Marvel Studios' approach to its Cinematic Universe-beginning with the release of Iron Man (2008)-has become the template for successful management of blockbuster film properties. Yet films featuring Marvel characters can be traced back to the 1940s, when the Captain America serial first appeared on the screen.

This collection of new essays is the first to explore the historical, textual and cultural context of the larger cinematic Marvel universe, including serials, animated films, television movies, non-U.S. versions of Marvel characters, films featuring characters licensed by Marvel, and the contemporary Cinematic Universe as conceived by Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios. Films analyzed include Transformers (1986), Howard the Duck (1986), Blade (1998), Planet Hulk (2010), Iron Man: Rise of Technovore (2013), Elektra (2005), the Conan the Barbarian franchise (1982-1990), Ultimate Avengers (2006) and Ghost Rider (2007).

About the Author
Matthew J. McEniry is an assistant metadata librarian at Texas Tech University, USA and describes digital manuscripts for online discovery. He lives in Lubbock, Texas.

Robert Moses Peaslee is an assistant professor in the College of Mass Communications at Texas Tech University, USA. He has written for Visual Communication Quarterly, Tourist Studies,and NMEDIAC: Journal of New Media & Culture, and edited volumes related to visual culture. He lives in Lubbock, Texas, USA.

Robert G. Weiner is associate humanities librarian at Texas Tech University, USA. His works have been published in the Journal of Popular Culture, Public Library Quarterly, Journal of American Culture, International Journal of Comic Art and Popular Music and Society. He lives in Lubbock, Texas, USA.


Book Information
ISBN 9780786443048
Author Matthew J. McEniry
Format Paperback
Page Count 280
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 514g