Though comic book movies are now seen as mainstream entertainment, they were once designed specifically for children. They were usually formatted as "serials" played out on Saturday mornings at movie theatre matinees, for a largely juvenile audience. Early comic book serials included the likes of Batman (1943), The adventures of Captain Marvel (1941), and
Superman (1948).
Early Comic Book Films
Superman and Batman, the world's two most iconic superheroes, made their print debuts in 1938 and 1939. However, the first film appearance of the 'caped crusader' and his sidekick Robin did not take place until 1943 when the 15 chapter serial, 'Batman', arrived on the scene. The 1940's defines the rising era of superhero films and they would only get more popular, not only to a younger audience but an older generation too. Years later, Superman: The Movie was created in 1978 and reigned in $300 million at the box office. This most definitely contributed into revitalising the genre for both adults and children. It was an epic in every way, from its cast to then-pioneering visual effects. Marvel and DC descended in the 80s and 90's originally with Batman (1989), a huge hit at the box office and marvel later making more of a name for itself in the early 2000's with Spider-Man (2002) and Iron man (2008). In 1998, headlining Wesley Snipes as a human/vampire hybrid who hunts other bloodsuckers, Blade was an unexpected hit and paved the way for Marvel to finally get a toehold with movie audiences. Blade arguably opened the door, but 20th Century Fox kicked it down in 2000 with the long-awaited X-Men. X men was based off of one of Marvel's oldest most popular titles; it was in development for more than 15 years before director Bryan Singer finally took it to the screen with Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto and a then-unknown Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. The $75 million production earned $296 million worldwide, confirming that superheroes not named Superman or Batman could succeed on a large-scale level with audiences. This was significant as it influenced many other superhero films that have came to our screens to date.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an American media franchise and shared universe centred around a series of superhero films produced by marvel studios. The MCU contains many of the heroes we know and love today, and ones that have been influences on our screens for years now. Featuring notable heroes such as Black Panther, Spider Man, Iron man, Captain America and many more.
The MCU, perhaps the most successful franchise of all time, has culminated over $26 billion across all of there film releases at the box office. There lowest grossing film being The Incredible Hulk (2008) which still gathered $264 million at the box office; their highest, Avengers: Endgame (2019) which grossed $2.8 billion. Over the years, their films have received many awards and other accolades such as: 135 Saturn awards and winning 36, 12 Hugo awards. Black Panther was the first superhero film to be nominated for the 'best picture' award at the Oscars. This was a historic moment for Marvel but also for black film history as it was demonstrable in showing that a film with almost a full black cast is capable of getting such an honoured and appreciated reward.
With its huge accomplishments and successes in the past years, there have also been negative comments made by a lot of people surrounding representation in their films or lack thereof. The stereotype has been created over the years now that the typical 'superhero figure' should be a white male who represents hetero-normative values. Some examples of this include: Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man to name a few. These superheroes are role models for children today; this raises questions as to why there is little representation of ethnicity and LGBT characters. Children of a different ethnicity have not had a superhero who they can resonate with and perhaps see themselves in. This was until Schang-Chi was released, a historic first for marvel in which it features an Asian lead role and a predominantly Asian director (Destin Daniel Cretton). It gives Asian people the positive representation they deserve, and contributes to them reclaiming their voices. After Black Panther was released in 2018, it earned $1 billion worldwide and brought in Marvel's first oscar. This sent a message that it was not only about material gains, but that they need more representation of black characters as there was not enough. This was something that audiences had been anticipating for years. It was also the first time that black people had been represented by a hero, combatting both negative stereotypes and racism. Often, films with black lead roles portray overtly comic characters, The Nutty Professor for example, or perhaps a more socially realistic environment: Straight Outta Compton, Boyz In The Hood, Kidulthood. Therefore, Black Panther was so significant as it created different, inspiring and well rounded characters of colour for different audiences to appreciate and resonate with. Black Panther portrays ethnicity through leadership, kings and queens, which instantly reinforces that strong representation towards ethnicity and what it stands for. Kings and Queens are at the pinnacle of hierarchies; they are noticed and respected figures in society. The film influenced people to discuss and share personal reflections about black identity online in America through hashtags like #WhatBlackPantherMeanToME. This is an example of it's resonance with black moviegoers.
As well as presenting ethnicity, it also shows a positive representation towards women. They are powerful and independent characters in this film. Characters like Shuri, Nakia and Okoye reject traditional representations of women and are established as protectors and 'warriors.' They are presented as just as strong or as equal as the male characters, if not stronger at times. 2018 was significant culturally, protests were held for women's rights for example, 'The women's march' that was held globally on January 18th amongst others. Black Panther demonstrated a change in attitude to the social norms and associated with ethnicity and women. At the time, politically and societally, discrimination towards women and people of different ethnicities was a prominent issue. Therefore, this film allowed for people to have a voice and created a positive attack on tackling these issues. While it represents women as dominant and powerful characters, the film still does not pass the 'Bechdel test' in which the two female characters never engage in a conversation unless it is about men; the female characters are not fully developed unless in relation to men. Although visibly they are powerful, they instead play a role as a counterpart to the male lead. This is an example of Marvel failing to reject the trope that they constantly adhere to.