Anyone who subscribes to Disney+ probably already understands the timeless appeal of Marvel comics. But just in case there’s anyone left in the household who doesn’t, a new upcoming documentary probes the ways in which comics connect with readers. Marvel’s Behind the Mask doesn’t just explain the standard Stan Lee line about relating to costumed heroes who have problems. It also looks specifically at how certain characters empowered readers who were female, black, Asian, and more folks who didn’t typically see great representation of themselves in media.
So we get the likes of Larry Hama discussing how he worked to improve Asian depictions. Kelly Sue DeConnick touts the power of Captain Marvel. And Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC emphasizes the ways in which he used to feel his onstage persona was like a superhero. Then Jack Kirby’s son emphasizes his dad’s anti-bullying philosophy.
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Take a look at the trailer below:
Clearly, it’s not just talking heads. Older Marvel comics get a bit of the motion comic treatment in a way to convey their dynamism, and how it played in an earlier era when not everyone had TV.
Marvel’s Behind the Mask debuts Feb. 12 on Disney+. Will you be watching on day one? Let us know in comments below.
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