Between Books - MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios

 

I love superheroes!

I love Marvel movies! I loved them before they were cool like broadcast poorly produced Spider-Man movies from the 70s love! And I remember sitting in a theater watching the end credits scene of Iron Man where I saw Nick Fury enter the frame and blow my mind with promises of what could happen next!

And I love history, hence an entire section of this site that is really just an index of books, mostly history. Clearly, MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios was written literally for me!

MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards is a complete and thorough history of Marvel Studios’ projects before its founding in August 1996 under the guidance of Avi Arad. The book outlines how a scrappy studio with a lot of intellectual property and a mission to sell toys, started mainly by leasing characters to other studios and providing some oversight largely to support toy sales. But with 1996 and the coming of Marvel Studios, Marvel looked to make movies itself. Armed with incomplete ownership of their character roster, leadership with a vision, and taking a big bet on itself, the Studio found near-instant success in 2008’s Iron Man. This movie launched the true beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a massive storytelling endeavor under the watchful eye of Kevin Feige. The book details how Marvel Studios came to be, its sudden successes, the long-form storytelling and, the the more recent critical and financial setbacks that the Studio has seen in the 2020s.

MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios is deep and wide when it comes to telling the story of Marvel Studios. It is clear writing, despite often detailing complex situations including contracts, legal cases, and personalities. You will not find a more complete one-volume history of Marvel Studios. But that being said, I did often feel like its major accomplishment was bringing together a lot of content in one title and not adding to what fans know about this Disney intellectual properly machine. However, bringing it all together in one read does help refine thoughts on specific themes.

One example that emerges to readers really early is the belief of Marvel Chief Executive Officer Ike Pearlmutter that the purpose of Marvel Studios was to sell toys. Therefore, decisions about the movies supported this belief. This does make sense when you consider that Pearlmutter came from the toy background, not the comics or publishing industries. Therefore, the guidance or interference from Pearlmutter and the Marvel Creative Committee, largely under his influence, looked to support his thoughts on toy sales. And the belief was when you wanted to sell a lot of toys, white male characters sold, not diverse heroes and villains. This drama can seen played out in the characters of Black Widow and Gamora, often hidden in the associated toy lines. This belief would be opposed by Fiege and Disney’s CEO Bob Iger who supported diversity and larger storytelling. While it’s clear that Fiege and Iger found Pearlmutter to be a difficult personality, you can also see how the creative and business beliefs only further pushed this split wider. It is also interesting to watch as the Creative Committee, largely built to act like a Pixar Brain Trust failed to support creativity despite having some talented storytellers included. In the end, the call for toys may have drowned out their voices.

Another emerging theme is how Marvel Studios has strayed from its roots. I don’t mean plausibility, a quality that Jon Favreau sought in the production of Iron Man. Instead they have lost the jazz, the inability for directors, writers, and actors to improv and creatively flex their muscles as productions were in progress. This supported a Fiege principle that the movie mattered more than the whole. But with decades of movies completed and years more in production, the role of Fiege to channel movies and TV to movie together has increased, and play by creative forces now must be limited. Fiege’s role in holding it all together is essential to this endeavor. But it also has the price of limiting creative freedom. Additionally, expensive special effects while visually stunning has blocked the ability to run with a discovered story angle. 

You like superheroes and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Then MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards is for you. The book is a complete history with many themes for readers to dive into, with me just skimming a few. The book ends in the recent past, with the future of the MCU at a potential crossroads as real-life legal events have led to a requirement to change story plans, economics have changed the movie and television business, and the MCU has had creative missteps, (I found Secret Invasion to be a giant meh). Maybe someday an expanded or revised volume will detail what comes next. But for now, MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios provides fans with a handbook of creative achievement and a record of how we got to this enormous financial and creative success…despite itself! 

 

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Between Books - Black Widow: Forever Red

After reading Guardians of the Galaxy: Rocket and Groot Steal the Galaxy and reading a Red Widow short comic story in Mockingbird: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1,  I thought another Marvel prose book and another Red Widow story was a combination I wanted nothing to do with.  It seemed like the anti peanut butter and chocolate combination.  And throw in the fact that the newest Marvel prose book was Young Adult fiction, really meant  Black Widow: Forever Red had not chance with me.  But I decided it was my duty to at least borrow the book from the library.  Though I doubted that it would be worth the time needed to read it.  Would my assumptions prove correct?

Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl introduces us to Ava Orlova, a Russian girl, saved by Black Widow from Ivan Somodorov, the same monster who trained Natasha Romanoff at the Red Room as a child assassin.  After her rescue where she expected to be bonding with her red headed hero, Ava was dropped off in the United States by Natasha at a S.H.I.E.L.D facility never to hear from her rescuer again, she thought.  Ava runs away and strikes out on her own.  But she is haunted by dreams of a boy and his life.  Ava runs into the dream boy, Alex Manor at a fencing tourney at just the moment Black Widow reenters Ava's life.  But sadly for the teens, Ivan Somodorov is also attempting to recapture Ava and exploit her special relationship with Black Widow.  The international adventure the three charge into reveals secrets about all three heroes as they attempt to stop Somodorov from using his last Red Room experiment from gaining influence on the world's governments.

Here let me cut the suspense.  I really enjoyed Black Widow: Forever Red.  I found the new teen characters to be interesting and I wanted to know more about their backgrounds and struggles.  I understood Ava's resentment at Natasha Romanoff for abandoning her to S.H.I.E.LD., but I also understand why Black Widow kept her distance from a girl who looked like and had a background similar to her.  Alex is sprinkled in as the apparent normal teen pulled into the world of spies and secrets.  But Alex also is more than what he seems.  Finally, Stohl made me suitably tense by placing transcripts of a Line-Of-Duty Death Investigation between chapters.  As a reader I knew someone died, but if it was a hero or villain...well that took time to be revealed.

Additionally, the book is one that Marvel Cinematic Universe fans are likely to enjoy.  The books features Agent Phil Coulson as along with Tony Stark supporting the Black Widow in her investigations.   And the transcripts feel like the Natasha Romanoff from Captain America: Civil War in her tone and attitude.  So even if this book is not part of the MCU, it does lack the logo so its inclusion is not really confirmed to me, it is fully in the spirit of the cinematic offerings. And MCU fans are sure to feel at home in these pages. 

I enjoyed Black Widow: Forever Red as both a book fan and a Marvel fan.  My assumptions were truly turned on their head as I found Ava to be more interesting than her earlier appearance in a short comic story.  And unlike the earlier prose contribution, the story was engaging, full of interesting characters and a very enjoyable read.  Now I just hope that we might see more prose stories from Marvel when before I felt as if they were not needed.  And I would be more than happy if Stohl took a turn at writing the next prose title. 

Dreaming Disney - The Iron Man Experience

Earlier this week Tom Staggs, Chairman Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced through the Disney Parks Blog a new addition to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016. 

He wrote,

That’s why it was so exciting earlier today at Hong Kong Disneyland to announce that the very first Disney attraction based on a Marvel character experience will debut in Hong Kong Disneyland. And I’m excited to be able to share some of the initial details with you today about this Iron Man Experience.

Audiences around the world have been captivated by the amazing inventions and innovations of Tony Stark and we’re basing this experience within a piece of the Stark Expo. Located in Tomorrowland at Hong Kong Disneyland, the Expo will allow guests to see firsthand the progression of Tony’s Iron Man suits and many other Stark innovations.

Upon entering the ride vehicle our guests will be able to take flight with Iron Man on an epic adventure that not surprisingly pits Iron Man, and our guests, against the forces of evil. This adventure will take place in the streets and skies of Hong Kong, which will make an even more unique and special experience for our Hong Kong Disneyland guests. In addition, guests will be able to meet and take photos with Iron Man.

Personally, I am really excited about this new attraction.  I think it is fair to say I'm Level Seven excited about this attraction.  I just wish it was in one of the domestic parks.  But then maybe this will serve as proof of concept for the future removal of Innoventions!

But then maybe this attraction would not work in Disneyland or Disney Hollywood Studios.  As I look at these graphics I wonder, is that a Star Tours' StarSpeeder?

 

They really do look simliar!  

So is this a partial walk through with a Hall of Armor concept like was saw at Innoventions last summer combined with a simulator.  I cannot see them using the simulator to have guests stroll through the Stark garage!

Again, I am excited.  I hope this is a huge success.  And I wish it was possible for me to visit Hong Kong in 2016.  

Seriously, Disney, fell free to send me.  I'll put some time on my calendar!  

Mousey Movie (TV) Preview - Phineas and Ferb Mission Marvel

Okay, you've probably noticed I'm pretty into Marvel.  Seriously its not like I have started an entire podcast about my love of the Agent Coulson!  Okay I Did!

So the first major Disney/Marvel crossover happens this summer with Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel.   Enjoy the recently released trailer with me.

What did you think?

Personally I am a little nervous.  But I think I would be more nervous if Mickey Mouse was meeting Wolverine.  Let us be honest, pretty much anything is game in Phineas and Ferb's world!  And I noticed the Beak on a second viewing, how great would a Beak comic be! 

So I am hopeful that with most this Agent P, this is really good and could lead to other fun crossovers.

Hey...did I see S.H.I.E.L.D.  Yes, yes I did!

What do you think?

Mousey Movie Review - Iron Man 3

I am a Disney fan, Marvel fan, superhero fan and a heretic.

Contrary to other reviews you may have read already, let me say Iron Man 3 is a good movie but not the greatest superhero comic movie ever. It is not as good as The Avengers, Iron Man 2,or Iron Man (my personal ranking, yes I did put 2 before 1). It is fun and enjoyable though at times (the front) it kind of drags and I have plenty of concerns that brought me out of the movie the first time I watched it. Maybe my expectations were too high!

In the third installment of the Iron Man series, an emotionally maturing Tony Stark, played brilliantly by Robert Downey Jr., is dealing, and not well, with the emotional ramifications of the battle for New York in The Avengers. While emotionally at his wit’s end he enters into a confrontation with the terrorist The Mandarin who is attempting to reeducate the American President. Tony becomes embroiled into this confrontation after one of The Mandarin’s Extermis soldiers hurts someone close to Tony. After a strike on his home, Stark must determine how to defeat the demons of his past, find The Mandarin’s lair, protect those he loves and defend the United States’ government in this Mousey Movie:

• Team Work: Where is Captain America? I assume that Thor is not in the neighborhood but where is Captain America? Shouldn’t Captain America face a challenge against the United States and its leader? Is he not the most natural of Tony’s friends, he has a flag on his chest, to at least fight for the American way of life? Where is S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury? Tony Stark is at least loosely affiliated with S.H.I.E.L.D., so should we not expect Nick Fury (who never shows up) to at least send someone like Coulson’s replacement over to the Stark Ranch after an air strike against it. But nope, no S.H.I.E.L.D. Tony Stark is part of a wider world, so where is everybody? 

• The Real World: To me a hallmark of the Iron Man films has been cementing Tony Stark to the real world. So I wondered how The Mandarin played by Ben Kingsley would be handled. The Mandarin is a traditional Asian Iron Man villain powered by ten rings that are either magical or alien depending on the story arc you are reading. He is very non-real world. But I do applaud the fresh and realistic take they give to the Mandarin. He is portrayed in a way that should not be offensive to any culture. And he easily could exist in our world. Since Thor brought us Gods and The Avengers brought us aliens I thought maybe they would take an imaginary leap with The Mandarin. Instead, they followed their past and stayed in our world and I really liked it. And Kingsley was brilliant in his portrayal of this classic villain. 

• Kids and Animals: Kingsley was good, but Ty Simpkins stole the show for me. Who? Exactly! This fresh faced youngster plays a boy named Harley. Harley like Stark is mechanical and an emotional hot mess. If anyone can put the cocky superhero into his place it is Harley. Disney, sign this kid onto a long-term contract. We need to see him in future films as a sidekick to the millionaire, a protégé one might say. With Coulson out of the picture, until the T.V. show premiers at least, I officially identify Harley as my new favorite Marvel Cinematic Universe original character. 

• Tear Jerker: Everyone who has seen the trailers knows that Tony’s home is attacked and his hall of armor is devastated. I used to be sad about this when I saw the first trailers. But I must have come to terms with it, because I was sad but the armor loss did not upset me. But I had forgot there were other items in the garage that I've become emotionally attached to. So despite seeing this scene over and over again I was still left with a sense of loss. 

• Other People’s Property: Punisher, Ghost Rider, Daredevil and Blade are all officially back in the Disney/Marvel family. And it is clear that Disney is concerned with staking claims to their property, intellectual property that is. Along with the return of the Marvel lost children, Kevin Feige has announced that Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are planned to be featured in The Avengers 2. This is interesting since Disney does not have movie rights to their daddy Magneto, who is in the X-Men films. And you have to wonder if they can even stay they are mutants? But the move does block these mutant siblings from being used in the non-Disney Marvel movies. Another addition in the second Avengers film is AIM as Aldrich Killian’s think tank. And Roxxon is mentioned as a company within the Disney Cinematic Universe before it could show up in a Spider-Man film. The most interesting marking of the Disney territory is War Machine being re-branded as Iron Patriot. I prefer the War Machine name, especially since Rhodey has never been Iron Patriot. Oh, and Iron Patriot is a villain, a re-purposed Iron Man suit worn by Spider-Man villain Norman Osborn. Is it possible that Marvel and Disney made this name change now to keep an Iron Man-like armor from showing up in the Spider-Man films? Honestly, I have a hard time believing that Sony could include Iron Patriot in their plans without Marvel approval. When all the intellectual dust settles, I wish War Machine was still War Machine! 

• Business Casual: This is a small thing, but it took me out of the movie. Don Cheadle’s Colonel James Rhodes the pilot of Iron Patriot is an Air Force officer. So his uniform when on patrol in the Iron Patriot armor is a polo and jeans that one can buy in any men’s section. Should he not have some sort of Battle Dress Uniform or other sanctioned and logoed military outfit when on official patrol, and not an outfit I could buy in every department store’s men’s section? I guess it does make CosPlay easier! I just keep thinking that Walt Disney demanded that Imagineers be true to details because even if we did not know why something was off we would still feel it. I felt it! 

• Action Jackson: The action sequences are really good, especially the attack on the Stark mansion and the battle finale. The Between Kid saw it with me the second time and I am pretty sure there was no blinking during both of these sequences. And despite having seen the movie once before, I still felt pulled into Tony’s struggles as his house was destroyed around him. The second time I paid to see the film in IMAX 3D, which usually I dislike. But for Iron Man 3 I really enjoyed the feeling of broken glass flying at me or ashes floating throughout the room. 

• Grow Up: I do believe the storyline shows growth for three of our main characters. Tony Stark clearly now cares for someone beyond himself, Pepper Potts. Potts, portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow, is definitely in charge of Stark Industries and comfortable with that role. She says no and yes on her authority and not Tony’s. In fact, Pepper comes off as a very strong figure in the board room, her romantic relationship, and even on the battlefield filled with villains and heroes. And Happy Hogan , played by Jon Favreau, no longer drives Tony or Pepper around but heads all of Stark security. It is nice to see these original three have not been stuck in place. 

• False Ending: I really feel like they are trying to give Iron Man 3 a Dark Knight Rises ending where the trilogy of Iron Man films are all wrapped up in a neat little package. But everyone, and I mean everyone to the youngest child knows, knows that regardless of the ending tying up of plot points that Tony Stark and Iron Man will return in The Avengers 2. In fact, the ending could literally end the Iron Man saga, and the Between Tween asked if there would ever be another Iron Man movie. After the post-credit scene we are told Tony Stark will be back and all the emotional work that the ending built up is out the window with a title card. I really felt like they fully do not understand the bigger picture. If this was the true end of a trilogy I would be satisfied. But that is not the situation. In the end, this ending is just misdirection to me. I should not I have debated heavily with a friend about this point, but I still have not been convinced it was the ending we needed. 

Again, good not great. Iron Man 3 does have things we expect and need including the Stan Lee cameo and the post credit scene. Actually the post credit scene was not what I expected, or still believe needed, but was probably one of the best to date. If you are reading this blog, you will probably see Iron Man 3, if you have not already. I recommend sitting back, relaxing and do not look critically. Because when I took that strategy it was a much better movie.

Comic Corner - Marvel's Iron Man 3 Prelude

It was an easy sale to get me to pick up Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Prelude #1. I got it for free for The Marvel Comics App. I like free, free is good. I like Iron Man, Iron Man 2, and The Avengers, they are good. So clearly, I was destined to enjoy this as I prepared to see Iron Man 3, which I will have seen by the time of posting and assume I will have thought was good. Sadly, despite my excitement, I was found wanting in this issue.

Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Prelude #1 is written by Christos Gage and Will Corona Pilgrim with pencils by Steve Kurth. The tale intertwines itself amongst the events of Iron Man 2 and The Avengers. The real main character is Rhodey (James Rhodes) as he follows the leads to track down a terrorist named The Ten Rings, which has supplied terrorists with weapons globally. You will also remember them as Tony Stark’s kidnappers in Iron Man. The issue ends with a cliffhanger as Rhodey in his War Machine armor may have gotten too close to The Ten Rings!

Okay, so I do really enjoy the tie-ins to several Avenger Initiative movies. This issue, for example, does an excellent job at explaining why War Machine did not join the Avengers in New York. And it addresses that Rhodey stole his first armor and shows Stark handing over an updated armor to Rhodes. We also see a glimpse of my beloved Agent Coulson in the background. Additionally, The Ten Rings is a clear foreshadowing of Iron Man 3 and the Mandarin. So I do feel like those who are only fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe could pick up this issue and instantly understand all of the background without comics. Co-writer Pilgrim served as a researcher for Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger, so he knows this version of the Marvel universe.

But, I do have two criticisms. First, they did not go all in. Rhodey looks like a buff handsome super hero, which is noticeably different than Don Cheadle's more unstated body type. Instead, he does look like the Rhodey from the comics. And even though Iron Man is in the title, this is really a War Machine issue and I wish that either this was highlighted in the title or that Stark had less of a supporting role. Second, I wish they would have given me the full story in a single comic. The purpose of this comic is to make me more excited about a movie that I am already planning to see (or will have actually seen when you read this!). This title did not change my impression either way, so charging me $2.99 for the second half or $7.99 for a print version with the whole 40-some pages seems like overkill. Especially since the story did not have enough action for me to choose to purchase the next half. I already know that Rhodey makes it to the movie!

Sadly, I did feel a lack of excitement for Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Prelude #1. I felt very vanilla about it. It is the type of story I would expect kids who devour movie tie-ins to enjoy. But adults will probably not find the strands of a story that will get them excited

Comic Corner - Guardians of the Galaxy #1

Disney and Marvel announced an unexpected choice for an August 2014 theatrical release for the second phase of the Avengers Initiative. The Guardians of the Galaxy is a hero team that most Disney fans are probably not aware of. And I will admit, even though I feel prepared by a childhood of nerdy for anything Marvel could throw at us, I actually confused this group with another, Corsair and the Starjammers, when I first heard the news. And I have a feeling I am not the only one who knows little to nothing about these space warriors that includes a space raccoon!

Marvel and Disney likely recognize this low public visibility for a property that they are preparing a tent pole movie around. I think the Guardians have less public visibility than John Carter! So I would argue some audience education is needed. This orientation has formally begun with the release of Guardians of the Galaxy issue #1 written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Steve McNiven. While the general public will probably not pick up this title, it should help to mobilize the comic book core audience. And with the inclusion of Iron Man in the story, they may attract some casual comic book fans also.

The book opens with Peter Quill, Star-Lord, attempting to win over a young lady of non-Earth origin on a space station. Peter is confronted by his father, the King of the Spartax planetary system, who warns Peter that Earth is off limits due to an agreement by a shadowy council of galactic rulers. Peter does not feel obligated to follow this edict due to his half human origin, his spiteful feelings towards his father and a fear that this pronouncement will actually but Earth at peril. Peter gathers his team Gamora (the most dangerous woman in the galaxy), Groot (a plant like creature), Drax, and Rocket Racoon (yes, he looks like a raccoon). The Guardians of the Galaxy arrive in Earth space just in time to join Iron Man in defending the planet against an alien attack. Can these heroes protect the planet?

I have a hard time recommending this issue. Honestly, it is the start of a bigger story and it is difficult to evaluate as a standalone issue. I assume that the whole will be better than its parts, but this piece is a lot of setup for the future. I fully intend to read the whole story arc when it is collected together in one volume, but I will not be picking up issue #2.

One problem I have with the story is the inclusion of Iron Man. The reason that the Guardians bump into Iron Man, who is joy riding, is based on a statement that Peter made to Tony Stark either in another title at an earlier date or off screen. But the comments that leads to Stark’s joy ride are thin and it comes off as forced. I would have been happier if the reason that Stark intersected with the Guardians would have been pure coincidence and had no links to Star-Lord and his team. I understand the need for Disney to make their number one superhero cross paths to bolster the 2014 movie. But in this story it failed for me. I feel really sad saying that since I generally enjoy Bendis’ writing.

This issue really focuses on Peter Quill and not the members of the team. One friend, and Between Disney reader, noted that Bendis frames Star-Lord as a Han Solo type character. He is a touch of rogue with a sprinkling of hero. Honestly, placing Quill into the Solo mold may be a good choice for Disney/Marvel as this is a formula that has proven to work. The rest of the characters, even the raccoon, are not given much space to develop their characters. Marvel has introduced a set of free online comics that focus on the non-human members of the team and help put flesh on Drax, Gamora, Rocket and soon Groot. I personally think this is a good marketing choice. The Gamora issue helps establish a tie to Thanos, a character we know will be a major focus in Phase 2 of the movies. The Marvel name will help Disney sell this film, but the audience needs to be introduced to these characters if they really do want box office success.

Honestly, I am hopeful for the cinematic Guardians of the Galaxy. It has superheroes and sci-fi so I want it to be a hit. I want to know more about the Guardians, because my personality desires more and more information. But instead of following this title on a monthly basis, I am going to look forward to a collected trade edition of this story arc.

Dreaming Disney - Patton Oswalt's Star Wars Pitch

I am honestly not a fan of Rataouille, but you have to admit that the rat can mix up some ingredients and come up with a good finished product!

Remy's voice, Patton Oswalt, will appear on the NBC show Parks and Recreation.  For his scene he was asked to improv a filibuster scene, and was allowed to use any topic he wanted.  His improved speech is the craziest pitch you may find for Star Wars Episode VII!  And like the rat, he mixes some of my favorite things together!

What I love about this is Disney's two major hero franchises, Marvel and Star Wars, are both mentioned.  I mean there is part of me that would love to see Han Solo and Tony Stark together.  And part of me that would be horrified.

What do you think of Oswalt's pitch?

Mousey Movie Preview - Iron Man 3's First Trailer

Honestly, we had a fantastic superhero summer.  And I really applaud Marvel and Disney for providing us The Avengers, which was action packed and super super fun.  But with The Dark Knight Rises, behind us and not finding time to watch  Looper yet,  the latest James Bond offering of Skyfall was all that I had to look forward to in future live action offerings. 

And then Marvel released the first trailer for Iron Man 3!  Building on The Avengers and its recent home video release, well I got excited again. 

What did you think?  Things explode a lot, including things I do not really want to see destroyed.  Tony mentions New York, a clear reference to The Avengers and how it changed him.  He clearly is not mentally doing well when Iron Man 3 opens.  I do question how his friend Captain America or at least a few random S.H.I.E.L.D. agents do not show up when someone blows up Tony Stark’s mansion!  But maybe that will be explained in the movie, or maybe they will be there.  I am not sure about Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin yet.  He does look super creepy, give that guy a nice refreshing shower. 

Thank you Marvel and Disney for getting me excited for May 3, 2013, and giving me a reason to get excited for live action again!  I just hope this installment is as Mousey as Iron Man and Iron Man 2.           

Mousey Movie Review - The Avengers

I have been waiting years for the fulfillment of a promise.  In Iron Man Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury told us he was looking to get the Avengers together.  Now Marvel and Disney have paid off on this promise, and most fans will not be disappointed.  If you like action films, if you enjoy things going boom, and if you love superheroes, The Avengers is probably going to be a hit for you.  Here are my initial thoughts about the film after a very early morning viewing (as spoiler free as possible):

·         Laugh-o-Gram:  I underestimated how funny this movie was going to be.  Quick quips, puns, and fun dialogue are traditional comic book tools.  And we have seen some humor in the past films.  But in The Avengers the fun lines are ramped.  I really should have expected this because Joss Whedon wrote the story and screenplay.  Overall my experience with his work is limited.  But the one franchise of his that I love is Firefly which shares this type of witty dialogue.  I quote Firefly lines all the time!   I cannot really tell you all of the lines that clicked with the audience because I missed some payoffs because everyone was drowning out the audio laughing.  I do think Whedon gave the best lines to Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man who continues to shine in this role.   

·         Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.:  We have been introduced over the years to agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. including Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, Black Widow and Clint Barton/Hawkeye.  These agents have also been support but never the stars.  In a film with heavy hitters like Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and Hulk the characters that get the most development are these agents along with the newest member of S.H.I.E.L.D. Maria Hill.  With the big guys we have seen them developed in their own films, so it honestly fells like these are the characters who should be built out further.  Honestly, these are the characters you will probably look forward to the most in the future.    

·         Reality Check:  So villain wise this is probably the most ambitious of the non-human villains to date, therefore a ton more of CGI.  Yet I still felt like these alien invaders fit within our world and were believable.  I think an element that works to help establish reality are heroes with basic earthly weapons.  Having Black Widow and Hawkeye with guns and bows sprinkled throughout scenes with CGI villains and heroes helps to ground the image in our world.   

·         Fearless:  The Avengers breaks the expected conventions.  So be prepared for a ride.  In The Incredibles we get an education on some of these clichés, like monologuing for example.  In The Avengers the story breaks these clichés.  Characters do the things that you would want to do in the real world.  If this was a horror movie, somebody on the screen would say “hey don’t be foolish and walk into the woods unless you want to die first.”  And the story takes risks.  I had done a really good job avoiding spoilers and I am glad I did because within the first 15 minutes something I had not expected had happened and changed what I thought of the story rolling out in front of me.          

As a side note, The Avengers is not really a Mousey Movie except for links to the other films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  But I will not be pointing fingers.  There is a lot happening in this film and I would not ask for them to force in hidden Mickeys just to impress a Disney fan!  No, I will take The Avengers as it is a popular and growing Disney franchise that we will love for years to come.  I am sure many of you will be assembling with your fellow avengers at a theater near you, maybe even for a second or third time. 

Between Books - Marvel Masterworks Presents the Avengers

I’m really excited about The Avengers.  I wonder if you noticed!  This is a Disney blockbuster that is easy to get behind, but it should be high quality and successful enough to promise us more.  I have been preparing for The Avengers rewatching the Avenger Initiative movies and watching Ultimate Spider-Man and following Clark Gregg on twitter.  Yeah, I’m pumped.  For my final preparation I decided to go back to the beginning, to visit 1963 when the Avengers assembled for the first time. 

To do this I picked up a copy of Marvel Masterworks Presents The Avengers.  The graphic novel collects the first ten issues of The Avengers from September 1963 to November 1964.  All ten stories are written by the legendary Stan Lee, the creator must have a legendary cameo in this movie.  Mr. Lee provides an introduction to the collection, noting that in the heyday of Marvel’s renaissance in the 1960s they realized that team-ups were profitable, leading to a permanent team-up book in The Avengers.  The first 8 stories are drawn by legend Jack Kirby with the last two being drawn by Don Heck.  Instead of providing an overview of every tale I want to give you my observations from this read and how they may link to The Avengers movie.  I apologize for spoilers, but these tales are nearly 50 years old!  Did Stan Lee even have a mustache back then?:

·         Original Sin:  From The Avengers trailer we know that Thor’s brother Loki is a primary villain this May.  This is so appropriate as it was Loki that originally brought the first Avenger team of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man and Wasp together.  It’s a great throwback to the first story that many fans won’t know about.            

·        What’s in a Name:  Most of us know the alter ego of the Incredible Hulk as Dr. Bruce Banner.  Though some of us may remember Bruce Bixby playing Dr. David Banner on television during our formative years.  Hulk goes by three different names in these original stories.  They use the familiar Dr. Bruce Banner often.  But he is also referred to as Dr. Bob Banner.  Now this one through me since I had not heard it before.  Now technically he is Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, so Bob does pass the sniff test.  But in one instance a friend calls him Dr. Donald Blake.  Now this is an instance where an editor was needed since Dr. Donald Blake as we know from Thor is not Hulk but Thor.  Clearly this was a mistake where an editor failed to pick up on the goof.  But it is right that Hulk struggles with his true identity.  In The Avengers a third actor in three films will be taking on the role.  Mark Ruffalo takes over from Edward Norton who followed Eric Bana as Banner.  The Avengers simply continues 50 years of identity confusion for the green avenger.      

·         Return of the King:  Marvel warns you in the opening pages of issue 4 to treat the edition as a collectors’ item, because it features the return of Captain America and his addition to the Avengers. In 1954, Atlas Comics, which would later become Marvel Comics, cancelled Captain America and Cap’s days of fighting the Axis in Europe was over!  In 1964, Mr. Lee and Mr. Kirby (who had drawn Cap) brought the Boy Scout hero back from the dead and publication limbo as a member of the Avengers.  Of course, it’s not easy to have been gone for such as long time.  Therefore, Steve Rogers has to battle with the demons of such a long time on ice (pun intended).  In one scene he actually has a physical confrontation with his new partner Rick Jones as he attempts to model himself after Cap’s old deceased partner Bucky.  And I expect in The Avengers will see Captain America dealing with being suspended for over 50 years in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.         

·         The Weaker Sex:  I am a dad of a girl.  And the female heroes in Marvel Masterworks Presents The Avengers are not the role models I am looking for.  The Wasp is well, shallow.  She cares about looks, commenting constantly on how handsome men are or what they could do to be more attractive.  And she is very concerned with her looks.  And the other females in the first 10 stories are not much better.  Susan Storm from the Fantastic Four in her one frame is too busy to discuss a pressing issue, she has a fashion show to go to.  They are pretty much the opposite of the strong and smart Black Widow I believe we will see in The Avengers.  She may be properly accessorized, but she’s does not seem afraid to get her hands dirty!    

·         The Greatest Enemy:  Throughout these tales the Avengers continually fight a reoccurring opponent, themselves.  Often the Avenger to get piled on by the rest of the team is the Hulk.  Poor Hulk, he wants to be a hero but when you express yourself through smashing you are often misunderstood.  And he is not the only Avenger who gets into a fight with one of his teammates.  Let’s just say if we see Thor and Iron Man getting into a fist fight, or anyone trying to smack down the Hulk from the Avenger team the tradition simply continues. 

·         Silly Rabbit:  Reading an old comic book is an adventure!  Stories were not as tight and slang is used that can lead to an unintended chuckle decades later.  The stories here have points that make 21^st century man laugh.  One of my favorites is Captain America’s arch enemy Baron Zemo has had a hood stuck to his head for nearly 20 years after a World War II battle with Cap.  It’s only in his latest struggle that he realizes he may want to search for a solvent, not just revenge, which could actually remove the hood.  He declared he never thought of the idea!  In another scene Wasp uses the phone to call the police.  She’s in her miniature Wasp form not her standard height.  I wonder if she had to scream and sounded squeaky to those on the other end of the line.  Can I be honest, I could use a silly scene or two in the new movie.      

      Marvel Masterworks Presents The Avengers is a great way to get yourself into an Avengers state of mind! In these pages you see the first meeting of the Avengers, the stories that started it all. They are an adventure written and drawn by comic book legends and well worth the read as you prepare for May 4th.   

      

Mousey Movies - Iron Man

Before Disney owned Marvel the cinematic saga that will bring us May’s The Avengers began.  After the credits of 2008’s Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson took the screen for the first time as Nick Fury Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and let us know that there were other heroes.  And not only were there heroes, but he was working on something called the Avengers Initiative.  Needless to say as a superhero fan I kind of stopped breathing for a few moments in 2008!

Iron Man introduces Marvel superhero Iron Man to the big screen.  It provides the story of how industrialist Tony Stark, played brilliantly by Robert Downey Jr., saved himself from terrorists by creating the Iron Man armor.  A changed man after surviving this attempt on his life, Stark turns away from his trade, weapons, and strikes out to improve the world.  He is challenged professionally and personally by his mentor (or nemesis) Obadiah Stane who wishes to control Stark’s technology for his own benefit.

Now to be honest, before Iron Man I was not a big fan of Tony Stark.  He always lived in the shadows to me of another millionaire superhero, DC’s Bruce Wayne/Batman.  And Stark has a ton of personality flaws that just did not resonate to me.  So as a kid if an X-Men book was laying next to an Iron Man book, X-men always won.  And that is true today with the print version of Iron Man.  But Downey Jr. is brilliant in this film and has crafted my favorite version of Tony Stark.  I have also been one of the rare fans to like Iron Man 2 more than the original.  This has been based on two facts; the sequel is a very Mousey Movie that every Disney fan can enjoy.  And honestly it doesn’t make me have to think as much!  But with The Avengers on its way I am rewatching every movie in the Avengers Initiative, and this pre-Disney influenced flick turns out to have obvious and hidden Mousey Moments:

·        Digital Heroes:  Jeff Bridges plays Obadiah Stane, the film’s villain.  Bridges was already the star of a cult Disney live action flick as Kevin Flynn in 1982’s Tron, and Clu.  He reprised those roles in 2010’s Tron: Legacy playing both hero (Flynn) and villain (Clu 2).  Part of my criticism of the sequel has been Bridges’ portray of Flynn as he seems to be a tech savvy version of The Dude from The Big Lebowski.  So as Stane I feel he is bringing something new to his career resume, a money and power loving evil industrialist, a character I imagine is very different than Bridges’ real personality.  But that is only because I am convinced that Bridges really is The Dude.          

·        Hobby Time:  Walt Disney enjoyed hands on hobbies.  Disney’s love of hobby trains and miniatures helped inspire him to create Disneyland.  He built the Carolwood Pacific Railroad in his background as a 1/8^th scale train on a half mile track.  Much of the Carolwood line was built by Walt Disney himself with the help of Legend Roger E. Broggie.  This love of trains led to Walt’s park being encircled by one.  Additionally, Disney collected miniatures and hand built a number of detailed miniatures himself.  At one point he toyed with the idea of putting his miniatures on the road as a traveling exhibit, a predecessor to his interest in theme park attractions.  Tony Stark likes working with his hands too.  Walt Disney may have had his barn, but Tony Stark has a garage full of tools where he can get his hands dirty being creative working on cars and building super powered suits of armor. 

·        House of the Future:  For a decade starting in 1957, visitors to Disneyland could get a glimpse of future living at the Monsanto House of the Future.  Now, I never visited this attraction but in my mind Tony Stark lives in the House of the Future.  He is super rich and has pretty much any effort saving device you can think of in his mansion.  The dude has robots in his garage for heaven’s sake.  The most impressive living innovation is JARVIS (voiced by Paul Bettany), the computer that manages the Stark household.  JARVIS is so invaluable to Stark that he is connected to the Iron Man armor as an onboard artificial intelligence and advisor.     

·        Double Duty:  Jon Favreau directs both Iron Man and Iron Man 2.  And he also appears as Stark’s chauffer/body guard Happy Hogan.  Favreau passed on directing the future Iron Man 3 selecting instead to helm Magic Kingdom a future release that provides Disney fans a Kingdom Keepers or Night at the Museum style after dark in the park adventure.   Favreau has shown himself to be a big Disney fan boy, making me excited that this film will be led by one of us. 

·        Night on the Town: After returning from his kidnapping, Stark makes his first major public appearance at the Disney Concert Hall!  Okay, I about feel over when I heard it.  Stark is hosting his third annual benefit for firefighters at this Los Angeles’ venue.  And honestly its one of my favorite sites in the film for two reason.  First, look for the Stan Lee cameo at the Disney Concert Hall.  Second, Agent Phil Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D meets Stark for the first time at the fundraiser. 

For me Iron Man was an unexpected Mousey Movie.  I thought I would actually have to force the connections to declare it Mousey.  Instead I found more Disney references and connections that I have even shared here.  And it really makes me happy that the first movie in the Avengers Initiative can stand proudly next to its Mousey sequel.