Comic Book Men – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Comic Book Men

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2012

42%

WISE Score

Kevin Smith's comic shop reality show: think Pawn Stars but for nerds, and about as exciting as watching someone price vintage action figures.

Comic Book Men

show

TV-PG, 2012

42%

WISE Score

Kevin Smith's comic shop reality show: think Pawn Stars but for nerds, and about as exciting as watching someone price vintage action figures.

Jump to

Also rated on

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: Comic Book Men is harmless but also kind of pointless in 2025. It's a relic of the early 2010s reality TV boom when every niche hobby got a show. If your teen is genuinely obsessed with comics and wants to learn about collectibles, there are better YouTube channels that move faster and go deeper.

The show's fine—no content concerns beyond mild language—but it's just not engaging by modern standards. The pacing is glacial, the format is repetitive, and the stakes are 'will they pay $200 or $250 for this action figure?' It's background noise at best.

If your kid is already a Kevin Smith fan or deep into comic culture, they might get something out of it. Otherwise, this is a skip. There are more enriching, more entertaining ways to explore comics and storytelling.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who are already into comic books or geek culture. Adults who grew up with Kevin Smith might enjoy the nostalgia, but most kids and even many teens will find it boring and dated.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Reality show centered on Kevin Smith's comic book shop featuring friendly banter among staff and customers. Tone is generally positive and cooperative, though the unscripted format means occasional crude humor or sarcasm typical of adult geek culture. Models enthusiasm for hobbies but lacks intentional prosocial messaging.

Imaginative

Showcases comic book culture, collectibles, and pop culture trivia which can spark interest in storytelling and art. However, it's primarily a pawn-shop-style reality show focused on buying/selling rather than creating or exploring ideas. Limited creative expression beyond appreciation of existing media.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, suggesting mild language and adult themes but nothing graphic. Reality format means no scripted violence, gore, or sexual content. Occasional crude jokes and geek culture references that might go over younger kids' heads. Generally predictable content without shocking moments.

Enriching

Offers some education about comic book history, collectibles valuation, and pop culture, but entertainment value is niche and dated. The 2012-2018 run feels very much of its era. Limited skill-building or deep insights—mostly surface-level transactions and nostalgia. IMDb 7.7 suggests fans enjoyed it, but Metacritic 57 indicates mixed critical reception.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Celebrates comic book culture and collecting hobbies without mockery—genuine enthusiasm from people who love what they do
Educational tidbits about comic history, rare collectibles, and pop culture that might spark interest in graphic novels or art
Safe introduction to reality TV format for teens interested in geek culture
Kevin Smith's presence adds some credibility and humor for fans of his films

⚠

What to Watch For

It's slow. Really slow. 2012 reality TV pacing feels glacial compared to modern content—lots of repetitive 'coming up next' segments
Niche humor and references that only land if you're already into comics, which limits appeal beyond existing fans
Occasional crude jokes or sarcasm typical of adult comic shop banter—nothing shocking but skews older teen
Transaction-focused episodes lack narrative stakes or character development that would make it compelling viewing

Conversation Starters

"What hobbies or collections do you think are cool enough to have a show about?"
"If you could own a store, what would you sell and why?"
"Do you think old comics or collectibles are worth the money people pay, or is it just nostalgia?"
"What's something you own that might be valuable someday?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic