It is hard to imagine what Marvel Comics would be like today if the Marvel Cinematic Universe hadn’t become a cultural force over the last two decades. It’s a “What If?” question that can lead in a lot of directions, but one that is absolutely worth exploring in order to understand the extent of the MCU’s impact.

Starting with Iron Man in 2008 , the MCU changed the landscape of comics and pop culture. It also fundamentally changed how Marvel Comics does business, and also how it approaches storytelling.

Iron Man's armor in 2008's Iron Man

While some readers are irked by these changes, it’s worth noting that there’s no guarantee Marvel Comics would still exist in its present form without the MCU.

The MCU Changed Pop Culture Forever, But Marvel Comics Feels Its Impact The

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