Greg Cwik has not, apparently, watched any of the Marvel movies. "Hey look," he says, "Marvel is set to become a victim of their own success, because as they expand, it will become almost impossible for newbs to get into it." And yes, that is a danger with the comics, where even longtime fans – like me – have a hard time keeping up.

But his logic falls apart once you read this:

If you miss one movie — say, Iron Man 3 – then you can't watch The Avengers, and then you can't watch S.H.I.E.L.D., and then you can't watch The Winter Soldier, and then you can't watch Agent Carter.


Anyone who has, y'know, actually watched the movies (particularly the sequels), knows how deftly Marvel has created franchises that have a Voltron-like ability to exist (and flourish) independently, while seamlessly snapping together when circumstances (or plot) requires.

I'd say the only way they can really become a victim of their success is to over-reach. Too much, too fast, and average people might get tired of it. For now, though, Marvel's got the golden goose.


Edited to add link to original: