Marvel is releasing out something other than a movie or a comic: a platform. With their announcement video released recently, Marvel fans can now create their own stories in comic strips with heroes and everything Marvel with an app they will soon release.
This platform, aptly called "Create Your Own," will make use of things, settings, and of course, heroes at the disposal of creative individuals who want to make their own comics. However, before people start getting excited about the release of the app/platform, there is a list of rules they need to know before making their comics. It is not simple list as many have already pointed out, and it definitely quite is a long list.
The list is definitely extensive to discuss everything, but there are some worth noticing. Generally, after having read the list, it seems that the content that Marvel wants to promote with this new platform is content that is family-friendly. Creators cannot create "content that could frighten or upset young children or the parents of young children."
Specifically, would-be creators cannot talk about "contraceptives," "bare midriffs," "noises related to bodily functions," "misleading language," and "double entendres," to name a few. Obviously, they are not allowed to use curse words or "proxies" meaning that they cannot use punctuations marks to sort of censor the curse words.
Amusement parks that are not related to Marvel may not be used as well, aside from Disney parks. There should be no tobacco, nudity, gambling, obscenity, or even guns. Controversial topics are also on the list of not-to-dos, including anything related to politics, aliens, and "alternative lifestyle advocates," which are not exactly explained but may mean the LGBTQ community.
Although the list may seem long and thus restrictive, it is understandable given that these are Marvel's heroes. The freedom to create comics with them can affect the image of these heroes. As a media platform, Marvel may just be looking to be responsible for the freedom they are giving their fans.
