The Marvel Cinematic Universe

(MCU) is a narrative embodiment of hypertext.

- Hypertext ?

- MCU?

“Bruce, what does it all mean?”

Let’s define hypertext by using a paper I wrote in 2009!

HYPERTEXT…I.Defies traditional/paper presentation!II.Grows indefinitely!III.Is built on interconnections/links!IV.Encourages user exploration!

2009-Allen…I.Was as much a dweeb as

2015-Allen!

Just like in the comic books, all of the various properties are set in the same universe.

As such, crossovers can happen all the time!

In Iron Man (2008), Samuel L. Jackson makes a surprise post-credits cameo as Nick Fury,

informing viewers that this movie is a mere entrance to a proverbial “garden of forking

paths.”

The Incredible Hulk, released less than two months later, features a post-credits scene in which Tony Stark makes further reference to the Avengers, arguably the most iconic team

in the Marvel Comics canon.

While casual movie fans began sinking their teeth into these references, the

longtime nerds (e.g., 2009-Allen) had an awareness of

the structure being constructed…

While casual movie fans began sinking their teeth into these references, the

longtime nerds (e.g., 2009-Allen) had an awareness of

the structure being constructed…

While casual movie fans began sinking their teeth into these references, the

longtime nerds (e.g., 2009-Allen) had an awareness of

the structure being constructed…

MCU as HYPERTEXT?

I.Defies traditional/paper presentation?

II.Grows indefinitely?

III.Is built on interconnections/links?

IV.Encourages user exploration?

MCU as HYPERTEXT?

I.Defies traditional/paper presentation!

II.Grows indefinitely?

III.Is built on interconnections/links?

IV.Encourages user exploration?

MCU as HYPERTEXT?

I.Defies traditional/paper presentation!

II.Grows indefinitely!

III.Is built on interconnections/links?

IV.Encourages user exploration?

MCU as HYPERTEXT?

I.Defies traditional/paper presentation!

II.Grows indefinitely!

III.Is built on interconnections/links!

IV.Encourages user exploration?

MCU as HYPERTEXT?

I.Defies traditional/paper presentation!

II.Grows indefinitely!

III.Is built on interconnections/links!

IV.Encourages user exploration!

THE END!(Thanks for watching!)