Marcel Green
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
Substack,
LinkedIn,
MSN,
MSN New Zealand,
Flipboard,
ComicBook,
Screen Rant,
The Diplomat Magazine,
EIN News
Covers:
Comics, Anime, Manga, Law, China
Attorney by day. Writer by night. Exploring dònghuà, mànhuà, comics, anime, and manga. All links at: linktr.ee/AttorneyScribe
Articles by Marcel Green
JAGAAAN
What if living the perfect life was actually the worst thing that could happen to you? That’s the central question at the heart of Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Kensuke Nishida’s JAGAAAN. JAGAAAN follows the story of police officer Shinatarou Jagasaki, who, on the surface, seems to be living the dream.
Where Does Bilibili’s Revolution Stand Now?
This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts
On Friday, May 29, Crunchyroll will host its first-ever panel at the American Black Film Festival! Led by LeAlec Murray, co-host of The Anime Effect: A Crunchyroll Podcast, and featuring acclaimed… | Crunchyroll
On Friday, May 29, Crunchyroll will host its first-ever panel at the American Black Film Festival! Led by LeAlec Murray, co-host of The Anime Effect: A Crunchyroll Podcast, and featuring acclaimed voice actors Zeno Robinson and Kenneisha Thompson, the discussion will explore the dynamic intersection of Black culture and anime fandom.
The 5 Companies That Dominant The Chinese Dòngmàn Universe
Given the sheer volume of dòngmàn (cartoons and comics) generated in China’s 2D universe, it would be easy to assume that the industry is chock-full of content-creating companies. However, the reality is much different. The landscape is far more concentrated. Indeed, the Chinese 2D universe is largely controlled by five main players.
Why China Is Embracing AI Animation While Japan and the U.S. Resist
When anime powerhouse Toei Animation, the studio behind legendary anime series like Dragon Ball and One Piece, announced that it would link up with the AI start-up Preferred Networks to integrate artificial intelligence technology into its anime production process, Japanese fans and creators immediately pushed back, accusing the anime pioneer of “selling out.” Similarly, earlier this year, when Disney revealed that it had inked a $1 billion partnership with AI powerhouse OpenAI to use its...
The 2D Saga, Part 3: The End of the Imitation (2014 -2019)
I. The success of Japanese anime and manga in China not only sparked local attempts to recreate the content with “Chinese characteristics,” but also led to increased calls for the development of more homegrown content. This push for domestic content stemmed from several factors. Thanks for reading 2Dx! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. First, there were the cultural considerations.
Poised but Stalled: The Manhua Paradox
Chinese Manhua Struggles for Identity in a Manga-Dominated World This is the first post in a series exploring the historical and cultural forces shaping the global reception of Chinese manhua, and why, despite its long and vibrant history, it has struggled to catch on in international markets. I. Japanese manga is eating the world of entertainment.
The 2D Saga, Part 1: Made in Japan
While 2D may seem esoteric and mysterious at first blush, the fact is that many people have already encountered it in some form or another. Indeed, if you’ve watched any of the Ne Zha movies, viewed an episode of Netflix’s Scissor Seven, or played Black Myth: Wukong or Genshin Impact,you’ve seen 2D.
Lord of Mysteries Tweaks the Isekai Tradition for Modern Donghua Fans
Isekai is easily one of today’s most popular anime genres, with a reach that now spans the global entertainment scene. One of the most important reasons for the genre’s popularity is its flexibility: it provides a compelling foundation for a wide variety of storylines. Typically, these stories follow protagonists who die and are reborn — or are simply transported — to an alternate timeline or universe. They then use their prior experiences to try to live their best lives in this new reality.
Welcome In - 欢迎光临
News, reviews, and views on the Chinese cartoon and comics scene commonly known in China as the “二次元” or the Second Dimension (2D) - that is, the “flat” world of animation and comics as opposed to the IRL three-dimensional world we all live in presently.
Norman Osborn as Spider-Man?! These 5 Marvel Characters Would Never Accept It
While fans can sympathize with Peter Parker’s need to take some time off to refine his skills and return as a stronger, more resolute, and truly friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, they can also appreciate that in his absence, there’s no shortage of heroes who could temporarily step in. What’s much harder for fans to accept, however, is that the official replacement chosen is none other than the Green Goblin — arguably Spider-Man’s greatest enemy.
10 Avengers With The Most Aura, Ranked
As “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,” the Avengers are called upon to face threats of global scale—dangers that put the entire world at risk and perils that can endanger not only human civilization but existence itself. To meet these challenges, the Avengers have assembled, over the years, a roster of heroes uniquely suited to the task.
5 Most Over-Powered Villains the Avengers Still Beat (So Much for Thanos Being Inevitable)
It’s a “hard knock life” for Marvel’s Avengers. As the last line of defense in a universe filled with super-powered beings, when the call to “Avengers Assemble” rings out, every member of the team instantly knows the threat they’re facing is no ordinary foe. Serving as part of “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” means understanding that even in a world crowded with powerful champions, there’s no shortage of villains capable of shaking reality itself. For the Avengers, there are no easy battles.
Is Marvel Rivals Canon Now? Doom 2099's Fight May Have Changed Everything
There’s an interesting quirk in the “mighty” Marvel content generation universe. Despite being an international entertainment powerhouse with a comic book publisher, movie studio, and video game producer, the flow of ideas is decidedly one-way. While the Marvel Comics universe remains a nearly bottomless well of ideas for its cinematic and video game colleagues, there is little upstream influence. This is especially true concerning video games.
This Is Spider-Man’s Most Misunderstood Villain (and Proves Not All Foes Are Evil)
Over the years since his debut, the Rhino has engaged in some of Spider-Man‘s most epic battles. This was especially true in their first few encounters, where it took Spider-Man’s absolute best to stop the rampaging Perissodactyla. However, despite his usual penchant for crushing and destroying everything in his path, the Rhino was arguably an accidental supervillain.
This New Zombie Comic Might Be the Most Original in Years (And Outshines The Walking Dead in the Process)
Few developments better demonstrate how dominant the zombie apocalypse has become in modern entertainment than the sheer abundance of zombie-themed titles, stories, and events from publishers like DC, Marvel, Image Comics, and IDW. Yet despite two decades of compelling content, recent offerings suggest that the once-thriving formula has run its course.
5 Mr. Terrific Comic Moments the DCU Needs to Adapt (Especially One Where He Humbles Batman)
One of the interesting surprises from this summer’s hit movie Superman, was that its most popular character was not the so-called protagonist, Superman, but rather the amazing Mr. Terrific. Naturally, some of Mr. Terrific’s “rizz,” especially among fans who only know the DC cinematic universe (DCU), comes from the fact that they had never seen him before. However, for fans of the DC Comics universe, his exceptionalism on and off the battlefield is nothing new.
Spider-Man’s Greatest Enemy Isn’t Green Goblin (This Is)
There are many reasons why Norman Osborn’s Green Goblin is often considered Spider-Man’s greatest enemy, but perhaps the most compelling is that they are, at their core, mirror images of each other. Both men have faced similar circumstances — from the scientific origins of their powers to the burden of personal trauma — yet they have chosen drastically different ways to confront those challenges.
Every Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief, Ranked
The role of Marvel’s editor-in-chief has evolved over the years, but one constant has been the position’s immense influence over the company’s creative direction. Ultimately, the final decisions on its titles and characters rest with the editor-in-chief.
The Predator is Marvel's Ultimate Hunter-Assassin & I Can Prove It
On any given day in the mighty Marvel Universe, it’s not unusual for a hero or villain to meet their demise. It’s an unfortunate but undeniable fact of life in a world teeming with super-powered beings. While danger looms constantly—whether on an individual or even group level — the idea of a mass extermination has always seemed unthinkable. After all, the logic goes, there are simply too many powerful beings for anyone to hunt—rather than merely “snap” — them all down. That is, until now.
Marvel Rivals’ Hellfire Gala Tie-In Could Point to the Future of Marvel Comics
In one of the final major video game releases of 2024, Marvel launched Marvel Rivals, its first major free-to-play, live-service “hero shooter” game. Uncharacteristically for the mighty Marvel hype machine, the game arrived with a surprisingly low-key marketing campaign. As it turned out, that didn’t matter — within days, Marvel Rivals became a global hit and one of the year’s most popular games. The surprises didn’t stop there.
Cindy Moon is Marvel’s Most Underrated Spider-Hero (and I Can Prove It)
The modern, mighty Marvel Comics universe has no shortage of spider-heroes. At the center of this web is Peter Parker — the original Spider-Man, whose legacy serves as the benchmark for all who follow. Just below him in prominence are figures like Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy’s Ghost-Spider, and Ben Reilly, each tied closely to Parker’s story and mythos. Even Venom, though more often a rival or antihero, remains deeply connected through his shared history with Parker.
Sorry DC, But Deadpool is Way Better than Deathstroke
It’s no secret that a certain level of creative borrowing occurs between Marvel and DC. A character introduced in one multiverse — if they prove cool and popular enough — often inspires a counterpart in the other. One of the most frequently cited examples of this phenomenon is the comparison between Marvel’s Deadpool and DC’s Deathstroke.
Venom’s Redemption Arc Should Have Ended With Lethal Protector
Once upon a time, redemption arcs were the exception to the rule in Marvel Comics. Heroes were purely good, villains were irredeemably bad, and rarely did the twain meet. This wasn’t just a creative choice, it was a point strongly encouraged by the Comics Code Authority (CCA). But in the modern iteration of the mighty Marvel universe, the redemption arc has found its place.
Has Spider-Man’s Biggest Hater Been Right All Along?
When fans think of Spider-Man’s most hated enemies, plenty of villains likely come to mind. From the Green Goblin to Doctor Octopus to Venom, there’s no shortage of “baddies” dreaming of making Spidey “bend the knee.” Yet none of these infamous foes can compare to the one Spider-Man adversary who has arguably spent more blood, sweat, and tears trying to erase him from existence — and has been doing so since the earliest days of the hero’s debut.
This Deep-Cut Star Wars Horror Story Still Gives Fans Chills (and You Should Read It)
From thrilling lightsaber duels to epic starfighter battles, Star Wars is best known for its daring action and dazzling sci-fi adventures. Yet while its signature style leans toward heart-pounding excitement, that’s not the only way the galaxy delivers compelling content to its fans.
This Character Has the Most Confusing History in Marvel Comics (and It's Not Who You Think)
Once upon a time in the mighty Marvel Comics universe, the origin story was the foundation from which all other narratives flowed. These were more than just tales of a hero’s beginnings. While central to a character’s story — defining their motivations and values — origin stories were also key to a hero’s appeal. They showed how figures as strong and brave as the Hulk or Captain America were, at their core, not so different from us.
Every ‘Age of Revelation’ Series Ranked by Hype
One of the more intriguing pieces of Marvel Comics news to come out of this year’s San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) was an update on its upcoming major X-Men event, Age of Revelation. As revealed during the X-Men panel, the story, which is set a decade into the future of the current Marvel continuity, is a follow-up of sorts to Age of Apocalypse. But with the rise of an even more existential threat to mutantkind, this time the stakes are higher.
It’s Time We Give Jimmy Olsen the Respect He Deserves
There was a time when all you needed for a good comic book story was a hero like Superman battling a villain like Lex Luthor. But today’s fans expect more. They’re no longer satisfied with simply watching Superman fight — they want to understand him. They want to know about his motivations, his relationships with others like Lois Lane, and the emotional and moral context behind his actions.
Is Robin Holding Batman Back?
In the world of comic book superheroes, few partnerships are as iconic as DC Comics’ Batman and Robin. From back-alley brawls to undercover infiltrations, they’ve struck fear into the hearts of criminals both great and small. Their reputation as the “Dynamic Duo” is well earned, built on the synergy they share within the stories and the resonance they hold with fans. In the narrative, Robin’s youthful, light-hearted exuberance perfectly offsets Batman’s brooding, solitary gloom.
The New Spider-Man Noir Reimagines the Webslinger as a Golden Age Pulp Hero (and That's a Good Thing)
If there’s any superhero who has successfully bridged the gap between generations, it’s Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man. Without relying on too many drastic reboots, Spider-Man has remained a top-tier character throughout the Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages of superhero comics. One key reason Marvel has achieved this is by introducing Peter Parker as a teenager, a time of fundamental transition that nearly every fan can relate to.
Wolverine is About to Have a Chilling Villain Turn (and It’s About Time)
Despite all the good he’s done, the lives he’s saved, and the disasters he’s helped prevent, Wolverine remains a villain in a hero’s clothing. His dark side is the rule, and his moments of goodness are the exception. While not everyone agrees with this assessment, the recent Age of Revelation announcements at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 strongly suggest that Marvel’s mutant universe brain trust does.
Batman and Catwoman Do Not Belong Together (& I Think This is a Better Romance)
Despite their unmistakable chemistry after nearly ninety years of tumultuous history, it’s time to admit that Batman and Catwoman will never be able to resolve their differences enough to become a true couple. Sometimes, things just aren’t meant to be. However, just because they can’t be together doesn’t mean they won’t find the love of their lives — as opposed to their soulmates — with someone else. For both, though, finding a more suitable partner is easier said than done.
I Miss This Captain America Inspired Character and Really Wish Marvel Would Bring Them Back
One of the fundamental secrets to truly enjoying Marvel Comics is accepting a certain degree of cognitive dissonance, especially when it comes to the “floating timeline” rule. This allows readers, for example, to overlook the fact that after sixty years of publication, Peter Parker is still in his twenties. In 1998, however, Marvel Editor Tom DeFalco attempted to ease this disconnect with the creation of Marvel Comics 2 (MC2) — an alternate future timeline set on Earth-982.
10 Marvel Characters That Were Almost Never Created
While there’s no exact formula for how writers and editors at Marvel Comics come up with new characters, it’s reasonable to assume that once a general story idea is conceived or agreed upon, there’s a deliberate and methodical process for determining which characters will be introduced or featured. In other words, characters typically don’t appear in a series by accident — there’s usually a well-thought-out plan for why they belong in the narrative and what role they’re meant to play.
Legion's Quest to 'Fix' History Reveals New Layers to the X-Men's Most Iconic Stories
When it debuted in 1975, Giant-Size X-Men delivered one of the most important stories ever told about Charles Xavier’s team of mutant heroes, introducing a new generation of X-Men that would redefine the franchise. Since then, while its publication has been sporadic, the Giant-Size X-Men title has continued to spotlight stories that have not only marked pivotal moments in the evolution of the X-Men but also shaped the broader history of mutantkind.
Archie Comics’ Horror Line Is Better Than Most Mainstream Horror
One of the most persistent challenges facing mainstream comic book publishers — such as DC, Marvel, and Archie Publications — is how to keep their long-running characters relevant after decades of continuous publication. While the typical strategy for evolving a character often involves updating their appearance and personality to reflect contemporary life and culture, Archie Publications took a very different approach.
World War Hulk is The Hero’s Most Overrated Story
There’s more to the meaning of “Hulk Smash” than the green goliath charging into battle, preparing to pummel an opponent. In the context of Marvel’s World War Hulk event, it also symbolizes his ability to shatter sales records and dominate fan popularity. During its initial publication run — and nearly two decades later — the World War Hulk storyline continues to be ranked among the franchise’s all-time greats.
Milestone Comics Deserves DC’s Full Support (and Isn’t Getting It)
Founded during a time when Black, Latino, and Asian characters were rarely prioritized in mainstream superhero comic book publishing, Milestone Comics was established with the purpose of directly addressing the longstanding gap in superhero narratives — a lack of human and mutant characters who genuinely reflected the diverse readership fueling the comic book industry continuing popularity.
This Is the Definitive Lois Lane Series (& It Deserves More Love)
Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane has been a prominent figure in the DC Universe for just as long as Superman. However, while the Man of Steel has headlined countless titles, Lois has starred in fewer than ten of her own, collectively amounting to under 200 issues. Even in the titles where she did take center stage, such as Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane, her portrayal often fell short of that of a tough, hard-nosed, world-class journalist.
There Is One Element of Spider-Man: Brand New Day That is Actually Good
In the American superhero comic book tradition, there’s no such thing as a bad series—only bad story arcs. Few examples prove this better than The Amazing Spider-Man‘s “Brand New Day” storyline. Coming right after one of the most controversial episodes in Spider-Man history — the widely criticized “One More Day” arc — “Brand New Day” went a long way toward restoring fans’ faith in the Spider-Man franchise and Marvel’s ability to tell a compelling Spidey tale.
Every Color of Kryptonite (And What It Does to Superman) Ranked
The connection between Superman and Kryptonite is so firmly established in American culture that “Kryptonite” has become shorthand for everything from the idea that even the strongest have weaknesses to the concept of something, or someone, being toxic or harmful. Yet, Kryptonite is not just the glowing green rock that Superman avoids at all costs; it has a much deeper significance.
Marvel's First Family is Being Reborn in a Gory New Way (& It's Perfect)
While no one can say for sure whether the upcoming Fantastic Four movie will be good, the title “First Steps” suggests that significant thought and effort have gone into its production — something that often, though not always, translates into quality. “First Steps” resonates deeply with the Fantastic Four narrative. They were Marvel’s first superhero team — the pioneers who paved the way for groups like the Avengers and the X-Men.
Captain America Has Gotten Outdated (But Marvel Can Fix That)
Most superheroes possess a built-in timelessness. Regardless of their debut year, they aren’t so tied to a specific period that it prevents them from adapting and remaining relevant to new generations of audiences. However, this isn’t entirely the case with Captain America.
Maybe It’s Time Comics Let the Villains Truly Win For Once
It’s been nearly a century since superhero comic books began with Action Comics #1, and for almost the entire time superheroes have existed, they’ve been winning. Their success rate is so consistent it raises the question: why would anyone — especially the average criminal — ever doubt the old adage that “crime doesn’t pay”? In this way, superhero stories often reflect real life, where repeat offenders and the most dangerous criminals are usually tracked down and brought to justice.
7 Marvel Joke Characters That Have Somehow Stood the Test of Time
Once upon a time, a comic book didn’t need to be dark, grim, or gritty to be successful. Comic books — evolving from newspaper comic strips — were often referred to as “funny books” or “the funnies.” As these names suggest, early comics typically featured lighthearted, humorous content that aimed to make readers laugh.
DC Never Gave Future State a Fair Chance (& They Should Have)
In early 2021, superhero fans of DC Comics were given a glimpse of a possible future for the DC Comics Universe. Branded Future State and loosely based on Dan DiDio’s concept of older heroes passing the torch to a younger generation, the multi-title event offered snapshots of how DC’s “next gen” heroes and villains might carry on the legacies of their predecessors.
Have Batman Villains Gotten Boring?
Everyone loves a good villain — especially in a story like Batman, where the struggle between good and evil is deeply woven into the narrative’s DNA. But Batman has a villain problem. After nearly three decades of setting the standard for true deviancy, malice, and pure nastiness, many of his adversaries just aren’t that interesting anymore. They’ve become predictable. Unlike in earlier eras, it’s now relatively easy for fans to guess who Batman will be facing in any given title or series.
The Fantastic Four Should Be Marvel’s Main Team (So Why Aren’t They?)
Next month, the Fantastic Four will make their return to the big screen with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film’s release is nothing short of groundbreaking. For one, it marks the first time in a decade — a period during which Marvel superheroes have dominated the movie industry — that fans will be able to see “Marvel’s First Family” back in theaters. More importantly, it will be the first time the Fantastic Four are officially part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The Fantastic Four Should Be Marvel’s Main Team (So Why Aren’t They?)
8 hours ago Take full advantage of everything iOS 18.5 has to offer by using these hidden features. At Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, the tech giant announced all of the new features for its next iPhone operating system -- iOS 26 (yes, iOS 26, not iOS 19). The next version of iOS will add a gaming app …
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Marcel
Contact Marcel, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack