We’ve often joked that the SoBros Network Slack group is either the darkest corner of the internet or the most fun part of it. Regardless, it is a mecca for great debate on occasion. Lately, the discussion has been raging centering around whether it makes a Marvel movie more or less enjoyable based on whether or not you are familiar with the comics going into the film.
I know – it’s heavy.
But, let’s dive into it.
Positives of Familiarity
If you are familiar with the lore of the Marvel universe, it gives you a certain sense of anticipation that you can’t really get unless you’ve read the source material.
Also, you get to actively hunt all the Easter eggs in the Marvel movies. That’s a real blast.
Negatives of Familiarity
Do you know the hole that watching Ben Kingsley play The Mandarin in Iron Man 3 has left in my heart to this day? Do you know how it feels to be the only person in the room saying, “Yeah, but they should’ve built up to Erik Killmonger…?” Welp – you can be that wet blanket of a person if you’re the one who knows Marvel inside and out.
Every now and then, they do differ from the comics. It’s not always bad, but if you’re expecting a certain thing, it sure can put you in a bad mood. If you hate being in a bad mood, it may be best to just forget everything you know about Marvel.
You don’t want to poo-poo the Infinity War just because you’re unhappy with Marvel casting Steve Buscemi as Adam Warlock.
Positives of Unfamiliarity
You have no expectations other than those set by the Marvel films released before them. Going in blind, you have the “ignorance is bliss” vibe going for you. You might love whatever they decide to do with whoever is in the movie you’re seeing.
For example, I NEVER read Guardians of the Galaxy as a kid. It was just too weird for me. Fast forward to me at 31, and Guardians of the Galaxy is one of my favorite Marvel movies. I had no gripes with them changing the characters up to be more humorous because I had no gauge of who the characters even were.
Negatives of Unfamiliarity
You do miss out on a little bit of the fanfare of the Marvel Cinematic Universe if you don’t really know what’s going on. But, now that I’m actually typing this out, I don’t know that that’s a bad thing. Which would you choose? Casual moviegoer? Or, basement Marvel fanboy? Yeah…I’m just going to leave this one alone.
So, what’s the best way to approach this? You decide. This was really a pointless post, wasn’t it?
Go see Black Panther.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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