In a world where corporate takeovers are becoming more and more the norm, sometimes one comes out of nowhere and surprises you.  When it was announced today that Disney has purchased Marvel, I must admit to a bit of shock.

Much like when they bought Pixar, this represents a sound strategic move for Disney.  It allows them to build on one of their core strengths, animation, while diversifying into a genre that appeals to the 18-35 male demographic.  That demographic is one that Disney has had trouble capturing – until now.

Bringing characters such as Spider-man, Iron Man, and the Incredible Hulk into the Disney fold is a stroke of genius.  While Marvel had begun to finance and produce their own movies, now they have the back end distribution and infrastructure to go with it.

Marvel throughout the years has developed over 5,000 unique characters.  Combine these characters with Pixar’s genius and what kind of movie do you think could be made?  I am rather excited to see the possibility.  As for the feature film division of Marvel, I think Disney will leave that end of things rather untouched.  They are businessmen first and foremost and the Marvel movies make a very good profit.  Now, with Disney’s backing, I am sure that these films will make even more money.

This is not the first time that a major studio has owned a comic book company.  DC Comics, the home of Aquaman, Wonder Woman, and Superman among others, has been owned by Warner Brothers for almost forty years.