Examines the dawn of the comic book genre and its progenitors, as well as the evolution of the characters that leapt from the pages over the last 70 years and their ongoing worldwide cultural impact. It chronicles how these 'disposable diversions' were subject to intense government scrutiny for their influence on American children and how they were created in large part by immigrants whose fierce loyalty to a new homeland laid the foundation of a multi-billion-dollar industry.

CIRC # 474\\Originally broadcast on PBS in 2013.

Truth, justice, and the American way -- Great power, great responsibility -- A hero can be anyone. Bonus features: Linda Carter on superheroes -- Jules Feiffer on Pensky's Candy Store -- Eddy Friedfeld on Superman's powers -- Stan Lee on the birth of Spiderman -- Jerry Robinson on creating the Joker -- Joe Simon on his partner Jack Kirby -- Jack Urbont : Marvel super heroes songs -- Michael Uslan on comic book conventions -- Adam West on violence in movies.