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Blog Post #2: Deep Dive into Marvel

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a franchise known for utilizing the "cross-over" or "cameo" technique, incorporating one storyline with the other. This allows for the expansion of the universe with substories being a byproduct of it, and creating a more profound narrative/lore that ties all the movies and shows together. The MCU transcended traditional movie genres, blending the themes of action, science fiction, and fantasy altogether. Its packed web of interconnected tales and characters is its biggest selling point.

Because Marvel loves to drop subtle details and easter eggs in each of their movies, fans reciprocate their thrill and excitement by theorizing and creating predictions for upcoming films. These small details reward observant viewers who examine each frame for hints about forthcoming events, igniting internet debates and fan theories. With the newer developments of Marvel's mini-series, viewers can explore how this particular storyline ties with other series and the entire cinematic universe.

The MCU's online presence fosters a sense of unity among fans, bonding over film speculations and anticipation. There are numerous discussions regarding Marvel online, especially with the rise of fan forums through social media usage. The MCU essentially introduced the appeal of comic book adaptations on a global scale, leaving a cultural impact not just on the fans but on the film industry as well. The MCU's storytelling is so influential and rapid that it is now being felt with other franchises and even TV shows.

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Blog Post #1: The Marvel Fandom

Films and television are an unshakable part of my being. I often find myself sharing references that not everyone picks up on, so I consider myself lucky when someone recognizes even one of the countless references I mention. Once 8-year-old me discovered the advent of fandoms, never once did I look back. I ran with it and made it my entire personality, ecstatic about finally belonging to a community that shares my niche interests. I swung through immeasurable amounts of fandoms, but one of the most prominent and earliest ones I've been a part of was the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). My fascination with the MCU is all a byproduct of my father's involvement with superhero tales in general. He's very well-versed with the likes of X-Men, which is actually the franchise that introduced me to the early stages of the MCU as he'd often hypothetically pit X-Men characters against the Avengers. The Iron Man movies are what initially drew me to the MCU. I watched Iron Man 2 in IMAX back in 2010, and it was one of my first cinema experiences ever. Once the MCU finally found its footing and released the first Avengers movie, I was sold on being a fan. Of course, I wasn't actually a part of the fandom until I had social media when I discovered there are actual communities online dedicated to my favorite movies. One of the main reasons I resonate heavily with the MCU is because of its characters, primarily Natasha Romanoff. Aside from the fact that we have very similar first names, her perseverance and strength blew my mind as they normally would a little girl. While the rest of the characters had superpowers and enhanced abilities, she was able to get by without any of those- just pure skill and intelligence. Seeing her on screen empowered me so much back then, as I'm sure it did with many women out there. There was a noticeable scarcity of female superhero figures in films at the time, and her character truly changed the film landscape for women's stories. From that moment on, she became my favorite character, and she still holds that place in my heart today. She truly is what hooked me to the franchise and kept me eagerly awaiting what they had in store for her storyline. I do have other favorite characters in the MCU, so I watched the movies for them as well. I suppose you could say my love for the MCU stems from its characters, but the storyline also greatly intrigued me. I'm particularly drawn to street-level Marvel because I prefer action-packed movies over the magical ones in the Marvel universe. It is, after all, my preference for this type of storytelling that initially drew me to Marvel before the concept of the multiverse storyline emerged. Ultimately, it all boils down to nostalgia. The MCU brings back memories of parts of my life that I truly cherish. I associate it with many "firsts" in my life, and I can vividly recall the specifics of when and where I watched all the movies. It played a significant role in my childhood, so I hold it close to my heart with great affection.