Watch Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle

Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle is a three-part documentary series from PBS that explores the history of superheroes from their humble beginnings in comic books to their current status as global cultural icons. Narrated by actor Liev Schreiber, the series features interviews with comic book writers, artists, historians, and experts, including Danny Fingeroth and Mark Waid.

Part One of the series, "Truth, Justice, and the American Way," covers the early years of comic book superheroes, from the debut of Superman in 1938 to the dawn of the Marvel Age in the 1960s. The episode explores the cultural and political factors that led to the creation of iconic heroes like Batman, Captain America, and Wonder Woman, and how these characters reflected the values and fears of their times.

Part Two, "Great Power, Great Responsibility," picks up in the 1960s and covers the rise of Marvel Comics and the emergence of a new generation of socially conscious, psychologically complex superheroes like Spider-Man and the X-Men. The episode also delves into the controversy surrounding comic books in the 1950s, when parents and politicians accused them of corrupting young minds with violence, sex, and subversive messages.

Finally, Part Three, "A Hero Can Be Anyone," looks at the superhero genre in the twenty-first century, from the blockbuster movie franchises of Marvel and DC to the groundbreaking graphic novels of independent creators. The episode examines how superheroes have evolved to reflect changing cultural attitudes towards race, gender, and identity, and how they continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Throughout the series, Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle features rare archival footage and interviews with influential figures in the comic book industry, including Stan Lee, Joe Quesada, Neal Adams, and Jules Feiffer. The series also includes appearances by celebrities like Adam West and Lynda Carter, who played iconic superheroes on television.

Overall, Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle is an engaging and informative exploration of the cultural significance of superheroes, and how they have both reflected and influenced American society over the past century. Whether you're a die-hard comic book fan or simply curious about the history of popular culture, this series is sure to provide insight and entertainment.

Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between October 15, 2013 and on PBS