Article By: Bobby Ponterio
I was thinking about 1960′s Marvel and what made that foundation of a universe great, why those characters and books got popular, and I came up with 3 concepts which I will expand upon:
1. Community
2. Lack of Space Alien Origins
3. Relatable Heroes
1. Community
The Marvel Heroes lived mostly in the same real world city and connected together and ran into each other.
With DC for example, it seems that every hero lives in their own fictional city made just for them.
With Marvel, most of them occupied New York. For readers, this made for a relatable setting. Where you as a reader could believe such meetings could take place. And even better was, as a writer setting up a situation to make heroes living in the same city meet is not that difficult.
2. Lack of Space Alien Origins
This was a key factor overlooked by most anyone I hear mention Marvel’s success.
Outside of the Silver Surfer and Thor, EVERY Marvel hero made then was just a human. They did not get their powers from some outer space creature, or some other unrelatable idea.
I think the whole "alien origin" aspect dilutes a character into that of "just another silly comic book character" from the mainstream public viewpoint. A regular person on the street can’t relate to that. And having an alien origin just seems silly to a non comic buyer.
Now sure you can say: Is getting hit with a gamma bomb? Or a bite from a spider more relatable?
I hear what you are saying, and you are right, but also wrong. I think the elements like the above are more plausible and believable for a comic book setting. The whole "suspension of disbelief" thing. But something like an alien origin is too over the top.
Check out the Spider-Man movie or the X-men movie for example. Their origins sound plausible enough on the surface that the public can accept it.
Now say in the above movies, a space ship drops down and zaps a guy who then becomes Spider-Man. That sounds rather silly doesn’t it?
Or a space ship drops down and zaps a guy turning him into the Hulk. Not as cool an origin right?
And that’s my point. Whether by planning or random luck, Stan Lee and company avoided the alien origins idea.
As for Thor and the Surfer, they didn’t spoil the whole thing because it was just a few that had alien origins and therefore can still fit in.
Also Thor was made very human first by Stan Lee. He was really a human who acquired Thor’s power. That human base really anchored Thor as a character.
And the Surfer brought about and was used as an outside observer of humans. Looking at us from a viewpoint that we could never see. Telling us how basically how our world was a paradise. If only we would stop destroying each other and live in peace, could we see this world for the gift it really is.
3. Relatable Heroes
This is why those Marvel heroes got popular as well.
These Marvel heroes had problems and situations we could relate to. Despite their fantastic powers and battles, they were also down to earth.
They had anchors that made us relate or feel sorry for them. These were not invincible heroes, like DC comics had. The DC Heroes being mostly perfect and in essence rather shallow when you peeled back the layers.
The Marvel Heroes were given a depth and understanding that DC did not have.
For example, with the exception of Iron Man, everyone else had financial problems. And you really did not want to be Iron Man, who had to suffer in secret.
Spider-Man had relationship, financial, and school problems.
The X-men had trouble fitting in with society, yet at the same time an obligation to protect us.
In Closing
I think these three factors were the keys that made Marvel Comics the successful universe that it is today. And the reason why back then readers picked up the books in the first place.
Even today I notice many creators DO NOT use these same rules. For example when I read Image Comics Savage Dragon and the Pitt with their alien origins. My feel for them as a character got disappointed. They just lost a relatable factor with me.
Or you have generic Punisher knock offs, who are blood thirsty heroes. Yet their is no emotional origin for these heroes to make me care for them or their situations.
Making a successful comic book universe today is difficult, if not all but impossible. But I think if you stick to the above three principles, you won’t be steered far wrong. Just feel free to give me a plug and URL website mention so I can get more readers to this website. 
truly loved the article added to my favourites
Thank you for this valuable post. It changed my approach
Thanks for the replies.
Very glad to hear what others have to say about comic books.
Is there a forum somewhere related to this, or could you answer a few questions
Cool web site, I had not noticed http://www.comicbookblogger.com earlier during my searches!
Carry on the fantastic work!
The analysis sited is indisputable. I really need to say that tom should verify his details and re-think his conclusion. The authorites have spoken and also rest of demand to respect that. Thanks for your well laid out into.
Hey, I found your blog in a new directory of blogs. I dont know how your blog came up, must have been a typo, anyway cool blog, I bookmarked you.
Thanks for sharing this link, but unfortunately it seems to be offline… Does anybody have a mirror or another source? Please reply to my post if you do!
I would appreciate if a staff member here at http://www.comicbookblogger.com could post it.
Thanks,
Harry
I haven’t been back for any although. wow has the dialogue taken off. frank are amazing contributors. I’m writing very well informed article now. Submit later today. Excellent career!
Hi there,
This is a inquiry for the webmaster/admin here at http://www.comicbookblogger.com.
Can I use some of the information from this post above if I provide a link back to your site?
Thanks,
Harry
Thanks for sharing this link, but argg it seems to be offline… Does anybody have a mirror or another source? Please reply to my message if you do!
I would appreciate if someone here at http://www.comicbookblogger.com could post it.
Thanks,
Oliver
As the admin here I’d be more then happy if you use info from a post elsewhere. Just leave me a backlink URL mention back to this website so others can find it. Thanks
I never thought I would agree with this opinion, but I’m starting to see things differently.
Really compeling piece of information, thanks!
the written content on this article is really one particular of the most beneficial substance that We have at any time arrive throughout. I adore your article, I will occur back again to examine for new posts.
Nice post. I have recently been searching for information about this topic and yours is the best I have discovered so far.
Good piece of details that you’ve obtained on this web site submit. Hope I might get some a lot more of the stuff in your website. I will occur again.
A actually great submit by you my friend. We have bookmarked this page and will appear back following several days to examine for any new posts that you simply make.
Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and certainly not appear to get one thing done.
I’m impressed, I must say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your thought is outstanding; the difficulty is something that not enough people are talking intelligently about. I am very comfortable that I stumbled throughout this in my search for something relating to this.
Best site ever! Thanks.
This site is mostly a walk-via for all the information you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and you’ll definitely discover it.
Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I want to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and precise effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and under no circumstances appear to get something done.
You must participate in a contest for probably the greatest blogs on the web. I will suggest this website!
Great piece of data that you’ve received on this web site submit. Hope I might get some additional of the stuff on your own website. I will occur again.
Excellent post, l quite agree with your conclusion. However lam having problem subscribing to your rss.
There are some interesting deadlines on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely
This has actually sparked up an idea in my mind. This really is a superb weblog article.
This site is mostly a walk-via for the entire information you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and you’ll positively discover it.
Undoubtedly, one of the best article l have come across on this precious topic. I quite agree with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your coming updates.
you’ve gotten an excellent weblog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my weblog?
Beneficial Blog! I had been simply just debating that there are plenty of screwy results at this issue you now purely replaced my personal belief. Thank you an excellent write-up.
Good piece of data that you’ve received on this web site article. Hope I might get some much more of the stuff on your own web site. I will are available back again.
Beneficial Blog! I had been simply just debating that there are plenty of screwy results at this issue you now purely replaced my personal belief. Thank you an excellent write-up.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually assume this website needs far more consideration. I’ll in all probability be once more to learn rather more, thanks for that info.
Thanks I finally came to a website where the webmaster knows what they’re talking about. Do you know how many results are in Google when I search.. too many! It’s so irritating having to go through page after page after page, wasting my day away with thousands of owners just copying eachother’s articles… bah. Anyway, thanks for the information anyway, much obliged.
It is certainly a lovely post. An information something like this demonstrates just how steeply the concept is actually thought of by creator.
Awesome posting man, I incredibly like the look and also the feel of this kind of blogging site. You write certainly well, you just need to be a aware guy. Will undoubtedly come back
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
Wow! This can be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Magnificent
I’d need to check with you here. Which is not one thing I normally do! I enjoy reading a put up that can make individuals think. Additionally, thanks for allowing me to remark!
Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and certainly not appear to get one thing done.
I quite agree with your submission, however, lam having problem subscribing to your rss
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today..
Thanks
It’s a free blog them called Ads Minded. I had to customize the background and header image.
I must say. After reading what I just read, you sound like an fantastic author! Really, you use very good grammar, proper use of pronunciations, proper everything! I might additionally like to add and say that I think you pin pointed my style of writing as well which I love! What I also admire about your blog is that you provide an opportunity for a larger variety of an audience to unravel the immense storyline of your writings. And with that, I think you will definitely keep up succeeding in flourishing an exceptionally very well written piece
i like it at formerly im your rss reader
Hi! I’m just wondering if i can get in touch with you, since you have amazing content, and i’m thinking of running a couple co- projects! email me pls
I must mention. After reading what I just read, you sound like an amazing author! Really, you use proper grammar, proper use of pronunciations, proper everything! I might also like to add and say that I think you pin pointed my style of writing as well which I enjoy! What I also admire about your blog is that you provide an opportunity for a larger variety of an audience to unravel the immense storyline of your writings. And with that, I think you will definitely continue succeeding in flourishing an exceptionally very well written piece
Another webpage I read today with proper grammar is at another web site.
Im impressed, I need to say. Really not often do I encounter a blog thats both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you will have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the difficulty is one thing that not sufficient people are talking intelligently about. I am very glad that I stumbled across this in my seek for something regarding this.
Hello. And Bye.
Rather the helpful information
I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.
Teeth whitening items include the following, whitening toothpaste, bleaching gels and house whitening kits. There are also strips that can be applied over the teeth for a whitening effect, depending on how serious the staining in fact is. Several of these goods can be utilized at property but you can find also recommended with in-office procedures.
Id have to test with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I get pleasure from reading a submit that will make individuals think. Also, thanks for permitting me to remark!
Hello,
Your really have very cool site!
Can i subscribe to your RSS if your have?!?!?!
Please mail me about it…
I can not thank you more than enough for the articles on your web site. I know you place a lot of time and effort into all of them and hope you know how much I appreciate it. I hope I’ll do the identical thing for someone else one of these days.
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I don’t know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already
Cheers!
extravagant almanac you hold
Realy kind blog , thanks. I m working all days and dont drink metre to search , but on your locality ist everythink.
Rediculus is the reaction of Panionios fans, because when they heard the UEFA decision about the game (re-located at Panionios stadium) they got angry, and yesterday got in the field and dug a big hole at the center of the field! Thats silly! Can someone tell me now where will the game be? OAKA, Leoforos, Karaiskaki, and Atromitos stadium are eliminated. Now one of the same with Panionios stadium.
There are some interesting points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
This is a very interesting site. The content is very informative and I am so glad that I dropped by. Thanks!
_________________________________
http://www.aquashieldroofingcorpsite.com
Hey – I am definitely glad to find this. great job!
I like the first point you made there, but I am not sure I could reasonably apply that in a postive way.
Was looking for this – so I just tweeted your site on my account – thanks
Nice design I may look at adding some of your ideas for my site.
Between me and my companion we’ve dealt with more CFD brokers over time than I can add up, including IG Markets, CMC Markets, MF Global, GFT, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down with one broker. Why? Because I was happy to find how simple to work with IC Markets CFD trading platform is
I liked your post. However, it is not properly displaying in my browser. I recommend you make sure your website design is compatible with all browsers. Otherwise, Your rock
I must cry when I see this blog. My heart was moving. It worth reading for all the people. Love you, blogger.soccer cleats,don’t know you like?Thank you very much. May you happy everyday!
The teeth whitening kits happen to be the individual favorite of numerous millions across the globe. The packages come with teeth-whitening trays and the teeth whitening gels. You’ll need to affix the trays on for your the teeth for some time for that gel to start showing its merits.
Would go read the rest of your blog posts now.
I love how you let stuff sound so interesting, you’re gifted.
I used to wonder why I like reading your blog. I think I know why now.
Hi! This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.