Comic Book Characters Became Popular:
Over the decades, we have grown up reading and talking about Batman and Superman. DC heroes always had dominance in the market so much so that even non-comic book fans knew their names. But in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe turned the tables with Iron Man. It produced some of the best superhero genre movies with a cast of A-list actors, exceptional special effects, plot, and humor. But it wasn’t just the individual movie that led to its success. MCU put its mind in connecting each hero’s storyline to build a phase. It also invested heavily in the actors and visualized their origin and characters in such a way that the fans can relate to them.
It was a masterstroke by MCU that made lesser-known characters like Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Widow, and Ant-Man fan favorites. It’s easier to cash on popular names but only a genius can turn obscure faces famous. Giving these characters powerful faces like Natalie Portman and Paul Rudd augmented to our imaginations and compelled the comic book writers to take the pen and add more focus on them. Today, MCU is the mammoth of its genre and had pushed DC merchandise off the shelves. Now that some heroes have retired, it’s time for the studios to introduce the world to the Eternals. Find out the 10 comic book characters that became popular after MCU movies.
1. Thanos
No movie villain had ever become so popular like Thanos. Even superheroes merchandise doesn’t sell as much as Thanos’ did. He isn’t a face that you forget after a movie but he is the connecting dot of the Marvel Universe to many storylines. This supervillain had a grandeur aura about himself and even earned the poster face of the studio. He is by far the greatest villain in the history of movies who brought the most devastation and killed half the heroes with a snap.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy
Some of the characters that we are the most grateful about are the guardians of the Galaxy. This team of misfits was close to no existence in the history of Marvel Comics. But the massive hit of the movie encouraged Marvel Comics to capitalize on individual characters in its issues. The GOTG mania has resulted in an increased sale of its comic books and also merchandise. This team is like no other superhero team.
3. Black Panther
The debut of Black Panther on the silver screen has acted as a beacon of hope to many kids. His presence in the Marvel books had dwindled over the years. But his success in Captain America: Civil War and his standalone movie has expanded his influence across the globe. Now the Comic Books are capitalizing on T’Challa and his supporting characters’ fandom by issuing back to back books under their titles. MCU has not only elevated Black Panther but even Killmonger and other characters.
4. Jane Foster
Jane Foster hardly had an appearance in Thor’s adventures. She and Thor had a short-term romance that existed for a few pages. But MCU cast the Oscar winner and critically-acclaimed Natalie Portman despite the small significance of the role. Needless to say, Natalie’s strong presence threw a new light on Jane Foster and prompted the comic book writers to continue with her storyline. Now Jane is the new worthy hero to wield the Mjolnir and carry the baton of Thor forward.
5. Black Widow
We can’t think of MCU and Avengers without Black Widow. She has been one of the most prominent faces of the Marvel ever since the release of The Avengers. Scarlet Johansson’s portrayal fired up Natasha’s influence to an unprecedented level. Her popularity in the movies has prompted the writers to publish six solo books starring Black Widow.
6. Hawkeye
Hawkeye got many solo comic books published under his title but couldn’t grab a satisfying readership despite many attempts. In the end, the writers were forced to stop issuing his stories until The Avengers hit the screen. It immediately threw Hawkeye under the spotlight and fueled fans’ interest to read his adventures. Now the Marvel has revived the character in the solo books.
7. Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange was once the titular hero of his books. But his lack of fans had reduced him to a guest appearance in others’ stories. He was revived almost after 20 years after MCU decided to take the risk of starring him on the silver screen. The terrific casting of Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton raised the viewers’ curiosity about the sorcerer. Now he is set to carry on the baton of the Avengers in MCU phase 5.
8. Ant-Man
MCU seriously wouldn’t be the same without Scott Lang in it. Scott is an unconventional hero who won fans not with his chivalry but his humor. The show of power and strength are too cliché now. What we look for in a date and superhero now is humor. Before MCU, Marvel readers were more verse with Hank Pym’s Ant-Man and lost touch with the hero ever since Scott took over. Thanks to Paul Rudd’s approach that Scott is getting his due fame.
9. Pepper Potts
Pepper was barely a part of Tony Stark aka Iron man’s life in the comics. After several on and off relationships with Tony, Pepper settled down with Happy Hogan. But after her shoes were filled by Gwyneth Paltrow and she was made the CEO of the Stark Industries, Pepper got her fair share of the spotlight in the books as well. She also went on to become a superhero in armor named Rescue. Pepper’s Rescue surprised us in the Avengers: Endgame when she finally joined the battle.
10. Nick Fury Jr.
MCU not only made characters famous but also created new ones before the comic book. Nick Fury from the movie was based on the character from an alternate universe of Marvel. However, there was nothing common in them except for the name. After Samuel L. Jackson fueled Nick’s influence, the comic books created Nick Fury Jr. in the original universe who was the son of the comic book Nick Fury but his characteristics were inspired from the movie, Nick Fury.
