Stan Lee's Superhumans: Season One

Comic book legend Stan Lee, co-creator of such characters as Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, and the Fantastic Four, is the ostensible host of this History Channel offering, but apart from his name and periodic comments, it's really gee-whiz master of ceremonies Daniel Browning Smith who carries the show as he travels around the globe in search of real-life superheroes. Gimmicks and snappy nicknames (HammerHead, Rocket Man, G-Force) aside, Stan Lee's Superhumans essentially mixes human interest stories with lightweight scientific inquiry. Smith tracks down people with unusual abilities (from incredible strength, speed, resilience, and heat-resistance, to skills related to mimicry, memory, and numerical calculation), measures their competencies with the help of high-tech equipment, and then seeks explanations from assorted experts (some of the unmeasurable talents—such as a man who “dreams” the future—receive less clinical treatment). Because the show does feature hair-raising stunts, each of the eight 2010 debut season episodes here feature a warning disclaimer. DVD extras include bonus footage. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)