Every hero has an origin story, and so does this website. Below is a feature piece I wrote in 2015. It was the mainstay of this site and was originally the homepage. The blog, lists and other stuff came well after this feature piece which kicked things off. Unfortunately, much of the information has become outdated. For example, with the monumental success of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, the "Top Grossing Movies List" is wildly different than several years ago. Also, the number of slated movies has increased since last reported.
While the dates and lists are outdated, the research behind the industry success still holds largely true. Feel free to read below how the industry boom came to be.
While the dates and lists are outdated, the research behind the industry success still holds largely true. Feel free to read below how the industry boom came to be.
The Comic Book Industry has experienced highs and lows in the last century...
With the rise of the movie superhero, the Industry begins a new chapter under the mainstream spotlight.
A New Age?
Before CGI and Hollywood special effects, movie viewers were subjected to hokey adaptations of comic book superheroes. These film never generated any substantial profits or caused a movement. This all changed within the last decade. Four of the five top opening box office weekends are superhero movies, and two of the five top grossing movies of all time are superhero movies. The superhero exploded onto the big screen and the comic book, once deemed “geeky” has now become a steadfast in mainstream.
Four of the five top opening box office weekends are superhero movies, and two of the five top grossing movies of all time are superhero movies.
Comic books, particularly the superhero, have been around since the 1930s, regaling its readers with tales of fantasy and mystery. For the most part, these comics weren't regarded by the public as anything more than childish entertainment. At time comics were even ostracized for suspicions of promoting violence and corrupting its readers. Only a devout few followed the tales of the superhero. Suddenly, in the early 2000s, comic books exploded into mainstream pop culture.
The comic book industry has evolved and is ever changing. Comics were once extremely popular during the WWII-era but then came under fire for claims that comics promoted violence in children. The industry created a self-policing code that restricted a lot of creative works. These creative works however would eventually come out in the 80s, defying the standard mold. Since then the comic book industry focused on collectors, accruing a small but loyal fan base. This trend carried on until the industry exploded at the turn of the century.
Nate Levengood, a University of Mount Union student, has been an avid collector and reader of comics for 6 years now. He recounted how his local paper gave away reprints of “The Amazing Spider-Man” and he was hooked. He recalls seeing the first Spider-Man and in recent years he makes sure to see the new Marvel and DC movies. These movies have become wildly popular.
“If you look at the list of the next few years, there are like 15 coming out, I kid you not,” described Nate.
In the year 2000, X-Men, arguably one of the first to start the movement, grossed nearly 300 million dollars according to the International Movie Database. Spider-man followed in 2002, grossing over 800 million dollars worldwide; with a record opening weekend gross. Companies caught wind and the phenomena grew.
Assistant professor of Literature Amanda Berry of American University had this to say in a 2012 interview, “During the last 5 years, Hollywood studios have released 21 films adapted from comic books...While all but four of the 21 films generated a profit; the amount of money made by extremely successful comic book movies vastly outweighs the small losses by a margin of 8:1.”
“It’s become the new popular topic to make movies about,” said Nate. He goes on to talk about it’s become mainstream, with movies and merchandise popping up everywhere. “I think people are starting to get into them a lot more…If you go into stores you see superhero shirts and everything.”
It’s apparent that the industry is on the rise. In 2000, the overall North America Comic Book Market size was estimated at between $255 and $275 million dollars. As of 2013 it is estimated to be at roughly $780 million dollars. It’s fair to attribute this growth to the rise of the superhero movie. There has always been superhero movies, so why now?
The comic book industry has evolved and is ever changing. Comics were once extremely popular during the WWII-era but then came under fire for claims that comics promoted violence in children. The industry created a self-policing code that restricted a lot of creative works. These creative works however would eventually come out in the 80s, defying the standard mold. Since then the comic book industry focused on collectors, accruing a small but loyal fan base. This trend carried on until the industry exploded at the turn of the century.
Nate Levengood, a University of Mount Union student, has been an avid collector and reader of comics for 6 years now. He recounted how his local paper gave away reprints of “The Amazing Spider-Man” and he was hooked. He recalls seeing the first Spider-Man and in recent years he makes sure to see the new Marvel and DC movies. These movies have become wildly popular.
“If you look at the list of the next few years, there are like 15 coming out, I kid you not,” described Nate.
In the year 2000, X-Men, arguably one of the first to start the movement, grossed nearly 300 million dollars according to the International Movie Database. Spider-man followed in 2002, grossing over 800 million dollars worldwide; with a record opening weekend gross. Companies caught wind and the phenomena grew.
Assistant professor of Literature Amanda Berry of American University had this to say in a 2012 interview, “During the last 5 years, Hollywood studios have released 21 films adapted from comic books...While all but four of the 21 films generated a profit; the amount of money made by extremely successful comic book movies vastly outweighs the small losses by a margin of 8:1.”
“It’s become the new popular topic to make movies about,” said Nate. He goes on to talk about it’s become mainstream, with movies and merchandise popping up everywhere. “I think people are starting to get into them a lot more…If you go into stores you see superhero shirts and everything.”
It’s apparent that the industry is on the rise. In 2000, the overall North America Comic Book Market size was estimated at between $255 and $275 million dollars. As of 2013 it is estimated to be at roughly $780 million dollars. It’s fair to attribute this growth to the rise of the superhero movie. There has always been superhero movies, so why now?
In 2000, the overall North America Comic Book Market size was estimated at between $255 and $275 million dollars. As of 2013 it is estimated to be at roughly $780 million dollars. "
While there are several appearances of superhero movies throughout the twentieth century, none were so profitable as to warrant a demand for the superhero comic book genre. That all changed when Hollywood evolved with impressive CGI special effects. Movies back in the day were incapable of delivering a quality depiction of the superhero lore. Prowl Magazine writer Chris Hardwick explains this, citing The Hulk as an example.
“The Incredible Hulk, a green superhero standing at 8’ tall and 1,400 pounds according to marvel.com, was played by a man painted green,” said Hardwick. “With the advancements made in film and technology, studios are able to produce amazing settings, awe inspiring battles and accurate characters.”
Given the occupants of the top grossing movies list this is no surprise. It’s this attraction to the movies, with its stellar effects and romantic storytelling, that has lead to a more acceptance of the comic book culture. Journalist Vaneta Rogers, explains 2013’s growth in comic sales is partly attributed to pop culture acceptance, “All the retailers we surveyed indicated that comic books are, in the general public, more accepted than they've ever been. And while superhero movies and TV shows may not immediately lead to sales, they act as a positive branding message about comics as a medium.”
Nate Levengood recounted when he got comics from his local paper. What he might not recall, was that this was a promotion for the latest Spider-Man movie. The branding from Hollywood has caused a widespread acceptance.
“The Incredible Hulk, a green superhero standing at 8’ tall and 1,400 pounds according to marvel.com, was played by a man painted green,” said Hardwick. “With the advancements made in film and technology, studios are able to produce amazing settings, awe inspiring battles and accurate characters.”
Given the occupants of the top grossing movies list this is no surprise. It’s this attraction to the movies, with its stellar effects and romantic storytelling, that has lead to a more acceptance of the comic book culture. Journalist Vaneta Rogers, explains 2013’s growth in comic sales is partly attributed to pop culture acceptance, “All the retailers we surveyed indicated that comic books are, in the general public, more accepted than they've ever been. And while superhero movies and TV shows may not immediately lead to sales, they act as a positive branding message about comics as a medium.”
Nate Levengood recounted when he got comics from his local paper. What he might not recall, was that this was a promotion for the latest Spider-Man movie. The branding from Hollywood has caused a widespread acceptance.
The Big Two, Marvel and DC, have announced plans for at least 10 feature films each by 2020. "
As for the future of the comic book (superhero) in cinema, fanboys will get there fill at least up till 2020 if not further. The Big Two, Marvel and DC, have announced plans for at least 10 feature films each by 2020. This assures that comics will be in the mainstream for at least this long. And however one might view this budding genre, the mass media sees it as a cash cow, and it will thus dominate the main stream pop culture. Comic books have entered the mainstream with a BOOM, and it appears the medium is here to stay.
Download the Research Paper to learn more and to see this page's references.
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