Marvel’s Big TV Announcement and That Uneasy Feeling

They’re not just my toys anymore. And that’s a little scary.

When I was a kid, I never let anyone play with my Megos. This was more than a burgeoning case of OCD, of not wanting anybody else’s grubby fingers messing them up. This was a matter of control.

See, in my pre-adolescent, control-freak way, I believed that only I knew how they should be played with, that only I understood how the characters worked together. I didn’t want some kid grabbing, say, Spider-Man, and have him fight Mr. Mxyzptlk. (“You’re doing it wrong!”)

At heart, that’s the essence of comics fandom: “Favorite Character would NEVER act that way.” “That would NEVER happen to Favorite Character.” “Favorite Character’s costume isn’t all black armor or dark blue rubber!”

Cue today’s announcement from Marvel and Netflix of four TV series — Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones — and a Defenders miniseries.

And cue the cold sweat.

Power_Man_and_Iron_Fist_Vol_1_82

Some of the initial analysis of today’s announcement is that Marvel/Disney has basically taken the template of the Avengers “cinematic universe” and switched media. Not the case. By its very nature, the Avengers initiative is contained, even with the inclusion of the substandard “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” on ABC. You get an episode of Thor every other year or so, at 2-plus hours a pop, with Easter eggs and cameos thrown in, and a big ol’ team-up with the other Avengers every few years. That’s comic-bookey but not comic books.

This Defenders deal, on the other hand, is the real deal. This is comic books come to life — truly for the first time ever: You will have four “titles” that will certainly feature crossovers, tie-ins and events. You will have intricate and arcane storylines. You will have big arcs and small character moments. You will have solo adventures and team-ups.

Jessica and Luke

Jessica and Luke

In a somewhat different context, I wrote recently that comics have become the farm system for movies and TV. There are pluses and minuses to that. On the plus side, these characters we love are finally getting the recognition and respect they deserve. On the minus side, there’s the very real potential that every comics writer will abandon craft and start writing de facto TV treatments every time they turn in a script or make a pitch. That’s already happening and the Netflix deal will only make that more pervasive. But that’s a lengthier debate for another time.

Today, my response is more visceral:

Don’t Screw Up My Megos

 

Author: Dan Greenfield

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2 Comments

  1. who the hell is Jessica Jones and why does she warrant her own series and will anyone care?

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    • She was in a group forever ago that was like Marvel’s version of the teen titans. She is a super-heroine but in comics since she and Luke Cage have hooked up she has pretty much just been Luke’s baby mama. I’m sure she will play a big role in his series. I also thought this was all one show featuring the biggest names in marvel’s punch you in the face localized heroes. I’m sure Moon Knight and White Tiger will make an appearance along with Misty Knight and Colleen Wing.

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