1 00:00:00,043 --> 00:00:03,289 [dramatic music] 2 00:00:03,387 --> 00:00:06,225 - The very thing that makes you different 3 00:00:06,324 --> 00:00:07,658 is what makes you special. 4 00:00:09,526 --> 00:00:13,565 - I need you to hope, 5 00:00:13,664 --> 00:00:17,603 hope that you will remember that you can all be heroes. 6 00:00:17,703 --> 00:00:19,505 [heroic music] 7 00:00:19,603 --> 00:00:22,808 - It's not who I am underneath 8 00:00:22,908 --> 00:00:26,312 but what I do that defines me. 9 00:00:26,910 --> 00:00:30,249 - Beneath this mask, there is more than flesh. 10 00:00:30,347 --> 00:00:33,119 Beneath this mask, there is an idea. 11 00:00:33,218 --> 00:00:35,587 And ideas are bulletproof. 12 00:00:35,687 --> 00:00:37,256 [gunfire] 13 00:00:37,354 --> 00:00:38,890 [men screaming] 14 00:00:38,990 --> 00:00:41,293 ♪ ♪ 15 00:00:41,392 --> 00:00:43,529 - From paper to pixels, 16 00:00:43,627 --> 00:00:46,398 DC Comics has incubated new ideas 17 00:00:46,497 --> 00:00:48,266 for more than 80 years. 18 00:00:49,700 --> 00:00:53,572 Every generation of creators brings its own point of view 19 00:00:53,671 --> 00:00:57,209 and its own vision for DC's iconic characters. 20 00:00:57,307 --> 00:01:00,779 - We ask a lot, how can we take the essence of this character, 21 00:01:00,873 --> 00:01:02,281 the heart of this character, 22 00:01:02,380 --> 00:01:03,950 but actually render it in a way 23 00:01:04,047 --> 00:01:06,585 that reflects the world we live in today? 24 00:01:06,683 --> 00:01:09,188 - We're not born good or bad. 25 00:01:09,287 --> 00:01:12,791 The choices you make define your destiny. 26 00:01:12,891 --> 00:01:14,393 - [screaming] 27 00:01:14,492 --> 00:01:16,495 - What's changing is not just the mythology 28 00:01:16,594 --> 00:01:18,830 but how the stories are told and who gets 29 00:01:18,930 --> 00:01:20,299 to tell those stories. 30 00:01:20,397 --> 00:01:22,268 - I cannot wait to have you guys out there. 31 00:01:22,367 --> 00:01:25,071 - I've never seen so many 32 00:01:25,169 --> 00:01:29,441 strong, beautiful women. 33 00:01:29,540 --> 00:01:31,343 This is gonna be history. 34 00:01:32,110 --> 00:01:35,047 - The characters of DC have edge. 35 00:01:35,146 --> 00:01:36,615 And I love the edge. 36 00:01:36,714 --> 00:01:37,883 [blasting] 37 00:01:39,116 --> 00:01:40,686 [explosion booms] 38 00:01:40,784 --> 00:01:43,522 - The world needs stories that show us who we are 39 00:01:43,621 --> 00:01:46,025 and shape who we want to become. 40 00:01:46,123 --> 00:01:48,927 But will an ever-expanding DC Universe 41 00:01:49,021 --> 00:01:51,263 stretch its iconic characters 42 00:01:51,362 --> 00:01:53,465 past the breaking point? 43 00:01:53,564 --> 00:01:57,236 - Right now, DC is at a crossroads. 44 00:01:57,802 --> 00:02:01,273 We're trying to build to the future 45 00:02:01,372 --> 00:02:03,709 without doing a disservice to the past. 46 00:02:03,808 --> 00:02:10,816 ♪ ♪ 47 00:02:21,025 --> 00:02:25,331 [light music] 48 00:02:25,424 --> 00:02:28,267 - Comics give us a sense of what's possible. 49 00:02:28,366 --> 00:02:30,436 They give us a sense of our better natures. 50 00:02:30,535 --> 00:02:32,871 They give us a sense of the future. 51 00:02:34,004 --> 00:02:37,176 If comics represent the future and aspirations 52 00:02:37,275 --> 00:02:38,610 for a lot of people 53 00:02:38,709 --> 00:02:41,413 and Black people are left out of that mix, 54 00:02:41,512 --> 00:02:43,615 therefore we're not part of the future 55 00:02:43,714 --> 00:02:45,717 and we're not part of anyone's aspirations. 56 00:02:46,550 --> 00:02:48,554 We wanted to be a part of that. 57 00:02:48,652 --> 00:02:50,322 And I realized the only way we were gonna do it 58 00:02:50,421 --> 00:02:52,219 it is if we did it ourselves. 59 00:02:54,525 --> 00:02:58,064 [hip-hop music] 60 00:02:58,161 --> 00:03:01,367 In the '90s, there was a lot of Black consciousness, 61 00:03:01,466 --> 00:03:03,569 Black awareness going on. 62 00:03:03,668 --> 00:03:07,306 And all that set an atmosphere in society, 63 00:03:07,404 --> 00:03:08,874 in the world 64 00:03:08,973 --> 00:03:11,377 that was not being reflected in comics at all. 65 00:03:12,876 --> 00:03:15,547 The idea was to get a group of Black creators, 66 00:03:15,647 --> 00:03:17,016 create some characters, 67 00:03:17,114 --> 00:03:18,350 the likes of which had not been seen 68 00:03:18,449 --> 00:03:19,651 in comics before, 69 00:03:19,750 --> 00:03:21,287 and really tell our stories. 70 00:03:21,380 --> 00:03:23,956 But we have to filter it to our own experience. 71 00:03:24,783 --> 00:03:27,826 - Veteran artist Denys Cowan, along with Dwayne McDuffie, 72 00:03:27,925 --> 00:03:30,162 Derek Dingle, and Michael Davis 73 00:03:30,261 --> 00:03:33,532 created Milestone Media in 1991. 74 00:03:33,631 --> 00:03:35,767 And while they had no shortage of ideas, 75 00:03:35,866 --> 00:03:38,670 they needed an investor and distributor. 76 00:03:38,769 --> 00:03:41,240 - What DC represented to us at the time 77 00:03:41,333 --> 00:03:42,574 was, one, a potential partner, 78 00:03:42,673 --> 00:03:44,310 and as people who are probably more 79 00:03:44,409 --> 00:03:45,877 open to what we were trying to do, 80 00:03:45,976 --> 00:03:48,147 which is why we went to DC in the first place. 81 00:03:48,246 --> 00:03:50,882 ♪ ♪ 82 00:03:50,981 --> 00:03:53,485 - And it's extraordinarily rare for a company 83 00:03:53,584 --> 00:03:56,188 that is the oldest and most corporately owned company 84 00:03:56,287 --> 00:03:59,391 in a field to be the disrupter and the innovator. 85 00:03:59,491 --> 00:04:00,960 And we were that. 86 00:04:01,059 --> 00:04:02,828 ♪ ♪ 87 00:04:02,927 --> 00:04:05,292 - With DC's backing, Milestone set out 88 00:04:05,396 --> 00:04:08,200 to become the first successful comic book company 89 00:04:08,299 --> 00:04:10,636 owned by creators of color. 90 00:04:10,734 --> 00:04:13,505 Their characters turned superhero archetypes 91 00:04:13,605 --> 00:04:15,241 on their heads. 92 00:04:15,340 --> 00:04:18,010 - So instead of a strange being from another planet 93 00:04:18,108 --> 00:04:20,879 crash landing on Earth to be found by Ma and Pa Kent, 94 00:04:20,977 --> 00:04:23,415 we had a strange being from another planet crash landing 95 00:04:23,514 --> 00:04:26,252 on Earth founded by slaves. 96 00:04:26,349 --> 00:04:29,855 - We have African-American writers and artists creating 97 00:04:29,954 --> 00:04:32,959 characters and talking about their lives and communicating 98 00:04:33,057 --> 00:04:35,294 something very personal about themselves 99 00:04:35,392 --> 00:04:38,530 through these superhero stories. 100 00:04:38,629 --> 00:04:40,699 - We never set out to tackle issues. 101 00:04:40,798 --> 00:04:42,901 We set out to tell great stories. 102 00:04:42,999 --> 00:04:45,671 There was a lot of themes about police violence 103 00:04:45,770 --> 00:04:48,440 and racial inequality. 104 00:04:48,539 --> 00:04:50,242 People weren't even dealing with that. 105 00:04:50,341 --> 00:04:51,910 And we were, like, all in it. 106 00:04:53,010 --> 00:04:56,148 - There was just this range of characters, 107 00:04:56,247 --> 00:04:57,849 this range of identities. 108 00:04:57,948 --> 00:05:03,089 The diversity within the diversity was so, so powerful. 109 00:05:03,186 --> 00:05:05,891 Always led with entertainment, but it was never 110 00:05:05,989 --> 00:05:08,394 afraid to get in people's grills and be real. 111 00:05:09,894 --> 00:05:12,631 - When I was growing up, I rarely ever saw 112 00:05:12,730 --> 00:05:14,066 people who looked like me 113 00:05:14,165 --> 00:05:15,534 in the comics that I was reading. 114 00:05:15,633 --> 00:05:16,935 And when they did show up, 115 00:05:17,034 --> 00:05:18,537 they were almost always either villains 116 00:05:18,636 --> 00:05:20,939 or comic relief sidekicks. 117 00:05:21,039 --> 00:05:23,075 They were never the hero, almost never. 118 00:05:23,974 --> 00:05:26,712 I collected those early Milestone comics. 119 00:05:26,805 --> 00:05:31,517 I came away with this feeling that anybody could be a hero. 120 00:05:31,615 --> 00:05:35,021 - In their head-to-head battle against storied superheroes, 121 00:05:35,119 --> 00:05:38,090 Milestone's characters initially held their ground. 122 00:05:38,189 --> 00:05:41,160 But the founders faced ongoing resistance 123 00:05:41,259 --> 00:05:42,861 in the majority White industry. 124 00:05:42,961 --> 00:05:46,032 - We ran into executives at DC. 125 00:05:46,131 --> 00:05:48,067 And these marketing and sales people 126 00:05:48,166 --> 00:05:49,435 would get up and say they can't sell 127 00:05:49,533 --> 00:05:51,303 no Black comic books. 128 00:05:51,401 --> 00:05:53,272 That's the kind of stuff we had to deal with all the time. 129 00:05:53,371 --> 00:05:55,374 So the people who were supposed to be helping you move 130 00:05:55,473 --> 00:05:57,109 your product are the very people who 131 00:05:57,208 --> 00:05:59,778 don't think your product is worthy of being moved. 132 00:06:01,612 --> 00:06:05,117 - The Milestone team put more sweat equity into their work 133 00:06:05,215 --> 00:06:07,919 than any human beings should ever have to do on anything. 134 00:06:08,019 --> 00:06:10,489 They work with passion, with dedication. 135 00:06:11,221 --> 00:06:14,726 Milestone did things that changed what comics were 136 00:06:14,825 --> 00:06:18,064 and that reached people that we'd never reached before. 137 00:06:19,597 --> 00:06:22,401 - As new icons drew fans to comics, 138 00:06:22,499 --> 00:06:26,905 Tim Burton's Batman returned to the big screen. 139 00:06:27,004 --> 00:06:29,875 Michael Keaton donned the cowl and cape once more, 140 00:06:29,974 --> 00:06:32,911 with a feline, Michelle Pfeiffer. 141 00:06:33,011 --> 00:06:35,481 - I am Catwoman. 142 00:06:35,580 --> 00:06:37,116 Hear me roar. 143 00:06:37,215 --> 00:06:39,151 - Inspired by the growing hunger 144 00:06:39,250 --> 00:06:41,487 for the enigmatic caped crusader, 145 00:06:41,585 --> 00:06:46,525 Bruce Timm designed and helmed a brand new animated series. 146 00:06:46,624 --> 00:06:49,128 He envisioned a dark and gritty Gotham 147 00:06:49,226 --> 00:06:52,231 unlike anything else on Saturday mornings. 148 00:06:52,330 --> 00:06:53,332 - ♪ We're tiny ♪ 149 00:06:53,431 --> 00:06:54,600 - ♪ We're toony ♪ 150 00:06:54,698 --> 00:06:56,335 all: ♪ We're all a little looney ♪ 151 00:06:56,434 --> 00:06:58,270 - Saturday morning animation, at that time, it was, 152 00:06:58,369 --> 00:07:00,706 well, they're cartoons. Don't forget they're cartoons. 153 00:07:00,805 --> 00:07:03,109 And, you know, you can't beat 'em up too bad. 154 00:07:03,207 --> 00:07:04,944 And don't make 'em scary. 155 00:07:05,042 --> 00:07:07,313 Give them some laughs and things like that. 156 00:07:07,411 --> 00:07:08,948 And we didn't have to. 157 00:07:09,046 --> 00:07:10,716 There really was a sense communicated from the top 158 00:07:10,815 --> 00:07:13,480 on down, "Do the Batman you want to do." 159 00:07:13,585 --> 00:07:16,388 [epic music] 160 00:07:16,487 --> 00:07:18,224 - We knew what we didn't want. 161 00:07:18,323 --> 00:07:20,960 We didn't want the show to seem like 162 00:07:21,058 --> 00:07:23,329 every other adventure show on TV. 163 00:07:23,427 --> 00:07:26,265 We wanted the show to be appealing to kids 164 00:07:26,363 --> 00:07:30,002 because we knew they were our primary intended audience. 165 00:07:30,100 --> 00:07:32,499 But at the same time, we wanted a show that we ourselves 166 00:07:32,603 --> 00:07:34,106 would watch as adults. 167 00:07:34,205 --> 00:07:36,242 ♪ ♪ 168 00:07:36,340 --> 00:07:38,410 - Once I saw what Bruce was doing with the artwork, 169 00:07:38,509 --> 00:07:41,147 with the storyboards, and then the animation coming in, 170 00:07:41,245 --> 00:07:43,849 and you add on that the music that Shirley Walker 171 00:07:43,947 --> 00:07:46,185 was adding and the voices... 172 00:07:46,284 --> 00:07:49,555 - [laughing maniacally] 173 00:07:49,654 --> 00:07:51,390 - Then it really was a dream come true. 174 00:07:51,489 --> 00:07:55,694 [Danny Elfman's "Batman: The Animated Series (Main Title)"] 175 00:07:55,794 --> 00:08:02,501 ♪ ♪ 176 00:08:02,601 --> 00:08:03,769 Kids liked it. 177 00:08:03,868 --> 00:08:05,271 Adults liked it. 178 00:08:05,370 --> 00:08:06,672 Comic book fans liked it. 179 00:08:06,771 --> 00:08:08,340 It was one of those rare times when 180 00:08:08,439 --> 00:08:09,942 you get to work with a team and everybody hits 181 00:08:10,041 --> 00:08:11,710 the bullseye the first time out. 182 00:08:16,146 --> 00:08:19,318 - The show featured Batman's classic rogues gallery 183 00:08:19,417 --> 00:08:22,254 but also introduced a wild card to Gotham... 184 00:08:22,353 --> 00:08:25,224 - Harley Quinn. Pleased to meet ya. 185 00:08:25,322 --> 00:08:29,795 - Joker's wisecracking sidekick, Harley Quinn. 186 00:08:29,893 --> 00:08:32,798 - Harley Quinn had a very modest start. 187 00:08:32,896 --> 00:08:34,967 I was writing an episode called "Joker's Favor." 188 00:08:35,066 --> 00:08:36,468 And then I was thinking, like, OK, 189 00:08:36,562 --> 00:08:37,836 Joker's gotta have some henchmen. 190 00:08:37,935 --> 00:08:39,405 Maybe there's a couple of goons. 191 00:08:39,504 --> 00:08:41,907 And maybe there's a girl. 192 00:08:42,005 --> 00:08:44,443 And that's all I really thought about it. 193 00:08:44,543 --> 00:08:46,212 - Hear, hear! 194 00:08:46,309 --> 00:08:48,080 - When I was coming up with the character, I thought, 195 00:08:48,178 --> 00:08:50,216 what if she can crack jokes and she gets laughs 196 00:08:50,309 --> 00:08:51,951 and the Joker doesn't? 197 00:08:52,049 --> 00:08:55,087 - It's amazing what you find in people's glove compartments. 198 00:08:55,186 --> 00:08:56,522 [laughter] 199 00:08:56,620 --> 00:09:00,892 - To be a creator of these characters in any capacity, 200 00:09:00,991 --> 00:09:03,462 you're kind of a kid playing in a sandbox 201 00:09:03,561 --> 00:09:06,698 with communal toys. 202 00:09:06,797 --> 00:09:08,200 Even though I created the character, 203 00:09:08,299 --> 00:09:10,336 it's only mine to play with for, you know, 204 00:09:10,435 --> 00:09:12,271 a brief amount of time. 205 00:09:14,472 --> 00:09:17,043 - When Gothamites hear the name Harley Quinn, 206 00:09:17,142 --> 00:09:18,710 I want 'em to piss themselves. 207 00:09:18,809 --> 00:09:21,680 I want a taste of that. - You want to taste of-- 208 00:09:21,778 --> 00:09:24,883 - It's very rated R in here. [laughs] 209 00:09:24,982 --> 00:09:27,819 - Here we go. Let's just play the scene once, please. 210 00:09:27,918 --> 00:09:29,421 You're in the middle of a bloody gunfire fight. 211 00:09:29,520 --> 00:09:32,591 - Ah! [imitating gunfire] 212 00:09:32,691 --> 00:09:34,093 I [bleep] love science. 213 00:09:34,192 --> 00:09:35,727 - Will you make it totally sincere? 214 00:09:35,826 --> 00:09:39,698 - Ugh! I [bleep] love science. [laughter] 215 00:09:40,364 --> 00:09:42,234 I should mention it is a very adult series. 216 00:09:42,332 --> 00:09:45,571 [laughs] I would not recommend young children watching it. 217 00:09:45,669 --> 00:09:48,474 [splat] [grunting] 218 00:09:48,572 --> 00:09:49,808 If you want an adult series, 219 00:09:49,908 --> 00:09:51,177 you want it to be Harley Quinn. 220 00:09:51,275 --> 00:09:52,511 You don't think I'm chaotic and crazy 221 00:09:52,609 --> 00:09:54,880 and make a bunch of messes? 222 00:09:54,980 --> 00:09:56,748 She's as edgy as it gets. 223 00:09:56,847 --> 00:09:58,850 I basically spend most of the time in the booth 224 00:09:58,949 --> 00:10:00,719 screaming and cussing, which has been 225 00:10:00,819 --> 00:10:02,221 really therapeutic for me. 226 00:10:02,319 --> 00:10:04,957 [bleep] off. I'm busy reflecting! 227 00:10:05,056 --> 00:10:07,893 [laughter] - Thank you. 228 00:10:07,992 --> 00:10:10,929 As psychotic as she is, she is quite grounded. 229 00:10:11,029 --> 00:10:12,999 And she really takes care of her crew. 230 00:10:13,098 --> 00:10:14,866 - This whole scene... - Yes. 231 00:10:14,965 --> 00:10:16,535 - You are begging her to understand you 232 00:10:16,633 --> 00:10:17,736 and to believe you. - Yes. 233 00:10:17,835 --> 00:10:19,405 - Oh, I love you, Ive. 234 00:10:19,503 --> 00:10:22,541 - It's really about her growth as an adult and as a woman 235 00:10:22,639 --> 00:10:24,944 and as someone who's in control of her own destiny 236 00:10:25,043 --> 00:10:27,513 because she relied on Joker for so long. 237 00:10:28,512 --> 00:10:31,250 It's very female empowerment. [laughs] 238 00:10:31,349 --> 00:10:34,220 She's kind of, weirdly, a good example. 239 00:10:34,318 --> 00:10:35,887 She shouldn't be killing people, 240 00:10:35,986 --> 00:10:37,823 but she is actually a good example because 241 00:10:37,922 --> 00:10:39,425 she wants to step out on her own. 242 00:10:39,523 --> 00:10:41,193 - You gonna kill me now? 243 00:10:41,291 --> 00:10:44,830 - No, I want you alive so I can see the look on your face 244 00:10:44,929 --> 00:10:46,865 when I'm running this town. 245 00:10:48,766 --> 00:10:50,602 ♪ ♪ 246 00:10:50,701 --> 00:10:54,540 - Before DC's runaway success evolving its characters, 247 00:10:54,639 --> 00:10:57,944 the company stumbled in the late '90s. 248 00:10:59,477 --> 00:11:01,313 [blasting] 249 00:11:01,412 --> 00:11:02,748 [ice cracking] 250 00:11:02,847 --> 00:11:05,251 - The Iceman cometh! 251 00:11:05,349 --> 00:11:09,188 - Superheroes turned into self-parody on screen. 252 00:11:09,286 --> 00:11:13,960 Comics sales stagnated after comic book investors failed. 253 00:11:14,058 --> 00:11:16,662 And Milestone Media shut down 254 00:11:16,761 --> 00:11:18,830 after just four years, 255 00:11:18,929 --> 00:11:22,468 its demise relegated to a footnote. 256 00:11:22,567 --> 00:11:25,271 Faced with a midlife identity crisis, 257 00:11:25,369 --> 00:11:29,141 DC sought to sign the industry's hottest talent. 258 00:11:29,234 --> 00:11:32,878 They first set their sights on rock star artist Jim Lee 259 00:11:32,978 --> 00:11:35,714 and his company Wildstorm. 260 00:11:35,814 --> 00:11:37,783 - I started at DC in 1998. 261 00:11:37,882 --> 00:11:40,386 That's when they bought Wildstorm. 262 00:11:40,484 --> 00:11:42,488 One of the reasons I sold the company 263 00:11:42,586 --> 00:11:45,124 was so that I could hand the business functions 264 00:11:45,222 --> 00:11:48,026 off to the people that worked at DC. 265 00:11:49,326 --> 00:11:51,930 And then that would allow me to get back and draw 266 00:11:52,030 --> 00:11:53,465 and create comic books, you know, 267 00:11:53,564 --> 00:11:54,933 which is the reason why I got into the business 268 00:11:55,033 --> 00:11:57,503 in the first place. 269 00:11:57,601 --> 00:12:01,440 - Jim Lee coming to DC after the work he did at Marvel 270 00:12:01,539 --> 00:12:04,843 and Founding Image Comics is about as seismic 271 00:12:04,943 --> 00:12:07,913 as Jack Kirby coming to DC from Marvel 272 00:12:08,012 --> 00:12:09,348 in the early 1970s. 273 00:12:09,446 --> 00:12:12,351 [intense music] 274 00:12:12,450 --> 00:12:13,852 ♪ ♪ 275 00:12:13,951 --> 00:12:17,889 This is somebody who redefined comic book storytelling 276 00:12:17,989 --> 00:12:19,758 for an entire generation. 277 00:12:20,891 --> 00:12:23,929 Nobody would have expected him to end up at DC, 278 00:12:24,028 --> 00:12:27,766 and not just at DC, but as somebody stewarding 279 00:12:27,866 --> 00:12:29,668 the future of the company. 280 00:12:29,767 --> 00:12:32,604 - As the millennium dawned, Jim Lee's dynamic 281 00:12:32,703 --> 00:12:36,075 and detailed artwork revitalized DC's image 282 00:12:36,174 --> 00:12:38,644 and defined its roster of characters 283 00:12:38,743 --> 00:12:40,412 for the 21st century. 284 00:12:42,647 --> 00:12:44,883 - As creatives, we tell these stories 285 00:12:44,982 --> 00:12:46,485 'cause we love these characters 286 00:12:46,583 --> 00:12:48,687 and we love storytelling. 287 00:12:48,787 --> 00:12:51,890 [light piano music] 288 00:12:51,989 --> 00:12:55,427 But we also know that storytelling is a great way 289 00:12:55,526 --> 00:12:58,797 of dealing with our own personal anxieties or fears, 290 00:12:58,895 --> 00:13:03,902 and certainly during tumultuous periods of crisis 291 00:13:04,002 --> 00:13:05,737 that has been proven over and over. 292 00:13:05,837 --> 00:13:09,075 ♪ ♪ 293 00:13:09,174 --> 00:13:10,709 - I was working on a Wonder Woman story 294 00:13:10,808 --> 00:13:14,580 where the Joker had taken control of Air Force One 295 00:13:14,679 --> 00:13:17,283 and crashed it into Times Square. 296 00:13:20,351 --> 00:13:22,254 As that book was going to print, 297 00:13:22,353 --> 00:13:24,190 the events of 9/11 occurred. 298 00:13:30,795 --> 00:13:32,731 We very quickly had to pull the book back. 299 00:13:32,830 --> 00:13:34,600 We had to alter that story. 300 00:13:34,699 --> 00:13:37,069 Wonder Woman saved Times Square. 301 00:13:37,162 --> 00:13:39,271 But more importantly, there was a big fight 302 00:13:39,370 --> 00:13:43,809 at the end between Superman and Wonder Woman. 303 00:13:43,908 --> 00:13:48,114 And it ended on a page-- 304 00:13:48,212 --> 00:13:53,986 [sighs] and it ended on a page where Superman 305 00:13:54,085 --> 00:13:57,623 sort of crumpled in Wonder Woman's arms 306 00:13:57,721 --> 00:14:00,993 as he reflected on the people that he couldn't save. 307 00:14:01,092 --> 00:14:02,995 [solemn music] 308 00:14:03,093 --> 00:14:06,365 And she comforted him and said that 309 00:14:06,464 --> 00:14:08,367 we're gonna make it through. 310 00:14:10,134 --> 00:14:11,870 And I remember having a big fight 311 00:14:11,969 --> 00:14:13,639 with the editor in chief about this. 312 00:14:13,738 --> 00:14:17,409 His belief was that Superman should be heroic and powerful 313 00:14:17,508 --> 00:14:19,745 and that that was what the nation needed. 314 00:14:20,678 --> 00:14:23,910 And I tried to explain that this one moment would not take 315 00:14:24,015 --> 00:14:26,185 anything away from Superman. 316 00:14:27,385 --> 00:14:30,856 And also, it was a Wonder Woman moment. 317 00:14:30,955 --> 00:14:33,292 This is what she does. 318 00:14:35,627 --> 00:14:38,097 To this day... 319 00:14:38,195 --> 00:14:39,731 I'm so glad I fought for it. 320 00:14:39,830 --> 00:14:43,669 And I think DC made the right decision to keep it. 321 00:14:45,736 --> 00:14:49,808 - When the nation fell victim to an act of terrorism, 322 00:14:49,907 --> 00:14:53,579 superheroes gave way to real-life heroes, 323 00:14:53,678 --> 00:14:57,849 ordinary citizens who risked everything to restore 324 00:14:57,949 --> 00:15:01,087 people's faith in humanity. 325 00:15:01,186 --> 00:15:02,588 - Most of the comic book companies 326 00:15:02,687 --> 00:15:05,924 wanted to do something to benefit the victims, 327 00:15:06,023 --> 00:15:07,559 the first responders. 328 00:15:09,260 --> 00:15:11,530 DC decided we wanted to do a book. 329 00:15:14,865 --> 00:15:19,038 The cover's an homage to a classic DC cover, 330 00:15:19,137 --> 00:15:20,439 "The Big All-American Comic Book," 331 00:15:20,538 --> 00:15:22,308 sort of one of the first annuals 332 00:15:22,407 --> 00:15:23,971 ever done in comics. 333 00:15:24,908 --> 00:15:27,046 And we managed to raise a few hundred thousand dollars 334 00:15:27,144 --> 00:15:29,515 for the good cause and do some stories 335 00:15:29,613 --> 00:15:32,451 that I think have some real power and some impact. 336 00:15:36,387 --> 00:15:38,357 - The more complex our world gets 337 00:15:38,455 --> 00:15:42,128 and whether it's an external force or an internal strife 338 00:15:42,227 --> 00:15:43,629 that we're having as a country, 339 00:15:43,727 --> 00:15:46,065 the more we rely on these characters. 340 00:15:47,432 --> 00:15:49,668 They're the perfect stories by which to, I think, 341 00:15:49,767 --> 00:15:52,371 question things and challenge these things but also 342 00:15:52,469 --> 00:15:54,906 remind us that, at the end of the day, 343 00:15:55,006 --> 00:15:57,004 you can overcome these challenges 344 00:15:57,108 --> 00:15:58,677 and be better for it. 345 00:15:59,543 --> 00:16:06,518 ♪ ♪ 346 00:16:07,718 --> 00:16:12,019 - An uneasy post-9/11 world called for a superhero 347 00:16:12,123 --> 00:16:15,561 to conquer fear itself. 348 00:16:15,661 --> 00:16:17,024 - Action. 349 00:16:17,127 --> 00:16:20,532 - A British director with no background in comics 350 00:16:20,631 --> 00:16:22,934 harkened the Dark Knight's return. 351 00:16:23,034 --> 00:16:26,372 [dramatic music] 352 00:16:26,471 --> 00:16:28,374 - Along comes Christopher Nolan 353 00:16:28,473 --> 00:16:32,344 with a movie called "Batman Begins" 354 00:16:32,443 --> 00:16:36,448 back when reboot wasn't really a word that was 355 00:16:36,547 --> 00:16:40,252 so commonly associated with movies and franchises 356 00:16:40,351 --> 00:16:42,454 and everything else. 357 00:16:42,553 --> 00:16:44,390 And the idea that they were gonna tell Batman's 358 00:16:44,489 --> 00:16:49,461 origin story again and tell it in a really granular way 359 00:16:49,560 --> 00:16:53,365 felt kind of revolutionary. 360 00:16:53,464 --> 00:16:56,568 [thrilling music] [bats chirping] 361 00:16:56,668 --> 00:16:58,870 ♪ ♪ 362 00:16:58,970 --> 00:17:00,839 [gunshot] 363 00:17:00,939 --> 00:17:05,577 ♪ ♪ 364 00:17:05,676 --> 00:17:08,680 - My interest was in taking on a superhero story 365 00:17:08,779 --> 00:17:11,117 but treating it in a realistic fashion, 366 00:17:11,216 --> 00:17:13,419 grounding the film in reality, 367 00:17:13,517 --> 00:17:15,554 admittedly a heightened reality, 368 00:17:15,653 --> 00:17:18,357 but never looking at it as a comic book movie 369 00:17:18,456 --> 00:17:20,826 or just a comic book movie. 370 00:17:20,925 --> 00:17:23,195 Roll cameras, please. 371 00:17:23,294 --> 00:17:24,730 Good luck, everyone. 372 00:17:24,829 --> 00:17:26,232 Action. 373 00:17:28,900 --> 00:17:30,669 - [screams] 374 00:17:30,768 --> 00:17:32,238 Ahh! 375 00:17:34,037 --> 00:17:38,410 - The second installment of Nolan's trilogy 376 00:17:38,509 --> 00:17:41,108 expanded on the psychology of the characters 377 00:17:41,211 --> 00:17:44,516 and transformed the Caped Crusader's arch nemesis 378 00:17:44,615 --> 00:17:47,686 into a full-fledged terrorist. 379 00:17:47,786 --> 00:17:49,588 [gunshot] 380 00:17:49,686 --> 00:17:53,559 - Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. 381 00:17:53,657 --> 00:17:56,062 - I think the Joker is the logical response 382 00:17:56,160 --> 00:17:59,265 to a character like Batman. 383 00:17:59,363 --> 00:18:03,435 - Why so serious? 384 00:18:03,534 --> 00:18:06,838 - Partly because Batman raised the sort of extremity 385 00:18:06,938 --> 00:18:08,174 of behavior in Gotham. 386 00:18:08,272 --> 00:18:09,641 You know, he's putting on a mask, 387 00:18:09,740 --> 00:18:11,077 jumping off buildings, and fighting crime. 388 00:18:11,176 --> 00:18:13,412 [tires screeching] 389 00:18:14,780 --> 00:18:17,249 - [laughs] 390 00:18:17,348 --> 00:18:19,218 I don't wanna kill you. 391 00:18:19,316 --> 00:18:21,253 What would I do without you? 392 00:18:21,352 --> 00:18:23,689 You complete me. 393 00:18:23,788 --> 00:18:26,225 ♪ ♪ 394 00:18:26,324 --> 00:18:28,227 - Heath Ledger's performance earned him 395 00:18:28,326 --> 00:18:30,629 a posthumous Academy Award, 396 00:18:30,727 --> 00:18:32,931 the first for a cinematic portrayal 397 00:18:33,031 --> 00:18:35,034 of a comic book character. 398 00:18:35,866 --> 00:18:37,869 - People say to me, which one did you like the most? 399 00:18:37,968 --> 00:18:39,771 I said, Christopher Nolan, in my opinion, 400 00:18:39,870 --> 00:18:42,308 only made one movie in three acts. 401 00:18:42,407 --> 00:18:44,876 It is beautifully structured that way. 402 00:18:46,309 --> 00:18:50,682 What Christopher Nolan did was elevate the genre from people 403 00:18:50,781 --> 00:18:52,718 just saying, "Oh, that was a great comic book movie," 404 00:18:52,816 --> 00:18:56,222 to at last they just say, "That was a great film." 405 00:18:57,888 --> 00:18:59,992 - Christopher Nolan's trilogy dominated 406 00:19:00,090 --> 00:19:05,797 the box office, earning nearly $2.5 billion worldwide. 407 00:19:06,797 --> 00:19:09,168 But the success put pressure 408 00:19:09,261 --> 00:19:10,836 on newly appointed copublishers 409 00:19:10,934 --> 00:19:14,240 Jim Lee and Dan DiDio to save the slumping 410 00:19:14,339 --> 00:19:16,142 comic book business. 411 00:19:16,240 --> 00:19:17,443 - People used to say to me, 412 00:19:17,542 --> 00:19:19,245 "Who do you consider competition?" 413 00:19:19,338 --> 00:19:20,879 And I would say, Marvel's not my competition. 414 00:19:20,978 --> 00:19:24,016 I said, TV and film, that's my competition. 415 00:19:24,114 --> 00:19:27,853 If they become the arbiters and the voices of the characters, 416 00:19:27,951 --> 00:19:29,956 then what we do becomes irrelevant. 417 00:19:31,722 --> 00:19:35,327 - For inventive ideas, DC turned to fan favorite writer 418 00:19:35,426 --> 00:19:39,031 Geoff Johns for his bold take on a classic character 419 00:19:39,129 --> 00:19:43,402 from the '50s, Barry Allen as the Flash. 420 00:19:43,501 --> 00:19:45,137 - I thought, I needed to rethink his origin 421 00:19:45,236 --> 00:19:47,606 'cause literally he'd never had a modern-day origin. 422 00:19:49,039 --> 00:19:51,010 And so I went into, like, time travel and, like, 423 00:19:51,108 --> 00:19:53,980 having someone who is a crime scientist. 424 00:19:54,079 --> 00:19:55,481 Their mother was killed. 425 00:19:55,579 --> 00:19:57,183 Their father went to prison for it. 426 00:19:57,280 --> 00:19:59,651 He was obsessed with trying to find out who did it. 427 00:19:59,750 --> 00:20:01,653 And because of that, his life had 428 00:20:01,752 --> 00:20:03,990 just stood still emotionally. 429 00:20:04,087 --> 00:20:06,558 And then becoming the Flash is all about just you've 430 00:20:06,657 --> 00:20:07,893 gotta keep moving forward. 431 00:20:07,993 --> 00:20:09,595 No matter what tragedy happens, 432 00:20:09,693 --> 00:20:11,430 you gotta keep moving forward. 433 00:20:13,525 --> 00:20:15,301 Right when I settled on that story, 434 00:20:15,398 --> 00:20:18,304 I knew that I wanted to tell a two-year arc for Barry Allen. 435 00:20:18,402 --> 00:20:19,905 And the last story I wanted to tell 436 00:20:20,004 --> 00:20:22,408 was "Flashpoint," with him going back in time 437 00:20:22,501 --> 00:20:24,143 and saving his mom and changing history. 438 00:20:24,242 --> 00:20:27,479 ♪ ♪ 439 00:20:27,578 --> 00:20:29,415 And it was gonna be this crazy version 440 00:20:29,514 --> 00:20:32,484 of the DC Universe that was overly violent. 441 00:20:32,583 --> 00:20:35,454 And it looked different because of this change 442 00:20:35,554 --> 00:20:37,089 that Barry made. 443 00:20:38,256 --> 00:20:40,759 - Taking a page from Johns' "Flashpoint," 444 00:20:40,858 --> 00:20:43,595 Lee and DiDio seized the chance to upend 445 00:20:43,694 --> 00:20:46,132 every single DC storyline. 446 00:20:46,230 --> 00:20:47,866 - They came to me and said, "We're gonna reboot 447 00:20:47,965 --> 00:20:50,469 "the DC Universe, and we wanna use this to do it. 448 00:20:51,902 --> 00:20:55,841 The truth is that "Flashpoint" was never designed to do that. 449 00:20:55,940 --> 00:20:57,743 They kinda, like, hopped onto it 450 00:20:57,842 --> 00:20:59,345 because there was an opportunity that time was open 451 00:20:59,443 --> 00:21:00,746 and we wanna change everything. 452 00:21:00,840 --> 00:21:02,214 ♪ ♪ 453 00:21:02,313 --> 00:21:06,218 - DC relaunched the universe with 52 new titles, 454 00:21:06,317 --> 00:21:09,655 a nod to the number of earths in the multiverse. 455 00:21:09,753 --> 00:21:11,690 The company released new issues 456 00:21:11,790 --> 00:21:13,725 in print and digital formats 457 00:21:13,824 --> 00:21:17,163 simultaneously for the first time ever. 458 00:21:17,261 --> 00:21:20,832 - "New 52" was basically an opportunity to reach 459 00:21:20,931 --> 00:21:23,935 a new fanbase, to find an entry point for everyone 460 00:21:24,034 --> 00:21:26,905 to find our characters, to contemporize them, 461 00:21:27,003 --> 00:21:30,142 to bring them down in age so they weren't our fathers' 462 00:21:30,241 --> 00:21:32,611 and grandfathers' superheroes. 463 00:21:32,710 --> 00:21:34,613 In order to make the level of impact, 464 00:21:34,711 --> 00:21:36,282 we had to do something of a scale 465 00:21:36,380 --> 00:21:37,449 that we hadn't seen before. 466 00:21:37,549 --> 00:21:38,917 ♪ ♪ 467 00:21:39,017 --> 00:21:41,053 - Head upstairs. Thank you, sir. 468 00:21:41,152 --> 00:21:42,989 - Here in Midtown Manhattan, fans are 469 00:21:43,086 --> 00:21:45,352 anticipating the release of the new number one issue 470 00:21:45,456 --> 00:21:46,692 of "The Justice League." 471 00:21:46,790 --> 00:21:49,561 - I came as the "New 52" Supergirl. 472 00:21:49,661 --> 00:21:51,663 - And Black Canary. 473 00:21:51,762 --> 00:21:54,566 - Because of "New 52," people were really excited 474 00:21:54,665 --> 00:21:56,668 about this reboot, this fresh chance 475 00:21:56,767 --> 00:22:00,106 to hop onto this new universe and read 476 00:22:00,203 --> 00:22:02,508 about these characters with fresh perspective, 477 00:22:02,607 --> 00:22:04,343 with none of the baggage that came before. 478 00:22:04,443 --> 00:22:06,045 - It's cool. 479 00:22:06,143 --> 00:22:07,046 - There you go. 480 00:22:07,145 --> 00:22:08,580 Just go around that way. 481 00:22:08,679 --> 00:22:11,783 - Fairly or unfairly, DC does have 482 00:22:11,882 --> 00:22:15,454 a reputation with fans of constantly 483 00:22:15,553 --> 00:22:17,023 trying to reset things. 484 00:22:17,121 --> 00:22:20,126 ♪ ♪ 485 00:22:20,223 --> 00:22:22,228 When the biggest headline grabbers are things 486 00:22:22,327 --> 00:22:24,964 like, "We've just restarted the entire line, 487 00:22:25,062 --> 00:22:27,266 "and not just with new first issues 488 00:22:27,365 --> 00:22:31,137 but with brand-new continuity," it worked. 489 00:22:31,236 --> 00:22:33,072 It got readers into comic shops. 490 00:22:33,170 --> 00:22:35,174 But there was a certain segment of the audience that felt 491 00:22:35,273 --> 00:22:37,404 a little betrayed by that, too. 492 00:22:38,843 --> 00:22:41,847 - I think the people in charge know what they're doing, 493 00:22:41,945 --> 00:22:44,250 and I hope that everything goes great. 494 00:22:44,348 --> 00:22:46,018 But it's a huge risk. 495 00:22:46,850 --> 00:22:48,254 - Normally, when you're a fan, you go like, 496 00:22:48,352 --> 00:22:50,122 oh, if I were in charge, this is what I would do 497 00:22:50,221 --> 00:22:51,958 with the characters, these are the kinds of stories 498 00:22:52,057 --> 00:22:53,292 I would chart. 499 00:22:53,391 --> 00:22:54,793 And you find yourself in that position. 500 00:22:54,893 --> 00:22:56,495 You go, like, oh crap, like, 501 00:22:56,594 --> 00:22:59,426 what can we do with this? 502 00:22:59,525 --> 00:23:01,428 We wanted to be respectful of the past. 503 00:23:01,527 --> 00:23:03,702 But at the same time, we wanted to forge 504 00:23:03,801 --> 00:23:06,405 a new future going forward. 505 00:23:06,504 --> 00:23:09,208 - Part of my goal was to bring a little bit of a swagger 506 00:23:09,307 --> 00:23:10,909 to DC. 507 00:23:12,804 --> 00:23:14,513 We've gotta get people excited about what 508 00:23:14,612 --> 00:23:17,416 we're doing now than what they read when they were kids. 509 00:23:17,515 --> 00:23:19,518 And that was the mission, and "New 52" 510 00:23:19,616 --> 00:23:20,919 was the realization of that mission. 511 00:23:21,018 --> 00:23:23,389 And it set fire to the business. 512 00:23:23,488 --> 00:23:24,957 ♪ ♪ 513 00:23:25,055 --> 00:23:27,626 - As it sought to expand its fan base, 514 00:23:27,725 --> 00:23:30,629 DC showed a willingness to take even more risks 515 00:23:30,729 --> 00:23:32,531 with its characters 516 00:23:32,630 --> 00:23:36,535 by evolving the universe in video games. 517 00:23:36,634 --> 00:23:38,104 - I'd played video games all my life. 518 00:23:38,202 --> 00:23:41,107 But I hadn't really done the nuts and bolts of it. 519 00:23:41,204 --> 00:23:44,643 Writing a video game on the scope of "Arkham Asylum" 520 00:23:44,743 --> 00:23:46,473 was extremely challenging. 521 00:23:46,578 --> 00:23:48,014 ♪ ♪ 522 00:23:48,112 --> 00:23:49,281 - [grunts] 523 00:23:49,380 --> 00:23:51,817 An engaging experience for a passive viewer 524 00:23:51,915 --> 00:23:54,853 is not the same thing at all for a gamer. 525 00:23:56,921 --> 00:24:00,392 - The Batman "Arkham" series merged superhero fantasy 526 00:24:00,491 --> 00:24:02,489 with action adventure. 527 00:24:02,588 --> 00:24:04,196 Players experienced the freedom 528 00:24:04,295 --> 00:24:07,333 to explore a vast, open world. 529 00:24:07,431 --> 00:24:10,236 That immersion pushed role-playing games 530 00:24:10,334 --> 00:24:11,870 to the next level. 531 00:24:11,964 --> 00:24:15,774 [grunting] 532 00:24:16,974 --> 00:24:19,878 Upping the ante, DC teamed up with one of 533 00:24:19,977 --> 00:24:22,848 the most successful and controversial video game 534 00:24:22,947 --> 00:24:27,053 franchises, Mortal Kombat." 535 00:24:27,151 --> 00:24:31,090 - "Mortal Kombat" is this hyperviolent universe. 536 00:24:31,189 --> 00:24:32,519 And DC isn't. 537 00:24:32,624 --> 00:24:34,393 ♪ ♪ 538 00:24:34,492 --> 00:24:38,297 A big part of my childhood was comic books and video games. 539 00:24:38,396 --> 00:24:40,666 I never wanted to cut Batman's head off. 540 00:24:40,765 --> 00:24:42,568 I felt that was just kind of crossing a line. 541 00:24:42,667 --> 00:24:44,036 - [grunts] 542 00:24:44,135 --> 00:24:45,737 - But we really wanted to do something 543 00:24:45,836 --> 00:24:48,607 that was kind of really pushing that envelope 544 00:24:48,707 --> 00:24:50,076 with DC characters. 545 00:24:51,670 --> 00:24:54,046 That coupled with the head not covering it 546 00:24:54,145 --> 00:24:55,614 and you'll totally see his hand. 547 00:24:56,246 --> 00:24:58,951 - Ed Boon persuaded executives to let him create 548 00:24:59,050 --> 00:25:01,220 a violent DC Universe inside 549 00:25:01,319 --> 00:25:04,256 a "Mortal Kombat"-style fighting game 550 00:25:04,355 --> 00:25:06,058 called "Injustice." 551 00:25:06,823 --> 00:25:09,828 - Up until that point, the DC stories 552 00:25:09,928 --> 00:25:11,430 had Superman as a boy scout. 553 00:25:11,529 --> 00:25:13,732 And we really wanted to kind ask the question, 554 00:25:13,832 --> 00:25:15,701 what if Superman went bad? 555 00:25:17,768 --> 00:25:20,139 What if Superman actually killed? 556 00:25:20,238 --> 00:25:24,143 - [grunting] 557 00:25:24,240 --> 00:25:27,013 - The last thing you wanna do is just constantly just create 558 00:25:27,112 --> 00:25:29,015 the same thing over again. 559 00:25:29,113 --> 00:25:31,317 There's a pretense that these characters are porcelain, 560 00:25:31,415 --> 00:25:32,651 meaning you can't touch 'em. 561 00:25:32,750 --> 00:25:34,086 Gotta put 'em on shelf. Don't touch. 562 00:25:34,185 --> 00:25:35,654 They're breakable. You could destroy them. 563 00:25:35,752 --> 00:25:37,356 You could destroy this, destroy that. 564 00:25:37,455 --> 00:25:39,992 And the truth is they're not. They're rock-hard diamonds. 565 00:25:40,090 --> 00:25:41,660 So that means you've gotta take risks. 566 00:25:41,759 --> 00:25:43,662 You've gotta try. 567 00:25:43,761 --> 00:25:45,131 - [grunts] - We felt like we were 568 00:25:45,229 --> 00:25:47,499 carving out our own piece of the pie 569 00:25:47,598 --> 00:25:49,568 of the multiverse. 570 00:25:49,667 --> 00:25:54,306 We really helped solidify video games as a form of telling 571 00:25:54,405 --> 00:25:56,142 these amazing stories. 572 00:25:57,475 --> 00:25:59,778 - To cultivate players of all ages... 573 00:25:59,878 --> 00:26:02,148 - Is that a new spacesuit? 574 00:26:02,246 --> 00:26:04,783 - DC LEGO games took characters 575 00:26:04,883 --> 00:26:07,019 in the opposite direction. 576 00:26:07,117 --> 00:26:09,321 The interactive adventures gave fans a chance 577 00:26:09,420 --> 00:26:12,424 to embody any character, regardless 578 00:26:12,523 --> 00:26:15,394 of race, gender, or fashion. 579 00:26:15,493 --> 00:26:18,197 - Now, children are playing video games 580 00:26:18,296 --> 00:26:22,201 as their first entrance into that imaginative world, 581 00:26:22,300 --> 00:26:24,736 their first exposure to these characters. 582 00:26:24,836 --> 00:26:26,172 [inspirational music] 583 00:26:26,270 --> 00:26:29,241 Reading a story means living the story 584 00:26:29,340 --> 00:26:31,944 with those characters in your imagination. 585 00:26:32,042 --> 00:26:34,380 But playing the story gives players, 586 00:26:34,478 --> 00:26:37,449 and particularly young players, the opportunity 587 00:26:37,548 --> 00:26:39,685 to create their own story. 588 00:26:40,812 --> 00:26:43,555 - DC's video games seeded ideas 589 00:26:43,654 --> 00:26:45,591 that flourished elsewhere. 590 00:26:45,690 --> 00:26:47,759 - [gasp] Batman! Whoa! 591 00:26:47,859 --> 00:26:49,028 - You're darn right, whoa. 592 00:26:49,127 --> 00:26:52,531 [upbeat electronic music] 593 00:26:52,629 --> 00:26:55,134 - With President Diane Nelson at the helm, 594 00:26:55,232 --> 00:26:58,870 DC Comics changed its name to DC Entertainment 595 00:26:58,969 --> 00:27:00,872 and sought to exploit the characters 596 00:27:00,971 --> 00:27:03,775 more aggressively across all media. 597 00:27:03,874 --> 00:27:05,444 - I love these characters and these stories enough. 598 00:27:05,542 --> 00:27:07,346 For me, they should be adapted in everything 599 00:27:07,445 --> 00:27:11,583 they can be adapted in 'cause I wanna see them everywhere. 600 00:27:11,682 --> 00:27:15,454 - With superhero fandom reaching an all-time high, 601 00:27:15,553 --> 00:27:19,525 Marvel and DC battled for supremacy at the cinema. 602 00:27:19,623 --> 00:27:23,329 But neither rival had yet to fully conquer television 603 00:27:23,428 --> 00:27:25,764 when DC approached Greg Berlanti, 604 00:27:25,862 --> 00:27:29,801 a prolific drama producer and lifelong comic book fan. 605 00:27:29,900 --> 00:27:31,803 - You had these characters who were 606 00:27:31,903 --> 00:27:34,206 of the world but different. 607 00:27:34,305 --> 00:27:35,975 ♪ ♪ 608 00:27:36,073 --> 00:27:38,377 And their difference was the thing that ultimately 609 00:27:38,476 --> 00:27:41,680 kept them distant from everyone but also 610 00:27:41,780 --> 00:27:43,782 was part of their heroism. 611 00:27:44,848 --> 00:27:47,386 And I was a closeted gay kid. 612 00:27:47,485 --> 00:27:49,855 And they were, you know, my friends. 613 00:27:51,121 --> 00:27:53,359 I remember connecting with them in that way 614 00:27:53,456 --> 00:27:56,262 and feeling like, oh, these were people that had a secret. 615 00:27:57,361 --> 00:28:00,699 I was very often as interested in their alias 616 00:28:00,798 --> 00:28:03,269 as I was their superhero character. 617 00:28:05,703 --> 00:28:08,840 - Berlanti's first series premiered in 2012 618 00:28:08,939 --> 00:28:12,811 and centered on billionaire Oliver Queen, who fights crime 619 00:28:12,911 --> 00:28:15,247 as the alias Green Arrow-- 620 00:28:15,346 --> 00:28:18,017 part Robin Hood, part Batman. 621 00:28:18,116 --> 00:28:20,252 - Action! [gunfire] 622 00:28:20,351 --> 00:28:22,288 - There was a sense of a man getting 623 00:28:22,386 --> 00:28:23,990 vengeance for an entire community 624 00:28:24,088 --> 00:28:25,357 that felt left behind. 625 00:28:25,456 --> 00:28:26,625 [dramatic music] 626 00:28:26,725 --> 00:28:28,327 [gunfire] 627 00:28:29,527 --> 00:28:31,463 We pitched that at the end of act one of the pilot, 628 00:28:31,562 --> 00:28:33,799 we would see the Green Arrow kill a character. 629 00:28:33,898 --> 00:28:35,634 - Nobody can know my secret. 630 00:28:35,733 --> 00:28:37,236 - [grunts] 631 00:28:38,503 --> 00:28:41,007 - And I think it was so shocking for the audience 632 00:28:41,106 --> 00:28:43,375 at that time that it immediately 633 00:28:43,474 --> 00:28:45,577 made people realize, narratively, they didn't 634 00:28:45,676 --> 00:28:46,678 know what we were gonna do. 635 00:28:46,778 --> 00:28:48,414 Hopefully he becomes a hero. 636 00:28:48,512 --> 00:28:50,116 - I used to think the vigilante was a criminal, too. 637 00:28:50,214 --> 00:28:52,218 But it seems to me whoever he is, 638 00:28:52,316 --> 00:28:54,820 he's willing to sacrifice an awful lot to help 639 00:28:54,919 --> 00:28:56,422 the people of this city. 640 00:28:56,521 --> 00:28:58,890 It kinda makes him a hero, doesn't it? 641 00:29:00,458 --> 00:29:02,728 - By using a character that isn't one of the big three, 642 00:29:02,827 --> 00:29:05,497 you can have a lot more fun and be a lot more experimental 643 00:29:05,596 --> 00:29:08,000 without being bogged down by the expectations 644 00:29:08,098 --> 00:29:10,569 that come with being a much bigger character. 645 00:29:12,069 --> 00:29:14,140 - "Arrow" attracted a sizable following. 646 00:29:14,238 --> 00:29:16,442 And after just two seasons, 647 00:29:16,540 --> 00:29:20,246 Berlanti was tasked with taking on another superhero, 648 00:29:20,344 --> 00:29:24,483 expanding the DC TV Universe in a flash. 649 00:29:24,583 --> 00:29:26,752 ♪ ♪ 650 00:29:26,850 --> 00:29:29,121 - They had tried a Flash show 20 years before. 651 00:29:29,219 --> 00:29:32,458 They couldn't render the spirit of the character's powers 652 00:29:32,556 --> 00:29:34,626 for--you know, with the technology they had 653 00:29:34,725 --> 00:29:36,528 on a network television basis. 654 00:29:36,628 --> 00:29:38,097 - 3, 2, 1. Action. 655 00:29:38,196 --> 00:29:39,826 - We wanted to sort of go into his speed 656 00:29:39,930 --> 00:29:42,601 and make the audience feel what that would feel like. 657 00:29:42,701 --> 00:29:45,271 [whooshing] 658 00:29:45,370 --> 00:29:47,673 And that was the most connectivity I had 659 00:29:47,772 --> 00:29:49,441 to that rush I had as a kid. 660 00:29:52,776 --> 00:29:55,681 - As more series spun off, like "Supergirl," 661 00:29:55,780 --> 00:29:59,085 each one delivered a signature mix of heart, 662 00:29:59,183 --> 00:30:01,220 humor, and spectacle. 663 00:30:02,453 --> 00:30:05,324 - By far, my most favorite bit about "Supergirl" 664 00:30:05,422 --> 00:30:08,094 really comes from her motto that's 665 00:30:08,193 --> 00:30:10,529 been there throughout the comics up till now, 666 00:30:10,627 --> 00:30:12,731 is hope, help, and compassion for all. 667 00:30:12,830 --> 00:30:14,433 I just love her kindness. 668 00:30:14,532 --> 00:30:16,969 And I love how much she cares about really helping people 669 00:30:17,068 --> 00:30:18,537 and making a difference. 670 00:30:18,635 --> 00:30:21,140 - Earth doesn't have just one hero anymore. 671 00:30:21,239 --> 00:30:24,010 Now it has me. 672 00:30:24,102 --> 00:30:26,512 - The interconnected television world became 673 00:30:26,611 --> 00:30:28,780 known as the Arrowverse. 674 00:30:28,879 --> 00:30:30,682 - That's what they would do with the comic books. 675 00:30:30,781 --> 00:30:32,218 We were building the world the way 676 00:30:32,317 --> 00:30:35,221 that they probably built the world initially 677 00:30:35,319 --> 00:30:38,524 and expanding the universes that way. 678 00:30:38,622 --> 00:30:40,826 I always felt like comic books in general 679 00:30:40,924 --> 00:30:43,562 lent themselves much more to television than to film 680 00:30:43,661 --> 00:30:46,332 because they were episodic in nature. 681 00:30:46,431 --> 00:30:48,534 It just felt like the art form really fit. 682 00:30:48,633 --> 00:30:50,402 [dramatic music] 683 00:30:50,501 --> 00:30:52,171 - We were just really impressed 684 00:30:52,269 --> 00:30:54,506 by the ambitions that they had 685 00:30:54,605 --> 00:30:56,875 and how they brought the DC Universe to life. 686 00:30:56,975 --> 00:30:58,644 [explosion booms] 687 00:30:58,742 --> 00:31:01,113 They started building off the foundation of the comics 688 00:31:01,212 --> 00:31:03,215 and doing their own storytelling. 689 00:31:06,350 --> 00:31:08,420 We kind of lamented the fact that, in a way, 690 00:31:08,519 --> 00:31:10,722 they kinda replaced some of the audience that 691 00:31:10,821 --> 00:31:12,791 was following comic books because they could get, 692 00:31:12,889 --> 00:31:15,694 essentially, their fix through watching these TV shows. 693 00:31:17,795 --> 00:31:21,333 - As DC characters flooded the entertainment landscape, 694 00:31:21,432 --> 00:31:24,236 the company decided to relocate. 695 00:31:24,335 --> 00:31:27,106 After eight decades, DC publishing 696 00:31:27,205 --> 00:31:29,341 closed its New York offices. 697 00:31:29,440 --> 00:31:32,644 For some, it marked the end of an era. 698 00:31:32,743 --> 00:31:36,082 - The comics come and go. The people change. 699 00:31:36,181 --> 00:31:37,583 But the heart that's been felt here 700 00:31:37,681 --> 00:31:38,917 from everybody that's been here from day one 701 00:31:39,016 --> 00:31:40,386 has been spectacular. 702 00:31:40,484 --> 00:31:42,054 And I want to thank you all for being here 703 00:31:42,153 --> 00:31:43,355 and being part of this final day. 704 00:31:43,454 --> 00:31:44,556 So-- - Hear, hear. 705 00:31:44,656 --> 00:31:47,393 all: Cheers! 706 00:31:47,491 --> 00:31:49,028 - It was heart wrenching, you know? 707 00:31:49,127 --> 00:31:50,896 And it was physically challenging. 708 00:31:50,995 --> 00:31:53,932 But the staff was exceptional. 709 00:31:54,032 --> 00:31:55,301 We're trying to still put out books 710 00:31:55,399 --> 00:31:57,003 'cause we're a monthly business. 711 00:31:57,102 --> 00:31:58,370 That's something you gotta remind yourself 712 00:31:58,469 --> 00:32:00,372 on a regular basis when you work in comics, 713 00:32:00,471 --> 00:32:02,308 you know, it's a business. 714 00:32:02,407 --> 00:32:04,610 At the end of the day, it's a business. 715 00:32:04,708 --> 00:32:08,280 The president of DC Entertainment, Diane Nelson, 716 00:32:08,379 --> 00:32:10,582 called the decision and resulting layoffs 717 00:32:10,681 --> 00:32:13,552 the most difficult of her career. 718 00:32:15,982 --> 00:32:19,025 DC's move West made it clear. 719 00:32:19,124 --> 00:32:21,093 America's first comics company 720 00:32:21,192 --> 00:32:23,629 now had its heart set on Hollywood. 721 00:32:24,595 --> 00:32:26,598 Epic action director Zack Snyder 722 00:32:26,697 --> 00:32:29,068 presented an ambitious crossover vision 723 00:32:29,167 --> 00:32:30,602 for an extended universe 724 00:32:30,701 --> 00:32:34,974 in "Batman v Superman, Dawn of Justice." 725 00:32:35,073 --> 00:32:37,004 - Bruce Wayne meets Clark Kent. 726 00:32:37,108 --> 00:32:38,777 Ha! I love it. 727 00:32:39,577 --> 00:32:42,181 - Snyder also reintroduced a character 728 00:32:42,280 --> 00:32:45,184 who'd been sidelined since the '70s. 729 00:32:46,317 --> 00:32:48,154 - She with you? 730 00:32:48,253 --> 00:32:49,821 - I thought she was with you. 731 00:32:49,920 --> 00:32:52,658 - The film's 2016 release coincided 732 00:32:52,757 --> 00:32:55,827 with Wonder Woman's 75th anniversary. 733 00:32:55,926 --> 00:32:58,597 That fall, the United Nations named her 734 00:32:58,696 --> 00:33:01,100 honorary ambassador for the empowerment 735 00:33:01,199 --> 00:33:03,502 of women and girls. 736 00:33:03,600 --> 00:33:08,707 - We are working with new and unconventional partners 737 00:33:08,806 --> 00:33:13,179 and forming creative alliances so that 738 00:33:13,278 --> 00:33:17,916 we can reach the widest possible global audience. 739 00:33:18,015 --> 00:33:19,451 [applause] 740 00:33:19,550 --> 00:33:21,920 - But the distinction sparked backlash. 741 00:33:22,020 --> 00:33:23,422 [somber music] 742 00:33:23,521 --> 00:33:26,492 - We don't think that a fictitious comic book 743 00:33:26,590 --> 00:33:28,961 character wearing basically what looks like 744 00:33:29,059 --> 00:33:31,930 a Playboy Bunny outfit is really the right message 745 00:33:32,029 --> 00:33:35,401 we need to send to girls, or even boys for that matter, 746 00:33:35,499 --> 00:33:37,136 about what strong women are in the world. 747 00:33:37,235 --> 00:33:40,272 We think that is a toxic message to be sending. 748 00:33:41,272 --> 00:33:43,642 - The controversy didn't deter director 749 00:33:43,741 --> 00:33:46,145 Patty Jenkins, who blazed a trail 750 00:33:46,243 --> 00:33:48,847 to Wonder Woman's solo film debut. 751 00:33:48,946 --> 00:33:51,450 - In the process of making a Wonder Woman film, 752 00:33:51,543 --> 00:33:55,454 you're facing resistance at every step from the world. 753 00:33:55,552 --> 00:33:57,656 - Stay here. I'll go ahead. 754 00:33:57,754 --> 00:34:01,727 - I struggle all the time with my faith in mankind, 755 00:34:01,826 --> 00:34:03,529 as I'm sure we all do, 756 00:34:03,628 --> 00:34:05,231 going through the social crisis 757 00:34:05,330 --> 00:34:07,133 in every way on our planet 758 00:34:07,232 --> 00:34:09,168 and watching the vitriol and hatred 759 00:34:09,267 --> 00:34:10,736 online and amongst people. 760 00:34:10,834 --> 00:34:13,239 And yet, what would Wonder Woman do? 761 00:34:13,337 --> 00:34:15,674 - Be careful in the world of men, Diana. 762 00:34:17,408 --> 00:34:19,445 They do not deserve you. 763 00:34:21,679 --> 00:34:23,882 - I came into a situation where everyone 764 00:34:23,981 --> 00:34:28,187 was very afraid to make her incredibly attractive at all. 765 00:34:28,285 --> 00:34:29,755 - What are you doing? 766 00:34:29,853 --> 00:34:31,257 - You can't do that because you're not wearing any-- 767 00:34:31,355 --> 00:34:33,025 you're not wearing any clothes. 768 00:34:33,123 --> 00:34:35,122 - And I kept saying, well, you wouldn't do that to Superman. 769 00:34:35,225 --> 00:34:37,696 Like, you wouldn't do that to any of these other characters. 770 00:34:37,795 --> 00:34:39,698 Why are you doing that to my character? 771 00:34:39,797 --> 00:34:43,635 - Is this what passes for armor in your country? 772 00:34:43,734 --> 00:34:45,337 - It's not about sleeping with her. 773 00:34:45,436 --> 00:34:46,805 It's not about that. 774 00:34:46,904 --> 00:34:50,809 It's about making her my dream... 775 00:34:50,908 --> 00:34:54,013 of if I could have it all in this kind of way, 776 00:34:54,111 --> 00:34:57,583 I would look great too, just like the men would. 777 00:34:57,681 --> 00:34:59,885 I'd be bigger and stronger and cooler and taller 778 00:34:59,983 --> 00:35:01,787 and all the--you know, like, all these things 779 00:35:01,886 --> 00:35:03,255 that we all have. 780 00:35:03,354 --> 00:35:04,823 Get at them, and then get down, looking around, 781 00:35:04,921 --> 00:35:06,492 looking at what you're doing, getting in position. 782 00:35:06,591 --> 00:35:08,194 Keep the electricity of, am I lined up? 783 00:35:08,293 --> 00:35:09,996 Is it gonna hit? Is that a good target? 784 00:35:10,094 --> 00:35:12,831 Yes, it is. Eyes on the prize of what you're doing. 785 00:35:12,930 --> 00:35:15,834 [dramatic music] 786 00:35:15,934 --> 00:35:17,869 ♪ ♪ 787 00:35:17,968 --> 00:35:19,738 - Patty and I actually had many, 788 00:35:19,836 --> 00:35:22,408 many creative conversation about this character. 789 00:35:22,506 --> 00:35:26,378 Her vision for Diana was in line with mine. 790 00:35:26,477 --> 00:35:28,114 Wonder Woman, she's everything. 791 00:35:28,212 --> 00:35:33,119 She can be vulnerable and sensitive and being strong 792 00:35:33,217 --> 00:35:35,121 and being badass and fight. 793 00:35:35,219 --> 00:35:38,724 ♪ ♪ 794 00:35:40,424 --> 00:35:43,495 [crowd shouting] 795 00:35:43,594 --> 00:35:47,133 - Wonder Woman shattered the cinematic ceiling, 796 00:35:47,231 --> 00:35:50,302 making history as the first superhero blockbuster 797 00:35:50,401 --> 00:35:54,573 directed by and starring women. 798 00:35:54,672 --> 00:35:56,542 - All the critics kind of point to that one scene 799 00:35:56,635 --> 00:35:59,946 in the no man's land where she rises up out of the trenches. 800 00:36:00,043 --> 00:36:03,682 It was literally the physical act of empowerment of agency, 801 00:36:03,782 --> 00:36:05,617 of standing up for yourself. 802 00:36:05,716 --> 00:36:08,654 I think that that came at the right cultural moment 803 00:36:08,752 --> 00:36:11,757 and just really resonated with audiences worldwide. 804 00:36:13,023 --> 00:36:16,262 - Wonder Woman came out right before a global uprising 805 00:36:16,361 --> 00:36:18,130 against sexual violence, 806 00:36:18,229 --> 00:36:19,865 the #MeToo Movement. 807 00:36:19,963 --> 00:36:23,302 all: Hey, hey, ho, ho, sexual violence has got to go. 808 00:36:23,401 --> 00:36:25,437 - Me too. all: Me too. 809 00:36:25,536 --> 00:36:27,839 - Me too. all: Me too. 810 00:36:27,939 --> 00:36:30,276 - She's forever relevant. 811 00:36:30,374 --> 00:36:33,045 ♪ ♪ 812 00:36:33,143 --> 00:36:39,485 She will be relevant in the 2040s, in the 2090s. 813 00:36:39,583 --> 00:36:42,154 She'll be relevant because she's us. 814 00:36:42,253 --> 00:36:46,092 [glass shattering] 815 00:36:46,189 --> 00:36:50,829 - An all-star team up soon followed in November 2017. 816 00:36:50,927 --> 00:36:54,600 From the Flash to Aquaman, even more superheroes 817 00:36:54,698 --> 00:36:58,237 joined the same universe in "Justice League." 818 00:36:58,336 --> 00:37:00,439 - I'm putting together a team of people 819 00:37:00,538 --> 00:37:02,841 with special abilities. 820 00:37:04,241 --> 00:37:07,779 - But after an underwhelming box office run and the promise 821 00:37:07,878 --> 00:37:11,250 of streaming, filmmaker Zack Snyder got the chance 822 00:37:11,349 --> 00:37:13,552 to realize his original vision 823 00:37:13,650 --> 00:37:16,788 with a four-hour director's recut. 824 00:37:16,887 --> 00:37:19,825 - Part of the reason why DC is such a global phenomenon 825 00:37:19,924 --> 00:37:21,093 today is, obviously, the media-- 826 00:37:21,192 --> 00:37:22,594 the movies and the TV shows. 827 00:37:22,693 --> 00:37:25,231 But I think the storytelling obviously 828 00:37:25,329 --> 00:37:28,734 needs to change to stay relevant and contemporary. 829 00:37:29,666 --> 00:37:31,437 Our storytelling is sort of the tip 830 00:37:31,535 --> 00:37:35,441 of the spear in making social change at the end of the day. 831 00:37:36,635 --> 00:37:38,810 - When I originally pitched "The Other History 832 00:37:38,909 --> 00:37:42,681 of the DC Universe," I had no idea how they would feel 833 00:37:42,780 --> 00:37:46,052 about a reassessment, a deconstruction of 834 00:37:46,149 --> 00:37:49,188 the DC Universe, looking at it with regard to race 835 00:37:49,286 --> 00:37:53,692 and representation and really taking moments that, 836 00:37:53,790 --> 00:37:56,095 to be kind, haven't aged well. 837 00:37:56,194 --> 00:37:59,231 - In his five-part series released in 2020, 838 00:37:59,329 --> 00:38:02,734 Oscar-winning writer John Ridley corrected problematic 839 00:38:02,833 --> 00:38:06,138 storylines from DC's past and gave voice 840 00:38:06,237 --> 00:38:08,074 to marginalized characters. 841 00:38:08,172 --> 00:38:10,943 - If we're not doing everything we can to make sure 842 00:38:11,041 --> 00:38:15,381 that the storytelling space is more reflective when we leave 843 00:38:15,474 --> 00:38:17,849 than when we arrive, we're really not building 844 00:38:17,948 --> 00:38:21,420 on the real legacy of companies like DC. 845 00:38:23,754 --> 00:38:26,658 - If you look at the folks that are telling stories 846 00:38:26,752 --> 00:38:30,496 within the universe today, I would argue that it's probably 847 00:38:30,595 --> 00:38:32,631 the most diverse set of creators 848 00:38:32,730 --> 00:38:35,167 that the universe has ever seen. 849 00:38:36,334 --> 00:38:38,804 - When acclaimed graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang 850 00:38:38,902 --> 00:38:42,074 joined DC, he traveled back in time 851 00:38:42,172 --> 00:38:46,512 to tell a contemporary story about race in America. 852 00:38:46,611 --> 00:38:48,375 - Faster than a speeding bullet. 853 00:38:48,479 --> 00:38:50,716 - In 1946, the Superman radio show aired 854 00:38:50,815 --> 00:38:52,584 "The Klan of the Fiery Cross," 855 00:38:52,683 --> 00:38:54,586 a story where the Man of Steel defends 856 00:38:54,685 --> 00:38:56,455 a Chinese-American family against 857 00:38:56,554 --> 00:38:58,890 a group of hooded racists. 858 00:38:58,990 --> 00:39:01,893 [dark music] 859 00:39:01,993 --> 00:39:06,698 ♪ ♪ 860 00:39:06,797 --> 00:39:09,501 - In "Superman Smashes the Klan," 861 00:39:09,600 --> 00:39:11,803 Yang reinterpreted the radio classic 862 00:39:11,902 --> 00:39:14,540 through the modern lens of an Asian family 863 00:39:14,638 --> 00:39:17,309 who had moved to Metropolis. 864 00:39:17,408 --> 00:39:20,812 - The themes that they were talking about in 1946 865 00:39:20,911 --> 00:39:25,717 on the Superman radio show still resonated so deeply. 866 00:39:25,816 --> 00:39:27,586 We wanted to use the story as a way 867 00:39:27,684 --> 00:39:30,856 of examining things that were happening in our world today. 868 00:39:30,956 --> 00:39:33,625 all: You will not replace us. 869 00:39:33,725 --> 00:39:37,196 [somber music] 870 00:39:37,294 --> 00:39:40,199 [uplifting music] 871 00:39:40,298 --> 00:39:41,633 ♪ ♪ 872 00:39:41,732 --> 00:39:42,768 - I do think, though, that that's one 873 00:39:42,867 --> 00:39:44,936 of the powers of DC Comics. 874 00:39:45,035 --> 00:39:47,839 You can talk about the present by reflecting 875 00:39:47,938 --> 00:39:50,476 on the past, all within this one universe 876 00:39:50,575 --> 00:39:52,611 that's decades old. 877 00:39:55,779 --> 00:39:59,085 - Looking at my kids who are half Korean growing up, 878 00:39:59,183 --> 00:40:05,091 I would hate for them to feel embarrassed or-- 879 00:40:05,190 --> 00:40:10,229 or wanting to distance themselves 880 00:40:10,327 --> 00:40:11,963 from who they literally are. 881 00:40:13,363 --> 00:40:16,302 And I think that's why it's paramount that the content 882 00:40:16,401 --> 00:40:19,838 we create, the storytelling we do really elevates 883 00:40:19,936 --> 00:40:23,842 and showcases the importance of being different, 884 00:40:23,941 --> 00:40:25,811 why that is something to be celebrated 885 00:40:25,911 --> 00:40:28,147 and how that is a superpower. 886 00:40:28,246 --> 00:40:29,681 ♪ ♪ 887 00:40:29,780 --> 00:40:31,750 - That hunger for diverse points of view 888 00:40:31,849 --> 00:40:33,885 led to the relaunch of Milestone Media 889 00:40:33,984 --> 00:40:36,788 in 2021, nearly three decades after its 890 00:40:36,888 --> 00:40:39,091 groundbreaking debut. 891 00:40:39,190 --> 00:40:41,560 - You have to constantly reinvent what you're doing. 892 00:40:41,659 --> 00:40:44,863 You have to constantly pump new life into these characters. 893 00:40:44,961 --> 00:40:46,398 But you know what? Let's try this. 894 00:40:46,497 --> 00:40:48,400 Let's try that. Let's try this. 895 00:40:48,499 --> 00:40:50,236 Let's keep it fresh. 896 00:40:50,334 --> 00:40:52,104 ♪ ♪ 897 00:40:52,203 --> 00:40:54,606 - Alongside two of the original founders, 898 00:40:54,705 --> 00:40:56,908 Hollywood heavyweight Reginald Hudlin 899 00:40:57,007 --> 00:41:00,212 signed on to help resurrect the company. 900 00:41:00,310 --> 00:41:03,149 - We knew we didn't want it to be a nostalgia company. 901 00:41:03,246 --> 00:41:05,917 If we're gonna remain true to the spirit of Milestone, 902 00:41:06,017 --> 00:41:07,786 we can't be stuck in the past. 903 00:41:07,885 --> 00:41:10,922 We had to take those characters and move them 904 00:41:11,022 --> 00:41:12,724 into the 21st century and go, 905 00:41:12,824 --> 00:41:14,893 well, what's cutting edge now? 906 00:41:15,993 --> 00:41:18,097 We're gonna do classic characters. 907 00:41:18,196 --> 00:41:20,299 We're gonna create original characters. 908 00:41:20,398 --> 00:41:24,770 And we're gonna be true to the name Milestone Media. 909 00:41:26,169 --> 00:41:29,408 - Milestone is undeniably the most important 910 00:41:29,506 --> 00:41:31,277 Black superhero universe. 911 00:41:31,374 --> 00:41:35,181 I think had there been more of a push to get those characters 912 00:41:35,279 --> 00:41:37,083 into the collective consciousness 913 00:41:37,180 --> 00:41:40,219 of the mainstream, maybe it never would have went away. 914 00:41:40,318 --> 00:41:41,988 - We were way ahead of our time. 915 00:41:42,085 --> 00:41:43,789 When we first started doing that material, 916 00:41:43,888 --> 00:41:45,291 the things we were talking about is stuff that people 917 00:41:45,384 --> 00:41:47,726 are starting to talk about now. 918 00:41:47,825 --> 00:41:49,361 It's a good time for us to come back, 919 00:41:49,460 --> 00:41:51,730 to keep raising these questions and keep 920 00:41:51,829 --> 00:41:54,433 exploring these topics, especially in light 921 00:41:54,532 --> 00:41:56,102 of what's going on today. 922 00:41:59,437 --> 00:42:04,010 - There's been a movement in our fandom in recent years 923 00:42:04,107 --> 00:42:07,679 to strip the politics from the comics that we produce. 924 00:42:07,778 --> 00:42:10,549 The funny thing is that so many of these DC Comics characters 925 00:42:10,647 --> 00:42:14,820 were inherently political from their inception. 926 00:42:14,919 --> 00:42:19,458 - It is no secret DC Comics has ruined superheroes, 927 00:42:19,557 --> 00:42:21,193 quite possibly for good, folks. 928 00:42:21,291 --> 00:42:25,592 It removed Superman's patriotic slogan, "the American way." 929 00:42:25,696 --> 00:42:30,136 - Instead, it will be replaced with, "and a better tomorrow." 930 00:42:30,234 --> 00:42:31,503 Wow. 931 00:42:31,602 --> 00:42:33,772 Why do you have to mess with something that's already 932 00:42:33,872 --> 00:42:35,474 been there for so long? 933 00:42:35,572 --> 00:42:39,311 If you want to create a woke superhero, create a new one. 934 00:42:42,880 --> 00:42:44,150 - I woke up this morning to find out 935 00:42:44,248 --> 00:42:48,154 the new Superman, bisexual. [laughter] 936 00:42:48,252 --> 00:42:50,222 Finally! 937 00:42:50,320 --> 00:42:55,027 - Whatever you don't like about comics today, take a breath. 938 00:42:55,125 --> 00:42:57,997 It will change tomorrow because it always does. 939 00:42:58,096 --> 00:43:00,399 You have to change with society. 940 00:43:00,498 --> 00:43:01,833 People are freaking out 941 00:43:01,932 --> 00:43:03,569 because Superman's son is bisexual? 942 00:43:03,668 --> 00:43:05,237 Are you alive today? 943 00:43:05,336 --> 00:43:07,539 It's reflecting who we are today. 944 00:43:08,672 --> 00:43:11,743 You can't write stories like it's 1966 forever 945 00:43:11,842 --> 00:43:14,313 or like it's 1986 'cause it's not anymore. 946 00:43:14,412 --> 00:43:16,983 And the world is really, really different. 947 00:43:20,812 --> 00:43:22,721 - Comic book fandom is complicated. 948 00:43:22,820 --> 00:43:24,156 There is no fandom more passionate. 949 00:43:24,255 --> 00:43:26,358 And there is no fandom harder to please. 950 00:43:27,825 --> 00:43:30,429 When I think about "Watchmen," I think about how skeptical 951 00:43:30,528 --> 00:43:32,864 I was, because with "Watchmen," 952 00:43:32,963 --> 00:43:34,500 you're dealing with a fandom that thinks 953 00:43:34,599 --> 00:43:36,335 it shouldn't be touched. 954 00:43:36,434 --> 00:43:38,804 - Skepticism among fans ran deep 955 00:43:38,902 --> 00:43:43,175 when DC announced plans for a Watchmen television series. 956 00:43:43,273 --> 00:43:47,179 Creator Damon Lindelof, known for the sci-fi series "Lost," 957 00:43:47,277 --> 00:43:50,416 sought to update the beloved comic for a modern audience. 958 00:43:50,514 --> 00:43:54,086 - When I was 13 years old and I first read "Watchmen," 959 00:43:54,185 --> 00:43:56,421 it was a religious experience. 960 00:43:57,821 --> 00:44:02,528 It taught me everything that I know about storytelling. 961 00:44:02,627 --> 00:44:05,197 ♪ ♪ 962 00:44:05,296 --> 00:44:06,999 - The original "Watchmen" took place 963 00:44:07,098 --> 00:44:09,135 in the '80s, the Reagan years. 964 00:44:09,232 --> 00:44:15,041 Nuclear anxiety was the defining fear of that time. 965 00:44:15,139 --> 00:44:17,076 So Damon said, OK, well, if I do it, 966 00:44:17,174 --> 00:44:19,378 what am I gonna talk about? 967 00:44:19,477 --> 00:44:21,513 - Rather than retell the "Watchmen" comics 968 00:44:21,612 --> 00:44:25,184 beat for beat, as the 2009 film did, 969 00:44:25,283 --> 00:44:27,954 Lindelof and his team created an all-new 970 00:44:28,046 --> 00:44:32,191 nine-episode story arc, as well as new characters. 971 00:44:33,991 --> 00:44:37,029 - Hello, detective. - Angela, right? 972 00:44:37,128 --> 00:44:40,232 Oh, am I not supposed to know who you are? 973 00:44:40,330 --> 00:44:43,235 - I started feeling like I might have an interesting way 974 00:44:43,334 --> 00:44:46,605 to do this that would honor the original without 975 00:44:46,704 --> 00:44:49,141 ripping off the original. 976 00:44:49,240 --> 00:44:51,210 - One of the questions that Watchmen asks, 977 00:44:51,308 --> 00:44:53,779 both the original and our version, 978 00:44:53,878 --> 00:44:55,914 is why do you put on a mask? 979 00:44:56,014 --> 00:44:57,316 Why would you do that? 980 00:44:57,415 --> 00:44:58,985 Where is the line between a superhero 981 00:44:59,083 --> 00:45:01,087 and a vigilante and a cop? 982 00:45:02,386 --> 00:45:04,356 - Masks save lives. 983 00:45:07,859 --> 00:45:10,963 - Masks make men cruel. 984 00:45:12,562 --> 00:45:17,369 - I don't think HBO or DC or Warner's or anybody thought, 985 00:45:17,468 --> 00:45:20,106 we're gonna take the Holy Grail of comic books 986 00:45:20,203 --> 00:45:22,541 that isn't necessarily known for its Blackness, 987 00:45:22,640 --> 00:45:24,977 and we're gonna turn this into the most 988 00:45:25,075 --> 00:45:27,947 profound discussion of race in the superhero medium. 989 00:45:28,046 --> 00:45:29,481 - Sir, I'm with the FBI. 990 00:45:29,580 --> 00:45:31,250 Are your civil rights being violated? 991 00:45:31,349 --> 00:45:32,751 - They didn't read me my rights-- 992 00:45:32,849 --> 00:45:33,752 - OK, sorry. I was just kidding. 993 00:45:33,852 --> 00:45:37,089 I don't care. 994 00:45:37,188 --> 00:45:38,857 - We want the America of "Watchmen" 995 00:45:38,957 --> 00:45:40,726 to feel familiar to people. 996 00:45:40,826 --> 00:45:42,594 - Roll them out! 997 00:45:42,694 --> 00:45:44,063 [crowd clamoring] 998 00:45:44,161 --> 00:45:47,133 - So if it was an issue in our 2019, 999 00:45:47,231 --> 00:45:49,735 those things have to be issues in their 2019, 1000 00:45:49,833 --> 00:45:52,238 because if it weren't, it wouldn't be relatable. 1001 00:45:53,437 --> 00:45:56,775 - The story revolves around Angela Abar, a detective who 1002 00:45:56,874 --> 00:45:59,578 battles police corruption and White terrorists 1003 00:45:59,677 --> 00:46:02,414 as the masked hero Sister Night. 1004 00:46:02,513 --> 00:46:04,550 - I got a nose for White supremacy, 1005 00:46:04,648 --> 00:46:07,286 and he smells like bleach. 1006 00:46:07,385 --> 00:46:10,922 - She's a superhero without superpowers 1007 00:46:11,022 --> 00:46:13,692 but super skills and a brain. 1008 00:46:14,325 --> 00:46:18,364 You don't have superpowers and you save the day, 1009 00:46:18,462 --> 00:46:20,766 aren't you just, like, even more super? 1010 00:46:20,865 --> 00:46:22,168 [laughs] 1011 00:46:22,266 --> 00:46:25,271 [upbeat music] [fireworks booming] 1012 00:46:25,370 --> 00:46:28,440 - The year after Sister Night, a starkly different kind 1013 00:46:28,539 --> 00:46:30,909 of heroine stormed back on screen, 1014 00:46:31,008 --> 00:46:34,746 devoid of both superpowers and sanity. 1015 00:46:34,846 --> 00:46:36,015 - Hi, boys. 1016 00:46:36,114 --> 00:46:38,884 [booms] - [groans] 1017 00:46:38,983 --> 00:46:40,847 - Harley is a catalyst of chaos. 1018 00:46:40,952 --> 00:46:42,621 I always think of her that way. 1019 00:46:42,719 --> 00:46:45,791 And I actually think it's better when she doesn't have 1020 00:46:45,890 --> 00:46:50,029 to be your moral center or even your emotional center 1021 00:46:50,128 --> 00:46:51,998 all the time because it just gives 1022 00:46:52,096 --> 00:46:53,860 her more leeway to behave, I think, 1023 00:46:53,965 --> 00:46:56,035 more authentically like her. 1024 00:46:56,134 --> 00:46:57,503 - [screams] 1025 00:46:57,602 --> 00:46:58,804 - What? 1026 00:46:58,903 --> 00:47:00,306 - Guided by director Cathy Yan, 1027 00:47:00,405 --> 00:47:02,541 Robbie's performance in "Birds of Prey" 1028 00:47:02,640 --> 00:47:05,978 cemented Harley Quinn as one of DC's hottest 1029 00:47:06,077 --> 00:47:09,081 and most unhinged characters. 1030 00:47:09,180 --> 00:47:12,018 - I love Harley because she is pure madness. 1031 00:47:12,116 --> 00:47:13,752 And isn't there really a part of us 1032 00:47:13,851 --> 00:47:17,789 that wants to just do whatever we want to do in the moment 1033 00:47:17,889 --> 00:47:19,758 no matter what that is? 1034 00:47:19,856 --> 00:47:23,195 - Harley's meteoric rise underscored the appeal 1035 00:47:23,294 --> 00:47:26,032 of anti-heroes and helped pave the way 1036 00:47:26,131 --> 00:47:28,800 for James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad." 1037 00:47:28,899 --> 00:47:32,138 - So the first little sequence I have completely worked out. 1038 00:47:32,236 --> 00:47:35,107 We open up in the cellar, pulling back from her 1039 00:47:35,206 --> 00:47:37,309 as she comes out with the machine gun-- 1040 00:47:37,408 --> 00:47:39,311 [gunfire] [people screaming] 1041 00:47:39,410 --> 00:47:41,447 And then her walking forward and firing 1042 00:47:41,545 --> 00:47:44,650 as all the flowers and unicorns and shit come out of her. 1043 00:47:44,749 --> 00:47:46,485 [rapid gunfire] 1044 00:47:46,585 --> 00:47:49,655 ♪ ♪ 1045 00:47:49,753 --> 00:47:53,993 Superheroes are often presented as gods and goddesses 1046 00:47:54,092 --> 00:47:55,294 and stuff like that. 1047 00:47:55,392 --> 00:47:57,796 But my superheroes are not that. 1048 00:47:57,896 --> 00:47:59,565 - Hey, guys. Sorry I'm late. 1049 00:47:59,665 --> 00:48:00,866 I had to go number two. 1050 00:48:00,965 --> 00:48:02,901 - Good to know. 1051 00:48:03,001 --> 00:48:04,303 - Give them a pissed off look, like, 1052 00:48:04,401 --> 00:48:05,804 "Are you [bleep] kidding me? 1053 00:48:05,904 --> 00:48:07,273 You just shot across my face?" 1054 00:48:07,371 --> 00:48:08,607 - Yeah. - My superheroes 1055 00:48:08,706 --> 00:48:11,377 are the assholes that are stuck 1056 00:48:11,475 --> 00:48:13,712 playing in the fields of gods and goddesses. 1057 00:48:13,812 --> 00:48:15,414 [energetic rock music] 1058 00:48:15,513 --> 00:48:17,984 [grunting] 1059 00:48:18,082 --> 00:48:20,119 - He does throw polka dots at people. 1060 00:48:21,718 --> 00:48:25,324 - "The Suicide Squad" was such a great comic book. 1061 00:48:25,423 --> 00:48:28,027 The superhero movie became the most 1062 00:48:28,126 --> 00:48:30,896 dominant form of cinematic storytelling 1063 00:48:30,995 --> 00:48:32,698 because of technology. 1064 00:48:34,698 --> 00:48:37,569 We're seeing superheroes do things on screen 1065 00:48:37,668 --> 00:48:39,471 that were exactly like what we saw 1066 00:48:39,570 --> 00:48:41,240 them doing in the comic books. 1067 00:48:41,339 --> 00:48:42,942 And we were able to believe it. 1068 00:48:43,040 --> 00:48:45,577 [crashing] 1069 00:48:47,712 --> 00:48:49,315 - [roaring] 1070 00:48:49,413 --> 00:48:50,816 - Yes. It's gonna be-- yeah, it's gonna be 1071 00:48:50,914 --> 00:48:52,980 all probably jump cuts-- jump, jump, jump, jump, 1072 00:48:53,084 --> 00:48:56,055 jump, thomp, thomp, thomp. 1073 00:48:56,154 --> 00:48:58,424 - James is such a visionary director. 1074 00:48:58,522 --> 00:49:00,692 You can tell that the scope of the project 1075 00:49:00,792 --> 00:49:02,228 is just gonna be massive. 1076 00:49:03,160 --> 00:49:07,466 And it's also his humor is just so bizarre and funny. 1077 00:49:07,565 --> 00:49:09,901 Like, the more specific something is, sometimes I feel 1078 00:49:10,001 --> 00:49:11,570 like the more funny it is. 1079 00:49:11,669 --> 00:49:13,939 And his humor is, like, incredibly weird and specific. 1080 00:49:14,038 --> 00:49:15,241 - Hand. 1081 00:49:15,339 --> 00:49:17,809 - Yes, that is your hand, Nanaue. 1082 00:49:17,909 --> 00:49:19,411 Very good. 1083 00:49:20,545 --> 00:49:23,349 - I do tell these stories that are pretty ugly stories. 1084 00:49:23,447 --> 00:49:26,252 But finding something in them that is meaningful 1085 00:49:26,350 --> 00:49:29,188 or hint of having faith in something greater, 1086 00:49:30,188 --> 00:49:31,823 that's really important to me. 1087 00:49:31,922 --> 00:49:34,793 And I think it grounds those stories more completely 1088 00:49:34,892 --> 00:49:38,697 by grounding it in real emotion and real human strife. 1089 00:49:38,797 --> 00:49:40,199 ♪ ♪ 1090 00:49:40,298 --> 00:49:42,401 - "The Suicide Squad's" antihero ensemble 1091 00:49:42,500 --> 00:49:45,004 ran counter to the Righteous Trinity 1092 00:49:45,102 --> 00:49:48,907 and proved that DC's vast, ever-expanding universe 1093 00:49:49,006 --> 00:49:51,277 could appeal to almost anyone. 1094 00:49:52,743 --> 00:49:56,382 - Superheroes, super villains, anti-heroes. 1095 00:49:56,481 --> 00:49:58,384 For every person in the world, there is 1096 00:49:58,482 --> 00:50:02,654 a DC character for them that they can relate to. 1097 00:50:02,749 --> 00:50:04,123 - You have two choices. 1098 00:50:04,222 --> 00:50:07,493 You can be the destroyer of this world 1099 00:50:07,592 --> 00:50:10,162 or you can be its savior. 1100 00:50:11,395 --> 00:50:14,333 - When I was a kid, a guy like Black Adam, 1101 00:50:14,432 --> 00:50:16,868 he had his own moral code. 1102 00:50:16,968 --> 00:50:18,270 And that meant something to me. 1103 00:50:21,506 --> 00:50:23,342 - Comics are an incredible medium. 1104 00:50:23,441 --> 00:50:27,074 You can tell impactful stories about anything. 1105 00:50:27,178 --> 00:50:29,148 What you need is the courage to tell them. 1106 00:50:29,247 --> 00:50:32,251 ♪ ♪ 1107 00:50:32,350 --> 00:50:34,153 - It's a privilege to tell these stories 1108 00:50:34,251 --> 00:50:35,254 with these characters. 1109 00:50:35,353 --> 00:50:37,056 But you're also a guardian 1110 00:50:37,154 --> 00:50:39,191 of them for a period of time. 1111 00:50:40,258 --> 00:50:42,828 - It's always a challenge to make sure 1112 00:50:42,927 --> 00:50:46,198 that as you're evolving, that you don't lose 1113 00:50:46,297 --> 00:50:48,300 the people who got you here. 1114 00:50:48,399 --> 00:50:52,271 And so that balance of making sure we have 1115 00:50:52,370 --> 00:50:56,408 enough to fuel our core superfan 1116 00:50:56,507 --> 00:51:02,148 but also deliver enough to create a new fan, 1117 00:51:02,246 --> 00:51:05,884 that nuance is really, really difficult. 1118 00:51:07,618 --> 00:51:11,157 - DC has endured for more than 80 years 1119 00:51:11,254 --> 00:51:15,694 by taking risks and pushing the envelope of storytelling. 1120 00:51:18,029 --> 00:51:19,831 - There's a saying in DC, 1121 00:51:19,930 --> 00:51:21,667 "publishing is the cornerstone." 1122 00:51:21,765 --> 00:51:24,603 We are making comics for the comic book market. 1123 00:51:24,702 --> 00:51:27,873 But we wanna come up with something new and cool 1124 00:51:27,971 --> 00:51:31,010 that the TV and movie people have never thought of. 1125 00:51:31,109 --> 00:51:34,113 ♪ ♪ 1126 00:51:34,212 --> 00:51:35,647 We can do anything. 1127 00:51:35,746 --> 00:51:37,749 We don't have a special effects budget. 1128 00:51:37,849 --> 00:51:39,351 ♪ ♪ 1129 00:51:39,450 --> 00:51:43,322 Our job is to incubate cool stories. 1130 00:51:43,421 --> 00:51:46,058 And we have no limits, essentially. 1131 00:51:46,157 --> 00:51:48,155 It's whatever we can draw. 1132 00:51:49,927 --> 00:51:52,031 - DC Comics, especially, it became 1133 00:51:52,129 --> 00:51:56,435 a place for ideas to be free and grow unlike anything else. 1134 00:51:56,533 --> 00:51:58,104 The ideas that are being developed 1135 00:51:58,202 --> 00:52:00,439 in that pool right now 1136 00:52:00,538 --> 00:52:01,941 are gonna be the ideas that conquer the world 1137 00:52:02,039 --> 00:52:04,643 for the next 25, next 100, next 200 years. 1138 00:52:04,743 --> 00:52:06,812 ♪ ♪ 1139 00:52:06,910 --> 00:52:09,715 - With each generation of creators, 1140 00:52:09,814 --> 00:52:12,551 the stories they craft in panels 1141 00:52:12,650 --> 00:52:17,123 and in pixels evolve DC's roster of characters. 1142 00:52:17,221 --> 00:52:18,424 - Yeah! 1143 00:52:18,523 --> 00:52:21,393 - But their core remains true-- 1144 00:52:21,492 --> 00:52:24,796 the power to restore our faith in humanity 1145 00:52:24,895 --> 00:52:28,267 and the promise of infinite possibility. 1146 00:52:28,365 --> 00:52:30,236 - Yeah! [crowd cheering] 1147 00:52:30,334 --> 00:52:33,672 - All of us need to go back to being kids and picking up 1148 00:52:33,771 --> 00:52:35,907 comic books again and reminding ourselves, 1149 00:52:36,006 --> 00:52:38,945 why are we attracted to these stories? 1150 00:52:39,042 --> 00:52:40,912 Is it having power for the sake of power? 1151 00:52:41,011 --> 00:52:43,482 Or is it having power because we believe that 1152 00:52:43,581 --> 00:52:45,184 we can do the right thing? 1153 00:52:45,282 --> 00:52:47,619 [cheering] 1154 00:52:47,718 --> 00:52:49,355 - There's a reason we love superheroes. 1155 00:52:49,454 --> 00:52:51,218 They've embodied these great ideals. 1156 00:52:51,322 --> 00:52:53,359 And they're inspirational to all of us. 1157 00:52:53,457 --> 00:52:54,893 - [screaming] 1158 00:52:54,992 --> 00:52:56,862 - At the end of the day, I think people look 1159 00:52:56,961 --> 00:52:59,198 to our characters not just for entertainment 1160 00:52:59,297 --> 00:53:01,933 but for heroes that they look up to. 1161 00:53:02,866 --> 00:53:04,670 We recognize the role we play 1162 00:53:04,768 --> 00:53:06,538 and the difference we can make. 1163 00:53:06,637 --> 00:53:09,741 And we are united in that mission. 1164 00:53:09,841 --> 00:53:16,848 ♪ ♪ 1165 00:53:43,307 --> 00:53:45,344 - Greg, move your head.