Marvel needs to use their TV properties to expand knowledge of the characters in their upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy" movie. Since the characters are not as well-known as the ones used in "The Avengers," Marvel can run the risk of having a failure on its hands if people cannot connect with the characters. One Marvel-based failure in the movie industry could cause a downturn in the superhero movie genre the comic book industry has worked hard to create. While one step on TV has been taken so far, many more steps need to be made in the near future to ensure the success of the movie.
Guardians of the Galaxy?
Initially introduced in 1969, the Guardians of the Galaxy was originally comprised of characters who are the last living members of their perspective worlds, though other characters were added to the team later. They traveled through time and space to prevent doomsday events in the distant future and change history to save civilizations. Even with appearances in The Defenders, The Avengers, and their own 62-issue series (1990-1995), the team did not gain much popularity until their reappearance in 2008 when they began to be connected to many of the major Marvel events. The modern team is made up of characters that are alternate reality versions of the original lineup and a few new characters.Importance of using TV to promote
Using TV to promote the characters on the team is as important as promoting them in the pages of the comics, through merchandising, and in the upcoming movies. Marvel can reach out to key demographics through their animated shows and upcoming live-action shows. The more familiar Marvel fans are with characters, the more likely they are to line up for movies. Since the Guardians of the Galaxy are not as common names as Hulk, Spider-Man, and Captain America, the comic book company needs to make every move possible to prepare people for the 2014 movie.TV steps
The Guardians of the Galaxy appeared on "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes" in the episode entitled "Michael Korvak." Marvel should put the characters in an episode or two of "Ultimate Spider-Man," in episodes of the upcoming "Avengers Assemble," and on the upcoming live-action "The Incredible Hulk." Out of these three needed steps, using Ol' Greenie's show would be the most important of all. The scheduled ABC show is set to debut in 2013, and since it is a live-action show on basic TV, it has the opportunity to reach the most viewers. Since the Guardians of the Galaxy had multiple run-ins with the Hulk in the past, it would meld with the continuity of the show and comics. Marvel has two years to bring attention to "Guardians of the Galaxy" and needs to take advantage of every TV spot possible.More from this Contributor:
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