JonnyKrat

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Wiki Assignment #2

(1) Raphael, Jackie and Lam, Celia (2016) Marvel Media Convergence: Cult Following and Buddy Banter; Northern Lights: Film and Media Studies Yearbook

(1) In this 42 page study the authors aim to show how recent media convergence, specifically that of the Marvel franchise, has led to transmedia convergence between consumers (fans) and the celebrity actors featured in Marvel properties. The authors specifically cite Marvel’s carefully curated interactions between fans and Robert Downey Jr, aiming to blur the line between the fictitious character of Tony Stark and the actor himself. It is mentioned this was and is frequently employed at fan conventions that gave the chance to talk to such celebrities, specifically citing the 2013 San Diego Comic Con. The term “buddy banter” is specifically used to identify the relationships and conversations Marvel attempts to foster between its stars and fans. It is this “buddy banter” which tries to create a convincing sense of friendship and camaraderie, which the authors note is significantly bolstered in the group environment of fan conventions. The authors made significant findings on the success of these initiatives, concluding that this transmedia convergence attracted significantly more audience attention and engagement with the products the stars were hawking. This rapt attention was studied further which led to the analysis of fan-to-fan participation, including concepts such as social media friendships based on Marvel properties as well as other subculture affects including headcanon. It was ultimately found that audiences in general prefer “shipping” cross-gender (heterosexual) relationships between Marvel characters to same sex ones, possibly commenting on the space of Marvel in the mainstream or maybe the types of people it attracts by not having more inclusive relationships in their properties. Ultimately, it was found that Marvel had successfully implemented a system wherein fans were included as much as possible in their theoretical “universe” both fictional and the real “universe” of the Marvel company and their products. It was also found that Marvel and its properties seem to have more of an inclination towards appealing to mainstream lifestyles and to the “status quo”, rarely breaking from their formula when it comes to either films or marketing.

@JonnyKrat: To be honest, I have seen more pairings of same-sex ships as opposed to hetero ships within the Marvel fandom. Especially with Captain America and Bucky. But I find it interesting that depending on the kinds of people you choose to connect with online you may see a different perspective. Most of my friends and online friends do happen to be queer, so this may be why we strive to see the representation we wish to have on-screen in our own "head-cannons"whereas straight people may tend to see the more dominant representation. perhaps the media we are used to digesting chooses our dominant stance on most of our further watching?

This was a great read which I enjoyed, thank you for posting!

Digitalmediafiend (discuss • contribs) 17:28, 26 March 2018 (UTC)

@Jonnykrat: Jonny, you need to transfer these entries onto your user discussion page, as per instructions, or they are likely to disappear due to bots or admin removal. GregXenon01 (discuss • contribs) 19:54, 26 March 2018 (UTC)