Where do I start? I’ve pretty much followed the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) from its inception. I’ve loved Superheroes from an early age but my only knowledge of Marvel was the early 2000s Spider-Man movies. I absolutely loved them at the time but I had no idea what I was missing when Iron Man (2008) came along.
Robert Downey Jr. was born to play Tony Stark, little did we know what that would start now 11 years and 23 movies later. I instantly loved Iron Man but when Thor and Captain America came along I couldn’t have been happier. I fell in love with Steve Rogers/Captain America the minute we met him, I couldn’t imagine anyone other than Chris Evans in the role. Thor was a nice little surprise being played by a homegrown hero like Chris Hemsworth, it’s been nice to have an Aussie in the mix. The Iron Man movies sparked something grand, not without its bumps at the start. i.e The Incredible Hulk (2008), it was okay but not what it should have been, recasting Banner as Mark Ruffalo was probably questioned by a lot of people but he’s been so great in such an interesting role like Banner/Hulk and what an arc it has been!
Black Widow, well we all like a bit of eye candy and that’s all we thought at the start (for those of us who didn’t read the comics). She became this badass first lady of the MCU, if it wasn’t for her girls might not have had their way in. Quickly followed by the ever wonderful and even more badass Peggy Carter, I’ll champion Peggy till the day I die. She lived in a man’s world and took no crap from any of them. I’m still very disappointed at the cancellation of Agent Carter, but now with recent events, I don’t mind so much.
The Avengers was what I always imagined Justice League could be, unfortunately, it has not been that way. The original six have been an ever-present light in my life and I didn’t really know how much they meant to me until watching Endgame. I thought it was just many of the movies I fell in love with but if it wasn’t for Marvel, I wouldn’t be who I was today. It shaped me into the geek I am. For that, I am thankful, because I don’t know what I would be passionate about.
These characters have gotten bigger and better, Disney took back Spider-Man from Sony and thanks to the Fox merger we seem to have everyone back where they belong. Speaking of Spidey, Tom Holland has been another inspired choice. Maguire and Garfield both had their merits but something was missing and I think they’ve found it in Tom. He plays Peter with such wonder and awe and he’s still learning as Spider-Man as well. I think going forward from the events of Endgame will be very interesting for him.
Thanks to the MCU we’re starting to see more inclusivity with the introduction of Black Panther (2018) and someone even cooler with their first female-led movie Captain Marvel (2019). I have loved the women of the MCU so far don’t get me wrong, Okoye is my homegirl. Carol Danvers was a welcome introduction, she’s definitely the most powerful Avenger (sorry Hulk and Thor). I absolutely loved Wonder Woman and Gal Gadot’s take on her but after a few watches and seeing how strong and straight to the point Carol was straight away, I’ve found a new favourite female Superhero. Hopefully and according to Kevin Feige, we will see more LGBT characters soon among the likes of Valkyrie.
I briefly mentioned my love for Captain America, but I should go into it more. I saw Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)at a time in High School when I really needed it. My head was swimming with new information and I didn’t know who I was yet. I always loved Superman so it only makes sense to me that I would love Cap but there’s more to his story, he’s human. Steve is this scrawny kid who just wants to do some good and figure out who he is along the way. Watching this boy become a man was awe inspiring. He was already the man he wanted to be, he just had to look the part (which now that I think about it might not be a good message). He wants to save the world, save his country and get the girl! Steggy forever!!! Steve Rogers is a good person who hates bullies and just wants to get on with life. I try to live by that every day. He’s an old soul because he kind of has to be after being frozen for 70 years. I am that old soul, don’t know how I’d go being frozen though. I always wanted him to get the ending he deserved but never thought it possible. Then the only theory I’ve ever had about anything came true and I’m not ashamed to say I cried so much, and I couldn’t be prouder of his epic last battle.
Marvel, you’ve done something wonderful and created an even bigger fan base than ever before the world over. I thank you and the world probably does too for creating the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You’ve helped a lot of people, in small and big ways and overall entertained us along the way. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Jess
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