WTF? Disney buys Marvel!

[opcoded]

Wow... um.

I'm not sure exactly what I think of this, but it's definitely a huge announcement.

Disney to acquire Marvel Entertainment for $4 Billion dollars.

Comments

[photosexual.livejournal.com]

I do not like the way this feels like it will turn out. Dear Marvel: R.I.P.

[etherpunk.livejournal.com]

If you are basing this on the old Disney business model then I would say you wouldn't be far off.

However, Disney under Bob Iger, especially after the Pixar merger back in 2005 (which has been a very profitable win for both companies, especially with John Lassiter heading Disney's animation department), has been especially well-run. Marvel only stands to gain from this because now they have an in-house distribution for their animated features, and access to Disney's animation department without having to spend the money to contract out to other companies.

This also gives them network exposure if Marvel Studios wants to develop something for Disney's various media properties like ABC or ABC Family, the Disney Channel or Disney XD.

It also gives Disney access to a male-centric demographic, which since their products tend to skew towards a female viewership, is a good thing.