This week's issue of Entertainmnent Weekly (with Entourage stars on cover) has a story which lists the top ten franchise characters as of now. In an interesting turn of events, Wolverine tops Harry Potter as the number one entity on the list. This is in anticipation of the Wolverine solo flick and based on the current box office success of X3.
I think that it isn't just Wolverine, but also the man who plays him to perfection that deserves that bow. Hugh Jackman from minute one has understood the character and his demeanor, making him THE charater you can't take your eyes off in any of the three films. Having seen Jackman in person, and seeing the ease with which he carries himself, it is no surprise.
To make things more interesting/exciting, Spider-Man ranks third on the list of the top ten. Superman and Batman are put in the "Rising" category as well.
What does this mean? It means that comic book movies are firmly entrenched in our culture. Comic books are at that mainstream level of recognition. This is good news for the industry, with the exception of the fact that more comics aren't being sold as a result. We still haven't figured out how to make that happen.
The double edged sword part of this for me is that as a well-known comic book fan with my friends, family, and business associates, every time a comic book based movie comes out, they want to know if I am "super excited" and if I am going to go wait in line to be the first person. That does get old, because it is the stereotyping that I really loathe.
I guess the bottom line is that comic book movies have not only arrived- they have become dominant. Now is the time to strike while the iron is hot. Let's cross promote the product and get the non-comic book consumers netted in.
What do you think?
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2 comments:
It is funny how now any comic related thing causes NCF (non comic friends) to send me emails and article links...I've just had a run of explaining to people that I love Batgirl, and no she is not going lesbian, that is Batwoman...
You poor woman! I bet that it is very tedious at this point, having to differentiate the Bat "ladies". I know that my co-workers were all in an uproar about it, so I had to do some explaining too. Sigh.
Every time a comic book flick comes out, it is mandatory to be asked "you're a comic book person, I bet you will be first in line". I just expect it anymore!!
It looks like you had a wonderful time at the WW show, by the way! I am jealous!
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