Some super villains like Catwoman, The Joker and Lex Luthor are even bigger stars than many headlining super heroes! So it’s no surprise that DC and parent company Warner Brothers are shining the spotlight on these normally shadowy individuals in a new documentary “Necessary Evil: Villains of DC Comics.” Set to begin filming on Saturday March 30th at WonderCon in Anaheim, CA, the special will be released on home video later this year, but DC is encouraging WonderCon attendees to dress as their favorite DC super villain for the chance to appear in the doc. (Some earlier notice might have been nice. I don’t have a Black Manta costume just lying around.)
Geoff Johns, best-selling author and DCE’s Chief Creative Officer, expressed “DC Comics is known for many things, but chief among them is the compelling, diverse and legendary society of super-villains who populate its universe. From the monstrous Solomon Grundy to the brutal Black Adam to the charismatic Sinestro, there is no single greater collection of villainy in all of fiction. These villains are hugely popular comic book characters in their own right and, quite honestly, many are often times more popular than some of our iconic super heroes.”
“It’s time we deconstruct these complex and sinister antagonists and celebrate the role they play as the engine and energy of some of the greatest storytelling in comics. 2013 is the Year of the Villain at DC Comics.”
The documentary will be narrated by famed movie villain Christopher Lee, who has portrayed some of the most iconic fiends to ever grace the silver screen, including Dracula, The Mummy and Frankenstein in Hammer’s horror series, Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequels and Saruman in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
From DC’s press release: “In this new documentary film, the malevolent, sometimes charismatic figures from DC Comics’ hallowed rogues’ gallery will be explored in depth, featuring interviews with the famed creators, storytellers and those who have crafted the personalities and profiles of many of the most notorious villains in comic book history.”
Jeff Baker, WBHE’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Theatrical Catalog, added “The DC brand is enjoying a huge resurgence thanks to the entire leadership team at DC Entertainment which is driving opportunities not only for new theatrical properties, but for brand extensions as well. This new documentary will reinforce this evolving strategy and leverage DC assets across the entire studio landscape.”
For the entire press release, go to Yahoo.
If you’ve ever watched any of the documentary-like extras on DC’s home video releases or the 2010 documentary “Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics,” then you already know how fascinating and informative these types of releases already are, so this should be no exception. It will definitely be an instant addition to my collection.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to “Necessary Evil: Villains of DC Comics?” Which famous super foes are you hoping to see featured? Me, I’m pulling for Kite Man! Leave a comment below!