In 2017, in celebration of Black History Month, Comcast launched a short film directed by Andre Wilkins that puts a spotlight on some of the talented contributors behind America’s favorite superhero stories, shows and movies. “Groundbreakers: Heroes Behind The Mask” is a 12-minute short film that includes interviews with:

  • Phillip Boutte, Jr., costume illustrator for films: Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther”, Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Justice League”
  • Cheo Hodari Coker, showrunner of the popular series “Marvel’s Luke Cage” on Netflix
  • Dr. Sheena Howard, award-winning author of “Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation”
  • Alitha E. Martinez, comic book illustrator best known for her work drawing Marvel’s “Iron Man” and contributed drawings to comic book series, ‘World of Wakanda’
  • Reginald Hudlin, film writer, director and producer with credits including “Marshall” and the graphic novel “Black Panther: The Complete Collection”
  • Floyd Norman, Disney’s first African American animator with credits including “Mulan” and “The Jungle Book”; subject of the documentary ‘An Animated Life’
  • Phil LaMarr, voice over artist for several characters in the DC Comics Animated Universe and Star Wars: Rebels
  • Ciara Renee, actress – currently starring as ‘Hawkgirl’ on the CW’s “Legends of Tomorrow”

Unfortunately, the short film is no longer available for streaming online or viewing within the Xfinity on Demand.