How Yesterday's Marvel Event Proves That Warner Bros./DC Comics Still Have A Lot To Learn
This month has seen major movie announcements from both Warner Bros. and Disney about their upcoming DC Comics and Marvel adaptations. However, the different approach to these reveals and how both interact with fans goes to show who has - and possibly always will - have the advantage...
This month has seen the unveiling of both Marvel and DC Comics' full movie slates, giving comic book fans a lot to look forward to over the next five years or so as superhero movies dominate theatres across the world. It's worth noting that there's always room for a few surprises to be slotted in over the next few years (Batman and Superman solo movies are said to be in the works, while it's hard to imagine that we'll be waiting until 2020 for an Ant-Man sequel if the first proves to be a success), but as of right now, we know what to expect from both the Disney owned Marvel Studios and Warner Bros., the owners of DC Comics and each and every one of their characters.
Pointing out the similarities between each of the movies they're releasing is pointless; Captain America: Civil War wasn't given the green light because of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Wonder Woman isn't finally getting a big screen outing to beat Marvel to the punch when it comes to a female led superhero movie. Or perhaps they are! We're not privy to the inner workings of these studios, but it's fair to say that regardless of whether you're a "Marvel Guy", a "DC Guy" or you love both (like me), there's something for everyone coming our way.
How many studio bosses can you name? Kevin Feige has become a beloved figure among even the most casual of moviegoers it seems and is as recognisable almost as the characters in the movies he presides over. The mysterious "Marvel Event" was hyped up for a week and felt as big as Comic-Con regardless of whether you were in line from 3am to get in or at home keeping a close eye on Twitter (and hopefully CBM). The whole thing had a very special feel to it, with footage from upcoming movies, a teaser trailer for Avengers: Infinity War and concept art for Black Panther. The way each movie was carefully revealed with title cards and a theatrical feel made this an event which fans could rally behind and remember. You need only watch the event on YouTube and the reaction since to see the interaction between the filmmakers and fans and the positive effect it had on those in attendance and at home. It's a method which works well, especially in this digital age!
Two very different approaches, neither of which in all honesty will make a huge difference when these movies open to the general public. Or will they? The interaction between DC Comics and their readers is not good; you need only compare their social media accounts for proof of that. They have no Agent M to interact with fanboys/girls to build up hype, and their businesslike approach to these movies own could end up being reflected in audiences not embracing their releases as they do with Marvel's. How many of you only started visiting this site as a result of the Marvel Studios movies? How many of you have taken friends or relatives with no interest in the genre to one of their releases only to have them walk out in love with the Marvel Cinematic Universe? The fact that it took Warner Bros. so long to give all of these movies the green light is another indication that it's something being done only out of necessity (rather than a love of the properties) due to several of their other franchises and a partnership with Legendary recently wrapping up.
Changing their approach when it comes to interacting with fans and the audience in general is something which can only benefit DC Comics in the long run. Marvel have a huge head start on them, and as Guardians of the Galaxy proved, they've reached a point where they can confidently announce the most obscure characters will be getting their own movies and be 99.9% sure they will succeed. Green Lantern was a flop, Man of Steel did reasonably well coming off the back of Superman Returns, and Batman v Superman is almost a guaranteed success (though we all thought The Amazing Spider-Man 2 would hit $1 billion this time last year). Could the likes of Wonder Woman and Sucide Squad go the way of Pacific Rim and Edge of Tomorrow? If not handled the right way, it's possible, because they don't have the established brand with moviegoers or enthusiastic fan support that can make all the difference. It may seem unimportant on the surface, but as we mentioned earlier, those people new to comic books or who convince friends and family to go with them ARE.
Where do rival studios like Fox and Sony fit into this? They're no Marvel Studios, but both seem better when it comes to promoting their films and making the fans feel involved whether it's with teasers from a director or frequent fan Q&A's. Again, none of this will make or break a movie, but it is important. If you are a comic book fan, you should really be hoping that all of these succeed, but the next few years will be very telling. There's going to be some high profile flops (potentially on both sides) that's for sure as it's a crowded market with sometimes only weeks between releases. As of right now, everyone at Marvel are treated like rock stars, while Warner Bros. feels like an anonymous entity with a list of films in a press release which are exciting, but ultimately, why should we care if they don't? Let us know your thoughts in the usual place...