LEGO video games spotlighted in new DC Comics documentary

A new three-part documentary revealing the history of DC Comics also shines a spotlight on a number of tie-in LEGO video games.

Despite recently having to play catch up with long-time rival Marvel when it comes to successful blockbuster movies, DC Comics has been in the superhero publishing game for a lot longer. Now a new three-part documentary charting the rise of the company over the decades has landed on streaming service MAX in the US and presents a warts-and-all look at the history of DC Comics, its characters and its creators.

Superpowered: The DC Story is narrated by Rosarion Dawson and features new and archival interviews with over 60 of the comic book and movie industry’s most famous faces. These include Tim Burton, Lynda Carter, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, James Gunn, Patty Jenkins, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Keaton, Jim Lee, Zachary Levi, Damon Lindelof, Jason Momoa, Christopher Nolan, Robert Pattinson, Christopher Reeve, Margot Robbie and many others.

The docuseries reveals the numerous highs and lows DC Comics’ has weathered over the years, from the creation of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Flash to big and small screen versions of the characters up to the present day. Also included in one episode is a spotlight on video games and a number of LEGO titles in particular, such as LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham and LEGO DC Super Villains.

TT Games’ Head of Production, Jonathan Smith, talks about how many children’s first exposure to DC characters has been via video games such as those created by the company. “Reading a story means living the story with those characters in your imagination,” says Smith. “But playing the story gives players, particularly young players, the opportunity to create their own stories.”

The docuseries goes on to explain how the success of the likes of TT Games’ releases seeded ideas for other spin-off projects, such as The LEGO Batman Movie and more merchandising tie-ins, resulting in the company rebranding as DC Entertainment in 2009 and ultimately being absorbed into Warner Bros. Discovery.

LEGO DC sets may be having something of a comeback this summer, with 76252 Batcave – Shadow Box already available and three more models featuring the Dark Knight due to arrive online and in-stores next week.

The three-part Superpowered: The DC Story can be watched by those in the US on MAX and in the UK on Sky via NOW TV.

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