Marvel Comics Making Their Mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Within the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, comic books inspired by Marvel Comics featuring Earth's Mightiest Heroes have made appearances. Since the MCU began with 2008's Iron Man, Marvel Studios has incorporated numerous Easter eggs referencing the Marvel Comics source material in its live-action films. These nods have delighted dedicated Marvel fans and those interested in exploring Marvel Comics' lengthy history. Some of these references have been subtle and hidden, while others have been a more overt celebration of the impact of superheroes in popular comic books.

In the history of the MCU, few Easter eggs have been as noticeable as the inclusion of superhero-based comic books in the Marvel Studios' live-action franchise. It makes sense that in a world populated by superheroes, comic book companies would create graphic novels based on the exploits of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. As early as 2010's Iron Man 2, comic books have been shown in the MCU, and these Easter eggs have become increasingly prominent in recent years. The most recent Marvel Comics appearance can be seen in the trailer for the upcoming 2024 film, Deadpool & Wolverine.

Captain America Comics Appear In The First Avenger

Iron Man 2 (2010) & Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Captain America comics appearing in Captain America The First Avenger - Iron Man 2 (2010) & Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) - Captain America Comics Appear In The First Avenger

In 2011, Chris Evans made his debut as Steve Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger, portraying the world's first known hero. Rogers underwent a transformation into Captain America thanks to the super-soldier serum created by Abraham Erskine. With his newfound abilities, he faced off against the Red Skull and the evil organization HYDRA. Before truly becoming a soldier, Rogers was utilized as a symbol to promote war bonds, which elevated his fame but also kept him away from the battlefield. Comic books featuring Steve Rogers were published during this time and could be seen being enjoyed by children and soldiers alike.

Wolverine & X-23 Follow X-Men Comics In Logan

The movie Logan draws inspiration from the X-Men comics, particularly focusing on Wolverine and X-23. Just like Captain America: The First Avenger, which featured copies of Captain America Comics #1, Logan pays homage to its comic book roots by staying true to the characters and storylines from the X-Men comics. This connection between the movie and its comic book origins adds depth and authenticity to the characters of Wolverine and X-23, making the film a true reflection of the X-Men universe.

Logan (2017)

Wolverine holding an X-Men comic in Logan - Logan (2017) - Wolverine & X-23 Follow X-Men Comics In Logan

Even though 2017's Logan took place in Fox's X-Men franchise, comic books were still an integral part of Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart's final (at that time) project as Wolverine and Professor X, respectively. Dafne Keen's Laura, a.k.a. X-23, wanted to reach the Canadian border to find Eden, a place she'd seen in comics produced by the fictional X-Men Comics Group. Director James Mangold revealed to SlashFilm in 2017 that none of Logan's comic books were real, unlike those in Captain America: The First Avenger, but were created by Marvel's former Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada and artist Dan Panosian.

We had to make them all. Marvel only agreed to let me do this as long as we didn't use any real Marvel comics. So we made them all up. But they involved existing Marvel characters. But they just couldn't be real Marvel comics. You'd have to go ask Marvel why.

In the episode titled "Groot Reads ALF #4" from Season 1 of I Am Groot, the lovable character Groot is seen engrossed in reading the comic book ALF #4. This scene showcases Groot's love for literature and his curiosity about different stories and characters. Groot's fascination with ALF #4 highlights his endearing and innocent nature, adding depth to his character in the series. This moment also serves as a fun and nostalgic reference for fans of both Groot and the classic comic book ALF.

I Am Groot Season 1, Episode 5, "Magnum Opus" (2022)

Groot holding Alf #4 in I Am Groot - I Am Groot Season 1, Episode 5, "Magnum Opus" (2022) - Groot Reads ALF #4 In I Am Groot Season 1, Episode 5

Several Marvel Comics Issues Appear In She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

In the animated series I am Groot, the inclusion of a real Marvel comic, ALF #4, brought a sense of nostalgia for fans. This episode, titled "Magnum Opus," featured Groot reading through the pages of the comic that originally released in 1988. The connection to Chris Pratt's Peter Quill being abducted from Earth in the same year by Yondu and the Ravagers added depth to the storyline. This reference not only highlighted Star-Lord's Earthly roots but also drew parallels between him and ALF, both being alien beings adopted into new families.

She-Hulk: Attorney At Law Season 1, Episode 2, "Superhuman Law" (2022)

Marvel Comics appearing in the background in She-Hulk Attorney at Law - She-Hulk: Attorney At Law Season 1, Episode 2, "Superhuman Law" (2022) - Several Marvel Comics Issues Appear In She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

In the episode "Superhuman Law" of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, airing in 2022, Tatiana Maslany's Jennifer Walters becomes the face of the Superhuman Law division at GLK&H. Within the law firm's offices, a wall displaying Marvel Comics is briefly shown. Among these comics are recognizable real-world Marvel issues such as Avengers #4 (1964), Captain America #274 (1982), The Incredible Hulk #287 (1983), What If...? #28 (1991), Thor #494 (1996), Thor #611 (2010), and Agent Carter: SHIELD #1. This inclusion in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law beautifully honors nearly six decades of Marvel stories.

Captain Marvel Comics Make an Appearance in The Marvels

The Marvels (2023)

Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan looking at the SABER tablet in The Marvels - The Marvels (2023) - Captain Marvel Comics Appear In The Marvels

Marvel Comics’ Secret Wars #5 Appears In Deadpool & Wolverine’s Trailer

The most recent theatrical appearance of any comic book in the world of the MCU came during 2023's The Marvels, the sequel to 2019's Captain Marvel. After battling Kree soldiers, Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan was met at home by Nick Fury and Monica Rambeau. Kamala changes out of her superhero suit, and instead wears a top sporting the design of two Captain Marvel comics, celebrating her idol. Unlike previous comics in the MCU, these were custom-made for The Marvels, but perhaps revealed how Kamala knew so much about Captain Marvel despite the latter not having spent much time on Earth.

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Deadpool on the ground with Secret Wars #5 in Deadpool and Wolverine - Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) - Marvel Comics’ Secret Wars #5 Appears In Deadpool & Wolverine’s Trailer

One surprising detail in the final moments of the first trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine, released in February 2024, was the appearance of Marvel Comics' Secret Wars #5. As Ryan Reynolds' Wade Wilson lays on the ground, possibly after a showdown with Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, the comic can be seen on the left. Secret Wars #5, part of the epic Secret Wars event from 2015, featured the Molecule Man, Owen Reece, recounting his encounter with Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom and the creation of Battleworld by the Beyonders absorbing their power.

The upcoming film Deadpool & Wolverine is scheduled to premiere on July 26, 2024, as part of the MCU's Phase 5. This release brings Marvel Studios one step closer to adapting the Secret Wars storyline into live-action with the 2027 film Avengers: Secret Wars. Speculation has arisen due to the presence of Secret Wars #5 in the trailer that the Phase 5 movie may introduce the foundation of Battleworld, possibly within Loki's Void at the end of time. If this theory holds true, it would be the first instance of Marvel Studios hinting at a major MCU storyline using a Marvel Comics issue.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various appearances of Marvel Comics within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The inclusion of these comic books adds a sense of authenticity and depth to the films and TV shows, connecting them to the rich history of Marvel's characters and stories. The references range from subtle nods to overt celebrations, highlighting the impact of superheroes in popular culture.

The article also delves into the significance of specific comic book appearances, such as the inclusion of Secret Wars #5 in the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer, which could hint at the future direction of the MCU. These Easter eggs not only delight dedicated fans but also offer a glimpse into the creative process and the filmmakers' passion for the source material. Overall, the presence of Marvel Comics in the MCU is a testament to the enduring legacy of these characters and the enduring power of storytelling through the medium of comic books.