With all of the big-budget superhero movies viewers have been treated to for the past decade, it can be easy to forget that all these heroes started out in comic books. The network known for legendary drama series such as “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad,” AMC has recently embarked on a new documentary series know as “Robert Kirkman’s Secret History of Comics.” This series is a great way for superheroes fans, both young and old, to gain a better understand of how exactly their favorite heroes came about.
The first episode focuses on the masterminds behind some of Marvel’s most beloved characters, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. These two individuals are known for creating superheroes such as Spider Man, Daredevil and Captain America, among many others.
One of the first elements that stands out during this episode are the comic book-like graphics that are very intriguing and provide a high level of interest. They quite literally paint a picture of the stories being told by the interviewees, which immensely helps the content from being boring or less engaging.
Of course, the content itself is not boring at all. Almost every aspect of this story has some level of interest, whether it be the story of how certain heroes originated or just how Lee and Kirby ended up working together. Even just looking back at a time when job opportunities for both artists and writers were sparse is interesting to think about.
Another interesting idea to consider is how Lee had his breakthrough success with “The Fantastic Four Comics.” Lee, who had ambitions to become a more a sophisticated novel writer, wanted to quit his job in comics and instead, came up with the more in depth and realistic writing style that eventually made Marvel popular. Meanwhile, he did not care if he got fired for diving into this previously untapped territory. To put one’s job on the line is no doubt a risk not many would be willing to take, and then to have them work out as well as it did for Stan The Man is amazing.
Staying with the idea of more realistic stories and characters Lee presented, it is clear that concept still holds a strong influence in modern superhero movies that has become as much of a phenomenon as the books themselves. The most realistic element is what makes the heroes and story reach an audience that goes much further than those sitting in front of the TV on a Saturday morning. Spider-Man is perhaps one the best examples of adding a more human side to the story rather than just focusing on the action and heroics.
Overall, based on the first episode, this series definitely shows plenty of promise for success down the road.
What really makes this episode so great is that it not only provides a background story on the all but forgotten roots of some fan favorite heroes, but also an interesting example of perseverance and an unexpected achievement.
Image from AMC via Youtube.com
