Electric Man

Electric Man is a Scottish independent, comic book-centric, film released in 2012. Directed by David Barras, the film features actors such as Toby Manley, Mark McKirdy, and Derek Dick, known as "Fish". It introduces us to the world of comic books, the culture attached to it, and a compelling narrative that combines humor, suspense, and a touch of the absurd.

The film primarily concentrates on two main characters, Jazz and Wolf. Toby Manley plays the character of Jazz, and Mark McKirdy plays Wolf. They are two close friends who run a comic store aptly named ‘Deadhead Comics’ - a struggling venture located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. The duo’s friendship and shared passion for comics drive a major part of the movie’s storyline and humor.

When the business finds itself in desperate need of £5000 within just a week to steer clear of financial disaster, the plot takes on an adventure-seeking tone. The story plunges into intrigue when our protagonists stumble upon an incredibly rare issue of ‘Electric Man’ – an enigmatic and globally popular comic the pair believe to be worth a huge sum of money.

In the quest to save their beloved shop, they decide to sell this valuable collectable. However, owning such a coveted artefact draws the attention of shady comic book collectors who are willing to go to any lengths to lay their hands on it. The plot thickens as a variety of colorful and somewhat eccentric characters enter the scene, each desiring the rare Electric Man comic for their own reasons.

Fish, the former lead singer of the rock band Marillion, plays the role of a menacing local gangster called Jimmy, who gets involved in the pursuit of the comic. His menacing performance adds a sense of danger to the film. A beautiful but secretive woman named Lauren McCall, played by Jennifer Ewing, further adds to the complexity of the plot.

Directed by David Barras and written by Scott Mackay, the film is a tribute to comic book culture and the unfaltering spirit of dedicated comic book fans. Electric Man combines the elements of independent film-making quintessential to building an entertaining narrative, with an interesting play of characters, each having their own essence of mystery, intrigue, and humor.

The filmmakers perfectly capture the city of Edinburgh with all its old-world charm and modern eccentricity, providing an ideal backdrop for the story. Every frame is vivid, loaded with details that subtly reveal the characters and their intricacies. The city's visuals not only help to establish the atmosphere but also contribute to the development of the characters and their motivations.

The film's overall tone is refreshingly light-hearted, with its humor being smart and incredibly relatable for anyone who’s ever been part of a fan culture. Each character’s portrayal is carefully nuanced, making them immensely believable and adding to the charm of the film.

Electric Man is a subtle, witty journey that delivers the message of the importance of friendship, passion, and staying true to oneself. It's a celebration of the quirky, warm, and delightfully obsessive world of comic book fandom presented against the background of an adventure-packed narrative.

In essence, Electric Man is more than just a movie about comic books. It's about the spirit of fandom, of friendship, and of standing up for what we believe in. Its blend of dry humor, suspense, a delectably convoluted plot, and a colorful palette of characters, makes it a charming must-watch for comic book enthusiasts and lovers of independent cinema alike. It thrills with its twists and turns and tickles the viewer’s funny bone, making it an entertaining ride right till the end.