Starting my portfolio and ultimately my media opening will be an exciting endeavor for me to embark on. I'm excited to use this blog to log my thoughts so I can refer back to my previous thoughts and ideas to utilize in the many different aspects of this project.
I recently watched The Umbrella Academy on Netflix, which follows a dysfunctional family of superheros. Adapted from a comic book written by Gerard Way, lead vocalist of My Chemical Romance, this story from 2007 doesn't focus on the superhuman abilities of the characters, but their relationships as a family and how they cope with each others problems.
The Netflix Series The Comic Book
In a society where superhero flicks dominate the theatres (especially with Captain Marvel releasing in March and Avengers: Endgame arriving in theatres in April), the same story is always told. There is a protagonist with unfathomable abilities who is faced by an antagonizing character with opposing viewpoints who challenges the hero. The hero discovers their true strength and inevitably takes down the foe. In Aquaman (2018) Arthur Curry must find the trident of the king of Atlantis to unlock his true power. In Thor: Ragnarok (2017) Thor unlocks his ability to manipulate lightning. Even in Deadpool (2016), Wade Wilson realizes that he can't just hack and slash his way through foes; he needs a team. This shift in the hero intertwines with the message of the movie, either to have unity (Deadpool), fight for your home (Thor: Ragnarok), or fight for your birthright (Aquaman). 
I'd imagine it's overwhelming to hear a tidal wave of information about superheros, especially if I'm expected to create a media opening with some quality and thought (haha because superhero movies consist of more action, fight scenes, and comedy than thoughtful storytelling (that joke might've been a stretch (call me Mr. Fantastic am I right?)). I have always been fascinated by superhero movies. The first one I had seen was The Incredible Hulk in 2008. The sheer awesomeness of watching a big green monster smashing things on screen was blowing my six-year-old mind. Ever since I have been following superhero movies on the big screen.
The Umbrella Academy uses drama in the form of family conflicts to progress the story. The characters always find themselves bickering at each other due to their father's death and also trying to save the world from an impending apocalyptic future. These relationships between the characters make the audience more attached to the story because of the complexity of the individuals and their responses to other people.
I plan on using these genres (Superhero(Action) and Drama) for my story because they have been significant in my life and are the genres that appeal to a wide range of audiences. Superhero flicks target the male gender from ages 4 and 5 till the late '50s. These films accomplish this through media convergence such as toys, videogames, and attire. Dramas, on the other hand, appeal primarily to women ages 18 - the '50s. Deep stories about struggles and hardships between characters attract the gender who is more social and emotional. This combination of genres will allow me to appeal to not only to my personal interests but to a large population of society who enjoys movies.
- Jake
TODAY'S HERO: MR. FANTASTIC (AKA Reed Richards)
Back Story:
After embarking on a mission in space, he and his crew encounter a field of cosmic radiation, giving him his powers.
Powers:
He can stretch his body into any shape he wants.
Other:
- In Superhero Team called "The Fantastic Four"
- Married to Susan Storm of the Fantastic Four
- Has immense knowledge of aerospace, mechanical and electrical engineering, physics, human and alien biology
Comic Book Origin:
First appeared in The Fantastic Four #1 (1961)
Movie History:
- The Fantastic Four (1994); played by Alex-Hyde-White
- Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007); played by Ioan Gruffudd
- Fantastic Four (2015); played by Miles Teller
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