The Epic History of Marvel: From Stan Lee to the MCU

The MCU has dominated recent blockbuster cinema. Through expanding its reach into TV, Marvel has developed new immersive transmedia storytelling techniques, taking superhero narratives to unprecedented levels of exposure and engagement. It hasn't always been this way, though.

In this talk, Dr Michael Goodrum will trace the origins and development of Marvel from the 1940s to the present day. In the process, Goodrum will set out the challenges Marvel, and the comics industry as a whole, faced, how they sought to overcome them, and their successes and failures along the way.

Together, we shall think about the nature of the characters created, the adventures they had, and how they engage with the society around them, engagement that includes the Cold War, domestic politics, Civil Rights, feminist movements, and sexuality. In this way, we see how the history of Marvel can be used to discuss wider histories of the US - our hopes and fears written, drawn, and projected across the years.

Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

Follow us on IG @seedtalks

Michael Goodrum (he/him) is Reader in Cultural History at Canterbury Christ Church University. His books include Superheroes and American Self-Image: From War to Watergate (2016) and Gender & the Superhero Narrative (2018). Goodrum has published widely on comics, film, and literature in US history, with a particular focus on superheroes, science fiction, and horror. Goodrum is currently working on projects on horror films ranging from the 1940s to the present day.

Testimonials from our guests

⭐Super Interesting talks! Fun and Informative -Ally S.

⭐Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. -Owen S

⭐Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! -Daisy J

This event is 16+ but under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18+ with a valid physical ID for proof of age.

A maximum of four children to be accompanied by one adult.