Spain Rodriguez was a pioneer in the underground comics scenes.

As a rabble-rouser, he told his experience, story, and personality through the reflections with his art. Although sometimes very political and controversial, his comic influences shaped the industry we have today.

In the documentary Bad Attitude: The Art of Spain Rodriguez, Rodriguez’s wife Susan Stern told the story through the lens by capturing his personal history.

Here’s the official synopsis:

Moving, thought-provoking, both personal and political, Bad Attitude: The Art of Spain Rodriguez explores the controversial art and life of the legendary underground cartoonist through the lens of his wife, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Susan Stern.

From the propaganda comics of WWII to the underground comics breakthrough in 1960s New York and San Francisco, to the graphic novels today, Bad Attitude is an enthralling history of comics and a rousing call to art and activism. Featuring a roster of friends and family, Bad Attitude dives deep into Spain’s life with insight from comics luminaries R. Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Trina Robbins, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, and Ed Piskor. It features animation by Spain’s daughter and New York-based artist Nora Rodriguez.

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LRM Online’s Gig Patta spoke with director Susan Stern on capturing this comic legend on film. We talked about his previous and unseen artwork, his history, and his larger than life personality.

Susan Stern is a writer, director, and producer. Her film, The Self-Made Man, was nominated for two national Emmy awards. Her very first film, Barbie Nation: An Unauthorized Tour, is taught and used in more than 1,000 universities. She was also an award-winning poet and investigative reporter.

Bad Attitude: The Art of Spain Rodriguez premieres at the Slamdance Film Festival 2021 this week. The film is available virtually at Slamdance from Friday, February 12, through Thursday, February 25.

Watch the exclusive interview below. Let us know what you think.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive, Bernal Beach Films