Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics

The documentary 'Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics' delves into the rich and fascinating world of DC Comics, exploring the origin of this iconic comic book publication that has been a cornerstone in popular culture for nearly a century. The film takes viewers on a journey through the development of DC's most beloved characters, from their humble beginnings to their rise as cultural icons. The documentary begins by introducing the founders of National Allied Publications, including Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson, his son, and a handful of other investors. This small group of entrepreneurs was driven by a passion for the early comic strips that were flooding the market at the time, featuring characters like Buck Rogers and Zorro. Wheeler-Nicholson had a vision to create comics that were more dynamic, more adventurous, and more exciting than anything that had come before. After a series of financial struggles, Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson finally found the success he had been searching for with the character Doctor Occult, a superhero with magical powers who was first introduced in 1934. Encouraged by the character's popularity and his own desire to create something more ambitious, Wheeler-Nicholson launched Detective Comics, the first publication to feature the now-famous character Zatara, the Magician. Zatara's popularity helped propel Detective Comics to the top of the charts, and soon other titles, including Action Comics and New Fun, began to appear. One of the most pivotal moments in the history of DC Comics came in 1938 when Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two high school students from Cleveland, submitted a concept for a new character to National Allied Publications. Their proposal, Superman, was initially met with skepticism by Wheeler-Nicholson but ultimately gained his approval after a meeting with his son. Superman was an immediate hit, and the character has since become the quintessential superhero, with the power to inspire generations of fans. As DC Comics continued to grow, Wheeler-Nicholson faced financial difficulties once again, which led to the company being absorbed into Detective Comics, a new entity founded by Jack Liebowitz. However, the success of Superman meant that the new company found itself in a more stable financial position. Under the guidance of Mort Weisinger, a talented writer who began working on Superman in 1939, the character's mythology deepened, with the introduction of Lex Luthor, the character's iconic nemesis. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, National Allied Publications continued to expand its roster of characters, introducing the likes of Green Lantern, the Flash, and Hawkman. The company's output continued to grow, with multiple titles being released every month. With the outbreak of World War II, the company shifted its focus, producing comics like Green Lantern and The Fighting Forces that directly addressed the war effort and offered readers a sense of purpose. As national comics continued to grow and flourish, DC saw an influx of talent in the 1940s that would shape the company in its early years, including the introduction of characters such as Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel. During this period DC also released the classic "Superman" radio show in 1940s. As comic book sales increased, so did the diversity, with the introduction of historical characters like Jonah Hex and more diverse range of characters like Mr. 3000. As national comics, then DC Comics continued to grow the diversity and depth of characters in the years that followed, creating an enduring legacy that has seen these characters transcend generations and remain a staple of popular culture.