Robert Kirkman credits Kevin Smith for role in comic book resurgence

Kevin Smith brought comic books to the forefront in his films and Robert Kirkman credits Jay and Silent Bob for making them cool again.

Those who have watched Kevin Smith’s most recent film Jay and Silent Bob Reboot already know there are a ton of great celebrity cameos. Among those included are individuals from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a cast member from AMC’s The Walking Dead, and some comic book creators.

While those cameos are a lot of fun, the bonus features have even more for fans to enjoy. In fact, TWD creator Robert Kirkman has a few words in the commentary and took the opportunity to speak about what Kevin Smith, as well as Jay and Silent Bob, mean to the comic book industry.

Here are those words as transcribed by Showbiz CheatSheeet:

"“The reason I started watch Kevin Smith movies was because all of my comic book buddies I knew at the comic shop were like, ‘Oh my God, there are these movies where characters talk about comic book stuff and they make really weird specific references that only we get. I think him bringing that to the pop culture has embodied them as a part of this. Any time comic books are popular, it kind of funnels back into Jay and Silent Bob.”"

As a teenager when Mallrats hit movie theaters in 1995, it was refreshing to see comic books being referenced in movies. The X-Men, Spawn, and D.C. vs. Marvel topped the charts with some film and television adaptations finally being created for fans to enjoy. The medium was returning to the forefront of pop culture, even if it hadn’t reached its peak yet.

It took some time, but now comic book movies dominate the theatres. One of the major stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris Hemsworth, was also in the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot and he totally understands why the world has taken so strongly to the films.

"“I relate to people who’ve read the comic books and then come in and see the first Thor film and the first Captain America film and Iron Man, right up to the 22nd film that Marvel have done now,” Hemsworth said. “So it’s a big part of people’s lives.”"

Robert Kirkman added more praise for Kevin Smith, praising him for his role in elevating comic books to the art form it has become today. And he absolutely nails exactly what it is that makes Smith’s relationship with comics special.

"“They embody comic book fans. They became popular at a time when comic book fandom was blowing up in multimedia. They really shepherded in a whole era of acceptance with comic book fans.”"

The Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is now available on DVD and On-Demand. Meanwhile, AMC’s The Walking Dead will return for the second half of season 10 in late February.