How Much of Marvel's Cinematic Universe Phase 2 Success is from Avengers?

I've read the phrase "Avengers bump" quite a few times since Iron Man 3 came out.  This is pretty much just the idea that Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier all did better at the box office because of the success of Avengers.  It's very possible these films would have done the same without Avengers, but unlikely.  Are other comic book movies getting "bumps" from Avengers without even being involved?

First of all, let's take a look at the Iron Man series.  Iron Man is definitely Marvel Cinematic Universe's most popular and successful character.

Iron Man (2008)

• Total Domestic Gross: $318 million
• Opening Week: $123 million
• 38.68% of total gross
• Second Week: $64 million
• -47.5%

Iron Man 2 (2010)

• Total Domestic Gross: $312 million
• Opening Week: $159 million
• 60% of total gross
• Second Week: $65 million
• -58.8%

Iron Man 3 (2013)

• Total Domestic Gross: $409 million
• Opening Week: $212 million
• 51.83% of total gross
• Second Week: $89 million
• -57.9%

Totals and Averages

• Total Domestic Gross: $1039 million
• $346.33 per film
• Average Second Week Drop: 54.73%
• Pre-Avengers (Average): $315
• Post Avengers Gross: $409
• +22.99%

Iron Man 2 Hulkbuster Figure Review

Since the concept images of Avengers 2 just came out, I figured I would pull this old figure out!

Here we have the Iron Man 2 Hulkbuster figure!

Marvel Universe Comic Pack Wave 13 Hulk

This toy line was quite successful, which let to a whole bunch of figures that are from the comics.

Marvel Universe West Coast Avengers Team Pack

I've had this for months, I just never really had the urge to open it.

This pack includes War Machine, Hawkeye, and Mockingbird.

Mockingbird is the only exclusive figure to this pack, so I'm assuming she may be the only version for somebody buying this.

However, Hawkeye is a hard to find figure.  He's been released a few times, but for some reason isn't common.  He had a release in a Secret Wars pack and as an Avengers pack when the movie came out.

This is my fourth War Machine figure, but now my favorite.

I absolutely love the missile and gunfire accessories that come with this War Machine.

Iron Man 2 Series Hammertech Drone

Iron Man 2 Series War Machine

This exact sculpt was previously released in the Iron Man 2 line.  The figure is repainted and more gross than matte.

Marvel Universe Comic Pack Wave 3 Hawkeye

This figure is the same sculpt as the previous Hawkeye figures, but is painted slightly darker and now has a t-shirt instead of a tank top apparently.

The Hobbit Wave 1 Legolas
The Hobbit Wave 1 Fili

Thor Series Frost Giant

Avengers Movie Series Hawkeye

I suppose having this figure makes the pack worth it.  I wasn't specifically needing a Mockingbird figure, but it certainly doesn't hurt.  I need a SHIELD team anyway.

Marvel Universe Comic Pack Wave 10 Daredevil

Mockingbird comes with the same accessory as Daredevil, but white.

Marvel Universe Fantastic Four Team Pack Invisible Woman
Marvel Universe Wave 3 Ms. Marvel (Karla Sofen)

She has the same old female Marvel Universe sculpt, but it works.

Marvel Universe Comic Pack Wave 10 Quicksilver
Marvel Universe Comic Pack Wave 10 Wonder Man
Marvel Universe Wave 4 Moon Knight

West Coast Avengers assemble!

Marvel Legends Yellowjacket

Marvel Universe Wave 2 Hulk

Overall, this pack is probably worth it if you want all the figures.  Furthermore, anyone who collects exclusively Marvel Universe figures, this is their first chance to get War Machine.  They are all pretty solid figures.

Actors Appearing in Multiple Superhero Films as Different Characters

Whether you like the announcement that Ben Affleck will be appearing as Batman in the upcoming film or not, surely you remember a previous superhero film starring Ben Affleck.

Say what you want about the film, I personally enjoyed it, but I get why most don't.  Regardless, I feel Ben Affleck did a good job as Matt Murdock despite the rest of the movie kind of being a horrendous piece of shit.

All day I've been trying to think of other actors who have appeared in multiple superhero movies as different characters.  Some were very obvious, others I didn't even realize had played more than one.  I'm positive it isn't complete, so if you know one I missed, let me know please!

Chris Evans

The most obvious one to me is Chris Evans.  He first appeared in the Fantastic Four as the Human Torch is 2005, then reprises the same role in 2007 for the Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.  Neither one of those were fantastic, and will most likely be (or already have been) forgotten due to his next superhero appearance.  In 2010, Chris Evans played the title character in Captain America.  He appears as the same character in in the Avengers two years later, and will play Captain America again in 2014 for Captain America: Winter Soldier.  In addition to this traditional superhero roles, he also played a villain in Scott Pilgrim VS the World and played a fugitive trying to clear his name in the Losers, both released in 2010.

Ryan Reynolds

The most obvious role Ryan Reynolds has played in the Green Lantern.  In 2004, Ryan Reynolds played Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity.  Hannibal is a member of the Nightstalkers, a vampire hunting organization.  He then went on the play Deadpool in 2009 in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.  Finally, he played Green Lantern in 2011.  Additionally he played an undead policeman with Jeff Bridges in RIPD in 2013.

Sam Elliot

While he hasn't played the main role in a comic book movie, Sam Elliot has played two fairly important roles in Marvel movies.  He portrayed General Thunderbolt Ross in the 2003 Hulk film.  His character is in charge of a task force to apprehend the Hulk.  In the comics, he goes on the become Red Hulk.  Sam Elliot also portrays the Caretaker in Ghost Rider (2007).  In the film, he is a former "ghost rider" who helps the current one use his powers for good.

Potential Upcoming Marvel Universe Figures!

Of course at Comic-Con Hasbro always has an elaborate display.  This year, the display has quite a few figures I either don't have or didn't know existed.  I am aware some of these figures I'm going to list are available, but aren't available in my area so I'm going to list them anyway.  None of these pictures are mine.  All credit goes to cooltoyreview.com.  Here is the full index of their images:

http://www.cooltoyreview.com/2013_sdcc/SDCC_2013_Hasbro_Marvel_Thursday/default.asp

To my knowledge, there is nothing new here.

• Fin Fang Foom
• Devil Dinosaur
• Six Armed Ultron
• Could just be some kind of custom statue for the display.  I would be surprised if it was released.

• Uncanny X-Force Nightcrawler
• Appears to just be a repaint of the Nightcrawler we already have, but Hasbro is definitely know for liking repaints.

• I'm not sure who the guy on top of Fin Fang Foom is.  Please tell me if you know!