Assembling The Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe--comprised of films, broadcast television and streaming series and digital shorts--has generated considerable fan engagement with its emphasis on socially relevant characters and plots. Beyond considerable box office achievements, the success of Marvel's movie studios has opened up dialogue on social, economic and political concerns that challenge established values and beliefs. This collection of new essays examines those controversial themes and the ways they represent, construct and distort American culture.

 The Marvel Cinematic Universe—comprised of films, broadcast television and streaming series and digital shorts—has generated considerable fan engagement with its emphasis on socially relevant characters and plots. Beyond considerable box office achievements, the success of Marvel’s movie studios has opened up dialogue on social, economic and political concerns that challenge established values and beliefs. This collection of new essays examines those controversial themes and the ways they represent, construct and distort American culture.

Avengers Assemble! explores the cinematic and televisual branches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe from a diverse range of critical perspectives. Beginning with Iron Man, it considers them as both embodiments of the changing blockbuster film and affective cultural artifacts that are immersed in the turbulent political climate of their era.

Breaking box office records, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has achieved an unparalleled level of success with fans across the world, raising the films to a higher level of narrative: myth. This is the first book to analyze the Marvel output as modern myth, comparing it to epics, symbols, rituals, and stories from world religious traditions. This book places the exploits of Iron Man, Captain America, Black Panther, and the other stars of the Marvel films alongside the legends of Achilles, Gilgamesh, Arjuna, the Buddha, and many others. It examines their origin stories and rites of passage, the monsters, shadow-selves, and familial conflicts they contend with, and the symbols of death and the battle against it that stalk them at every turn. The films deal with timeless human dilemmas and questions, evoking an enduring sense of adventure and wonder common across world mythic traditions.

Marvel Studios takes readers behind the scenes of one of the most eagerly anticipated films of all time in AVENGERS: THE ART OF MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS. This keepsake volume is an experiential journey through the entire film from beginning to end - featuring stunning concept art; full-color photographs from the set, as well as the finished film; excerpts from the script; and exclusive interviews with the cast and crew, including writer/director Joss Whedon, producer Kevin Feige and, of course, the Avengers themselves. From costume and production design to visual effects and creature creation, AVENGERS: THE ART OF MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS is a lavish showcase of all the artistry and creativity that brings the Marvel Cinematic Universe to life onscreen. Avengers Assemble!

Read all of Avenger's Phase One with this boxed set including the first five titles! Boxed Set includes: Phase One: Captain America, Phase One: Iron Man, Phase One: Thor, Phase One: The Incredible Hulk, and Phase One: Marvel's The Avengers. © 2015 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Become a master of the Marvel Cinematic Universe! The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is vast, incredibly varied, and richly complex. Different worlds, different timelines, countless characters. This is the guide to that universe. Created in close collaboration with Marvel Studios, it will answer the biggest questions: what happened, when, and where. Follow the entire story of the MCU from before the Big Bang to the Blip and beyond. Along the way, learn more about the evolution of the Iron Man armors, the hunt for the Infinity Stones, and the formation of the Multiverse. Want to know how many times aliens have invaded Earth, or the complete history of Cap’s shield? Look no further! A treasured keepsake for any movie buff, filled with exclusive infographics, illuminating timelines, and amazing movie stills, this book will have pride of place on any MCU fan’s shelf. © 2023 MARVEL