If I were CEO of Marvel

[Random Axe]

I'l pretty much an exclusive DC reader and have been for many, many years. Can't really explain it in a few paragraphs. Maybe it's the legacy factor, the iconic characters or perhaps the moral ground upon which the heroes stand. Not really sure, but I find most Marvel stuff unreadable. Just personal taste.

However...

I think they could improve in a few areas that would bring in guys like me. I think they make a few mistakes that could be corrected and have some opportunity is other areas. Of course DC has just as long of an improvement list, but I'm not of the perspective to list those as I've already chugged several gallons of their Kool-Aid.

1. Eliminate company cross-overs for one year. Quit doing them. They are mostly train wrecks, DC included. I know it may generate some sales, but it will equally anger the fanbase.

2. Lighten the hell up. Have some fun with the books. Don't have all your main players going through psyche crises and drama in every single issue. Marvel had a chance to introduce something they've never had. A cape. I've always been told Mavel U cannot sustain a cape character like Supes. I see why. They have this very cool looking, iconic in appearance dude who could come in and be their company's SUperman. They ended up turning him into some babbling, multiple personality, void-fearing waterhead that's easliy controlled by Osborne. Maybe the character still has a chance, but it's slim.

3. Develop each title's background characters. Marvel is hell-bent on guest apperances for some reason. Build up each title's players and make the stories and creators involved self-sufficient.

4. Allow B-list characters to shine. Black Panther is a chick now? Seriously? T'Challa is one of the baddest dude on the planet. He's king of the most techonogilcally advanced country. He should always be a major player and total A-list hero. It's always been hinted that Falcon has a mutant power to talk to his bird. Why not take it further and have him with the ability to communicate with all wildlife? It would add a new dimension to him without changing his core being.

5. End the paranoia. Are you a Skrull? DO you support the registration act? Are you one of those stinking mutants? Make the world a brighter place, even slightly. As miserable as out real world is now, it's nothing compared to Marvel U.

Eh, just some thoughts. I really want to like Marvel again, though my bank account wants to keep us separated. I used to love Avengers and Cap. I have every issue of Power Man and Iron Fist, including solo books. I've got some history here, so this viewpoint is coming from a former fan who'd like to return.

Fire away. I hear they are having a pitchfork sale at Lowe's this weekend.

[TrueDave]

After all the topical stories in the early 1970s Kirby came back on Captain America. They asked why he was doing stories about gladiators in the sewers and not social unrest or vietnam. Lee and Kirby both said it was time to have some fun escapism.

thats why I liked most of Planet Hulk so much.

[samurainoir]

2. Lighten the hell up. Have some fun with the books.

That is something that seems to be sorely missing across the board. And funny Deadpool covers don't cut it if they are doing them as variants.

I was hoping that the Giffen/Dematties/Maguire team would be able to do more than just one Defenders book.

[The Toyroom]

I've slowly made my way back in to the Marvel Universe this past year or so...Yeah it's gotten TOO dark (just like DC) but there's a light at the end of the tunnel apparently (The Heroic Age).

Currently I'm enjoying many of the core Marvel titles: The Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Fantastic Four, Captain America...even Amazing Spider-Man (this "Gauntlet" arc).

[Captain]

All good points sir!

I am a died in the wool DC fan myself, but I enjoyed Marvel from the sixties and seventies too. They got too gimmicky in the eighties, and well...you've nailed all of their current problems.

As True Dave said, they need to recapture the fun escapism of their earlier years.

[spamn]

I know that the Editor in Chief has pretty much decreed the end of crossover events for the forseeable future.

And I feel like you're missing a lot of the supporting cast - a book like Daredevil has a huge cast if you read starting at the Bendis run, including Foggy Nelson, Milla Donovan, (whose name I forget - she got written out), Jessica Jones, Dakota North, etc. Tons of reoccurring characters/antagonists like The Owl, the Kingpin's son, the Kingpin, his wife. And appearances from Iron Fist, Power Man, the Night Nurse, etc.

Of course, it's not a happy book and DD's not a happy guy, so there's that.