Marvel Comics Universe is nothing without the team of superheroes that make the story running. X-Men were the creation of Stan Lee with Jack Kirby and it first came to the public in 1963 in The X-Men. The idea of the series is that the presumed heroes are under the radar due to an increasing anti-mutant sentiment. The Westchester Mansion served as the haven to these people with special abilities. The center was headed by Professor Xavier. Their idea is to help mutants to harness their powers to be able to be of service to the greater humanity. He also employed special characters like Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Iceman and Angel. They were the original X-Men because they possess the so called X-Gene.

The arch nemesis of the series is Magneto. The series expanded with the addition of notable characters like Storm, Wolverine, Rouge, Nightcrawler and Colossus. Of course, enemies keep on adding up with the introduction of Apocalypse, Weapon X, Sinister and the Hellfire Club. The whole series has been adapted across various media like the popular TV Series, films, and video games as well as merchandise.

“Mutations” throughout the years

The entire series underwent a lot of changes in a span of decades. In the 1970s, the team is already being led by Cyclops and there are a whole slew of characters introduced. This is also where the breakout X-Men star, Wolverine came into the scene. The hero got its very own changes and was even transformed into a movie. Jean Grey also had drastic transformations becoming Phoenix in the Dark Phoenix Saga. A lot of topics were tackled throughout the life of the series. From anti Semitism, LGBT issues, race, religion, politics as well as the development of various subcultures. The series has shaken the world with its diversity of characters and has appealed to millions of fans throughout the years.

In 1932, an icon was born. An idea was conceived and in Cleveland, Ohio, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Superman. In 1938, the character was sold to Detective Comics and it first appeared in Action comics, also in the same year. After that, it became a whirlwind of success, transforming to radio dramas, strips on newspapers, TV shows, movies, video games and merchandise. Superman transformed the Superhero genre which has become the bread and butter of American comics. The distinct look of Superman was easily identifiable. A muscular man wearing blue, red and yellow colored costumes and a matching cape. The iconic S emblem on his chest is his most enduring mark.

An Epic hero: changes through the years

Superman has an alter-ego in the name of Clark Kent who is a very nice, if not nerdy, reporter for the Daily Planet. His love interest is Lois lane and eventually, they got married. The story and the characters have expanded throughout the years, and it also includes back stories like Superboy, Supergirl and Krypton or the Superdog. Its most popular and enduring image is on film with the Late Christopher Reev portraying the hero in the 1978 movie Superman and the sequel, Superman II. Superman, as a work of literature and imagery has often been analyzed by popular theorists, and literary experts, one of which was Umberto Eco who discussed Superman and his mythical character.

The Superman idea was created during the time of the Great Depression, where economic conditions led the main character to take the role of a social activist and became the champion of the masses against villainous activities. A lot of theorists and literary historians consider that Superman had religious and mythological influences like from Moses, Hercules and other characters since both the writers had Jewish upbringing and were raised to have a deep understanding of scriptures. Nonetheless, Superman is an icon of the triumph of good and for the rest of the world, a cultural icon of an impossible ideal.

Some might have seen an archetypal convention or meet up of likeminded fanatics. They wear costumes, bring their favorite memorabilia, and have cameras, autograph books and tons of energy. For those who are lovers of Star Trek, They would not mind spending some money just to see your favorite characters, participate in lectures and get the chance to expand your collection of Star Trek Stuff. Of all the conventions dedicated to this hit entertainment franchise, the Star Trek convention in Las Vegas seems to be the largest and most talked about conventions.

Viva Las Vegas: The largest convention

Star Trek on its own had its epic history, tracing back to 1966 moving from generation to generation finally hitting a stop in 2005 with the Enterprise. It has been a huge success, drawing up millions of fans throughout the years. Now, the Las Vegas Star Trek Convention is opening its doors again, making sure that the legacy from the first to the latest generations mash up into an amazing experience of activities and performances. What fans will find in the convention is a whole slew of your old favorites, from William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Sir Patrick Stewart and many others.

It is interesting what happens on conventions like these. There are Star Trek inspired bingo games, live singing performances, seminars, workshops, games, contests, auctions, and of course, the quintessential costume competition where new and old mix to create the most amazing and delirious evocations of ingenuity and passion.

The Star Trek Convention is a 4 day event with tickets cheaper on Thursday and Friday compared to the weekends. The weekends are more jam packed since most of the stars are scheduled during the weekends. For all fanatics and worshipers of this highly popular series, it is time to mark the calendars and start making costumes. A lot of fun waits in this highly acclaimed convention.

One of the most enduring comic book series existing until today is Spiderman, created in 1962 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The character is an orphan named Peter Parker who grew up with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. As a growing teenager, he experienced the regular adolescent pressures. In the 1960s, the prevailing theme for action hero comic series is those of the hero-sidekick tandem. Spiderman, being a lone hero with acquired superpowers became a ground breaking and critically received series. The character has been in several series, the longest running is The Amazing Spiderman.

Cultural influence

When talking about the most successful commercial superhero characters, this web slinging hero does not fail to impress the crowd. He is the flagship character of Marvel and has ventured out of the comic book realm to take over numerous media like TV series, comic strips and of course, movies. When it comes to cultural influence, Spidey has really captured a massive following. A lot of experts across various fields recognize the unique superhero cum nerdy teenager as an intelligent twist. Publications also consider Spiderman as one of the most intelligent characters from American comics.

Of course, this series would not be complete without the supporting characters and nemesis that have become part of the claim of the entire franchise. Characters like Aunt May and Uncle Ben are Peter Parker's pillars of strength. Then there is Mary Jane Watson who eventually became his wife. Who could forget the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Carnage and all other key story makers in the violence driven city. From the 1960s up until now, the character and the series are still getting a lot of awards and acclaim that solidifies its status as a classic American icon in popular culture.

Stan Lee created the character of Anthony Edward Stark in 1963. He has it all. A billionaire, successful industrialist and he are also an amazing engineer. However, he was kidnapped and was asked by terrorists to make weapons of mass destruction. During the process, he suffered a heart attack. A device was placed in him and was able to survive. Instead of making weapons, he designed an iron suite that protected him and escape. Using this suit, he was able tom save other people from grave danger, heralding him as Iron Man. He also used his advanced technologies to further develop the suit.

Concept and popularity

The idea for Iron Man was based on Stan Lee's take on the events during the Cold War. He is putting emphasis on the US as they use technology as well as business to fight communist forces. In the latter runs of the series, Cold War was replaced with themes of terrorism as well as corporate evils. The character has been affiliated throughout the years as part of the Avengers. The most recent success of the series was when it was remade for film portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. side by side with Gywneth Paltrow.

The Iron Man suits are the most interesting to analyze, having improved and changed over the years. The first one is called the Extremis Armor and then it was turned into the Bleeding Edge Armor in which the armor is inside the bones and it activates through thoughts. The most famous weapons of the character would have to be the repulsor rays but several other weapons are included. Also, there are variations for stealth, space travel, deep sea trekking and many others. That is what bottomless pockets and incredible imagination can do but though it may be fantastical it is still a very popular series.

The Incredible Hulk is one of the most notable Marvel characters due to its unique features. The green color on the massive frame of the character, Dr Bruce Banner, gives it a harrowing, menacing appearance, almost like a transformation of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde long before this character was conceived.

The Hulk came to being when Banner got exposed to a blast from the gamma bomb that he was creating. Due to this, he will have erratic transformations, and unarguably changing his life forever. With his change, he can accumulate massive levels of strength, capable of breaking anything in his path. Also, when he gets angrier, he gets stronger. Sudden surge of emotions can make him transform.

Beyond the green flesh

The series was transformed to various media like animation, games and of course films. The first one was in 2003 which was quite poorly received. The next reinvention as on 2008 entitled The Incredible Hulk. A lot consider the Hulk as one of the greatest characters in Marvel. The series was first released in print in 1962 written by Stan Lee and penciled by Jack Kirby. Aside from The Jekyll-Hyde connection, Lee also cited Frankenstein as an inspiration for the character. Some intellectuals consider the Hulk as a reaction to the cold war with the vision of a post apocalyptic nuclear aftermath. Others look at the character as a case of Schizophrenia.

The Hulk was one of the Pioneers of the so-called Avengers; he has also become a guest in the popular Fantastic Four Series. Nonetheless, the actual character, Banner, is a prisoner in his own body. Due to his emotional state and fear of transforming, he is not able to create lasting bonds since no one would be able to understand him. Nonetheless, he is the perfect example of brains and brawn, of a refined savagery, an irony of life.

The Stan Lee- Jack Kirby tandem created their very first superhero team series in 1961. Fantastic Four helped in putting a much needed realism in the crime fighting genre. It is one of the most popular, and breakout stars of Marvel Comics that transformed them from a small publishing outfit to a big conglomerate.

The story circles around a team of 4 scientists/ explorers who were on a space mission and were hit by a massive cosmic ray that transformed their genetic structure, giving them capabilities beyond human. The leader of the group is Mr. Fantastic that can stretch his body to extreme extent. Invisible woman can become invisible and create force fields. The next one is The Torch whose body can transform into flame. Lastly, there is Thing whose drastic transformation changed his body into a stone like quality.

A move towards reality

Ever since its conception of Fantastic Four in 1961, it has been that their relationships were quite dysfunctional and it really gives a human element and conflict in the series. This attitude towards each other has broken down other archetypes where there was so much convenience between the characters; they tend shy away and become approachable, lacking that sense of individuality. Or course, this is not just the conflict that people can expect from the series. Their arch-nemesis is Doctor Doom as well as the Silver Surfer, Galactus and Namor.

Throughout the years, Fantastic Four has achieved quite a status and it has been transformed into the big screen. The first one is the low budget film in 1990 and the next one was in 2005. The most recent film was in 2007 entitled Fantastic Four, Rise of the Silver Surfer. They are very unique since the element of realism is very apparent, they do not conceal themselves with alter egos and they also have personal and professional issues to manage.

The E3 means Electronic Entertainment Expo and it is a trade show held annually dedicated to the computer and electronics industry. The event is presented by Entertainment Software Association. This is a very important industry gathering where numerous industry players like developers and manufacturers show of their latest games to be released or new hardware to offer. In the gaming industry, the E3 stands as the ultimate expo. This is also a massive media event where critiques go and cover the proceedings. That is why developers prepare for this event more compared to other conventions.

Great Beginnings and development throughout the years

The very first E3 was held in 1995. It started out as an open access event. In 2007 and 2008, it became a by-invitation only event. The event soon became lackluster and did not get the best results and that is why by 2009, the committee decided to hold it in open access format again. The E3 still has a unique charm to the video game industry in that it really focuses on games unlike the CES that captures a more general them with a mash up of other gadgets. The event is pretty loud, dynamic and people walk around the different halls of the Los Angeles Convention center.

Each Hall of the convention center has a particular set of manufacturers and brands. First is the South Hall which is the biggest one in LACC. This is where one will find Microsoft and most major North American and European brands. The Halls of Petree and Kentia are used for Midway and Atari. Most small developers find themselves here in bazaar-like settings. The West Hall is where you can find the biggest Asian players like Nintendo, Sony and many others. There is also a press room so that the press can set up their computers while the entire proceedings happen.

For the super avid fans of comics and related topics, then, it is a must to be aware of the Comic Con International, the largest and oldest convention for comic book fans in the 1970s. It was established by Shel Dorf in San Diego. Traditionally, the convention is a 4 day event but there is also a preview night for professionals, pre registered guests and exhibitors on the fortnight. The event happens every summer and ever since, it has become the mecca for all comic books and in some case, sci fi lovers. The convention circles not only on comic books but also on TV/ Film and general Scifi/fantasy.

Humble beginnings criticisms and popularity

The beginnings of this convention were conceived in Detroit Michigan where Dorf was born. He started out a Fan Fair but it was short lived since he moved to San Diego. From that humble beginning, the convention now is being handled by a board consisting of 13 board members and around 20 workers as well as 80 volunteers that offer assistance.

The Comic Con is a hot ticket event. It is so hot that in recent years, security measures were increased and new methods to accommodate guests have been made. One of the biggest criticisms is that they cannot accommodate the increasing number of participants in the said event. Because of this, the committee has been planning a much larger venue. In 2010, Anaheim Convention Center already placed a bid to serve as the new home for the convention. However, that would not be the case until 2013. Another problem is that tickets get sold out so fast that it becomes a fierce competition.

Comic Con also offers a magazine that is the official publication of the organization. So, for those who are avid pop culture fanatics and also those who like comics, movies, TV, sci fi and fantasy, then The Comic convention is the place to visit.

The Dark Knight of Gotham City is undeniably the most popular and iconic comic characters in the 20th century. Throughout the years, this classic DC series never got out of the limelight, going to different reinventions from cartoons and of course in movies. It was first conceptualized and transformed to print in 1939 by the artist Bob Kane and the writer, Bill Finger. The cartoon was transformed to TV, cartoons and many other formats. The very first “theatrical” presentation of Batman was in 1966. The character returned to the big screen in 1989 with the critically acclaimed Tim Burton Film, Batman. After that, 3 sequels came in 1992, 1995 and 1997. The last 2 films were directed by Joel Schumacher and the dark knight was played by Val Kilmer and George Clooney. In 2005, Batman Begins was released and in 2008, the top Grossing The Dark Knight was the latest Hollywood offering.

Looking beyond the mask

The character was considered as the best detective in the world. He got the wits and the money to transform his mansion into an elaborate headquarters. There is a lacking of realism in this respect and it is one of those comics that follow the superhero sidekick genre. Although it is not without those psychological banters especially with his alter-ego, Bruce Wayne and of course, the crazy villains he has to put up with all the time. The Joker is the most popular nemesis of the dark knight as well as Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Two Face, The Penguin, The Riddler and Dr. Freeze.

Nothing can beat batman. He is a cultural icon that has really taken the world by storm with the help of radical reinventions in the imagery, it became a lot darker, more serious but nonetheless, very attractive for old and new fans of the dark knight.