superhero films

With more than 200 characters, this action-packed guide takes readers deep into the Marvel Cinematic Universe where they'll discover the strengths, superpowers, friends, allies, weapons and more of their favorite heroes or villains. Arranged chronologically by release date of motion picture or television series.

The unauthorized, behind-the-scenes story of the stunning rise--and suddenly uncertain reign--of the most transformative cultural phenomenon of our time: the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel Entertainment was a moribund toymaker not even twenty years ago. Today, Marvel Studios is the dominant player both in Hollywood and in global pop culture. How did an upstart studio conquer the world? In MCU, beloved culture writers Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards draw on more than a hundred interviews with actors, producers, directors, and writers to present the definitive chronicle of Marvel Studios and its sole, ongoing production, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For all its outward success, the studio was forged by near-constant conflict, from the contentious hiring of Robert Downey Jr. for its 2008 debut, Iron Man, all the way up to the disappointment of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and shocking departures of multiple Marvel executives in 2023. Throughout, the authors demonstrate that the original genius of Marvel was its resurrection and modification of Hollywood's old studio system. But will it survive its own spectacular achievements? Dishy and authoritative, MCU is the first book to tell the Marvel Studios story in full--and an essential, effervescent account of American mass culture.

"The story of the making of a colossal, star-studded, multimillion-dollar superhero action film...and the humble comic book that inspired it. PART ONE of this story takes place in 1947. A troubled soldier, returning from the war, meets his talented five-year-old nephew, leaves an indelible impression, and then disappears for twenty-three years. Cut to 1970: The nephew, now drawing underground comic books in Oakland, California, reconnects with his uncle and, remembering the comic book he saw when he was five, draws a new version with his uncle as a World War II fighting hero. Cut to the present day: A commercially successful director discovers the 1970 comic book and decides to turn it into a contemporary superhero movie. Cue the cast: We meet the film's extremely difficult male star, his wonderful leading lady, the eccentric writer/director, the producer, the go-fer production assistant, and everyone else on both sides of the camera. Funny, touching, and wonderfully thought-provoking, this is a novel not only about the making of a movie, but also about the changes in America and American culture since World War II"--Provided by publisher.

Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most famous and influential actors in Hollywood. Since 2008, he has been at the center of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the road to leading this incredibly famous franchise was difficult for Downey. This book examines how he is an inspiration to those who are struggling with personal dilemmas, especially substance abuse, and how he overcame those struggles to become the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Through sidebars, annotated quotations, and full-color photographs, this book allows readers to gain a deeper appreciation for Robert Downey Jr. and his acting skills.

Alphabetically arranged entries provide detailed histories, cast and credits, television episode and live-action and animated film descriptions, critical commentaries, and data on arch-villains, gadgets, comicbook origins, and superpowers for hundreds of superheroes.

Contains alphabetically arranged entries on the superheroes of film and television, providing information on cast and credits, a format guide, episode descriptions, cross references, and commentary.

More than 150 photos appear in the official Superman Returns book. Set alongside excerpts from the screenplay and short essays, the photographs will allow the reader to follow the arc of the film's story and marvel at the filmmaking magic on display; from the spectacular creation of the Daily Planet to the breathtaking action pieces.

Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure Superman Returns. While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life. Superman's bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him. Includes hand-drawn storyboards.

The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.

An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest super-hero.