For being someone who writes on the Internet, I only read so much of the Internet reaction to things in general. I've found that reading a lot of Internet reaction will make your head hurt. What I've seen of the reaction to Disney buying Marvel has largely been hysterical, not the funny type, the over the top type. As I noted yesterday, up until a few years ago, I would likely have had a similar reaction. While I understand the concern of 'what will happen?!?' I do think the panic is overstated.
The press conference (link at bottom of entry) that was held to announce the purchase made a few things clear. In the short-term, things are to remain as they are currently. Licensing agreements will remain until the contracts expire and be reviewed at that time. Disney's prime motivation in purchasing Marvel is to take advantage of Marvel's connection with the young male market in the cartoon, TV show, and movie markets. Disney executives pointed to their relationship with Pixar as an example of how they expect this new relationship to flow. Eventually, Disney wants to be the sole distributor of Marvel based movies.
Based on this and some of the reaction from within the comics industry, what do I think is likely?
We are going to see a lot more Marvel characters on TV. The cartoons that Nick is currently running will eventually move to Disney related channels. Disney will probably generate a live-action show or two featuring some mid-level characters and starring whichever youths that Disney is pushing at the time. Geeks will complain about how formulaic the shows are but, in general, will watch them anyway because of the comic book related content. Kids will eat them up. There will be more Marvel cartoons. Slowly, the Marvel movie rights will start returning to Marvel, with Disney's money helping bring a few back early. Marvel will have more control of the movie content, like 'Iron Man' and 'The Incredible Hulk'.
Since the movies and TV shows are the primary goal of Disney's purchase, the comics themselves will largely left alone to be a testing ground. Short term, nothing will change. Long term, Marvel will change distribution methods for the comics, abandoning Diamond and breaking up their virtual monopoly. Whatever change is brewing for the overall style of comics will likely be speeded up by Disney's purchase. Will we see fewer mini series and more original graphic novels? Fewer monthly books and more manga-like magazines with multiple stories?
Will there be editorial mandates from Disney? No doubt on occasion. DC gets them from Time/Warner and there's no reason to believe this won't be the same. I don't believe it'll be frequent, in the style of Disney's relationship with Pixar. If that changes in a week/month/year and Disney starts engaging in the direction of the books, I wouldn't be shocked.
The situation with the theme parks is interesting. Marvel currently has their characters at Universal Studios Florida, a direct competitor to Walt Disney World. Within the last year or so, this contract was renewed. From what I understand, it doesn't allow Universal to make any changes to the area (so no new rides). It amuses me that Universal will be giving Disney money. In the short-term, I don't expect anything to change. Even if Disney wants to bring the characters into their parks at some level, it's unlikely they have a plan and the money ready to do so with haste. In five years or so, I could see that changing and Disney being keen to build an 'Iron Man' movie related ride or 'Spider-Man' something. The only way I could see something changing in the short-term is if Universal decides they don't want to advertise their competitor's product and shuts down the area. I doubt this will happen as it would probably let the rights revert to Marvel. If the area remains open, they'd probably get paid when Disney wants those rights.
Are there reasons to be concerned about the content of the books? Yes, certainly. Is it likely that the content will become 'Disney-fied'? I don't think so. Despite what you may feel about Disney, they are a premium brand and Marvel being bought by them elevates Marvel up to that level. I can see the good possibilities that can come from this. I believe there is reason for hope. I think, overall, this will be a good thing.
More Info found at: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22765
and: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22747
1 comment:
After thinking it over I do think it will be a good thing and the comics will probably be the last to be touched.
The reason I think it is a good thing is that Disney does make alot of mature material for the older crowd. They just did it under a different name, Touchstone Pictures and the majority of the public never really put two and two together and realized that Disney was bringing you Bad Santa, until they dissolved Touchstone and tried to brand their more mature material with the Disney name.
As many may know Disney's Bad Santa did not last long.
Disney is more than just rainbows and mice but that is their bread and butter.
You are also dead on with the reason behind the purchase. It is to hit the one Demograph that has often elluded Disney, except for the Kingdom Hearts Game series, and that is the pre teen/ teen /younger adult crowd.
Will there be changes? probably, always are with an Acquisition. Will you be seeing Tony Stark in the next movie become a saint. Hardly, like with Pixar if Disney sees that its working and making them money they will leave it pretty much alone cause after all that is their goal...to make money. It is also Marvels goal and think this move will help that.
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