Watch Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics

Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics is a documentary film that tells the story of the rise and fall of one of the greatest American comic book publishers, DC Comics. Directed by Mac Carter and released in 2010, the film showcases the creative journey of DC Comics, delving into its illustrious past and peeking into its speculative future.

The film's opening sequences feature modern-day DC comics writer and artist Jim Lee. Lee takes viewers on a tour of the DC Comics offices, where he provides a brief history of the company, explaining how it evolved from a small publisher in the 1930s to a modern creative powerhouse.

The narrative then shifts to the early history of DC Comics. The film chronicles the story of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the creators of the iconic comic book hero Superman. Using archival footage and interviews with historians and comic book creators such as Grant Morrison, the film explores the origins of Superman, his impact on American popular culture, and how he gave birth to the comic book superhero genre.

The film then moves on to other legendary DC Comics characters, such as Batman and Wonder Woman. The filmmakers delve into the origins of these characters, their creators, and their social and cultural impact. For instance, the film examines Wonder Woman’s roots in feminism and progressivism and how Batman’s brooding personality added a darker edge to the superhero genre.

Interviews with DC Comics executives, such as Paul Levitz and Dennis O'Neil, provide insight into the creation of some of DC's most iconic comics from the 1970s and 1980s. The documentary also explores how DC Comics changed and adapted to various socio-political climates, evolving alongside the history of the United States.

The documentary analyses DC Comics’ rivalry with rival publisher Marvel Comics and how they approached the creation of their marketable superheroes. The film shows how DC embraced the darker and more mature subject matter, while Marvel promoted more light-hearted, pure entertainment.

The film ends on a hopeful note, highlighting the future of DC Comics. It features interviews with some of the most renowned comic book creators of the current era, such as Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman, and Jim Lee. The documentary sets forth the possibilities for upcoming stories and how future DC Comics-based media might evolve, also discussing the rise of digital comics and their potential impact on the comic book industry.

Throughout the film, the graphic style of DC Comics is showcased beautifully, with lively animation sequences and pages from decades of comic books on display. The film's pacing and storytelling are also spot-on, providing enough information on DC Comics' history to inform viewers who are not fans of the books but still being engaging enough to keep those fans hooked.

Overall, the film offers an inspiring look at the legacy of DC Comics, its creative decisions, its public image, and its cultural impact. It deals with a range of topics, from superheroes to social activism, and delves into the minds of comic book creators, executives, and critics. Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics is a must-see for fans of the comic book genre, and newcomers to the medium, providing an in-depth look into the creative and cultural history of one of the most influential comic book publishers of all time.

Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.