It’s fairly common for CBM fanboys/girls to claim that the “Guardians of the Galaxy” (or GOTG) is Marvel’s riskiest [1] property. Yet it can be argued that Antman makes a far better example of this kind of character property.
One major reason for this “risky” description is the GOTG book and characters have almost no track record of sustainability. Regarding the exact characters their lineup contains a number of different versions of the collective. Incidentally none of the issues runs were all that substantial before being cancelled. Yes this defines a risk yet; one could make the argument that both the Hank Pym and Scott Lang versions of the Antman character are just as slight in terms of success. Unlike Spiderman, despite 50 years of existence, Antman is still a mystery to the General public. Of course, now I’m waiting for fanboys to say regardless of how minimal a supporting character; his long time visibility in the Avengers should give him some credibility. I agree as a character he rates a lot more significantly than Jarvis, but does this make him worthy of the kind of celebration say Ironman, Thor or the Hulk received? Their success and track records are far more substantial. Certainly this is not the only article to ask these questions about the character [2].
For those of you who are angered by the notion that popularity defines the value of a character I agree that criteria doesn’t entirely account for the value of a literary character. In fact one could even claim after Ironman and Thor, who were barely more than “B” listers before their respective cinema presentations made both appear to be far more substantial and significant. Also if one wants to argue that popularity defines how substantial a character is; one could easily discount Blade. His character was even a lowly “C” or “D” list character before his significant run of three feature length films. Arguing a character needs a rich back-story and a large wealth of issues maybe under estimates the character or it’s potential audience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaU2A7KyOu4&index=4&list=PL0B8A45A9FAA01356 />
With every film since it’s inception, Marvel has sought to demonstrate the value of its line of characters. Sometimes even shocking us that many of it’s stable could be so good on film. With every new report of this properties starting (the casting of Paul Rudd [3] and Michael Douglas [4]), stopping (the exit of Director Edgar Wright [5]), and progress (the notification that Yellow Jacket will be the adversary [6]) we are held in expectant suspense. We can’t help but wonder how Marvel will deliver with this sometimes-controversial character [7}. Should Marvel Entertainment succeed how would we ever be able to doubt them again?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npbezllc18A />
Essential references:
[1] McNyagano’s - http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/Edwardo2K14/news/?a=101650 /> [2] ironpool007 - http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fan_fic/news/?a=62696 /> [3] DCMarvelFreshman - http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/MarvelFreshman/news/?a=93636 /> [4] DCMarvelFreshman - http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/MarvelFreshman/news/?a=92843 /> [5] DCMarvelFreshman - http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/MarvelFreshman/news/?a=100647
[6] Mark "RorMachine" Cassidy -
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/notyeta /> [7] ironpool007 - http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fan_fic/news/?a=62696