Given just how much money Disney makes from theMarvel Cinematic Universe, there’s really no end in sight for the franchise. Surely, however, whether it be sooner or later, a change must be in sight. Like all trends, the MCU runs the risk of eventually fading out from the public eye. So, what changes should be implemented to the MCU to keep itself fresh and stick around for however long Disney wants it to?
Despite its likely intended longevity, the MCU (practically by definition) cannot be infinite. The VFX used in the movies runs the risk of becoming outdated as the years go by, which will negatively impact future sales. Through the medium of animation, however, action sequences will not only look better, but the proverbial lifespan of relevancy of the movies will last longer. Animation would also allow Marvel to keep up with its competitor, DC, which consistently produces fantastic animated series and films.
With all this in mind, here is why the MCU should seriously consider transitioning to animation going forward.
MCU’s VFX Will be a Non-Issue
Even in great movies, outdated VFX and CGI can take the viewer out of the story. For example, despite how beloved they are becoming in recent years, the excessive use of CGI in theStar Warsprequelsdates the movies in such a way that it’s hard not to notice. Of course, the passage of time is inevitable; and even practical effects become cheesy and funny after a while. However, given how intertwined the MCU is with computerized effects (the settings, spaceships, and action sequences), it won’t be long before they are looked back on in the same way as the prequels.
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This isn’t to suggest that VFX or CGI should not exist; judging by sheer sales numbers, they still work to attract a sizable audience. And the talented artists who work on them absolutely deserve more acknowledgment for what they’re able to bring to life. However, speaking from general audience observations, animation (especially 2-D animation) simply ages better than computer effects.
TakeBatman: The Animated Series,for example. It’s a superhero show regarded by many as the peak ofBatman. Its acclaim lasts to this day, despite its animation being noticeably older. Most of the complaints, if anyone has any, levied against it have nothing to do with its animation. Compare this to somethinglike Lupin’s werewolfform fromHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,a CGI effect that did not age well. Even fans admit that it looks ridiculous (and almost unintentionally creepier than what was intended). So if the MCU did change its medium to animation, it could hope to achieve the same legacy as something likeBatman: The Animated Series.
DC Makes Animation Work
Speaking ofBatman: The Animated Series,DC has been absolutely killing it with its animated products. Most recently, itscomedy series,Harley Quinn,has been met with much praise.Teen Titans,a cartoon from the early 2000s, is still spoken of as if it’s an untouchable Holy Grail of animation. And truthfully, that’s not an inaccurate assessment per se. And it’s not just their shows. DC’s animated movies are also (for the most part) a cut above the rest.Batman: Mask of the Phantasm,for instance, is considered one of the bestBatmanstories ever put to screen, expertly conveying to the audience Bruce Wayne’s vulnerable and shattered mind.
Related:Why Disney’s Next Animated Movie Should be in 2-D
Obviously, there are different creative teams that work on both Marvel and DC, so the results shouldn’t be exactly the same; nor should Marvel try and copy DC’s formula or creative process. However, DC’s success does prove how well animation can work in adapting comic book stories. To sing its praises once again,Batman: Mask of the Phantasmis the prime example of how spectacular an animated comic book movie can be. And even achieving an approximation to it would set Marvel on the right track.
The MCU’s Intense Action Would Look Great in Animation
This goes along with the sentiment that digital effects will inevitably become outdated; however, it differs in that it has more to do with the choreography in motion and less to do with set and prop design. Any anime fan would probably tell you that animated action is the way to go. And while yes, it’s hard to dispute that when looking at the wonderful animation ofanime such asFateorNaruto,anime is not the only basis for believing that MCU action would look better animated.
The fact is that it’s easier to keep track of everything when it’s animated as opposed to digital or even practical. Animation permits more freedom with shots. The “camera” can zoom in and pull back when needed without it being too jarring. Also, the lighting of the set, which may prevent a viewer from seeing everything happening, is rendered moot in the medium of animation. It’s very clear where a character’s arms, legs, and weapons are, and their movements feel more deliberate. In live-action (since these people aren’t actually fighting), it can be challenging to see past the artificiality of the action.
