Bob CollinsComic books are still a big deal. Somewhere.
In the biggest media deal of the day, Walt Disney Company today agreed to buy Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion. The deal adds Iron Man, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four to the Disney empire. But it’s mostly a demographic play. The company of princesses and Snow White wants to attract more young men. Young men read comics and watch superhero movies, I guess, and favor action heroes over sleeping beauties.
There is, however, some concern over whether Marvel’s “grittiness” will be compatible in Disney theme parks, where everyone plays nice.
Can the characters co-exist? Or is it M.O.D.O.K. vs. The Mouse?
Said one Marvel writer on Twitter today, “My main concern is that my checks still have Spider-man on them. The bank teller won’t be so impressed with Mickey Mouse.
