During the latest Next Big Thing conference call, Marvel introduced “Share Your Universe,” a new initiative that they hope will enthuse kids to read Marvel comics and inspire a new generation of readers.
Spreading between comics, animation and film, the first wave of this will be found via XBox 360 and Windows 8 where upcoming episodes of Marvel’s new Avengers Assemble animated series will be available through July 15th. A free sampler comic will also be making its way through stores, as well as free digital samplers, and MarvelKids.com will be redeveloped as more of a hub to utilize in conjunction with a new Facebook page.
Part of this also relies on fans, though, specifically the current ones. Marvel’s idea here is to create the materials, but it’s up to us to share them as they can only go so far. It’s interesting to see Marvel want to actively do more to get material out there, but the limitation here reminds me of being on street teams for bands in high school: it’s only going to get so far before the average person just drops a flier on the ground two feet outside the venue.
Still, the idea is solid and a worthwhile endeavor. Marvel admits that they’re not 100% certain on how the initiative can be utilized to work (what is a “Like” on Facebook really worth?), but with the help of fans and public events like Kids Day at various conventions, Marvel is hoping to use this a public and positive way to inspire a new generation. Ultimately, that’s the most important part — and it’s definitely something we support. Bringing kids to comics is the only way to keep this train running, as it were; it’s about time that someone made an attempt to figure out how to make that work in 2013.
One of the most interesting comments came from Marvel Publisher Dan Buckley, as quoted by CBR, in relation to how comics used to be accessible via 7/11 and gas stations around the country. I certainly remember having my mom take me to a local convenience store to grab comics off a spinner rack, but today comics are very isolated as to where you can get them. To that, Buckley responded, “You have to first prove to people – parents especially – that we’re going to be on air with content for their kids,” further noting that once you convince parents that there is good content always available for their kids, you have to let them know where they can get it. “This isn’t about being in 7-Eleven. It’s about being where kids are at today. And today, the five-and-dime is a kid grabbing his/her/your/my iPad or iPhone and playing on it.”
So the content will be delivered in a universal format (that is to say, they won’t get fifty versions of Spider-Man but rather one consistent iteration — Ultimate Spider-Man) and Marvel is going to do their darndest to make the content readily available for whomever needs it so they can share it. Whether or not it works will be interesting to watch, but a concerted effort to take these characters and deliver them to an audience far less cynical than the current modern reader is nothing but a push in the right direction.
For the full press release from Marvel, please see below.
Marvel Press Release
Marvel Entertainment is proud to announce Marvel: Share Your Universe, a landmark new initiative encouraging fans to share their favorite Super Heroes with the next generation who will make theirs Marvel. By crossing through comics, television, and digital media, Marvel: Share Your Universe gives you all the tools you need to introduce young Mighty Marvel fans to your favorite super heroes like the Avengers, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Spider-Man and more! Want free comics, free episodes of Marvel’s hit animated series and activities for the whole family to enjoy? Then join fans nationwide in celebrating the launch of Marvel: Share Your Universe at your local comic shop and MarvelKids.com. A world of great free Marvel product is available to participants for a limited time, including:
· Free episodes of the blockbuster Marvel’s Avengers Assemble and Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man animated series, available via Xbox Video on Xbox 360 and Windows 8 until 7/15/13.
Continued below· Free Marvel: Share Your Universe comic book, exclusively in participating comic book stores tomorrow, Wednesday July 10th. To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.
· Free all-ages Marvel digital comics available via the Marvel Comics app & Marvel Unlimited app (available on iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Touch® & Android™devices); Marvel Digital Comics Shop; and on MarvelKids.com.
· The all-new Share Your Universe Facebook page at Facebook.com/ShareYourUniverse, perfect for fans to get the latest info on family friendly Marvel activities and entertainment, and talk about the Marvel Moments they’ve enjoyed together.
· Weekly downloadable activities and episode guides posted to MarvelKids.com/ShareYourUniverse.
“Every Marvel fan has a unique story for how these heroes, their stories and the experience of entering the Marvel Universe helped shape their childhood—and we want to make it easy to continue that tradition with your kids, nieces, nephews and loved ones,” said Dan Buckley, Publisher & President of the Print, Animation & Digital Divisions, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. “With a new hit animated series in Marvel’s Avengers Assemble on Disney XD every Sunday morning, even more all ages comics available for free through our digital channels and a dedicated line of tie in print comics, there’s never been a better time for parents—or anyone with young fans in their lives—to pass on the timeless lessons of power, responsibility and heroism to a new generation.”
Discovering the Marvel Universe is an unforgettable experience, and now the House of Ideas wants you share that exciting moment with the young fans in your lives! Enjoy your favorite Marvel super heroes in animation, comic books, and interactive digital media with your loved ones every week, as Marvel proves with fresh content and fun opportunities just why the Marvel Universe is YOUR Universe!
And don’t forget to Share Your Universe every Sunday at 11a/10c inside Marvel Universe on Disney XD with Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and, coming on August 11, Marvel’s Hulk and The Agents of S.M.A.S.H. The biggest Super Heroes, the biggest action and the biggest stories you can imagine collide in all ages excitement that’s out of this world—or any other!
For more on Marvel: Share Your Universe, please visit www.marvel.com or www.marvelkids.com and join the conversation on Twitter with #ShareYourUniverse.
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com
