Marvel harvard case free essay sample

1. In your view, what strategic direction should Marvel Enterprises’ Vice Chairman Peter Cuneo and his colleagues pursue? Why? How? I think that Cuneo and his colleagues should put their focus on characters less-known by the general public. I think they should try to incorporate them with larger characters to draw interest to them, similar to how the newest Dark Knight movie ended with Robin. Once they have a basis of characters then they could focus on more capital intense options to make more profit. Their big characters have made them a lot of money but it can only last for so long. The general public is more into the movie aspect then comics and their other profits are generated from the movies. How many sequels of a movie can be made before it is a bust? I believe if they tie in their famous characters with more developing characters they could branch out tremendously from there in all aspects of their business. We will write a custom essay sample on Marvel harvard case or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 2. Why was Marvel’s turnaround so successful? Would you characterize that success as a fluke? Or do you view it as sustainable? Why? How? I would not call Marvel’s success a fluke. I believe they struck gold and didn’t know it and then they took off from there. Most of what they did was licensing of characters they have had for decades. They weren’t spending major capital hoping to have a success. Instead they charged for their character’s and would make more if that company was successful. They had very little to lose as a bad movie or product would most likely not have a major negative effect on their comics sales, which is what they were most focused in, in the beginning. I believe this success can be sustainable as they created a huge market in many different categories so if they keep satisfying the markets needs and wants, there will be profit to be made. 3. How important are Marvel’s three divisions comic books, toys, and licensing to its past and future performance? Comics were a huge part of their past as Marvel was known for just that, comics. While they are still produced and making a profit, Marvel has other aspects of business generating much more profit. The comics are important still as they provide income and possibly lead to profit in their other areas of business. The toys are much more important now than they were in the past. Toys created off of hit movies with Marvel’ characters are Marvel’s second biggest profit generator. Licensing is Marvel’s bread and butter. It’s how they got to where they are today. In the past licensing didn’t do much for Marvel. Now it is their greatest profit generator and definitely the reason they are successful as they are. Whether or not Marvel chooses to license less and do it on their own, there will still be large amounts of profit to be made from licensing. 4. To what extent is Marvel’s success due to only one character, Spider Man? How can Marvel develop its lesser known characters? I covered part of this question in question 1. I believe their success is almost solely due to Spider Man. Spider Man started it all for them and it just took off from there. While they have done much more since the first Spider Man movie, I think without it, they wouldn’t be where they are today. I know I never liked comics or the characters but I saw Spider Man and enjoyed it. From there I have seen most of their comic related movies because the entertainment they offer. I’m sure other people are the same way and possibly became major fans and purchased related merchandise that made Marvel successful.