HBO Max is about to get up close and personal with the world-famous comics and entertainment label, DC, for a three-part documentary series (via Deadline). Arranged by Oscar and Emmy-nominated director, producer, and showrunner Leslie Iwerks and Greg Berlanti, the series takes an in-depth look at the long-lasting legacy of DC. Through the investigation, fans will rediscover DC’s pantheon of characters, as well as the iconic comic book company’s origins, its evolution, and its nearly nine-decade cultural impact across every artistic medium.
“DC has a rich legacy of over 80 years of iconic storytelling: from the introduction of the genre-defining Super Hero Superman in 1938 to the amazing movies, TV shows, cartoons, games, and comics which have been synonymous with superheroism for generations thereafter. We are so excited to dive into this history and bring fans along this amazing journey,” said Jim Lee, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer, DC.
Iwerks is no stranger to the documentary game. In 2008, she received an Outstanding Nonfiction Special Emmy nomination for her work on The Pixar Stroy, a documentary that took fans inside the legendary and industry-changing studio. In 2007, Iwerks earned the Best Documentary, Short Subjects Oscar nomination for Recycled Life, a short that told the dramatic and touching story of thousands of adults, children, and generations of families who have been living and working in the largest and most toxic landfill in Central America.
Iwerks’s other projects include The Imagineering Story, Downstream, League of Legends Origins, and Citizen Hearts.
It will be interesting to see how Iwerks and Berlanti frame DC’s long history as an entertainment powerhouse. Like any other megacorp (I’m looking at you, Disney), DC has had its share of ups and downs throughout the years. I suspect the documentary will gloss over some of the company’s more questionable moves, though that’s simply the nature of the beast, I suppose. One thing is for certain, DC has a long-standing history of telling great stories and making dreams come true. I’ll be tuning in for this one for sure, and can’t wait to learn more about a label that’s brought me much joy for as long as I can recall.