What to Expect from Marvel in 2021

The year 2021 was a significant one for Marvel across film, television, and comic books. Let's explore the key expectations and outcomes for this formidable entertainment powerhouse.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

The MCU set out to expand its universe in 2021 through a series of highly anticipated films and television series. Here's a closer look:

film Releases

Black Widow: This long-awaited film focused on Natasha Romanoff's backstory and the events following Avengers: Endgame. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: A new character introduction that blended martial arts with mystical elements. Eternals: This film was designed to introduce the Eternals, an ancient race of superhumans, and their connection to Marvel lore.

Disney Series

WandaVision: This series explored the lives of Wanda Maximoff and Vision, blending classic sitcom elements with deeper themes of grief and identity. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: Focused on Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, this series dealt with themes of legacy and heroism following Steve Rogers' retirement. Loki: This series delved into the adventures of Loki, with Clint Barton and Kate Bishop in a new mentorship role, exploring themes of redemption and legacy.

Overall, 2021 was a pivotal year for the MCU, characterized by significant character developments and new introductions, as well as explorations of complex themes in its cinematic universe.

Marvel Comics Developments

Marvel's comic books were set to explore diverse storylines with ongoing series and new titles, reflecting social issues and character development. Here are some notable events and series:

Crossover Events

Darkhold Event: A collaborative event featuring Scarlet Witch, Black Bolt, the Avengers, and Spider-Man, dealing with the Darkhold and Doctor Doom. However, the plot feels stereotypical and lacks the epic feel I was hoping for. Ultimate Spider-Man Season 1, Episode 13 Adaptation (Strange): Utilized an adaptation of Ultimate Spider-Man Season 1, Episode 13, with some creative substitutions but not as engaging as intended. X-Men Inferno: This is the final story for Jonathan Hickman's X-Men series before his departure from Marvel, raising high expectations due to his previous work. Marvel Dark Ages: An alternate universe written by Tom Taylor, offering a compelling storyline and high anticipation. Death of Doctor Strange: An event where Doctor Strange is killed in the first issue, followed by four issues of fallout. It's expected to receive positive reviews from critics, though I remain neutral. Vampire Event: A regular Vampire vs Avengers and X-Men storyline is anticipated, driven by Dracula and his Vampires.

These events, especially the concurrent crossovers, have caused me some mental fatigue. For those fans, though, it's a treat.

Solo Series

Donny Cates' Hulk: A series focusing on mindless entertainment and interesting content. Al Ewing's Venom: Expected to be similar to Immortal Hulk, intriguing in its own right. Jed Mackay's Moon Knight: Considered a bit overrated, but still an interesting read. Chip Zdarsky's Daredevil: Looking forward to seeing how his run ends. Donny Cates' Thor: A fun and interesting read, possibly featuring a crossover with Ultimate Reed Richards and the symbiote. Captain America and Iron Man Collaboration: Inspired by DC's Batman and Superman series, this collaboration is worth watching. John Ridley's Black Panther: Expected to be another interesting installment in the series. Kieron Gillen's Eternals: Hailed by many as a sleeper hit, making it a must-read.

Upcoming Movies

Black Widow: While not top-tier, it was forgettable and didn't live up to expectations, with some mixed reactions regarding the film's storyline. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: Neutral anticipation, but Simu Liu's energy and passion add a positive note. Early positive reviews, but nothing groundbreaking. Eternals: Growing in anticipation due to its positive test screenings and the potential to surprise with its storyline. Spider-Man: No Way Home: Excitement brewing for a redefined Spider-Man, though not getting overly optimistic. What If...?: A highly entertaining and quirky series, already a fan favorite. Hawkeye: Hopeful for a strong performance, focusing on Katie Bishop and her breakout season.

Upcoming Gaming

While the cinematic and comic book universe thrived in 2021, the gaming world sparked some concerns. The Guardians of the Galaxy game, in particular, is a key area of apprehension:

Very little advertisement, despite a single trailer and gameplay video. Zero additional videos or engagement from the developer, leading to red flags about the game's readiness. Delayed release is preferred over a rushed, poorly received game.

In conclusion, while Marvel has delivered some solid content in 2021, there is a growing concern about the gaming horizon. Fans are waiting eagerly for more information and polished releases from the company.

Conclusion

This year proved to be mixed for Marvel, with mixed reviews and growing apprehension. Yet, the cinematic and comic book universe continues to captivate audiences in ways both expected and unexpected.