10 Times Marvel Movies Negatively Influenced The Comics
These instances are proof that media synergy does not always work out for the best...
Ever since Blade hit screens in 1998, cinematic adaptations of Marvel Comics have waxed (the Spider-Man trilogy) and waned (Daredevil, Ghost Rider, Elektra, etc). However, the advent of the MCU saw the House of Ideas hit new heights as far as mainstream popularity and overall film quality was concerned.
That said, this newfound notoriety among casual fans of these beloved heroes has not been an entirely rosy affair for the comics themselves. Due to the massive success of the superhero genre and the general decline of comics, the former has for some time played a role in changing various facets of the latter to its detriment.
In an attempt to get new readers and/or cash in on the popularity of the theatrical adventures, characters, storylines, powersets and other comics features have been altered to resemble their cinematic kin. This is usually done with no regard for continuity or long-time fans.
Ultimately, this affects the comics' quality and, due to the sheer size of stories, some fans simply avoid reading up on them. Furthermore, it just goes to show that trying to align these mediums without taking into account their specific and notable differences, is a failed endeavour in the making.
10. Blade's Powerset Was Changed To Reflect His Movie Counterpart
Admittedly, this entry is not as egregious as subsequent ones, but it in some ways set the precedent on adapting comic books in the modern era. The 1998 Blade movie changed the titular character's abilities to tie him closer to his vampiric foes. In the comics and the film, Eric Brooks gets his abilities after his then-expectant mother was bit by a vampire.
Specifically, despite lacking enhanced physical attributes he is immune to vampire bites and is able to sense their presence even when they wish to be undetected. However, while his cinematic adaptation retained his origin, it reimagined him as a Daywalker, a vampire who could move around in daytime with no consequences.
The only drawback he encountered was his occasional craving for blood. To reflect this change, the comics had Brooks bitten by Morbius in 1999' Spider-Man #8.
As much as Blade remained largely the same following his encounter with the Living Vampire, seeing him take on supernatural foes without any inhuman prowess was more interesting than his vampiric power-fueled exploits.