This new documentary film recognizes the comic book as a true art form, as indigenous to American culture as jazz. It presents comic books as reflectors of a changing America from the 1930's to today, and it hails comic book superheroes as modern-day mythological figures. “THE LEGENDS BEHIND THE COMIC BOOKS” captures for posterity the living artists and writers from The Golden Age of Comic Books (1938-1951) and The Silver Age of Comic Books (1956-1973). Insightful comments are provided by the creative geniuses who were there at the beginning, including…

A look at the comic book history of the title character, one section a piece dedicated to 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000's by way of some interesting interviews with the various artists and writers who have worked on the different incarnations of the Marvel Comics that the film was based on. When combined the four parts of this documentary clock in at just over forty-five minutes in length. Those who are familiar with the various comics will definitely enjoy this look back at the character's history and hearing about it from the people who made it happen.

This documentary we learn a little about Marvel Comics in the early Sixties and the development of the Fantastic Four and its characters. We hear about the work of Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the addition of new characters like the Silver Surfer, Kirby's departure from Marvel in 1970 and the influence of other writers and artists on the series, and changes over the decades.

This documentary is a fascinating journey through the world of comics, with particular attention paid to the X-Men, that should satisfy both fans and newcomers alike.