By now every fan has heard the news that Disney recently bought Marvel comics. I’ve heard people voice concerns that Disney is going to make Marvel uber kid friendly and maybe even eliminate it’s MAX titles. Personally, I don’t see Disney changing Marvel much (if at all). Ike Perlmutter Marvel’s C.E.O. had this to say about the deal:
“This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world.” Perlmutter will still remain Marvel’s C.E.O.
The main reason I see for Disney to acquire a company like Marvel would be to aquire the rights to the characters. I know Disney is planning on making movies in house once all current contracts with the other studios expire. Heck, the marketing potential for the Marvel characters is amazing, and who better to market and sell intellectual properties than Disney? They did sell Mickey Mouse to the entire world and he has easily become more recognizable than Jesus. I actually see this buy out as a good thing for Marvel as they will now have the financial backing of a mega corporation. It could lead to more tv shows based on Marvel characters, and think of how many kids might now be exposed to comic books; future readers are a good thing!
“This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories. Ike Perlmutter and his team have done an impressive job of nurturing these properties and have created significant value. We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney.” said Robert A. Iger, President of Disney.
Stan Lee’s company POW Entertainment has had an exclusive deal with Disney giving them all movie rights to any intellectual properties he develops. How I see it is Disney can foresee the future income potential of comic book characters as the recent interest in comic based movies has exposed millions of new fans to the great characters we all have grown to know and love.
Scott Andrews
scott@comiattack.net
References:
http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.9360.Disney_to_Acquire_Marvel_Entertainmenthttp://corporate.disney.go.com/news/corporate/2009/2009_0831_disney_and_marvel_entertainment.html
Honestly, I don’t foresee Disney going tyrannical on Marvel. They left Pixar alone, so why would they try and re-shape Marvel? Plus, think about these three words: Pixar. Super. Heroes.
I agree that Marvel under Disney can only be a good thing. Disney obviously knows what they’re doing. I just wish they would announce some sort of future intentions like a Nova animated series or Saturday mornings with Super Skrull or something!
So I can start crossing my fingers that we are going to get a multi part Civil War animated movie series?! Oh how wonderful that would be! Just as long as they don’t start making the Punisher shoot people with nerf because bullets hurt their feelings I will stay mum and wait and see. I just hope hope hope this will lead to a lot more animated films!
I feel like this is a good move for Marvel overall. Disney will put max effort into these characters. I dont think the comics themselves are in any danger at all.
No need to panic everything will be fine on the comic book level.
I see this as a plus for us all. I like Disney properties. Now Marvel has a great umbrella company. I would be worried if this were some other company, but I think this is a very good thing.
At first I was apprehensive when I heard the news, but upon reflection, I think this is probably a good thing. Disney has a wide reach which Marvel can now use. As long as Disney allows Marvel to keep tackling touchy subjects without serious censorship (gay superheroes?!), this should be a good match.
Disney is a smart company. They wouldn’t have gotten where they are without that, and they care about quality. Can’t say for sure obviously but I think they’ll take advice from the people who really know comics. Perlmutter staying as Marvel’s C.E.O. for instance is a good sign.