On June 1, 2000, Marvel published a comic book prequel to X-Men, entitled X-Men: Beginnings, revealing the back stories of Magneto, Rogue and Wolverine. There was also a comic book adaptation based on the film.Marvel Studios was depending on X-Men's success to ignite other franchise properties (Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Hulk and Daredevil).X-Men was released in 3,025 theaters in North America on July 14, 2000, earning $54,471,475 in its opening weekend. The film eventually grossed $157,299,717 and made $139,039,810 in other countries, coming to a worldwide total of $296,339,527. X-Men was the ninth highest-grossing film of 2000. The film made over $50 million in home video sales. The success of X-Men (alongside Blade) started a reemergence for the comic book and superhero film genre.
Monday, October 19, 2009
X-men Casting
Many actors were considered for roles in the film particularly Wolverine and Cyclops.
Patrick Stewart was the first and only choice for the role of Charles Xavier since his debut in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Terrence Stamp was in the running for the role of Magneto before Sir Ian McKellen was cast.
For the role of Wolverine, Gary Sinise, Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, Viggo Mortensen, Aaron Eckhart, Edward Norton and Jean Claude Van Damme were all considered for the role. At one point in the 1990s, Glenn Danzig was approached to play Wolverine in ad hoc committee X-Men film, because he bore an uncanny resemblance to the character, as well as being the same height as Wolverine, and very muscular. However, he had to decline, due to the fact that the shooting for the film would force him to put a halt to touring with his band for nine months.. Dougray Scott was originally cast as Wolverine. But he was forced to pull out the project due to scheduling conflicts with Mission:Impossible II. Fox on the other hand wanted Keanu Reeves for the part.
For the role of Cyclops, Thomas Jane, Johnny Lee Miller, Eric Mabius, Owen Wilson, Edward Burns, Edward Norton and Jude Law were considered. Michael Biehn was at one point considered for the role back in 1989 when James Cameron was developing it. James Caviezel was originally cast but pulled out before filming began. Wrestler Kevin Nash was offered the role of Sabretooth but he turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts. Sarah Michelle Geller, Natalie Portman and Katharine Isabelle were considered for the role of Rogue. Angela Bassett was offered the role of Storm but she turned it down. Jada Pinkett Smith and Rachel Luttrell were considered for the role. Jeri Ryan and Maria Bello were considered for the role of Jean Gray.
Patrick Stewart was the first and only choice for the role of Charles Xavier since his debut in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Terrence Stamp was in the running for the role of Magneto before Sir Ian McKellen was cast.
For the role of Wolverine, Gary Sinise, Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, Viggo Mortensen, Aaron Eckhart, Edward Norton and Jean Claude Van Damme were all considered for the role. At one point in the 1990s, Glenn Danzig was approached to play Wolverine in ad hoc committee X-Men film, because he bore an uncanny resemblance to the character, as well as being the same height as Wolverine, and very muscular. However, he had to decline, due to the fact that the shooting for the film would force him to put a halt to touring with his band for nine months.. Dougray Scott was originally cast as Wolverine. But he was forced to pull out the project due to scheduling conflicts with Mission:Impossible II. Fox on the other hand wanted Keanu Reeves for the part.
For the role of Cyclops, Thomas Jane, Johnny Lee Miller, Eric Mabius, Owen Wilson, Edward Burns, Edward Norton and Jude Law were considered. Michael Biehn was at one point considered for the role back in 1989 when James Cameron was developing it. James Caviezel was originally cast but pulled out before filming began. Wrestler Kevin Nash was offered the role of Sabretooth but he turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts. Sarah Michelle Geller, Natalie Portman and Katharine Isabelle were considered for the role of Rogue. Angela Bassett was offered the role of Storm but she turned it down. Jada Pinkett Smith and Rachel Luttrell were considered for the role. Jeri Ryan and Maria Bello were considered for the role of Jean Gray.
X-men 1:How it came to launch Marvel's movie career
Throughout 1989 and 1990, Stan Lee and Chris Claremont were in discussions with James Cameron and Carolco Pictures for an X-Men film adaptation. The deal fell apart when Cameron went to work on Spider-Man, Carolco went bankrupt, and the film rights reverted to Marvel Studios. In December 1992, Marvel discussed selling the property to Columbia Pictures to no avail. Meanwhile, Avi Arad produced the animated X-Men TV series for Fox Kids. 20th Century Fox was impressed by the success of the TV show, and producer Lauren Shuler Donner purchased the film rights for them in 1994.
Andrew Kevin Walker was hired to write the script in early 1994. Walker's draft involved Professor Xavier hiring Wolverine into the X-Men, which consists of Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Beast, and Angel. The Brotherhood of Mutants, which consisted of Magneto, Sabretooth, Toad, and the Blob, try to conquer New York City, while Henry Peter Gyrich and Bolivar Trask attack the X-Men with three 8 feet (2.4 m) tall Sentinels. The script focused on the rivalry between Wolverine and Cyclops, as well as the latter's self-doubt as a field leader. Part of the backstory invented for Magneto made him the cause of the Chernobyl disaster. The script also featured the X-Copter and the Danger Room. Walker turned in his second draft in June 1994.
More scripts were written by John Logan, James Schamus, and Joss Whedon. Whedon claimed his script was rejected because of its "quick-witted pop culture-referencing tone" Only two dialogue exchanges from his draft appeared in the finished film. One of these scripts kept the idea of Magneto turning Manhattan into a "mutant homeland", while another hinged on a romance between Wolverine and Storm.[6] In 1996, Fox approached Michael Chabon to write a script. Chabon's six-page film treatment focused heavily on character development between Wolverine and Jubilee. It also included Professor X, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, Beast, Iceman, and Storm. Under Chabon's plan, the villains would not have been introduced until the second film.
Robert Rodriguez was approached to direct, but turned down the offer. Bryan Singer was looking to do a science fiction film after the release of The Usual Suspects. Fox approached Singer for Alien Resurrection, but producer Tom DeSanto felt X-Men would be a better opportunity as he was impressed with how Singer directed an ensemble cast in The Usual Suspects.[4] Singer turned down the offer, believing that comic books were unintelligent literature. By July 1996, Singer had further turned down the film another two times, and finally accepted after reading the comics and watching the animated series.The themes of prejudice in the comic resonated with Singer.
By December 1996, Singer was in the director's position, while Ed Solomon was hired to write the script in April 1997, and Singer went to film Apt Pupil. Fox then announced a Christmas 1998 release date.[13][14] In late 1997, the budget was projected at $60 million. In late 1998, Singer and DeSanto sent a treatment to Fox, which they believed was "perfect" because it took "seriously" the themes and the comparisons between Xavier and Magneto and Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, unlike the other scripts. They made Rogue an important character because Singer recognized that her mutation, which renders her unable to touch anyone, was the most symbolic of alienation. Singer merged attributes of Kitty Pryde and Jubilee into the film's depiction of Rogue. Magneto's plot to mutate the world leaders into accepting his people is reminiscent of how Constantine I's conversion to Christianity ended the persecution of early Christians in the Roman Empire; the analogy was emphasized in a deleted scene in which Storm teaches history. Senator Kelly's claim that he has a list of mutants living in the United States recalls Joseph McCarthy's similar claim regarding communists.
Fox, who had projected the budget at $75 million, rejected the treatment, which they estimated it would have cost $5 million more. Beast, Nightcrawler, Pyro, and the Danger Room had to be deleted before the studio greenlighted X-Men. Fox head Thomas Rothman argued that this would enhance the story, and Singer concurred that removing the Danger Room allowed him to focus on other scenes he preferred. Elements of Beast, particularly his medical expertise, were transferred to Jean Grey.Singer and DeSanto brought Christopher McQuarrie from The Usual Suspects, and together did another rewrite. David Hayter simultaneously rewrote the screenplay, receiving solo screenplay credit from the Writers Guild of America, while Singer and DeSanto were given story credit.[6] The WGA offered McQuarrie a credit, but he voluntarily took his name off when the final version was more in line with Hayter's script than his.
Andrew Kevin Walker was hired to write the script in early 1994. Walker's draft involved Professor Xavier hiring Wolverine into the X-Men, which consists of Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Beast, and Angel. The Brotherhood of Mutants, which consisted of Magneto, Sabretooth, Toad, and the Blob, try to conquer New York City, while Henry Peter Gyrich and Bolivar Trask attack the X-Men with three 8 feet (2.4 m) tall Sentinels. The script focused on the rivalry between Wolverine and Cyclops, as well as the latter's self-doubt as a field leader. Part of the backstory invented for Magneto made him the cause of the Chernobyl disaster. The script also featured the X-Copter and the Danger Room. Walker turned in his second draft in June 1994.
More scripts were written by John Logan, James Schamus, and Joss Whedon. Whedon claimed his script was rejected because of its "quick-witted pop culture-referencing tone" Only two dialogue exchanges from his draft appeared in the finished film. One of these scripts kept the idea of Magneto turning Manhattan into a "mutant homeland", while another hinged on a romance between Wolverine and Storm.[6] In 1996, Fox approached Michael Chabon to write a script. Chabon's six-page film treatment focused heavily on character development between Wolverine and Jubilee. It also included Professor X, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, Beast, Iceman, and Storm. Under Chabon's plan, the villains would not have been introduced until the second film.
Robert Rodriguez was approached to direct, but turned down the offer. Bryan Singer was looking to do a science fiction film after the release of The Usual Suspects. Fox approached Singer for Alien Resurrection, but producer Tom DeSanto felt X-Men would be a better opportunity as he was impressed with how Singer directed an ensemble cast in The Usual Suspects.[4] Singer turned down the offer, believing that comic books were unintelligent literature. By July 1996, Singer had further turned down the film another two times, and finally accepted after reading the comics and watching the animated series.The themes of prejudice in the comic resonated with Singer.
By December 1996, Singer was in the director's position, while Ed Solomon was hired to write the script in April 1997, and Singer went to film Apt Pupil. Fox then announced a Christmas 1998 release date.[13][14] In late 1997, the budget was projected at $60 million. In late 1998, Singer and DeSanto sent a treatment to Fox, which they believed was "perfect" because it took "seriously" the themes and the comparisons between Xavier and Magneto and Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, unlike the other scripts. They made Rogue an important character because Singer recognized that her mutation, which renders her unable to touch anyone, was the most symbolic of alienation. Singer merged attributes of Kitty Pryde and Jubilee into the film's depiction of Rogue. Magneto's plot to mutate the world leaders into accepting his people is reminiscent of how Constantine I's conversion to Christianity ended the persecution of early Christians in the Roman Empire; the analogy was emphasized in a deleted scene in which Storm teaches history. Senator Kelly's claim that he has a list of mutants living in the United States recalls Joseph McCarthy's similar claim regarding communists.
Fox, who had projected the budget at $75 million, rejected the treatment, which they estimated it would have cost $5 million more. Beast, Nightcrawler, Pyro, and the Danger Room had to be deleted before the studio greenlighted X-Men. Fox head Thomas Rothman argued that this would enhance the story, and Singer concurred that removing the Danger Room allowed him to focus on other scenes he preferred. Elements of Beast, particularly his medical expertise, were transferred to Jean Grey.Singer and DeSanto brought Christopher McQuarrie from The Usual Suspects, and together did another rewrite. David Hayter simultaneously rewrote the screenplay, receiving solo screenplay credit from the Writers Guild of America, while Singer and DeSanto were given story credit.[6] The WGA offered McQuarrie a credit, but he voluntarily took his name off when the final version was more in line with Hayter's script than his.
Spider-man:The animated series and censorship.
In 1994, Marvel created a Spider-man cartoon for the then-emerging tv network FOX. Fox had prior success with DC's Batman and was looking for another show to help cement their status as the network for kids to watch TV. So naturally, FOX turned to Marvel to develop a show based on one the most popular characters in their stable.
Unfortunately, during that time parents groups and the clinton adminstration had cracked down on children's programing and required that the violence and action be toned down. This is a list of some of the things the show was prevented from showing:
Unfortunately, during that time parents groups and the clinton adminstration had cracked down on children's programing and required that the violence and action be toned down. This is a list of some of the things the show was prevented from showing:
Not mentioning "death", "die", "dead" or "kill"
Not using realistic weapons
Spider-Man was not allowed to hit anyone with his fist
No crashing glass was allowed.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The rebirth of Marvel
With marvel emerging out of bankruptcy and a new owner for the company. Marvel looked to a re-emergence of talent and new movies to cement their second chance. Marvel used emergence technologies like the internet to circulate their content. Exploring digital comics and videos to draw in viewers.
Since the 2000's, Marvel's movies have finally taken center stage. The film Iron Man made over 100 million dollars during its opening weekend. The film ranked 10th largest opening of all time and fourth largest opening for a film based on a comic book. Another rendition of Hulk was released a month later.
This allowed Marvel to explore more forms of entertainment. A new animated series entitled Wolverine and the X-Men was released in the fall of 2008. Film director John Singleton, known for dramas such as Boyz N tha Hood and Higher Learning, plans to produce films featuring the Black Panther and Luck Cage. A film featuring Wolverine was released as well as three Spider-Man movies and three X-men movies.
Since the 2000's, Marvel's movies have finally taken center stage. The film Iron Man made over 100 million dollars during its opening weekend. The film ranked 10th largest opening of all time and fourth largest opening for a film based on a comic book. Another rendition of Hulk was released a month later.
This allowed Marvel to explore more forms of entertainment. A new animated series entitled Wolverine and the X-Men was released in the fall of 2008. Film director John Singleton, known for dramas such as Boyz N tha Hood and Higher Learning, plans to produce films featuring the Black Panther and Luck Cage. A film featuring Wolverine was released as well as three Spider-Man movies and three X-men movies.
The near demise of Marvel
Marvel Comics was bought by New World Entertainment in 1986, putting the company in the hands of Ronald Perelman. The Revlon executive took the company public on the New York Stock Exchange. The positive effect of this was that more Marvel Comics series were coming out and even a few films had come out (direct to video and TV). The downside was that part of the money used for this came from junk bonds Perleman issued. Unfortunately, Perleman’s unsavory reputation was based on this practice and would definitely contribute to Marvel’s demise.
Throughout the industry, comic distributors were in harsh competition. Marvel Comics as well as many other companies had their own distribution channels. By the end of this struggle, Diamond Distributor’s emerged as the one major channel for comic distribution. This distribution struggle along with crossovers, alternative universes and fancy cover alterations finally took its toll on the industry. Not even a new Daredevil limited series by Frank Miller or a D.C vs. Marvel series could stop the inevitable. After spending time being investigated for Perleman’s business practises, Marvel Comics went bankrupt in 1996. After the reconstruction process, initiated by the court, and many legal battles, Isaac Perlmutter would be the one in control. Toy Biz, Perlmutter’s company, a subsidiary of Marvel Comics released Marvel Superhero action figures. Deciding to turn the company around, he made Avi Arad in charge of Marvel Entertainment. Arad was already overseeing the animation projects being released by Saban, whom Marvel Comics sold its back catalog to in 1986.
Throughout the industry, comic distributors were in harsh competition. Marvel Comics as well as many other companies had their own distribution channels. By the end of this struggle, Diamond Distributor’s emerged as the one major channel for comic distribution. This distribution struggle along with crossovers, alternative universes and fancy cover alterations finally took its toll on the industry. Not even a new Daredevil limited series by Frank Miller or a D.C vs. Marvel series could stop the inevitable. After spending time being investigated for Perleman’s business practises, Marvel Comics went bankrupt in 1996. After the reconstruction process, initiated by the court, and many legal battles, Isaac Perlmutter would be the one in control. Toy Biz, Perlmutter’s company, a subsidiary of Marvel Comics released Marvel Superhero action figures. Deciding to turn the company around, he made Avi Arad in charge of Marvel Entertainment. Arad was already overseeing the animation projects being released by Saban, whom Marvel Comics sold its back catalog to in 1986.
Marvel in the eighties:part 2.
This is a look at the 25th anniversary of Marvel.Showing off the multi-faceted approach to the entertainment industry.
Marvel in the eighties:Becoming a multi-media company
In the 1980’s, America was experiencing a renaissance in music, art and culture. Marvel Publications at this time were definitely in sync with this modern movement. In 1983, film audiences saw the last of the Star Wars instalments entitled The Return of the Jedi. It was eminent that readership of Star Wars would decrease. Marvel Comics adeptly filled this possible void by publishing a new series. Instead of publishing a comic book that was rendition of a film, Marvel Comics produced an animated series that was a rendition of their comic. Marvel released GI-Joe: A Real American Hero. The comic series was created in the spirit of the war comic books from the golden age, an action figure toy line as well as St. Fury and his Howling Commandos; which was published by Marvel Comics in the 1960s. The comic series, which was complimented with a toy line by Hasbro, proved instantly successful. Soon the GI-Joe animated series was released by Marvel Productions.
In 1981, Marvel Comics purchased the DePatie-Freleng Enterprises Animation Studio (famous for Pink Panther) and renamed it Marvel Productions. Having already produced The New Fantastic Four in 1978 and Spiderwoman in 1979, the renamed studio released a Spider-man and Incredible Hulk series.
Soon after GI-Joe’s debut, The Transformers were released. This series, which was also fortified with a popular toy line by Hasbro, would prove even more popular than GI-Joe. Marvel Productions released other animation serials such as Dungeons and Dragon, Muppet Babies and Spider-man and Friends. The last title in particular was useful in presenting various Marvel Comics characters that were unknown to popular audiences. Furthering the exposure of different characters to readers and potential readers seemed to be the driving force behind the company’s marketing in the second half of the 1980s and early 1990s.
In 1981, Marvel Comics purchased the DePatie-Freleng Enterprises Animation Studio (famous for Pink Panther) and renamed it Marvel Productions. Having already produced The New Fantastic Four in 1978 and Spiderwoman in 1979, the renamed studio released a Spider-man and Incredible Hulk series.
Soon after GI-Joe’s debut, The Transformers were released. This series, which was also fortified with a popular toy line by Hasbro, would prove even more popular than GI-Joe. Marvel Productions released other animation serials such as Dungeons and Dragon, Muppet Babies and Spider-man and Friends. The last title in particular was useful in presenting various Marvel Comics characters that were unknown to popular audiences. Furthering the exposure of different characters to readers and potential readers seemed to be the driving force behind the company’s marketing in the second half of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Star Wars:The comic that saved Marvel and the emergence of the licensed comic
In 1977, George Lucas produced Star Wars. Even though its unparalleled success in popular culture was a surprise to most in the industry, Marvel Comics made a rather fortunate gamble. Three months prior to the film’s release, Marvel Comics published a six-issue comic rendition of the film. Star Wars #1 became the first million copy seller since the Golden Age. Star Wars was made into a regular series. Further success followed as the Kenner Toy Company manufactured toys based on the film. The films, toys and comic books worked together to fortify the unit sales of Star Wars products. Marvel Comics also tried to take advantage of other popular toy lines by releasing The Shogun Warriors and The Micronauts.
The success of these comics helped Marvel Comics in the late seventies to stabilize its position in the overall market. This lead to the company being able to set a new practices such as returning art and paying out royalties.
The success of these comics helped Marvel Comics in the late seventies to stabilize its position in the overall market. This lead to the company being able to set a new practices such as returning art and paying out royalties.
The 1970's:A time of expansion and controversy
Despite the growth of Marvel Comics, superhero comic books were once again on the downside. Marvel Comics had to redirect their focus. This was first seen in the form of a barbarian by the name of Conan. The rendition of Robert E. Howard’s character was illustrated by a British artist named Barry Windsor-Smith. Its success resulted in three other barbarian titles (including the female barbarian Red Sonja) by the end of the decade.
In 1971, Stan Lee was approached by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare to make a comic book about the negative effects of drug use. In the aftermath of the turbulent 1960’s, drug use was on the rise in America. This would be the first time since the formation of the Comics Code that comic books would be used as a method of education. Although Classic’s Illustrated, comic book renditions of classic novels, published reprints during the 1960’s, this would be a new step for the industry. The Spider-man story, not bearing the comic books code because it included drug use, was successful and gave Marvel Comics a little more freedom.
The result was the release of two horror titles Werewolf by Night and Tomb of Dracula. This trend would continue with seven more titles (four in magazine format). By 1972 Marvel’s sales were surpassing DC Comics. This success led to a failed attempt to buy DC Comics later that decade. Also, Goodman retired and Stan Lee took his place as publisher.
In the cinema, a new movement was emerging that involved African American heroes who hustled, fought crime and took revenge on those that “kept them down.” Because of the low budget quality, lewd language and behavior and often repetitious storylines, many have labelled this movement “blaxploitation.” Amidst the growth of this movement, Marvel Comics released Luke Cage: Hero for Hire. Luke Cage, the first African American superhero, combated criminals in their urban element. Equally important to mention, is that many of the villains and background characters were also African American as well.
The early 1970’s also saw the explosive popularity of Kung Fu. Bruce Lee’s death in 1971 led much of the world to focus on films that involved this relatively unknown martial art. Marvel Comics took advantage of this trend with The Deadly Hand’s of San Chi: Master of Kung Fu. This title led to another the creation of another character known as Iron Fist. Later Luke Cage (who would change his name to Power Man) and Iron Fist would join forces in their own title. Power Man and Iron Fist became the changed form of the Luke Cage title.
Marvel Comics released another Ghost Rider series in 1973. Although the original was a clever combination of a Western and Horror theme, this new one involved a motorcycle and a modern theme. Two major super heroes had their debut in 1974. Amazing Spider-man #129 featured a hero known as the Punisher. In the spirit of Clint Eastwood and Charles Bronson, the Punisher was a vigilante embittered by a crime committed against his family.
Hulk #180 and 181 starred an obscure Canadian mutant named Wolverine. This superhero was unique in the fact that he was not only endowed with genetic power (super healing ability and heighten senses), but was physically altered as well. As a result of an operation, Wolverine’s body was laced with a fictitious, indestructible metal called adamantium. He was also given metal, retractable claws. Although his popularity was just beginning to grow, he would become a dominant, franchise figure by the end of the next decade.
Soon X-men would continue from issue #94 with Chris Claremont writing. Giant Size X-Men #1 presented a new international group of mutants consisting of Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Storm, Thunderhawk and Banshee. Colossus, a Russian farmer, could turn his body into steel. Nightcrawler, a German sideshow performer, had dexterity and could teleport short distances. Storm, an African weather witch, could control the weather. Thunderbird, a Native American Superhero, had superior strength. Banshee, an Irishman who first appeared in some early X-Men issues, had a supersonic scream. Along with Spider-man, these new X-Men would be the dominant, driving force behind Marvel Comics for the next 20 years.
In 1971, Stan Lee was approached by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare to make a comic book about the negative effects of drug use. In the aftermath of the turbulent 1960’s, drug use was on the rise in America. This would be the first time since the formation of the Comics Code that comic books would be used as a method of education. Although Classic’s Illustrated, comic book renditions of classic novels, published reprints during the 1960’s, this would be a new step for the industry. The Spider-man story, not bearing the comic books code because it included drug use, was successful and gave Marvel Comics a little more freedom.
The result was the release of two horror titles Werewolf by Night and Tomb of Dracula. This trend would continue with seven more titles (four in magazine format). By 1972 Marvel’s sales were surpassing DC Comics. This success led to a failed attempt to buy DC Comics later that decade. Also, Goodman retired and Stan Lee took his place as publisher.
In the cinema, a new movement was emerging that involved African American heroes who hustled, fought crime and took revenge on those that “kept them down.” Because of the low budget quality, lewd language and behavior and often repetitious storylines, many have labelled this movement “blaxploitation.” Amidst the growth of this movement, Marvel Comics released Luke Cage: Hero for Hire. Luke Cage, the first African American superhero, combated criminals in their urban element. Equally important to mention, is that many of the villains and background characters were also African American as well.
The early 1970’s also saw the explosive popularity of Kung Fu. Bruce Lee’s death in 1971 led much of the world to focus on films that involved this relatively unknown martial art. Marvel Comics took advantage of this trend with The Deadly Hand’s of San Chi: Master of Kung Fu. This title led to another the creation of another character known as Iron Fist. Later Luke Cage (who would change his name to Power Man) and Iron Fist would join forces in their own title. Power Man and Iron Fist became the changed form of the Luke Cage title.
Marvel Comics released another Ghost Rider series in 1973. Although the original was a clever combination of a Western and Horror theme, this new one involved a motorcycle and a modern theme. Two major super heroes had their debut in 1974. Amazing Spider-man #129 featured a hero known as the Punisher. In the spirit of Clint Eastwood and Charles Bronson, the Punisher was a vigilante embittered by a crime committed against his family.
Hulk #180 and 181 starred an obscure Canadian mutant named Wolverine. This superhero was unique in the fact that he was not only endowed with genetic power (super healing ability and heighten senses), but was physically altered as well. As a result of an operation, Wolverine’s body was laced with a fictitious, indestructible metal called adamantium. He was also given metal, retractable claws. Although his popularity was just beginning to grow, he would become a dominant, franchise figure by the end of the next decade.
Soon X-men would continue from issue #94 with Chris Claremont writing. Giant Size X-Men #1 presented a new international group of mutants consisting of Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Storm, Thunderhawk and Banshee. Colossus, a Russian farmer, could turn his body into steel. Nightcrawler, a German sideshow performer, had dexterity and could teleport short distances. Storm, an African weather witch, could control the weather. Thunderbird, a Native American Superhero, had superior strength. Banshee, an Irishman who first appeared in some early X-Men issues, had a supersonic scream. Along with Spider-man, these new X-Men would be the dominant, driving force behind Marvel Comics for the next 20 years.
What make's Marvel character's Marvel?
The Avengers contained a patchwork of characters including Ant-man, Thor, Wasp, Iron Man and briefly the Hulk. The fourth issue marked the return of Captain America to the Silver Age. Daredevil, a blind superhero seemed to be another anomaly. Just as DC Comics super heroes formed an industry archetype (handsome, perfect, and mentally stable), Marvel Comics characters formed an archetype of their own. Most of these early characters possess similarities.
Most of these stories involved very intelligent people such as Reed Richards (Fantastic Four), Peter Parker (Spider-man), Hank McCoy (X-men), Bruce Banner (The Hulk) and Henry Pym (Avengers). Most character’s suffered an accident of some sort involving a little-known circumstance (radiation being the foremost culprit). Marvel characters were clumsy, awkward, sensitive and prone to becoming angry. Thus these traits made Marvel Character more relative to the psyche of modern people.
Equally worthy of mention are other colorful characters such as the Silver Surfer. First appearing in the Fantastic Four, the Silver Surfer was an intergalactic traveller. Another character that came out of a Fantastic Four story was the Black Panther. Being the first character of Negroid descent, The Black Panther was an African prince named T’challa. He would not be the last African superhero to emerge from Marvel Comics. X-Men #6 marked the Silver Age debut of The Submariner. He, the Silver Surfer and Iron Man were to have individual titles in 1968.
Stan Lee perpetuated a different routine for making comic books that would be called the “Marvel Method.” Traditionally a writer would separately draft a script and then an artist would render drawings to accommodate it. Under Lee’s direction, an artist and a writer would together oversee the art and then the writing would be added to it. Under this method, artists and writers would be in greater relation with each other.
Most of these stories involved very intelligent people such as Reed Richards (Fantastic Four), Peter Parker (Spider-man), Hank McCoy (X-men), Bruce Banner (The Hulk) and Henry Pym (Avengers). Most character’s suffered an accident of some sort involving a little-known circumstance (radiation being the foremost culprit). Marvel characters were clumsy, awkward, sensitive and prone to becoming angry. Thus these traits made Marvel Character more relative to the psyche of modern people.
Equally worthy of mention are other colorful characters such as the Silver Surfer. First appearing in the Fantastic Four, the Silver Surfer was an intergalactic traveller. Another character that came out of a Fantastic Four story was the Black Panther. Being the first character of Negroid descent, The Black Panther was an African prince named T’challa. He would not be the last African superhero to emerge from Marvel Comics. X-Men #6 marked the Silver Age debut of The Submariner. He, the Silver Surfer and Iron Man were to have individual titles in 1968.
Stan Lee perpetuated a different routine for making comic books that would be called the “Marvel Method.” Traditionally a writer would separately draft a script and then an artist would render drawings to accommodate it. Under Lee’s direction, an artist and a writer would together oversee the art and then the writing would be added to it. Under this method, artists and writers would be in greater relation with each other.
Enter the X-men:The superstars of Marvel
Even though Spider-man became the figurehead of Marvel Comics, it is the X-men that remain the dominant force in Marvel diaspora. The Uncanny X-men, who came out the following year, presented an even more powerful platform for the complex nature of self identity. For the first time, Marvel Comics introduced the concept of mutants, people who achieved their powers genetically from birth. This group of teenagers had a “strangeness” to them that seemed to distance them from other Marvel superhero groups. The leader of the X-men was an adult named Charles Xavier who possesses a mutant power of manipulating thoughts. Since the ability to control of his powers was self-taught, Xavier acts as a mentor and teacher to the young mutants.
Their arch rival was another mutant named Magneto, whose was embittered by those who hated him because he was different. Years later, Marvel Comics added more depth to Magneto’s past by including that he spent time as a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp. Unfortunately, most of the situations stemming from confrontations with the ignorant didn’t start to occur until the mid-1970s.
Their arch rival was another mutant named Magneto, whose was embittered by those who hated him because he was different. Years later, Marvel Comics added more depth to Magneto’s past by including that he spent time as a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp. Unfortunately, most of the situations stemming from confrontations with the ignorant didn’t start to occur until the mid-1970s.
Part 3:The start of the Silver Age and Marvel
From Print to Media
A
superhero animation explosion occurred in the mid 1960’s. By 1966 several
titles became animated under a small Canadian company by the name of Grantray
Lawrence. The company, founded by Grant Simmons, Ray Patterson and Robert
Lawrence, had little money and limited budget. Because of Canadian law,
broadcasting regulation guaranteed that animation by Grantray Lawrence would be
aired continuously on Canadian television.This allowed the company to
produce low budget animation whose quality lacked little discretion.
The company came out with six Marvel Comic titles in 1966 alone. These included Thor, Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, Submariner and The Marvel variety show. At times these cartoons look as though images were cut directly out of comic pages, pasted unto cells and added with voice. Only the 1967 production of Spider-man stood out. This was mainly due to the theme song, which to this day has a strong cult following. The following year Grantray Lawrence Productions went bankrupt and Krantz Productions took over the series. In New York, a young Ralph Bakshi, the famed underground animator, was put in charge of the series. Bakshi gave the stories a slightly darker façade and focused more on Peter Parker. Hanna Barbara Animation Studios released The Fantastic Four.
The company came out with six Marvel Comic titles in 1966 alone. These included Thor, Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, Submariner and The Marvel variety show. At times these cartoons look as though images were cut directly out of comic pages, pasted unto cells and added with voice. Only the 1967 production of Spider-man stood out. This was mainly due to the theme song, which to this day has a strong cult following. The following year Grantray Lawrence Productions went bankrupt and Krantz Productions took over the series. In New York, a young Ralph Bakshi, the famed underground animator, was put in charge of the series. Bakshi gave the stories a slightly darker façade and focused more on Peter Parker. Hanna Barbara Animation Studios released The Fantastic Four.
Part 2: Wandering in the wasteland
In 1950, a Senate Committee released a report connected comic books and delinquency. Soon afterward, parents and educators began to ban comic books from schools and homes. The Comics Code was the ultimate goal of the psychiatrist Dr. Frederick Wertham. Having started his anti-comic campaign in the late nineteen forties, Dr. Wertham believed comic books were the main cause of the deterioration of young people. The former Yale professor lecturer released his book, The Seduction of the Innocent in 1954. In this book, Dr. Wertham states that comic books are responsible for almost all juvenile misbehavior from racial hatred to petty crime. Soon, the U.S. Senate ordered that a set of standards be made in order to minimize the negative effects of comic books. Many newsstands were thrilled to not carry comic books that didn’t have the comic code seal on them (comic books were often tedious to inventory due to their smaller size and large numbers).
Even though the contents of the code were created by a union of comic publisher as a means of self regulation, its effect proved disastrous to the industry. [2] Under the code, comic books had to display limited violence, sexual contact and negative language. [3] Changes could be seen in almost every genre of comic.
In Western comic books, there were fewer gunfights. In romance comic books , there was less romance. Even Funny Animal titles were forced to “curb” their violence. Horror comic books nearly suffered extinction. Science fiction titles seemed to survive this baptism. The recent creation of the atomic bomb combined with UFO interest (stemming from the Roswell incident in 1947 and numerous pulp literature that followed), brought out a surge in science fiction Comic books. To appease this interest, Marvel Comics brought out World of Suspense, World of Fantasy, Mystical Tales and World of Mystery.
The history of Marvel Part I
The Golden Age
Marvel Comics was founded in 1939 by Martin Goodman under the name Timely Publications. Previous to Timely, Goodman published his first western comic book as early as 1933. Three years later, he published a comic book featuring a jungle lord similar to Ka-zar (who would appear years later). [1] Their first publication Marvel Comics: Action, Mystery and Adventure, which formally debuted The Human Torch and The Sub Mariner. The Human Torch, created by Carl Burgos was an android and The Submariner, by Bill Everett was an undersea prince by the name of Namor. Interestingly enough, Namor was an anti-hero whose appearance predates DC Comic’s anti-hero known as Batman. Namor, an often disgruntled character who struggles to do what he feels is right, represented the direction Marvel Comics would take their characters in during the sixties under Stan Lee.
Jack Kirby and Joe Simon’s Captain America arrived unto the comic scene in March of 1941. Having a centralized theme of American patriotism, Captain America was an instant hit. The Second World War definitely helped the success of Marvel Comics. Alongside The Human Torch and The Submariner, the “big three” were involved in numerous stories battling Nazis and the Japanese. Together they formed a strong combination that would survive until 1954. [1] With the enormous popularity of Disney and Warner Brother’s animation studios, comic book publishers strived to tap into this resource. Marvel Comics’s attempt came in the form of Super Rabbit and the duo of Ziggy Pig and Silly Seal. Plus, Basil Wolverton’s Power Pepper was featured for some flavoring. [2]
During the 1950’s, Marvel Comics went under the name Atlas Comics. With the Second World War ending at least five years before, the super heroes that were once revered were declining in popularity. The U.S. involvement in the Korean War only resulted in a popular surge of war Comic books. Marvel Comics’ Battle No. 1 came from this popularity. [2] It wasn’t long before superhero comic books were falling being not only war titles, but Western, crime, humor, romance and spy fiction Comic books as well.
Marvel Comics tried to make adjustments by publishing many Romance titles. By the end of the 40’s, many Marvel titles, such as Human Torch and Submariner changed into romance titles. The foremost being My Romance which featured writing by Stan Lee. Soon Western titles such as The Two Gun Kid, Annie Oakley, Tex Morgan and Kid Cold Outlaw emerged.
Marvel Comics was founded in 1939 by Martin Goodman under the name Timely Publications. Previous to Timely, Goodman published his first western comic book as early as 1933. Three years later, he published a comic book featuring a jungle lord similar to Ka-zar (who would appear years later). [1] Their first publication Marvel Comics: Action, Mystery and Adventure, which formally debuted The Human Torch and The Sub Mariner. The Human Torch, created by Carl Burgos was an android and The Submariner, by Bill Everett was an undersea prince by the name of Namor. Interestingly enough, Namor was an anti-hero whose appearance predates DC Comic’s anti-hero known as Batman. Namor, an often disgruntled character who struggles to do what he feels is right, represented the direction Marvel Comics would take their characters in during the sixties under Stan Lee. Jack Kirby and Joe Simon’s Captain America arrived unto the comic scene in March of 1941. Having a centralized theme of American patriotism, Captain America was an instant hit. The Second World War definitely helped the success of Marvel Comics. Alongside The Human Torch and The Submariner, the “big three” were involved in numerous stories battling Nazis and the Japanese. Together they formed a strong combination that would survive until 1954. [1] With the enormous popularity of Disney and Warner Brother’s animation studios, comic book publishers strived to tap into this resource. Marvel Comics’s attempt came in the form of Super Rabbit and the duo of Ziggy Pig and Silly Seal. Plus, Basil Wolverton’s Power Pepper was featured for some flavoring. [2]
During the 1950’s, Marvel Comics went under the name Atlas Comics. With the Second World War ending at least five years before, the super heroes that were once revered were declining in popularity. The U.S. involvement in the Korean War only resulted in a popular surge of war Comic books. Marvel Comics’ Battle No. 1 came from this popularity. [2] It wasn’t long before superhero comic books were falling being not only war titles, but Western, crime, humor, romance and spy fiction Comic books as well.
Marvel Comics tried to make adjustments by publishing many Romance titles. By the end of the 40’s, many Marvel titles, such as Human Torch and Submariner changed into romance titles. The foremost being My Romance which featured writing by Stan Lee. Soon Western titles such as The Two Gun Kid, Annie Oakley, Tex Morgan and Kid Cold Outlaw emerged.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
A new dynamic
With the purchase of Marvel, the comic industry has been sent into overdrive with concerns,excitement and rumors. This new step has resulted in far reaching consequences in the comics industry. This blog is going to look into the history of Marvel. The trials and pitfalls it's occurred in trying to stay in the market. We'll look at the expanse into the direct market, acquisitions and takeovers, and the 90's comic buble and see how it relates to the sale today.
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