Marvel’s 616
Documentary Series
Produced by Marvel New Media with Supper Club
All episodes available November 20, 2020 on Disney+
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as we all know it started May 2, 2008 with Iron Man. However, Marvel as many people know it started in 1961 when the team of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko created many superhero titles like The Fantastic Four. Over the decades, Iron Man, Black Widow, Spider-Man and many many others have graced the comics for several generations to enjoy. Along the way, there are many things that have helped make Marvel what it is. The strange, the unusual, the exceptional and the inclusive. This year, Disney+ has released an eight part anthology of stories in a documentary format called Marvel’s 616.
The Premise
The premise of the series is to document and show different aspects of Marvel from the past, into the present and its voyage into our future. For example, the first episode “The Japanese Spider-Man” goes into the bizarre but history collaboration between Marvel and the Japanese company TOEI. Now if you’re a fan of the Ernest Cline novel Ready Player One (not the movie!) you’ll know of this Japanese version known as Supaidà„man. When I started seeing this episode I was amazed and shocked and happy to learn more. In episode 5, “Suit Up!”, we see more of the growing legions of fans that have found and embraced cosplay as a way to highlight their favorite characters, become more comfortable in their own skin, and find other like-minded individuals. Personally I have done a decent cosplay of the Jim Butcher character Harry Dresden though I’ve seen some people take their cosplay of the same person to a much higher level. Seeing others really get into this art really gives a deep appreciation for their love of these beloved characters.
The Review
When it comes to most documentaries it’s usually about one particular subject. Here, with Marvel’s 616 we get to see perspectives on different parts of the Marvel experience. It was an enjoyable experience to be able to see these episodes, to really get more of an understanding out there for the culture, history, growth and the undiscovered of Marvel. My personal favorites were the aforementioned Episodes 1 and 5 as well as Episode 4 “Lost and Found.” If your understanding for all things Marvel want to go up another level, take a good look into Marvel’s 616. Sit back in your favorite t-shirt, grab the popcorn and open your mind to this eight episode exploration!
Score: 7.0
–Good watching for more in-depth study of Marvel culture. May be excessive for casual fans.