Superheroes Decoded

As a fan boy from the 1970s, I've bought a lot of comic books, own most of the movies, and even wear the t-shirts. This show was a great history on who created the iconic characters and why. It shows how comic books take a mirror to society and create hope for people, especially those who are different or outcasts. The missteps were the political opinions. One comic book writer said "Captain America was like Bernie Sanders on steroids." Really? So someone with no concept of economics who wants to turn the USA into Venezuela? Another writer said that after 9/11 America was unjustly suspicious of Muslims in their mists. Then there is a discussion of Bryan Singer from X-Men fame and how his movies were a guide for coming out; he directed them in between court appearances for his lifestyle and legality of taking little boys on vacations. Wonder Woman is about burning bras? Just some strange leaps in logic for this old fan boy. Overall a good watch with a lot of great footage. Just don't drink the poison Kool-Aid.

It seems strange to say that, but even though this show has a two-part 3 hour running time, it really is a quick synopsis of the high-points of comic history. Each contributor gets enough screen time for a brief sound-bite and then it quickly cuts to the next. Which is fine, I enjoyed it, but it would be nice to have a more meaty analysis. For neophytes and novices only. For those steeped in comic history this won't do anything for you.

Loved most of this but the liberal message was pushed with comparing Bernie Sanders to Captain America (don't remember Cap taking a lake house as a bribe to endorse his evil enemy). Also Gloria Steinum might have been a Wonder Woman fan and enjoyed burning bras but she also is a heavy supporter of killing babies. And the X-Men? Most fans realize Brian Singer has been awful for that series. Too bad -- could have been a good show.