher and CEO of Insane Comics, an independent publisher of creator-owned comic books known for championing fresh, creator-driven titles.
Jeff Butler – American illustrator/comic-book artist (born 1958, Madison WI) whose credits include TSR’s Dungeons & Dragons and later video game art assignments.
Jeffrey Moy – Comic-book artist and illustrator best known for his long run on DC’s Legionnaires in the 1990s and later work as a concept artist in the video-game industry.
Mark Kistler – Emmy-award-winning artist and drawing instructor, star of PBS programs The Secret City and Mark Kistler’s Imagination Station, teaching drawing techniques in 3-D.
Mark Stegbauer – 25+ year veteran comic-book inker and artist whose credits include work for Marvel, DC, Image, and other publishers, as well as creator-owned projects under his Steg Art banner.
Mostafa Moussa – Professional comic-book inker and illustrator who has worked for Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse, IDW, Dynamite, Zenescope, Hasbro and many more, appearing at conventions worldwide under his MostafaInk brand.
Nick Choles – Artist credited in connection to the film-gaming / comic-con convention scene, e.g., “X-Men Origins: Wolverine / Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy” as referenced in Art Alley listings.
Samantha Gorel – Digital artist, manga illustrator, and comic-art colorist, known for teaching anime and manga drawing and for authoring The Mega Guide to Drawing Manga.
Steve Geiger – Pro comic-book artist whose credits include Marvel’s Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, among others; illustrator of covers and interiors in the 1980s.
Steve Lavigne – American comic-book illustrator (born 1962) best known for lettering, coloring and merchandise art for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Mirage Studios.
Tom Cook – Comic-book and animation artist (e.g., associated with The Smurfs, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe) appearing at conventions all around the world.
Get to know the talented artists, illustrators, animators, and publishers above who turned their lifelong passion into a career. Their journeys remind us that imagination truly has no boundaries.
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Awards & Official Selections
2019
🏆 23rd Annual Videographer Awards – Award of Distinction for Editing
2020
🏆 Hermes Creative Awards – Gold Winner (Video Creativity Editing)
🏆 NYX Video Awards – Silver Winner (Web-Based Production)
🎬 The IndieFEST Film Awards – Official Selection
🏆 The IndieFEST Film Awards – Award of Recognition (Documentary Feature)
🎬 Accolade Global Film Competition – Official Selection
🏆 Accolade Global Film Competition – Award for Post Production (Overall)
🎬 Toronto Online Film Festival – Official Selection
🏆 Toronto Online Film Festival – Semi-Finalist (Feature Film)
🎬 2nd Free Independent Film Weekend – Official Selection
🎬 Indo American International Festival of World Cinema – Official Selection
🏆 Vega Digital Awards – Arcturus Winner (Video – Online Video Single)
🎬 Port Blair International Film Festival – Official Selection
🏆 Port Blair International Film Festival – Finalist (Feature Film)
🏆 Port Blair International Film Festival – Outstanding Achievement Award (Best Documentary Film)
🎬 PixelsGARAGE Awards of Excellence – Official Selection
🏆 PixelsGARAGE Awards of Excellence – Semi-Finalist (Documentary Feature)
🎬 AWA2020 – Official Selection
🏆 AWA2020 – Best Creator in a Reality Documentary
🎬 Only the Best Film Awards – Official Selection
2021
🎬 Jelly Film Fest – Official Selection
🏆 Jelly Film Fest – Finalist