Plot Synopsis

MARVEL'S 616 is a series of documentaries that explore Marvel's pioneering characters, creators and storytelling to reflect the world outside your window. Each documentary, helmed by a unique filmmaker, showcases the intersections of storytelling, pop culture, and fandom within the Marvel Universe. Episodes in this anthology series cover topics including Marvel's worldspanning artists, the trailblazing women of Marvel Comics, discovering the "forgotten" characters of Marvel, and much more. On Friday, November 20, 2020 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT, Disney+ released the eight-episode first season of MARVEL'S 616, including these documentaries:

"The Japanese Spider-Man": When a UFO descent brings tragedy into the life of young racer Takuya Yamashiro, he fights back by trading his motorcycle for a giant battle robot to challenge the sinister forces of Professor Monster. This is the Japanese origin story of Marvel's most popular character, Spider-Man. In 1978, Marvel Comics and Japanese distributor TOEI signed a historic deal to bring Marvel characters to Japanese television. Their first collaboration, Spider-Man (Supaidaaman), was a massive hit that revolutionized an entire genre of popular Japanese entertainment. This documentary from David Gelb uncovers how such an incredible cultural crossover occurred -- with insights from the cast and crew who narrowly pulled it off.

"Higher, Further, Faster": This installment recognizes the trailblazing women who have helped build the Marvel Universe. Helmed by actor and director Gillian Jacobs, the episode spans generations and gives audiences a rare peek inside Marvel's storied history. Get to know the women who helped pioneer representative, inclusive storytelling at the House of Ideas, plus modern creators empowered to craft Marvel's next generation of heroes, one page at a time.

"Amazing Artisans": You know and love Marvel characters -- now see how they're brought to life with talent and tablets. Visual storytellers draw inspiration from their environments, and few fans realize how many Marvel artists live and work around the world, far from the Marvel Bullpen in New York. While illustrating comics for universal audiences, native Spanish artists Javier Garron and Natacha Bustos study the light and shadows of Barcelona. Director Clay Jeter chronicles how both Javier and Natacha infuse their experiences into their art.

"Lost and Found": Actor and comedian Paul Scheer is on the hunt to discover the "forgotten" characters of Marvel Comics. With everyone from writing legends to toy designers chiming in, "Lost and Found" takes a hilariously untraditional approach to unearthing wild and obscure Marvel characters. During Paul's odyssey, he discovers what makes an iconic Marvel character, and then prepares a pitch for an unlikely force of heroes.

"Suit Up!": The cosplay community is overflowing with creativity and dedication to the craft of costume building. And many individuals have found inner confidence -- and lifelong friends -- by embodying the Marvel characters who inspire them. Directed by Andrew Rossiy, "Suit Up!" takes an intimate look at five cosplayers from across the country, each readying a design for New York Comic Con.

"Unboxed": Action figures once dwelled only in toy chests, but today, they are treasured and preserved by collectors of all ages. "Unboxed" muses on the symbiotic relationship between toys and comics, plus the imaginative professionals melding the two. Scouting Hasbro, Funko and New York Toy Fair, actor and director Sarah Ramos pinpoints artists with infinite passion for Marvel, nostalgia, and play.

"The Marvel Method": Comic book veteran Dan Slott is among the last remaining writers to collaborate using the storied "Marvel Method," an approach where a writer develops and passes a plot summary to an artist to construct the visual action and story beats. Separated by thousands of miles as they work on Marvel's new Iron Man 2020 comic book series, co-creators Slott and Pete Woods, along with Marvel editor Tom Brevoort, race to meet the first issue's print deadline and debut one of the first Marvel comics of the decade. Directed by Brian Oakes.

"Marvel Spotlight": The Marvel Spotlight program delivers Marvel's stories of heroism and hope to a fresh medium: the stage! Marvel has created a series of one-act plays to challenge teenagers to explore the humans behind their favorite Marvel Super Heroes, including Ms. Marvel and Squirrel Girl, and examine universal challenges facing young adults today. This episode, directed by Golden Globe nominee Alison Brie, introduces a group of students at Florida's Brandon High School as they delve into a whirlwind of auditions, blocking, and rehearsals. While the classmates forge bonds and thrive off their teacher's encouragement, they grasp the moral of the plays -- ordinary people can do extraordinary things.