In its first three weeks in domestic theaters, "The Avengers" has taken in almost half a billion dollars. According to the calculations of people who care about such things, this has it on pace to become one of the three highest grossing movies ever. Soon, Hollywoodland will inflict on the world new Spider-Man and Batman films that might make even more money than "The Avengers." Casting directors are likely working on the problem of who might fit into the costumes of such lesser-known champions of virtue as Matter-Eater Lad and Squirrel Girl.

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