Marvel can't have a movie in theaters every month (although they will certainly try). To fill the cinematic lull, Disney has launched a national marketing campaign to promote Marvel fans' favorite characters currently not starring on the big screen.
"Marvel Super Hero September" celebrates everything Marvel for a whole month, potentially becoming an annual event. Marvel's retail and licensing partners will feature in-store events and special promotions as well as supporting the campaign across all their social media platforms.
Participating retailers include Walmart, Target, Kmart, Payless, Party City, Amazon and the Disney Store. Other particpating companies are Hasbro, Hallmark, Jay Franco, Wonderforge, Thermos and Pirate's Booty.
"Marvel Super Hero September is giving us the opportunity to assemble some of the very best of our licensees and retailers to showcase the power and reach of the Marvel brand," said Josh Silverman, executive VP, global licensing, Disney Consumer Products. "This stands as one of the largest non-film campaigns in Marvel history and we're looking forward to seeing how kids, parents, and adults will celebrate their passion for Marvel."
A central website will host content, activities and contests, including a sweepstakes for a seven-day Disney cruise. Participants will show how they "Power Up Like a Marvel Super Hero" to enter for a chance to win, according to Marvel.
The event launch coincides with the 75th anniversary of Marvel. Organizers also picked September for the television premieres of ABC's "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD" season two and Disney XD's animated series "Ultimate Spider-Man Web Warriors" and "Avengers Assemble."
The "Disney Infinity" game will also introduce Marvel superheroes this month and the movie "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" comes out on Blu-ray and DVD on Sept. 9.
Marvel will promote healthy living and active lifestyles for children in a print and online ad campaign for the college football and NFL preview issues of ESPN magazine and ESPNMagazine.com. The comic book giant will also re-launch Marvelkids.com.
