Even if you don’t enjoy comic books, it’s likely that you watched at least one of Marvel Studios’ many offerings this year. With an arsenal of television shows, blockbuster movies, video games, and, of course, comic books, Marvel launched a full-scale pop culture attack that was for the most part thoroughly enjoyable. There were a few bumps in the road—Avengers: Age of Ultron, anyone?—but it’s hard to deny that Marvel’s relevance is on the ascent. With the return of Star Wars and archrival DC Comics set to release both Suicide Squad and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice in early 2016, Marvel will have stiff competition for the geek audience, but for now it can bask in the glory of a year defined by critical and commercial success. Here’s how Marvel pulled off the ultimate fandom coup—and what it has in store for 2016.
The Heroes Got Real-er
Joining forces with Netflix provided Marvel with two of its strongest productions to date, Daredevil and Jessica Jones. Both center on Manhattanites who go the vigilante route, putting their superhuman abilities to good use, a recurring theme across Marvel titles. With the PG-13 rating concerns tossed out, these shows were able to depict their leads as full-fledged humans with emotional turmoil, sex lives, and all the injuries you’d pick up after a night fighting crime.
Raising the Stakes
One of the primary critiques of the comic genre centers on its lack of consequences. Characters die, only to be resuscitated; heroes falter, only to emerge unscathed from grisly battles. As much as audiences like to see the good guys win, a world without genuine emotional stakes feels hollow. In the past, Marvel skirted the issue. When popular character Agent Phil Coulson died in the first Avengers film, he was quickly revived for his own spin-off show. This year, several key characters kicked the bucket—don’t worry, we won’t spoil it for you—via demises that are unlikely to be reversed.
Banking on Great Talent
As the Marvel universe expands, it seem as though every actor under the sun has become part of it. It takes a thespian’s touch to add realism to stories that are inherently fantastical, so casting is a huge part of what makes each film or series work. Paul Rudd’s affable humor and wide grin provided Ant-Man with its charm, while Krysten Ritter’s world-weary sarcasm gave Jessica Jones its heart and soul.
Bringing Women to the Forefront
Jessica Jones may have been the most badass heroine of the bunch, but she wasn’t alone this year. The launch of ABC’s Agent Carter provided the world with a ’40s-era female superspy, complete with an array of disguises. On Agents of Shield, fan favorite Skye evolved into the seismic wave–wielding superhero Quake. Perhaps most important, the studio finally announced plans for two female-led films: Captain Marvel and Ant-Man and the Wasp.
Being the Ultimate Tease
As masters of the post-credits scene, Marvel is constantly filling its creations with Easter eggs, hints, and brief glimpses of what’s to come. The brand’s penchant for foreshadowing keeps fans on their toes and whets their appetite for even more superhero content. With the forthcoming launch of Phase 4, which will include the Benedict Cumberbatch–led Doctor Strange and Chadwick Boseman’s turn at Black Panther, we have plenty to look forward to.