The Age of Heroes

When Batman Forever made 184 million dollars at the box office in 1995, Hollywood learned that movies about comic books are not just fun to make, but that they can also make some money. For a few years, studios experimented with superhero films. Then, in 2000, X-Men made 219 million. All of a sudden, it was clear that comic books weren't just for kids. For those still not convinced, Spider-man, with a staggering 404 million, left no doubt.
Comic book films became the hottest film genre of the new century. Each year, the revenue from these films continued to grow until, in 2008, superhero films reached an incredible peak: 14% market share of the entire movie industry. No one could have predicted this before the turn of the century nor the fact that through May, 2010, superhero films would have earned an astounding 13.5 billion dollars worldwide. These days, if a film earns over 100 million, it has done well. Superhero films average 234 million per film.
Rai, I am glad that you were born into this 'age of heroes'. If things continue to go this well for comic book adaptations on the big screen, then I'll be able to give you a double dose of heroics: comics at home and comic heroes at the movies.