One thing I do love about Disney+ is the behind the scenes documentary series they’ve been fanging out. Sure, they all have a very identifiable agenda, which is self-lauditory, toeing the company line, and firming up Disney’s current pop-cultural supremacy, but I’ll cue up a look at the making of Star Wars or The Mandalorian in a heartbeat nonetheless – the process is just fascinating to me, even if you need to keep an eye on what they’re not telling us (give us a no-holds-barred look at the making of Solo, you cowards).
Anyhoo, point being, Marvel Comics is now getting the treatment with Marvel 616, an upcoming eight part series that takes us into the venerable publisher and probably neatly sidesteps such issues as work-for-hire, creators’ rights, and the way Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko were ultimately treated (don’t mind me, I’m just cynical). Still, it looks like a hell of a thing.
And now for the press release…
“Marvel’s 616” explores Marvel’s rich legacy of pioneering characters, creators and storytelling to reflect the world outside your window. Each documentary, helmed by a unique filmmaker, showcases the intersections of storytelling, pop culture, and fandom within the Marvel Universe. Episodes in this anthology series will cover topics including Marvel’s world-spanning artists, the trailblazing women of Marvel Comics, discovering the “forgotten” characters of Marvel, and much more.
“Marvel’s 616” is produced by Marvel New Media with Supper Club. The series is executive produced by Joe Quesada, Shane Rahmani, Sarah Amos, John Cerilli, Harry Go, and Stephen Wacker for Marvel; and Jason Sterman, Brian McGinn, and David Gelb for Supper Club.”
Interesting list of episodes and directors, too, including a few Greendale College alumni:
“Japanese Spider-Man” Directed by David Gelb
“Higher Further Faster” Directed by Gillian Jacobs
“Amazing Artisans” Directed by Clay Jeter
“Lost and Found” Directed by Paul Scheer
“Suit Up!” Directed by Andrew Rossi
“Unboxed” Directed by Sarah Ramos
“The Marvel Method” Directed by Brian Oakes
“Marvel Spotlight” Directed by Alison Brie
Marvel 616 drops on November 20, 2020. Will you be marathoning the lot? Sound off in the comments.
