The Devil You Know: Inside the Mind of Todd McFarlane (2001) User Reviews

Meet the madman

[Smile-11 · 7/10 · 18 October 2000]

This documentary debuted recently here in Todd McFarlane's hometown of Calgary, where I caught it.

It's pretty good.

It gets remarkably deep into a man with a tremendously extroverted personality, and manages to get behind that facade and see what's crawling around on the inside.

Although the film starts out on a high note, the ending is somewhat melancholy. "The Devil You Know" builds through Todd's staggering rise through the ranks until he can afford to drop nearly three million on a baseball, then somberly comments that comic books, where Todd got his start, are in a dry phase. We see Todd's dream of playing pro baseball slip finally away, and meet some of Todd's rabidly obsessive fans. The Fans, unfortunately, are monomaniacal and seem to cast a shadow on Todd's achievements.

All in all, quite well done. It presents an entertaining peek into the life of a millionaire who made his money on a zombie superhero. What more can you ask for?

A great look at the man who has greatly influenced the world of comics.

[bigsexy944 · 10/10 · 17 October 2000]

I had the opportunity to be one of the only people to see this film, prior to its video release.

I was one of the fans who went to the premier in which Todd attended in Calgary on September the 30th, 2000.

This is a very well put together documentary, it's great to watch if you're a fan if comic books in general, particularly a fan if Todd Mcfarlane, and it's even a good film to watch if you're simply one of the many people who knows Todd as "the guy who bought the million dollar baseballs."

It's well paced, some parts are even exciting, for example for the first time ever we get to see Todd auctioning for the balls by phone, it had me on the edge of my seat even though you knew what the outcome was going to be!

The film follows his family life, his past, how he got started out and scenes from his Spider-Man days. We get an inside look at the planning and producing that goes into the Mcfarlane Toys action figures and allot more interesting things about the man himself, Mcfarlane!

To all of Todd's fans, I suggest renting or buying the video, it's allot of fun!

After the show, I met and talked with Todd, who is a really guy and is highly respects his fans, all in all a great experience!

A good look at a creative man and his family.

[ghost-9 · 8/10 · 26 August 2002]

This is an excellent look at McFarlane, his fascination with baseball, his art and creative talent and his family and friends on which he modeled his fictional characters. Also, a look at the comics boom of the early 90's and it's gradual decline. Follows McFarlane from his Spiderman days up through SPAWN and the merchandising that followed. Well worth watching if you are into comics.

Unintended hilarity?

[crunch-o-matic · 10/10 · 4 October 2006]

I think it is unintentional but Todd's hubris shines through exposing what kind of person he is. His constant inane statements are a frequent source of laughter (or tears) and the sudden switch to a baseball documentary is confusing. The fact that the speculator crash that he helped create is barely mentioned in the film leads me to believe that this film was intended as praise for Todd but falls way short of the mark with the subjects help.

Todd McFarland thinks he is great and is excited to tell you how great he thinks he is.

Damning testimony on his character, talent and waning comic book career.

What a great artist in our time.

[matthew_noonan · 10/10 · 24 February 2003]

This is a great story of a man who had dreams in his life reached for them, but was turned by fate in another direction. McFarlane has had a big influence on movies, music and in toys over the past 10 years. You can see what he has worked on in this movie. You can even see him bidding millions on baseballs. The only bad part of this documentary is the music. But Todd more then makes up for it.

Todd McFarlane is my all time favorite artist, not just in the world of comic books. His artwork is great and he did the impossible. That is one reason he is so amazing.