The 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival will feature a unique comedic production titled COMICS READING COMICS, a show dedicated to the revival of 1950s and 1960s superhero literature. Held at Three Clubs in Los Angeles, the performance centers on actors reading vintage comic books word-for-word, accompanied by handmade props, costumes, and audience participation.
The production spotlights iconic characters such as Superman, Batman, and Robin, recontextualizing their original adventures through a modern comedic lens. By focusing on the specific storytelling conventions and stylistic quirks of mid-century comics, the show aims to highlight the humor and unusual plot twists inherent in the source material.
Production Details and Creative Team
The cast for this limited engagement includes Dan Mintz, widely recognized as the voice of Tina Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, alongside comedian and writer Dana Gould. They are joined by performers Stanzi Potenza, Colin Stanley, and Serra Naiman.
The creative direction is led by Nick Malis and Shoshanna Green. Malis, whose background includes work on Tosh.0, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Howard Stern Show, serves as a key architect of the production. Green, a member of the sketch comedy group Corduroy, is responsible for the show’s signature cardboard props.
Did You Know? The production specifically sources its material from the 1950s and 1960s, a period defined by distinct storytelling conventions that the creative team adapts through live, verbatim readings.
Expert Insight: The inclusion of high-profile writers and voice talent in a fringe festival setting suggests a growing trend toward “deconstructed” live comedy. By stripping these vintage narratives down to their original text and pairing them with DIY aesthetics, the production leans into the inherent campiness of the era, which may resonate with both comic book purists and fans of sketch comedy.
Performance Schedule
The show is slated for three performances at Three Clubs, located at 1123 N. Vine Street in Hollywood. Audiences can attend on June 7 and June 14 at 7:30 p.m., or on June 22 at 9:30 p.m.
As part of the broader 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival, the success of this production could influence how future niche comedy shows utilize vintage media as a foundation for live performance. If the audience engagement proves strong, similar verbatim-style readings could become a staple for festivals looking to blend nostalgia with contemporary comedic performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the premise of COMICS READING COMICS?
The show features performers reading vintage superhero comics from the 1950s and 1960s word-for-word, incorporating costumes, props, and audience interaction to highlight the era’s unique storytelling style.
Who is performing in the show?
The cast includes Dan Mintz, Dana Gould, Stanzi Potenza, Colin Stanley, and Serra Naiman.
Where and when will the performances take place?
The shows will be held at Three Clubs, located at 1123 N. Vine Street in Hollywood, on June 7 and June 14 at 7:30 p.m., and June 22 at 9:30 p.m.
What aspects of vintage comic books do you find most ripe for comedic interpretation?
