Marvel's Behind the Mask (2021)

Marvel’s Behind the Mask: Directed by Mike Jacobs. Meet the writers and artists behind characters like Black Panther, Miles Morales, Ms. Marvel, Luke Cage, the X-Men, Captain Marvel, and many other characters in the Marvel Universe, highlighting their impact on pop culture and media.

“This consists of interviews with writers, artists, people inspired by the comics, who study them, all of whom have something compelling to add within their area of expertise(and there is a very clear love of what theyu0026#39;re working on or fascinated by), panels, clips from the subjects, behind-the-scenes and documentary footage, and incomplete effects shots.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s 65 minutes long. This is found on Disney+. It spoils a lot of the comics, but this review doesnu0026#39;t.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThey talk about Stan Leeu0026#39;s Definition of the ideal Marvel character: we get to know who they are, itu0026#39;s not just someone in spandex jumping off a building. How they help us figure out the world. The opportunity for interesting social narratives. Depicting someone alienated trying to fit in. Exploring identity: itu0026#39;s not about hiding yourself, itu0026#39;s about uncovering yourself. Several of the original creators being Jewish, and having to hide that side of themselves, wanting to be accepted as American. Identifying with The Thing, if you stand out visually, and are always judged by your appearance before being seen as who you actually are. The supposed monster inside being redeemable. The 60s introducing psychology. Peter Parker at times being more interesting than Spider-Man. DMC using rap to create an alter ego. Being inclusive before there was pressure to do so, because there actually were non-whites around. The Fantastic Four responding to seeing Black Pantheru0026#39;s skin colour with acceptance, tolerance, after he kicks their ass, after they defeated Galactus. The offices treated the women and various races working there well. Luke Cage didnu0026#39;t wear a mask, because they wanted everyone to know right away, that this hero was black. They acknowledge problematic aspects. Moving away from ugly stereotypes. Taking tropes and turning them upside down. Putting Tu0026#39;Challa in Reconstruction. The heroines having lesser superpowers, until it was addressed with the creation of feministic Ms Marvel, wearing Gloria Steinem glasses out of costume, editor of Woman magazine… though, of course, the costume was basically a bathing suit. Making the X-Men international, instead of just a bunch of Caucasian dudes. Nightcrawler embracing his appearance. Switching genders. Northstar coming out, and the plan changing from him dealing with AIDS, to him being half fairy. Making them interesting, not just tokens. Introducing Miles Morales, through tragic circumstance. Giving Carol a relatable background. Assembling a dark-skinned superteam to help during Hurricane Katrina. Kamala Khan imitating Danversu0026#39; appearance, subconsciously.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI recommend this to any fan of the medium. 8/10.”