The Main Street Monthly Preview Issue - August 2015 | Page 8

Marvel At This! The Marvel Cinematic Universe by Scott Atwood The Marvel Cinematic Universe, for Marvel fans, is one of the greatest things ever created. For people who don’t follow Marvel they might be wondering what’s that all about? I’m going to attempt to explain it to all so that everyone has a basic understanding. When Disney purchased Marvel, all the loyal Disney fans wanted to understand more about Marvel. Everyone has heard of the legendary characters like Captain America, The Hulk and Spider-Man. Much like Mickey Mouse, Stitch and Grumpy, each of the Marvel characters have their own personalities. People have their favorite for various reasons - for me, I am a huge Captain America fan. Let’s talk about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, what it means and how it all came together. Like any explanation, a brief history lesson is needed to bring us to the current point and time. Are you ready? Let’s Go!!! In 2005, Marvel Studios began planning the process of producing and distributing their own films. At that time, the studio had made money through licensing their characters to other studios, but realized it would be more cost-effective for Marvel to create and release their own films. Considering films like Spider-Man and X-Men that made a considerable amount of money for the studios that licensed them, Marvel’s cut was very little in comparison. It was Marvel Studios President, Kevin Feige, that realized Marvel still owned the rights to many of their core characters from the comics, including the blockbuster ensemble of The Avengers and all they are comprised of. Major studios were not coming to Marvel for these characters for various reasons, but it was time for Marvel to benefit from the creations of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Thus Marvel Cinematic Universe is born. 70