Customer Reviews

Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have to disagree with the last reviewer. I found this to be a superb overview. The authors have an obvious love for the comic genre, and the result is a very consciencious and thorough review.

It proceeds at a fair pace but never feels rushed. Tons of archival material are presented, as well as as some very interesting and unique input from Kevin Smith, Stan Lee, Will Eisner, Jim Steranko, Frank Miller ("I find my work kind of...jolly"), as well as execs from Marvel and DC.

The presentation is lavished with a variety of source-material, and it proceeds chronologically, giving a great deal of attention to the formative years of Superman, the role of comics during WWII, both on and off the page, and the mid-50s crisis engendered by Wertham and the Comics Code. It covers up to about 2002, stopping to examine the industry slump of the 1990s as well as the reactions to the September 11th attacks (though this part gets a bit self-important and heavy-handed).

There are a few omissions. The Watchmen gets a great deal of attention ("something like a bar-fight in the industry" opines a DC executive), but nothing else on Alan Moore's work is discussed. There's no mention of Grant Morrison's work, and it would have been interesting to see the industry's reactions to films that have appropriated comic book conventions, such as the Matrix.

Still, these are small concerns given the high quality of the DVD as a whole. A must for even casual fans of the genre.

This DVD from the History Channel shows how how the superhero evolved from a two-dimensional character intended for kids reading the "funny papers" to character with real depth and problems, showing both resilience and relevance in the modern world. Comics are no longer for just kids anymore and this video reflects that point. Great for history buffs and comic lovers alike. The comic is a legitimate form of art. Buy this DVD and see for yourself.

This documentary is a most for comics fans and for everyone who wants to know about the evolution of the concept of the superhero.

I have a newfound respect for Superheroes! I had no idea there was such a historical/cultural connection. I will always look at an action figure differently now as a result of this well done documentary. Bravo!

The History Channel did a good treatment of the history of comic books and the changes that they have gone through over the years. Although I've long since gotten rid of my comic book collection, it brought back fond memories of childhood and gave a behind the scenes look at what went into making the comics I used to read. The interviews are great, including people from the industry - creators, artists, producers, collectors - and the people that they've influenced. It explains how comic books evolved from pulp stories into what they are today as graphic novels. For the price, it was worth having. I caught a portion of this on the History Channel and decided to add it to my collection.

What can I say? AWESOME FROM START TO FINISH! I don' t think you can get it right any better than this! The inception to the future of comics and the significant players (meaning heroes) who defined and re-defined the genre of comics was not in haste or without merit. If you are going to watch a documentary on the history of comic books? Look no further than this great resource and educational value of superheroes and villains galore!


MV

In short, the program is worth watching but might not be worth purchasing. It did provide an insightful overview of the history of comics in America. I was very pleased to see that it contained a varitey of artists and writers who were interviewed for their contributions towards comic art. Will Eisner, Stan Lee, Steranko, and Frank Miller are just a few of the people interviewed. The only disappointing aspect of the program is that it includes little psychological background of superheroes and villans.

if your looking for a histoy of caomic books this video is the best and up to date i've come accros

This was a cheap and really look down approach to comic books and superheroes in general. The History Channel does not make good production films anymore on any subject, it comes off more as something expensive and cheap you would buy at a mall. I'm hopeful that one day soon, a more in depth film will be made on the history of comic books and superheroes in general, but this trash was not it.