Marvel Worldwide Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American publisher of comic books and related media. In 2009, The Walt Disney Company acquired Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Worldwide's parent company.
Marvel started in 1939 as Timely Publications, and by the early 1950s had generally become known as Atlas Comics. Marvel's modern incarnation dates from 1961, the year that the company launched The Fantastic Four and other superhero titles created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and many others.
Marvel counts among its characters such well-known properties as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Wolverine, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Captain America, the Silver Surfer, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, and the Avengers and antagonists such as the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Kingpin, Magneto, Doctor Doom, Loki, Galactus, Thanos, the Abomination, and the Red Skull. Most of Marvel's fictional characters operate in a single reality known as the Marvel Universe, with locations that mirror real-life cities. Characters such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Daredevil, and Dr. Strange are based in New York City, whereas the X-Men have historically been based in Salem Center, New York, and the Hulk's stories have usually been set in the American Southwest.
Marvel started in 1939 as Timely Publications, and by the early 1950s had generally become known as Atlas Comics. Marvel's modern incarnation dates from 1961, the year that the company launched The Fantastic Four and other superhero titles created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and many others.
Marvel counts among its characters such well-known properties as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Wolverine, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Captain America, the Silver Surfer, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, and the Avengers and antagonists such as the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Kingpin, Magneto, Doctor Doom, Loki, Galactus, Thanos, the Abomination, and the Red Skull. Most of Marvel's fictional characters operate in a single reality known as the Marvel Universe, with locations that mirror real-life cities. Characters such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Daredevil, and Dr. Strange are based in New York City, whereas the X-Men have historically been based in Salem Center, New York, and the Hulk's stories have usually been set in the American Southwest.
Marvel Comics began life as "Timely Publications" in 1939, with comic books featuring Captain America, Namor the Sub-Mariner and an early version of the Human Torch. Legendary comics writer Stan Lee was hired as an office assistant in 1939. Within two years, the 19-year-old Lee was promoted to editor of the Marvel Comics line, a post that he would keep until 1972.
Everything changed in 1961, when Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby ushered in "The Marvel Age of Comics" by creating The Fantastic Four -- a new style of superhero comic that focused on the characters' internal drama as well as their heroic adventures. The style was a huge success, and the Lee/Kirby team went on to create the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, the Mighty Thor and the X-Men. The prolific Lee worked with artist Steve Ditko to create Marvel's greatest success story, Spider-Man. Stan Lee's Marvel revolution extended beyond the characters and storylines to the way in which comic books engaged the readership and built a sense of community between fans and creators.
Everything changed in 1961, when Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby ushered in "The Marvel Age of Comics" by creating The Fantastic Four -- a new style of superhero comic that focused on the characters' internal drama as well as their heroic adventures. The style was a huge success, and the Lee/Kirby team went on to create the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, the Mighty Thor and the X-Men. The prolific Lee worked with artist Steve Ditko to create Marvel's greatest success story, Spider-Man. Stan Lee's Marvel revolution extended beyond the characters and storylines to the way in which comic books engaged the readership and built a sense of community between fans and creators.
by The Centurion October 28, 2014
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A disfigured and mentally unstable mercenary, Deadpool originally appeared as a villain in an issue of New Mutants, and later in issues of X-Force. The character has since starred in several ongoing series, and shares titles with other characters such as Cable. Also known as the "Merc with a Mouth," Deadpool is famous for his talkative nature and his tendency to break the fourth wall, which is used by writers to humorous effect.
He was portrayed by Ryan Reynolds in the 2009 film X-Men Origins: Wolverine and will appear in his own feature film set to be released on February 12, 2016.
A disfigured and mentally unstable mercenary, Deadpool originally appeared as a villain in an issue of New Mutants, and later in issues of X-Force. The character has since starred in several ongoing series, and shares titles with other characters such as Cable. Also known as the "Merc with a Mouth," Deadpool is famous for his talkative nature and his tendency to break the fourth wall, which is used by writers to humorous effect.
He was portrayed by Ryan Reynolds in the 2009 film X-Men Origins: Wolverine and will appear in his own feature film set to be released on February 12, 2016.
Created by artist Rob Liefeld and writer Fabian Nicieza, Deadpool made his first appearance in the pages of New Mutants #98 published in February 1991. Rob Liefeld, a fan of the Teen Titans comics, showed his new character to then writer Fabian Nicieza. Upon seeing the costume and noting his characteristics (killer with super agility), Nicieza contacted Liefeld, saying "this is Deathstroke from Teen Titans." Nicieza gave Deadpool the real name of "Wade Wilson" as an inside-joke to being "related" to "Slade Wilson", Deathstroke. In his first appearance, Deadpool was hired by Tolliver to attack Cable and the New Mutants. After subsequently appearing in X-Force as a recurring character, Deadpool began making guest appearances in a number of different Marvel Comics titles such as The Avengers, Daredevil, and Heroes for Hire. In 1993, the character received his own miniseries, titled The Circle Chase, written by Fabian Nicieza and pencilled by Joe Madureira. It was a relative success and Deadpool starred in a second, self-titled miniseries written in 1994 by Mark Waid, pencilled by Ian Churchill, and inked by Jason Temujin Minor and Bud LaRosa. Waid later commented, "Frankly, if I'd known Deadpool was such a creep when I agreed to write the mini-series, I wouldn't have done it. Someone who hasn't paid for their crimes presents a problem for me."
by The Centurion November 10, 2014
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Delta Force's primary tasks are counter-terrorism, direct action, and national intervention operations, although it is an extremely versatile group capable of conducting many types of clandestine missions, including, but not limited to, hostage rescues and raids.
The Central Intelligence Agency's highly secretive Special Activities Division (SAD) and more specifically its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) often works with – and recruits – operators from Delta Force.
Delta Force's primary tasks are counter-terrorism, direct action, and national intervention operations, although it is an extremely versatile group capable of conducting many types of clandestine missions, including, but not limited to, hostage rescues and raids.
The Central Intelligence Agency's highly secretive Special Activities Division (SAD) and more specifically its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) often works with – and recruits – operators from Delta Force.
The unit is under the organization of the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) but is controlled by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Command of 1st SFOD-D is a Colonel's billet. Virtually all information about the unit is highly classified and details about specific missions or operations generally are not available publicly. A number of sources, including the book Inside Delta Force by Command Sergeant Major Eric L. Haney (ret.), suggest the unit's strength ranges from 800 to 1,000 personnel.
by The Centurion January 31, 2015
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2. "The Living Shadow" was the first pulp magazine story to feature The Shadow. Written by Walter B. Gibson, it was submitted for publication as "Murder in the Next Room" on January 23, 1931, and published as "The Living Shadow" in the April 1, 1931 issue of "The Shadow Magazine". This story introduces the literary version, as opposed to the radio version, of The Shadow.
2. "The Living Shadow" was the first pulp magazine story to feature The Shadow. Written by Walter B. Gibson, it was submitted for publication as "Murder in the Next Room" on January 23, 1931, and published as "The Living Shadow" in the April 1, 1931 issue of "The Shadow Magazine". This story introduces the literary version, as opposed to the radio version, of The Shadow.
Powers and Abilities:
The Shadow, aka The Living Shadow, has complete control over his vocal cords and can throw his voice (producing a chilling laugh that can paralyze opponents) and accurately mimic anyone. He has an nearly photographic memory and is also a master of disguise and slight of hand. The ability he is most known for, however, is his amazing skills at stealth that make him akin to "a living shadow," to such an extent that rumors evolved that he can "cloud men's minds." The Shadow is a world class intellect.
The Shadow is a master of stealth and espionage who went by the nom de plume "The Dark Eagle" during World War I and worked for Tsar Nicholas as part of an inner circle known as "The Secret Star." It was the Tsar who gifted Kent Allard with the mysterious Girasol gem that he wears in a ring and uses to hypnotize people.
During the 1920's he spent some years in the mysterious city of Shambalah where he learned many oriental disciplines, such as complete control over his body's vital functions, as well as various martial arts.
When The Shadow resurfaced in the 1980s, it was apparent to those that knew him that he had not aged at all! Therefore longevity must be added to his list of disciplines.
The Shadow, aka The Living Shadow, has complete control over his vocal cords and can throw his voice (producing a chilling laugh that can paralyze opponents) and accurately mimic anyone. He has an nearly photographic memory and is also a master of disguise and slight of hand. The ability he is most known for, however, is his amazing skills at stealth that make him akin to "a living shadow," to such an extent that rumors evolved that he can "cloud men's minds." The Shadow is a world class intellect.
The Shadow is a master of stealth and espionage who went by the nom de plume "The Dark Eagle" during World War I and worked for Tsar Nicholas as part of an inner circle known as "The Secret Star." It was the Tsar who gifted Kent Allard with the mysterious Girasol gem that he wears in a ring and uses to hypnotize people.
During the 1920's he spent some years in the mysterious city of Shambalah where he learned many oriental disciplines, such as complete control over his body's vital functions, as well as various martial arts.
When The Shadow resurfaced in the 1980s, it was apparent to those that knew him that he had not aged at all! Therefore longevity must be added to his list of disciplines.
by The Centurion May 15, 2013
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X-Men: First Class (2011)
Erik Lehnsherr: Excuse me, I'm Erik Lehnsherr.
Professor Charles Xavier: Charles Xavier.
Logan: Go fuck yourself.
Erik Lehnsherr: (before Charles uses Cerebro for the first time) What an adorable lab rat you make, Charles.
Professor Charles Xavier: Don't spoil this for me, Erik.
Erik Lehnsherr: I've been a lab rat. I know when I see one.
(about the Class going into action)
Professor Charles Xavier: They're just kids...
Erik Lehnsherr: No, they WERE kids. Shaw has his army, we need ours.
Erik Lehnsherr: (Shaw's mind is frozen by Charles) If you're in there, I'd like you to know that I agree with every word you said. We are the future. But, unfortunately, you killed my mother. This is what we're gonna do.
Professor Charles Xavier: No. Please, Erik, no.
Erik Lehnsherr: I am going to count to three and I'm going to move the coin. One.
(moves the coin at Shaw's head)
Professor Charles Xavier: Please, Erik.
Erik Lehnsherr: Two. Three.
(Magneto halts the missile barrage and directs it upon the fleet)
Professor Charles Xavier: Erik, you said yourself we're the better men. This is the time to prove it. There are thousands of men on those ships who are just following orders.
Erik Lehnsherr: I've been at the mercy of men just following orders. Never again.
Erik Lehnsherr: Excuse me, I'm Erik Lehnsherr.
Professor Charles Xavier: Charles Xavier.
Logan: Go fuck yourself.
Erik Lehnsherr: (before Charles uses Cerebro for the first time) What an adorable lab rat you make, Charles.
Professor Charles Xavier: Don't spoil this for me, Erik.
Erik Lehnsherr: I've been a lab rat. I know when I see one.
(about the Class going into action)
Professor Charles Xavier: They're just kids...
Erik Lehnsherr: No, they WERE kids. Shaw has his army, we need ours.
Erik Lehnsherr: (Shaw's mind is frozen by Charles) If you're in there, I'd like you to know that I agree with every word you said. We are the future. But, unfortunately, you killed my mother. This is what we're gonna do.
Professor Charles Xavier: No. Please, Erik, no.
Erik Lehnsherr: I am going to count to three and I'm going to move the coin. One.
(moves the coin at Shaw's head)
Professor Charles Xavier: Please, Erik.
Erik Lehnsherr: Two. Three.
(Magneto halts the missile barrage and directs it upon the fleet)
Professor Charles Xavier: Erik, you said yourself we're the better men. This is the time to prove it. There are thousands of men on those ships who are just following orders.
Erik Lehnsherr: I've been at the mercy of men just following orders. Never again.
by The Centurion June 27, 2012
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Powers and Abilities:
Magic: Dr. Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth's Universe; he has unparalleled mastery of the mystic arts, which he uses to defend his reality from otherworldly threats; his primary magical patrons are a group of entities known as "the Vishanti." The Vishanti are a trinity of godly beings comprised of Agamotto, Hoggoth, and Oshtur. Although he has, on rare occasions, called upon the power of demons such as Dormammu; Strange more frequently did so before he realized Dormammu's true dark nature in the earlier issues. Doctor Strange is potentially the most powerful being on Earth and one of the most powerful beings in the Universe. He has once stated that he can kill a mortal with the mere twitch of a finger. Eternity, the sentience of the Marvel Universe, has described Strange as "more powerful by far than any of your fellow humanoids", narration has described him as "the mightiest magician in the cosmos", and the Stranger considers him on a level with cosmic entities.
Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Strange; marvel.wikia.com/Stephen_Strange_(Earth-616).
Magic: Dr. Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth's Universe; he has unparalleled mastery of the mystic arts, which he uses to defend his reality from otherworldly threats; his primary magical patrons are a group of entities known as "the Vishanti." The Vishanti are a trinity of godly beings comprised of Agamotto, Hoggoth, and Oshtur. Although he has, on rare occasions, called upon the power of demons such as Dormammu; Strange more frequently did so before he realized Dormammu's true dark nature in the earlier issues. Doctor Strange is potentially the most powerful being on Earth and one of the most powerful beings in the Universe. He has once stated that he can kill a mortal with the mere twitch of a finger. Eternity, the sentience of the Marvel Universe, has described Strange as "more powerful by far than any of your fellow humanoids", narration has described him as "the mightiest magician in the cosmos", and the Stranger considers him on a level with cosmic entities.
Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Strange; marvel.wikia.com/Stephen_Strange_(Earth-616).
by The Centurion May 26, 2013
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UEFA represents the national football associations of Europe, runs nation and club competitions including the UEFA European Championship, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup, and controls the prize money, regulations, and media rights to those competitions.
Until 1959 the main headquarters were located in Paris, and later in Bern. In 1995, UEFA headquarters transferred to Nyon, Switzerland. Henri Delaunay was the first general secretary and Ebbe Schwartz the first president.
UEFA represents the national football associations of Europe, runs nation and club competitions including the UEFA European Championship, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup, and controls the prize money, regulations, and media rights to those competitions.
Until 1959 the main headquarters were located in Paris, and later in Bern. In 1995, UEFA headquarters transferred to Nyon, Switzerland. Henri Delaunay was the first general secretary and Ebbe Schwartz the first president.
UEFA runs official international competitions in Europe and some countries of Northern, Southwestern and Central regions of Asia for national teams and professional clubs, known as UEFA competitions, some of which are regarded as the world's most prestigious tournaments.
by The Centurion November 08, 2014
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