Marvel is a comic book and entertainment company that creates and publishes superhero stories, TV shows, movies, and other forms of media.
Founded in 1939 as Timely Publications by Martin Goodman.
In 1961, Timely became Marvel Comics under the leadership of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
The company experienced significant growth during the 1960s and 1970s and became known for pioneering the concept of interconnected comic book universes.
In 2009, Marvel was acquired by The Walt Disney Company for $4 billion, leading to an expanded focus on cinematic universes and an increased presence in popular culture.
DC Comics is the largest and oldest American comic book company, known for creating some of the most well-known superheroes like Batman and Superman.
Image Comics is a comic book company that was founded in 1992 by seven artists, including Todd McFarlane, who is known for his work on the Spider-Man series.
Dark Horse Comics is a comic book company known for publishing a wide range of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
The flagship product of Marvel, the comic books feature a diverse range of superheroes and storylines.
The cinematic universe includes movies and TV shows that are connected through their characters, storylines, and events.
Marvel offers an extensive line of merchandise, including action figures, clothing, and other collectibles.
The first Marvel comic was published in 1939 and was titled Marvel Comics #1. It featured a number of characters that would later become popular, including the Human Torch and Namor the Sub-Mariner.
The most popular Marvel character varies depending on who you ask, but popular choices include Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, and the Hulk.
The order of the Marvel movies begins with Captain America: The First Avenger and is followed by Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and The Avengers. Subsequent movies are released in phases.
Marvel Comics is known for its focus on flawed, relatable characters, while DC Comics is known for its larger-than-life, iconic superheroes. Additionally, Marvel typically sets its stories in real-world locations and situations, while DC's stories often have a more fantastical or fictional setting.
Yes, Marvel offers a digital subscription service called Marvel Unlimited that allows users to read thousands of Marvel comics online. The service is available for a monthly or annual fee.