The Crossover Possibilities Are Endless

In a blockbuster two weeks ago, Disney acquired comic book juggernaut Marvel in a $4 billion deal. The reaction by some hardcore comic book fans was wary, as some wondered if Disney would temper the edginess of some of the more mature comic book lines. I doubt it. This is the same Disney that owns Miramax, which never shied away from controversial matter like Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, and Dimension, which is home of such family-friendly films such as Halloween, Hellraiser, and Feast 2: Sloppy Seconds. You really think it's going to bother them that the Punisher disembowels drug dealers?

This is a coup for Marvel, as it gets a "treasure trove of content," in the words of Disney Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger. Treasure trove, indeed. In addition to a large character base from which to generate movies ("Psi-Force" and "Spitfire and the Troubleshooters" movies, anyone?), the acquisition is really synergistic in terms of the cross-over opportunities. Think of "Snow White and the Sinister Seven" and "The Little Mermaid versus Sub-Mariner: The Battle for Atlantis."

Of course, you can't forget the licensing deals to video game makers such as CAPCOM, who can now expand into game titles such as "Street Fighter vs. Marvel Super Heroes vs. Mickey & His Friends". I just hope it comes with the Mortal Kombat "fatality" gimmick where Pluto can maul a helpless opponent to death and Grumpy the Dwarf takes his pick axe to his opponent's head. Well, maybe not.