MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards is an unauthorized history of the franchise. The MCU, Marvel Cinematic Universe, as iconic as it is now, is one of the most unlikely success story ever told.
My rating for Rogue Lawyer – 5
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I really enjoyed this book, it’s a fast read and weaves a coherent narrative. The authors relied on hundreds of interviews with the stars, writers, producers, and other professionals who were a small part of this huge success story.
The history of the MCU is fraught, even though the revolutionize Hollywood not only with CGI, but bringing back the studio system. The studio system is more a business plan where studios control every aspect of a movie’s production, distribution, actors’ salaries for multiple projects, and more.
Unsurprisingly, the idea of movies was to sell more toys, as Avi Arad, a genius toy designer wanted. However, they became monsters of their own making not due to the executives, but due to the talented people making. John Favreau who slyly created an internet rumor for Robert Downey Jr. to be Iron Man, the grunts working day and night to finish CGI effects in record time, and more.
Especially enjoyable, to me, were the small trivia nuggets buried in the book for those who know where to look. Which actress was originally slated to play Black Widow, why is The Hulk not getting his own movie, why was The Winter Soldier got so little screen time in a movie he was pivotal in, why did it take so long to get a Marvel movie fronted by a woman, and many more.
The authors don’t shy away from criticizing Marvel and Disney, especially when it comes to creator rights. This is not a new issue as creators such as Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Bob Kane, Siegel and Schuster, and Stan Lee among many others deserved better for their creations.
I find the behind-the-scenes information fascinating, it amazes me what it takes for a movie to come together. The narrative is entertaining as well as informative, a difficult book to put down especially if you’re a fan or familiar with the movies.
Buy MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios from Amazon.com*
More books by Joanna Robinson*
More books by Dave Gonzales*
More books by Gavin Edwards*
Zohar — Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got this book for free.
*Amazon links point to an affiliate account, the money is usually spent on books
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