The Price of Preserving Memories

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MOVIE REVIEW
Selling Superman
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 4 x 50m episodes
Director(s): Adam Schomer
Where To Watch: available online and in select theaters; check here for more information: www.sellingsuperman.com

RAVING REVIEW: Imagine unearthing a treasure trove, but instead of gold, it’s over 300,000 comic books, including gems like Superman No. 1. This is the staggering reality for Darren Watts in the docuseries SELLING SUPERMAN, where the vault of his father Dale’s massive collection not only symbolizes a fortune but also a profound family burden. This series, directed by Adam Schomer, elevates a simple tale of collecting into a nuanced exploration of legacy and emotional inheritance.

Schomer navigates the intricate layers of Dale Watts' life with a precise hand, marrying the intimate details of his decades-long obsession with the broader impacts on his family life. This vault, filled with prized comics, hidden from the world for forty years, served as Dale’s escape from the pressures of his legal career and sowed the seeds of domestic struggles leading to divorce. Darren's journey into this legacy concerns the comics and the reconnection with the father he knew and the man behind the collection.

As a former comic collector, watching SELLING SUPERMAN stirred emotions, casting me back to a chapter of my life filled with a similar passion for comic books. The series resonated deeply as it explored Dale's complex relationship with his collection—a collection I once had a fraction of, which I regrettably sold for a pittance of its value during tough times. This personal connection added layers of connection and regret as I empathized with Darren's monumental decisions, making each episode a reflection not just on his journey but on my own past choices and the bittersweet memories of my collecting days.

What makes SELLING SUPERMAN particularly compelling is its deep dive into the culture of comic book collecting. Through interactions with industry experts, the series portrays not just a hobby but also a passionate community. These seasoned collectors provide Darren with financial appraisals and emotional support as he grapples with whether to cash in on or keep the collection intact.

SELLING SUPERMAN interlaces scenes of lighthearted camaraderie with poignant personal reflections. Schomer’s pacing in the series balances the emotional weight with moments of joy found in the communal aspects of comic book culture. This narrative technique allows the audience to see Darren as an actual character navigating the murky waters of inheritance and identity.

The series shines when it tackles the hefty question of what makes something valuable. With the collection's crown jewel, Superman No. 1, valued in the millions, Darren wrestles with the notion of price versus worth. Here, SELLING SUPERMAN delves into the philosophical, questioning whether such items' emotional and historical significance can be reasonably quantified.

Under Schomer’s direction, SELLING SUPERMAN transcends the typical collector’s story to address universal themes of self-worth, belonging, and the pursuit of meaning. The series portrays Dale’s collecting as a hobby and a complex, emotionally laden venture that left an indelible mark on his family. It reflects how our passions shape and sometimes control our lives and those closest to us.

In its poignant conclusion, SELLING SUPERMAN becomes a meditation on the legacies we inherit and our decisions about them. As Darren sifts through the collection, each comic book is not just a collector's item but a chapter in a shared family story, laden with joy, pain, and, ultimately, love. Schomer invites viewers to consider their legacies and what they choose to hold onto or let go.

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[photo courtesy of I2I PRODUCTIONS, SUBMARINE ENTERTAINMENT]

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