Once upon a time, in a world full of superheroes, there was a dark side to be explored – and this is precisely the world we will delve into today.
Marvel is one of the most iconic franchises in the world, with countless characters, movies, comic books, and merchandise. It is a franchise that has shaped the entertainment industry and has delighted audiences of all ages for generations. However, underneath the bright spandex and flashy powers, there is a darker, more adult side that Marvel explores.
Let us take a look at some of Marvel’s most complex and mature characters to uncover the dark side of Marvel.
Our first character is the imposing vigilante Punisher, otherwise known as Frank Castle. With his stark black and white outfit and his unrelenting crusade against injustice, he masks a brutal past and a thirst for vengeance.
One night, while on the roof of an abandoned building, Fury, who was also on the roof of the same building, called out to Punisher. He had been following Punisher for weeks and finally had the chance to confront him:
Fury: “Hey, Punisher, what are you doing up here?”
Punisher: “Just keeping an eye out for crime, Fury.”
Fury: “Crime, huh? That’s interesting. What about revenge?”
Punisher: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Fury: “Oh, come on, Frank. I know all about your tragic past and your desire for revenge. But you can’t let the darkness consume you.”
Punisher: “I have to do what I can to make sure what happened to my family never happens to anyone else.”
Fury: “I understand your anger, but there are other ways to make a difference. You don’t have to be a killer to make things right.”
Punisher: “Maybe you’re right, Fury. Maybe someday I’ll find a way to channel my anger and make a positive impact.”
Next, we have the mutant Laura Kinney, otherwise known as X-23. As a clone of Wolverine, she possesses the same retractable claws and healing factor, but her experiences as an assassin and her dark past make her one of the most complex characters in Marvel.
One day, she was on a mission to extract classified information from a corrupt politician’s computer. But as she was leaving, she encountered a group of innocent people caught in the crossfire:
Laura: “Out of my way, I have what I need.”
Innocent bystander: “Please, don’t hurt us! We don’t know anything!”
Laura: “I’m not here for you. I just need to finish this job.”
Innocent bystander: “What kind of job requires you to put people like us in danger?”
Laura: “It’s not your concern. Just stay out of my way and you won’t get hurt.”
Innocent bystander: “Is killing and violence all you know?”
Laura: “Sometimes I wish it wasn’t. But it’s the only way I know how to survive.”
Innocent bystander: “There’s more to life than survival, young lady. You need to find a way to break free from this cycle of violence and find your own path.”
Our final character is the sorcerer supreme, Doctor Strange, who is known for his clever wit and his incredible mastery of the mystical arts. But his own past and the forces he faces make him a darker character than most would expect.
One evening, as he stood atop a hill overlooking the city of New York, he came across the wise Buddhist monk, Wong:
Wong: “Doctor Strange, what brings you out here tonight?”
Doctor Strange: “Just meditating, Wong. Trying to find some peace in this world.”
Wong: “The world can be a chaotic and destructive place, but it’s how we react to it that defines us.”
Doctor Strange: “Easier said than done, my friend. Sometimes the darkness within us is just too strong to resist.”
Wong: “Perhaps, but it’s not enough to hide behind our powers. We must also face our inner demons and learn to control them. Only then can we find true peace.”
Doctor Strange: “You may be right, Wong. Perhaps it’s time I learned how to confront my own fears and demons.”
In conclusion, we have explored the darker side of Marvel through the experiences of Punisher, X-23, and Doctor Strange. They all face their own inner demons and strive to overcome the darkness within themselves. It’s a reminder that sometimes life can be hard and we all have struggles to overcome, but we must never give up on finding a way to overcome them.
The key takeaway for kids is that while Marvel characters may look cool in their flashy costumes and powerful abilities, they are complex characters with their own emotions and struggles. It’s important to understand that sometimes, even superheroes face challenges that may seem daunting, but with determination and support, they can overcome anything.