By Giacomo Selloni

   "I was born in Harlem... I weighed a pound and a quarter and the doctor said 'If he survives, he'll be a genius,' but, he said, 'Don't count on it'."  Thus begins Irwin Hasen's narration of his life in "Irwin - A New York Story" by painter, and first-time filmmaker Dan Makara. The short film was presented at the famous Players club in Manhattan on November 30, 2011. In it Mr. Hasen speaks candidly and openly about his career, work and especially his personal life. The documentary short takes you back and forth through Hasen's miserable childhood, first "paying" job, schooling, being in on the ground floor of the burgeoning comic book industry, army stint and most importantly the creation for which he's most famous, "Dondi", the newspaper comic strip he drew for over 30 years. Hasen, at age 92, is also one of the few surviving comic book artists of the Golden Age period, having worked on Superman, Green Lantern and many other classic titles.  Many of his friends, also legends in comic industry also appear in the film to reminisce. Coming in at almost 55 minutes, "Irwin" is a bit long for a short; not unlike the man himself. At times funny (Mr. Hasen is often self-deprecating), moving, nostalgic and cartoonish (as it should be), "Irwin - A New York Story" is a colorful and honest look at a true New York and comic book art legend. He also tells you how to make a great martini!

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