In lieu of a new episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D this week, ABC aired Marvel: 75 Years, From Pulp to Pop!, a show chronicling the history and cultural influence of Marvel Comics. It was a fun retrospective look at the creators and characters who created the foundation of the company. While also serving as clever marketing thanks to the influence of Disney.

The show reflected on popular heroes and introduced the general public to characters that they might not be as familiar with, such as Black Panther and Ant-Man. Marvel is preparing these new properties for cinematic stardom within the next two years and this was their formal introduction.

Here are some new photos from the upcoming movie, Ant-Man:

This is clearly the classic scene where Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) steals the Ant-Man suit, probably before teaming up with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). They made sure to mention Ant-Man as an Avenger in the show and in the new synopsis for the film. Check it out:

The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man. Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

The emphasis on Ant-Man being a “founding member of The Avengers” is of particular note. Especially since it was Hank Pym’s character that was the original member (and the creator of Ultron in the comics as well.) Lang will be an Avenger eventually and his new classification as a “master thief” makes sense, over how he was formerly described as a con-man, in Edgar Wright’s version. A master thief can be presented as more redeemable and it’s a useful skill-set to add to a super team. It will be what distinguishes Lang and his powers from the rest.

When Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. goes on its mid-season hiatus in a few weeks, the time slot will be filled with a new Marvel TV show. Agent Carter is a spin-off of the character seen in both Captain America films and chronicles her adventures in the 1940’s during the formation of S.H.I.E.L.D. The show promises to provide useful backstories on characters such as Howard Stark and the original Jarvis, which should help to enrich upcoming movies such as The Avengers: Age of Ultron and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. This is the first clip from the upcoming show. Enjoy.

Agent Carter’s appearance on the season opener of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was really exhilarating. The melodrama and action in this clip was a bit underwhelming, but we will wait and see. Regardless, the Marvel machine is moving full speed ahead and you either better jump out of the way or jump on board.

What did you think of the Agent Carter clip? How do you think Ant-Man is shaping up? Let us know on the comment boards,  and !

Source: Marvel