To date, Marvel Studios has released two films; both of which relate to a singular story. I wanted to compile all of the little comic book references (known to fans as Easter eggs) that were included in these film in one place. As more Marvel films are released, I'll add the relevant references from them. This will give us a change to review hidden subplots in the films, and attempt to predict other references in the future films.
I will not mention or include films that were/are not released by Marvel Studios. Since those others do not follow the same continuum they are irrelevant to the storyline. I will also not include the small nods that do not pertain to the actual story; for example, Tony Stark's cell phone ring tone was the 1960's Iron Man cartoon theme song. If by chance I missed any relevant Easter eggs, post them below and I'll update the article. Hope you enjoy!
Iron Man
The Ten Rings organization:
- References the Mandarin and his power rings
S.H.I.E.L.D.:
- References the debut of S.H.I.E.L.D. as an official government agency and Nick Fury as it's director.
Captain America's shield:
- References Tony deconstructing the shield that was build for Cap by his father.
Fin Fang Foom billboard
Update #2 Courtesy of CBM user Poleski
- An alien with a dragon-like appearance that is one of Iron Man's greatest foes.
The Incredible Hulk
S.H.I.E.L.D./Stark Industries:
- References Gen. Ross' association with Stark Ind. for weapons systems and his coordination with Nick Fury/S.H.I.E.L.D. for the Bruce Banner manhunt.
Super Soldier Serum/Weapons Plus:
- References Weapons Plus (which was the umbrella program responsible for creating Captain America and Wolverine) and Dr. Abraham Erskine who was the head of the WWII Operation: Rebirth.
Dr. Samuel Sterns/the Leader:
- References one of the Hulk's antagonists.
Dr. Leonard Samson:
- References one of the Hulk's allies.
Tony Stark:
- References Tony's involvement with S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers.
Rick Jones
Update #1 Courtesy of CBM user NightAvenger4
- References one of Bruce Banner's oldest friends and the first person to know him to be the Hulk.
Unconfirmed Thor reference:
* Fans have reportedly seen different things in the clouds above the Hulk; Thor's face, Mjolnir falling, etc. Personally, I just see a storm.
There are a few questions that come to mind regarding these scenes: Will we see them expanded upon in other films? How important are they to the build-up of The Avengers movie?
So now I'll pose the same questions to you all. What do you think the overall importance of these scenes are?