10 Ways The Marvel Cinematic Universe Proves That Dreams Do Come True

10. All The Best Bits Of The Mythos Are Coming Together

One of the best things about having a shared visual universe is the fact that you can traverse pretty much anywhere you fancy. In Marvel's case, this has led to films and shows diversifying beyond the usual Avengers-centric roots of the MCU's early days and actually delving into the gritty elements of its mythos, as well as the more bizarre and mystical. We now have a universe where Star-Lord and the Guardians Of The Galaxy are vying for control of the Infinity Gems against Thanos whilst The Punisher is enacting vigilante justice on the criminals of New York City. It works... somehow. But it's part of the magic that makes the MCU so great: representing the true diversity of its source material as best it can.

Indeed, the MCU is a testament to the fact that comic books thrive when they're not walled-off, insular, and without consequence. The inter-connected nature of these films, characters and events is one of the many reasons why Disney's superhero extravaganza works so well, in that it refuses to succumb to a monotone, bleak and unedifying vision of its heroes championed and thankfully lambasted by critics in Zack Snyder's most recent efforts over at DC.

Marvel's heroes may have a slight disposition for the humorous, but they're anything but non-entities. Each character has their own story to be told in a new and exciting environment, and the primacy of diversity has ensured that the MCU remains a rich and interesting source of entertainment and misadventure.