Slugfest

A documentary of comic proportions.

A chronicle of the growth of comic books as a new American art form exploring the decades-long relationship and rivalry between Marvel and DC Comics.

Documentary

Seasons

1. Nazis Are Bad

Air Date: 2021-12-24

In 1940, the U.S. had yet to enter WW II when controversial comic artists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby created a new Marvel hero to take on Hitler. On his first cover, Captain America punches Hitler, making a patriotic statement and enraging the Nazis.

2. Halloween Hero

Air Date: 2021-12-24

In a time when the DC-Marvel rivalry made crossovers all but impossible, three friends go rogue. Inspired by a Halloween parade, Marvel and DC artists intertwine heroes and story lines for the first real crossover, and execs are none the wiser.

3. Funky Flashman

Air Date: 2021-12-24

In 1970, after DC successfully poaches longtime Marvel comic artist, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee learns his old pal has been harboring resentment when Kirby’s comic villain “The Funky Flashman” looks remarkably familiar, forever altering their relationship.

4. Reverend Billingsley

Air Date: 2021-12-24

When two Marvel creators publish a Dr. Strange story with religious overtones, Stan Lee fears it'll upset readers and pushes them to write a retraction. Instead, they hatch a scheme to keep the storyline and avoid any future creative scrutiny.

5. Superman vs. Spiderman

Air Date: 2021-12-24

The first official Marvel-DC crossover was far from a simple collaboration for the famous rivals. Before the Man of Steel and Spidey could share that bone-crushing handshake, Stan Lee and Carmine Infantino had to battle it out behind-the-scenes.

6. Cancelled Comic Cavalcade

Air Date: 2021-12-24

DC implements a bold initiative in the mid 70s to combat plummeting sales by launching the “DC Explosion” to bring more titles to newsstands. But a miserably cold winter Affects sales and DC is forced to cancel 40% of their line.

7. Kill Robin

Air Date: 2021-12-24

In the late 80s Batman’s new sidekick, Jason Todd, was less than a hit with fans. DC decided to let its audience choose his fate. Comic readers could call in and vote for the life or death of young Robin -- and their choice shook the comic world.

8. A World Without Superman

Air Date: 2021-12-24

When frustrated comic book writers at DC are forced to shelve a storyline a year in-the-making, they do the unthinkable, and kill Superman. What started as an off-handed remark turned into a worldwide phenomenon and jump-started a lagging DC Comics.

9. Send in the Clones

Air Date: 2021-12-24

Trying to compete with Marvel, DC attempts to create a worldwide sensation. It should have been a blockbuster series over a few issues, but instead turned into a legendary three-year boondoggle known as "The Clone Saga" that fans lament to this day.

10. Just Imagine

Air Date: 2021-12-24

Stan Lee, the pioneer of Marvel, shocks the comic book industry when he announces he’s going to work for DC. Teaming up with various DC in-house creators, Stan re-imagines some of the company's most well-known, iconic characters.

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