Marvel Comics still going strong

http://www.shieldandcrown.com/entertainment/2011/03/23/marvel-comics-still-going-strong/

March 23, 2011 • Dannie Ayala, Staff Writer

The world is expanding its horizons in everything from how we see our televisions to the way we read. As everything is evolving in different areas, comics are no exceptions. There is one company of comics that seem to rise above them all. Marvel Comics have innovated what it means to be a hero through the decades with comics, books, films, and more. As the new year begins, Marvel ceases to disappoint it’s fans. With three new movies being released during the summer and a hit Broadway musical on the rise, the future has never looked brighter for any hero.

Marvel Comics was not even named that when it was created. It was first known as Timely comics in 1939. Then it was changed to Atlas Comics and finally in 1961 Marvel Comics was first seen in an issue. Along with the new name also came the story of the Fantastic Four. But then it was only the beginning for Marvel.

As technology advanced with film, superhero movies began to be produced and made into blockbuster films. Many of the films include “Blade”, “Spiderman”, “X- Men”, “Ghost Rider” and more. As the summer of 2011 rapidly approaching, many films are to be released. “Thor” will be the first 2011 Marvel movie which will be released on May 6. It begins as the warrior Thor is banished from the realm of Asgard and has no choice to got to Earth. The movie will star Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Hopkins(Odin), and Natalie Portman (Jane Foster).

Two other movies being released in 2011 is “X-Men:First Class” and “Captain America”. “X-Men: First Class” will tell the story of how Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr (Michael Fassbender) discovered the powers they possessed. This will take place before Professor X and Magneto become archenemies. It will be released on June 3rd.

A month later on July 22, “Captain America will be released. “Captain America: The first Avenger” will tell the story of the most famous patriotic hero in America. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) undergoes experiments in a top secret US Army program which allow him to become Captain America.
Even with the new productions being set, Marvel has once again expanded their horizons and have found the New York stage. Spiderman has been innovated into a broadway musical called Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark. The show stars Reeve Carney as Peter Parker. Bono and the Edge from U2 have composed all music and lyrics. There is a new opening night set for June 14, 2011. With all the acrobatic choreography and music composed by a Grammy awarding artist, “Turn Off the Dark” is determined to become a hit.

Throughout the decades, Marvel has never stopped creating more and more story lines and heroes to love. With the new advances in technology, they have even been able to bring those heroes into our world and enjoy them on the big screen and stage.