Escaping The Pressure To Watch Every Marvel Project  |  Column from the Editor 

As readers of this site might know, InReview has covered almost all of Marvel’s post-“Avengers: Endgame” projects, with some notable exceptions: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Werewolf by Night,” “The Marvels,” and a few shows, including “What If…?” Season 2 and the newly released “Echo.” 

InReview is an independent website that I established to write about things that interested me. As the site grew, we recruited a few more writers who’ve all brought their unique tastes and insight to the publication. 

Sometime during COVID, Marvel seemed to dominate the site, as their streaming shows provided fresh content every week in what was otherwise a barren landscape in terms of new releases. 

There were some highs, like “WandaVision” and “Loki,” but their lows simply became too frequent. I admit, their shows burnt me out and my once sky-high enthusiasm for their brand fell into indifference. 

I still think that Marvel has a lot going for it — more than DC and enough to stave off a complete reboot. But I think, as I approach my 30s, that I’m growing out of their content. 

Marvel has made some wonderful films that I’ll always enjoy. But they’re at a point where they are both afraid to take meaningful risks — like killing off characters who have served their purpose in their respective stories — and are too quick to make immature gambles — like placing $200 million projects in the hands of inexperienced directors. 

And so, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” premiered and hit streaming, a film I was initially excited for. But when it came out, I didn’t care enough to go out and see it. I hear it’s good and I will probably enjoy it, but haven’t mustered the will to do so. 

The same is true of “Werewolf by Night.” I will probably love it, but have yet to do so. 

For the others, the critical reception so far has given me little reason to dedicate hours of my life to them. Marvel’s recent TV shows in particular are designed to be disposable and self-contained; even “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” whose whole purpose is to introduce the new Captain America, will not be necessary viewing for the upcoming “Captain America” movie. 

This is not to say that I will never watch a new Marvel show or film again, but I’m tired. 

This site has never been about the views or financial compensation — it’s always been about sharing what we love. Going forward, I want to circle back to that.