'Illustration Nation' is the second foray into feature-length filmmaking for comics and fantasy artist Matt Busch. A self-proclaimed "Rock Star of Illustration", Busch's work has graced comic book covers, movie posters, CDs, DVDS and more. He's written comics, screenplays and numerous books on how to draw. Perhaps his biggest claim to fame is the prolific artwork generated for LucasFilm for the 'Star Wars' franchise over the years including concept and commercial art, posters, book covers and more.
While his first feature film was the horror flick 'Conjure', this time Busch tries his hand a documentary and the results are far more appealing.
The film, is a travelogue of sorts, which charts Busch's journeys from his home near Detroit, to Hollywood, Tokyo, San Diego and Chicago, dubbed the 2007 Planetmatt World Tour.
ILLUSTRATION NATION DVD Cover
For much of the time we see Matt living the good life: rubbing elbows with the likes of Gene Simmons, Anthony Daniels and a passel of porn babes at an erotica convention. At times it plays a bit like "Jack Ass" light, with Busch and his posse caught up in humorous hijinks, like eluding TSA while they figure out how to ditch their gas-drained SUV so they can make their flight, or puzzling over the intricacies of a Japanese toilet.
One hilarious bit happens at a London stopover in which Busch vows to perfect his British accent and finds himself challenged by British Star Wars artist JAKe, who has been working on his American accent.
Indeed, Busch does seem to enjoy a lifestyle that many pop culture Maniacs might envy. Lest you think the movie is all about the artist's self-aggrandizement the film does offer at least one segment that's as honest as it is unflattering.
A little background. Many fans in the comics community know Busch's name for one reason: He was part of an infamous love triangle involving a famous comics creator which played out online in a spectacular train-wreck fashion. We won't name names (the movie doesn't either) but you can find the whole sordid thing with a little Googling.
Matt Busch: Star Wars Celebration: Japan
Late in 'Illustration Nation' Busch makes a stop at Comic-Con in San Diego and the incident rears its ugly head once more. Busch, who thought he had put the incident behind him, goes into a nose dive that's slightly disturbing and genuinely painful to watch. But a true documentary wouldn't shy away from the ugly truth and, to his credit, Busch keeps the cameras rolling here.
At the end of the day 'Illustration Nation' hinges on the amount of interest you have in Matt Busch. If you like him or like his work, you'll find the movie a lot of fun to watch. Credit where it's due to Busch for knowing how to cut together his travel footage into a compelling narrative. The movie breezes by on funny bits, interesting sights and the cool sounds of the Detroit music scene.
If you want to take a trip to Planetmatt, here's your ticket to a good time.
'Illustration Nation' is available directly from the filmmaker at MattBusch.com.
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