Marvel: 27 Films and Counting
By: Valerie Reyes
Staff Writer
Before Marvel hit the big screen, there are 80 years’ worth of Marvel comics. Marvel Comics was introduced in October 1939 when Martin Goodman founded Timely Comics and its first issue, titled Marvel Comics #1. The first issue debuted characters the Human Torch, the Angel, Sub-Mariner, Ka-Zar and the Masked Raider and sold 80,000 copies. Following the first issue, Timely Comics released Marvel Comics #2, since then the publication’s success grew and appeared on the big screen.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been growing since its first film “Iron Man” in 2008, which began Phase One, the start of the MCU and the first part of the Infinity Saga. As of 2021, there are currently 27 Marvel movies, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” being the latest release and five television series’, the latest series to be released was “Hawkeye”. Fans are hungry for more Marvel content which only builds up the excitement for what’s to come.
Phase Four of the MCU is about new beginnings, according to movieweb.com, Marvel President Kevin Feige says, “Phase Four was always about continuing in new ways and new beginnings. Even with films that seemingly are concluding storylines, there are new beginnings within them… That, I think, is what people will be looking at Phase Four, I hope, as having accomplished.” Fans may not be ready to let go of their favorite on-screen heroes and villains, but this allows for new stories and new favorite characters.
University of St. Francis Freshman Alexis Aguirre says “‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a great leap for Marvel, it will open doors to bring new creative films to fans. I think the future of Marvel is looking bright with its inclusion of “Morbius”, “Blade” and the bringing of new heroes to the big screen. Fans have high expectations and trust Marvel to give them great films, but with great power comes great responsibility.”
Fans are more than ready to see what Marvel has in store for them with bringing new faces and stories to the screen. Insider.com says, “While some fans are looking forward to seeing how Marvel brings characters like Ironheart, She-Hulk, and Moon Knight to life, others are thrilled to see how Marvel tackles classic comic-book characters, such as Billy and Tommy.” Phase Four of the MCU is a new and exciting beginning for fans allowing them to create new theories and love new characters.
Marvel has a full lineup of movies and shows coming in 2022 that fans can look forward to starting with the series “Moon Knight” premiering on the streaming service, Disney Plus, on March 30. The first film of 2022 being “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” premiering in theaters on May 6. It does not stop there, Marvel will also be releasing two more Disney Plus series, “Ms. Marvel”, “She-Hulk”, the movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special”, and an untitled Halloween special.
The action does not stop there, Marvel has planned releases for 2023 that fans are eager to watch.