What I liked
Yen’s personal stories and accounts of feeling left out of American culture really shaped the show, and provided the basis for the rewriting of the superhero characters. Using the well-known aspects of each superhero but slightly tweaking them to fit the narrative was a fun exercise in playing with audience’s expectations. The slow reveal of the Joker character was definitely a crowd favorite! The use of pictures, stock footage, and original video content all added to the overall appeal of the show.
What I didn't like
The personal stories and perspectives worked much better than the later commentary about whitewashing as a whole. The explanation of the controversy felt far too extensive, given that the audience is probably already of aware of the phenomenon. Touching on a few examples and then exploring how he is personally affected by it would pull the show back into the personal space that was so intriguing to begin with.
My overall impression
Paul Yen weaves an incredibly entertaining and though-provoking journey through the existential trials of being an Asian-American in Hollywood. His perspective on growing up surrounded by American culture while being perceived as “un-American” is fresh, unique, and much needed. His use of the themes that surround superhero mythology to explore his own identity engrosses the audience in his personal struggle, while also entertaining them with the humor and adventure inherent to the genre. Putting a twist on the backstories of classic and beloved characters challenges the notion of what we consider the ideal “American hero.” The multimedia aspect of the show further engrosses the audience in the history of the Asian-American experience, as well as Yen’s childhood, and the new stories he invented for his superheroes. The show is as relevant and poignant as it is entertaining and hilarious!
