Unleashing the Unseen Secrets: Exploring the Untold Marvels of Superpowered: The DC Story

Superpowered: The DC Story delves deep into the rich history of DC Comics, examining its highs and lows throughout the years. This captivating docuseries sheds light on the remarkable achievements of one of the world's largest comic book companies, encompassing the iconic creation of beloved characters such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, as well as their foray into television and film. The narrative also candidly addresses the darker moments in DC's past, such as the controversies involving Bill Finger and the emergence of fierce competitors like Marvel.

Led by acclaimed filmmakers Leslie Iwerks (known for The Imagineering Story and The Pixar Story) and Mark A. Catalena (noted for The Imagineering Story and League of Legends Origins), Superpowered: The DC Story offers an immersive experience across three compelling episodes. Unearthing valuable archival footage, some of which has never been unveiled before, this docuseries presents a comprehensive view of the influential figures who have shaped DC Comics. Additionally, it features exclusive interviews with contemporary powerhouses from various branches of DC, including Jim Lee, Matt Reeves, and Greg Berlanti.

Leslie Iwerks & Mark A. Catalena on Superpowered: The DC Story

Working on the documentary, even in the initial brainstorming phase, allowed us the incredible opportunity to collaborate with legendary artist Jim Lee. His involvement helped us determine our vision and chart the course for the project. Could you describe the experience of brainstorming with him and how it influenced the direction of the documentary?

Leslie Iwerks: We had a lunch meeting to kickstart the project. What do you recall from that?

Mark A. Catalena: I remember Jim asking me, "Are you a fan of comics? How many do you own?" And I replied, "I'm not sure, around 4000-5000." You and Rachel were astonished and said, "Really?" Jim casually responded, "Oh, that's not a lot." That's what stuck with me. But more importantly, I remember Jim being open to our ideas, granting us creative freedom, and emphasizing the importance of telling an authentic story. He wanted a balanced portrayal of both the positive and negative aspects, the highs and lows.

Leslie Iwerks: I just remember talking about different moments in history. What were the big ones and who do we have to have in?

Mark A. Catalena: Who's still around? It was that kind of stuff.

Leslie Iwerks wondered, "Who can we interview locally? Anyone in New York?" However, the COVID situation and the closure of the DC offices presented additional challenges. We brainstormed ideas for upcoming shoots and B-roll footage. Mark A. Catalena mentioned that their office relocation complicated matters, especially regarding access to the archives. Thankfully, Ben McClear from their team made everything easily accessible for us. It was incredible to have someone like him, a key figure in the history, participate in the making of the documentary.

I was impressed by the ability to condense all of this into three hours. I am unsure of the process used to achieve that. You addressed topics such as Bill Finger, the rise of Marvel, and how DC Comics handled that. I am curious about your experience delving into these different areas. How did you maintain a balance and prevent these stories from overshadowing the entire documentary?

Leslie Iwerks: It was like trying to find a balance. When looking at the entire three-hour timeframe, we had to consider how much time to allocate to each topic. It was like playing with an accordion. Sometimes we had amazing footage and interviews that we wanted to include more of, but then we realized that it was making the cut longer than it should be. We had to make difficult decisions and remove certain parts. Due to our limited time, schedule, and budget, we had to be strategic in the editing process while working closely with the producers.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to the most captivating and emotionally impactful story. Whether it encompasses a remarkable triumph or a profound personal experience that resonates with everyone, we strive to find those exceptional narratives that make us say, "Wow, that really changed the game." As we prioritize these stories, some elements inevitably get left behind, making the process quite challenging.

Mark A. Catalena: The story starts to speak to you. You have to listen attentively and consider whether it aligns with the narrative direction and momentum. Consequently, some ideas naturally fade away. It involves constant deliberation, analyzing the note cards on the wall, and reshuffling them to identify compelling mini story arcs. We want to showcase the stories we can tell exceptionally well, while recognizing that others might not be as effectively conveyed.

So when we lose it, we select the ones that we can narrate the most effectively, proceed with saying, "Oh, it functions well. It functions as a mini pod, while also fitting into the larger artwork." Another important aspect we often discuss is avoiding repetition of the movie, comic, or character. We strive to present each one in a slightly distinctive manner to avoid monotony. In essence, we endeavor to incorporate all these elements seamlessly, creating an overall sense of freshness.

Leslie Iwerks: Striving to be one step ahead of the audience.

Your pacing and incorporation of surprises in the content were commendable. The abundance of unknown information made it engaging for me, given that I possess moderate knowledge about DC. In case any aspects were omitted during editing or featured briefly in the documentary, did anything ignite a desire within you to create a separate documentary solely dedicated to that subject matter?

Mark A. Catalena: Absolutely. I believe Vertigo deserves its own dedicated documentary. With its numerous groundbreaking titles and achievements, there is so much to delve into. While we provided an overview and highlighted why Vertigo was revolutionary, I am eager to explore it in greater depth. Specifically, if we consider the current state of the comic book industry, I see Image, Dark Horse, and other smaller comic book companies as today's equivalent of Vertigo from the 90s.

It's fascinating how the entire industry today embodies that same essence from that particular era. I attribute this to Karen Berger and the talented creators who defied the norm at the time. While the trend focused on flashy, muscular superheroes, Vertigo focused on the artistry and storytelling. They achieved literary recognition and something significant was happening there.

Leslie Iwerks: People desired a more daring and refined experience, delving into topics that were considered somewhat taboo.

Mark A. Catalena: Absolutely, they pushed the boundaries of what was deemed suitable for children. They created content specifically for adults, without any apologies. They faced significant criticism for it back then, and certain titles received backlash. What I love about Karen Berger is that she wasn't a fan of comic books. So she approached the industry with a completely fresh perspective. She would say, "I'm not particularly fond of superheroes. But what if we explore this aspect of storytelling through comics?"

Leslie Iwerks: That's the fascinating aspect of it. It allowed us to introduce individuals who were not familiar with comics and completely transform their perception. Sometimes, it requires someone from the outside to offer a fresh perspective. You possessed significantly more knowledge about DC than I did, but I could contribute in terms of the story structure or shaping characters, which I believe is crucial.

Mark A. Catalena: I believe our team, comprised of both experts and novices, struck a good balance. We benefited from bouncing ideas off one another. As you may be aware, comic book enthusiasts can delve deep into intricacies and hold strong opinions, often expressed loudly. Hence, it is necessary for those who are not as deeply acquainted to interject and say, "Hold on a moment."

Leslie Iwerks: What sets DC characters apart from others, such as Marvel characters, be it superheroes or villains, after considering DC's history and achievements?

Mark A. Catalena: Reminds me of what Grant Morrison said about their characters being inspired by animals. He referred to them as archetypes, representing the timeless symbols found in Greek and Roman gods. These characters have a lasting appeal.

Leslie Iwerks: Marvel characters felt more relatable from the beginning. They had flaws, experienced everyday struggles, and were influenced by their surroundings, particularly New York City. On the other hand, the main three characters from DC existed in the real world but had a distinct aura about them. They were unique and didn't share the same human vulnerabilities. This revelation surprised and intrigued me.

The secret identities of DC characters were relatable and had a human touch, while also striving for something greater. Consider the creation of the Trinity and its significance. It is possible to connect this concept to Grant Morrison's idea of America's increasing industrialization and mechanization. These characters, with their symbols and branding, represented the individual against these larger impersonal forces. At a fundamental level, we can relate to the importance of individuals and the impact of their actions, especially when faced with oppressive and faceless adversaries. Grant Morrison even referenced examples such as Ford's mass production of cars and Charlie Chaplin's struggles with modernization. However, in contrast, these characters boldly resist and assert their individuality. This idea remains relevant today, as everyone becomes their own brand, with their own symbols and avatars. It is a concept that stands the test of time.

One aspect I truly admire about the current era of filmmaking, and in fact, everything in general, is the fact that many of the filmmakers themselves were initially fans, and now they have the opportunity to contribute to it. Being a passionate aficionado of comic books and a dedicated admirer of storytelling, I was genuinely taken aback by the most unexpected aspect of conversing with these individuals who transitioned from being mere fans to becoming the driving force behind DC.

Leslie Iwerks believes that the driving force behind these artists' work was their passion. Throughout the interviews, she noticed that each person had a form of inspiration or hope that motivated them to pursue their craft, whether it be as an artist, storyteller, writer, producer, or in any other role. The power of art is in its personal impact on individuals, which can vary for everyone. Personally, Leslie found it inspiring to witness how these artists could take their ideas from their minds, bodies, and spirits, transfer them onto a page, and then bring them to life through various creative processes before sharing them with the world.

She observed that when someone, be it a child or an adult, reads this art and feels inspired, it leaves an imprint in their mind and psyche. As time goes on, this inspiration can manifest itself in the next generation of artists. Leslie personally witnessed this phenomenon at Imagineering, where young people aspired to become Imagineers after visiting the park, just like how Pixar artists were inspired by Pixar animations. The cycle of inspiration continues, as artists inspire one another. However, upon examining the history of these comics, Leslie was fascinated by how impactful and revolutionary they were during their time.

Earlier, you mentioned the milestones that were being achieved. These milestones were accomplished by addressing marginalized individuals in society and the overlooked corners of the world. The purpose was to bring attention to these issues and make sure these individuals were seen and heard. This, in turn, inspired and empowered them.

Mark A. Catalena: Absolutely, and then these individuals have their own revelation and incorporate their experiences into their work. They strive to do the same thing, creating a continuous cycle. It reminds me of John Ridley's reaction when he saw the first issue of Black Lightning. He immediately knew that it would play a significant role in his journey and inspire him to take action.

About Superpowered: The DC Story

Superpowered: The DC Story is a captivating three-episode docuseries delving into the intricate and rich narrative of DC Comics. From their remarkable achievements as a trailblazing powerhouse in the comic book industry to their occasional missteps, this series offers an illuminating exploration of DC's enduring legacy. Renowned for its significant impact on popular culture, DC exerts a profound influence, and Superpowered: The DC Story vividly portrays the indomitable nature of the iconic heroes that personify its essence, standing the test of time.

Superpowered: The DC Story will debut on Max July 20.