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Gift giving can always be a tumultuous time in our lives. I know that looking for the perfect gift is a hard hustle but it must be done. If you’re out shopping for the Dork/Nerd in your life and he happens to be consumed (as I am) with the world of comic books then allow me to make your task easier.

Most older comic book fans are not just interested in reading comics; they also want to learn about the medium. Over the years many comic book documentaries have been released covering everything from the heyday to the dark times and all ages in between. I’ve compiled what I feel are the ten best comic book documentaries. Most of these are available either at your local video store, online or through the dark underbelly of bootlegs. Being the time of giving if any of our readers can think of one I forgot please let me know.

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 This is the newest and most current documentary about comics and it’s a pretty good one. Instead of looking simply at the history of comics CBU looks in depth at the influence comic books have had on movies. From the early serials to The Dark Knight this documentary has it all.

Interviews include Guillermo Del Toro, Stan Lee, Neal Adams, Ron Perlman, Mike Mignola, Paul Pope, Jim Steranko and a host of others. One of the best sections is when Roger Corman explains the origin of the little seen Corman Fantastic Four. Really amazing stuff.

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Even if you don’t like superhero comics there is no denying the historical importance of Superman. This hugely entertaining and informative documentary traces every single step of the Superman legacy. Going back before his creation to tell the story of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster who first thought of and created the Man Of Steel.

Narrated by Kevin Spacey Look Up In The Sky features interviews with folks from Superman’s TV days, comic book writers and artists who worked on him, Richard Donner and the others who brought the Superman to life through movies and new TV shows, this has everything. It literally takes you right up to the door of Superman Returns, which was the last real movement in the Superman pop culture phenomenon. This is the kind of documentary you can watch with your dad and he’ll fucking dig it too.

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Anybody who loves Frank Frazetta must own this documentary and those who don’t know him should run out and buy it. A really comprehensive look back at the career of one of not just comic books but art’s great talents. Detailed interviews and archival footage show his rise from nobody painter to the man behind the art of Conan to one of the modern masters.

This film not only shows who Frazetta is but also how his style grew and changed over the years. One of my favorite sections is when Frazetta sits talking to the camera during an interview while painting this incredible painting. Very inspiring and simply a must have.

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This documentary released in the mid-nineties chronicles the re-birth of the independent comic book movement. These are the people that took the reigns from Crumb, Spain, Harvey Pekar and others to make sure that the independent spirit didn’t crumble or die. Hooked On Comix features interviews with Peter Bagge (Hate Comics), Daniel Clowes (Ghost World), Roberta Gregory (Naughty Bits), Jamie Hernandez (Love And Rockets), and a dozen more major talents in the world of comic books. The interviews are very relaxed and informative as well as very honest.

This film shows the ups and downs of being an indie comic artist not willing to deal with the big two of DC and Marvel. Getting by on talent, gumption and a belief in what they are creating these artists show why they are the future of the medium.

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Only recently released in the states this documentary is everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the man behind The Watchmen, V For Vendetta, The Killing Joke and so many other comic book classics. There is nothing on this two-hour plus DVD than Alan Moore discussing everything from his start in comics to his love of magic.

There are no bells and whistles; in fact the camera never seems to move. I say this only to warn you that this is for the die hard Alan Moore fans who love the idea of sitting and watching the man talk about himself and his craft. Personally I loved it and have watched it several times. There are friends of mine who hated every minute so go figure.

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