Marvel Studio’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has almost arrived in cinemas! The epic superhero movie is one of Marvel’s best ensembles to date, with mind-blowing action, laughs and adventure at every turn.
Check out our spoiler-free review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
This second Guardians of the Galaxy movie marks a very successful spell for Marvel Studios, a company now famed for delivering quality movies every year. With the likes of Thor: Ragnarok, Captain Marvel, Black Panther and even a large stake in the upcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming movie, there’s a lot to look forward to. Not to mention Avengers: Infinity War.
Marvel has a very rich visual history and this is perfectly captured in their stunning film posters.
There have been countless designs released over the years and some are really amazing pieces of art, so here is a quick countdown of the very best One Sheet posters Marvel Studios have ever produced (in no particular order).
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Marvel are now famed for their ensemble posters but this teaser artwork for the Guardians sequel is simply stunning. A musically-infused design that would look great on any wall, this not only is a brilliant poster, it’s a statement of intent.
Captain America: Civil War
The international design for Captain America: Civil War has everything a blockbuster movie poster should. Using all of the major characters well, it’s a great precursor to the epic showdown.
Captain America: The First Avenger
This teaser for Captain America: The First Avenger perfectly captures the essence of the character and his struggle in modern times. A tricky prospect to get right onscreen, the film managed to bring the legendary character into the modern mainstream exceptionally well.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2
This classic Guardians ensemble poster is a glorious medley of spectacle and colour. There’s a lot going on and it perfectly captures the highs of the movie, with every major character given their dues.
Doctor Strange
This initial teaser for Doctor Strange seems to nail the concept of the character. Benedict Cumberbatch looks great and the artwork promises much (which thankfully the movie delivered).
Avengers Assemble
This design marked the first meeting of all of these incredible Marvel characters into one amazing poster. A landmark moment for Marvel, Disney and superhero movies in general.
Thor
This classic and understated design teaser for the first Thor movie perfectly conveys the tone of Kenneth Branagh’s epic origin story. The same artwork was used on the initial Thor Steelbook release, which is still going for big money on eBay.
Guardians of the Galaxy
If ever an ensemble poster nailed the epic scale of a Marvel Studios movie, it’s this one. Acting as a classic nod to the great ensemble posters from the 80s, this Guardians artwork not only looks great, it introduces itself perfectly to its audience.
Thor
When done correctly, you can’t beat a good character poster and this teaser for Thor is sensational. Coupled with the Loki design, it brings out all the Shakespearean angst and turmoil in Kenneth Branagh’s wonderful take on the character.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Another ensemble poster on the countdown, and one that places you directly in the heart of the action. Marvel have a tough job ahead incorporating all of their characters in their promotional campaigns but this Ultron design manages it brilliantly.
Iron Man 3
Given the tone of the film and the psychological journey Tony Stark takes in the story, this design captures the severity of his situation very well.
Thor
The first Thor poster campaign was excellent and this red variant of the main design once again brings out the Shakespearian tragedy in the plot. A simple but extremely effective design that oozes cool, especially with the God of Thunder text.
Thor
The second character teaser for Thor gave us a first proper look at Tom Hiddleston as Loki – a character that was soon to become a big fan-favourite in the Marvel universe. Another simple but classic design executed exceptionally well, especially when coupled with the Thor character teaser.
Captain America: The First Avenger
This alternate design captures the war posters of the era, with Chris Evans looking every bit the allied hero as Steve Rogers. The colour and design make this a very successful poster for conveying the hope and honour that the character stands for.
Ant-Man
The tiniest hero in the Marvel Universe was also relatively unknown to the wider world at large. That’s why this design works so well. It introduces you to the character by coupling him with a very recognisable figure – in this case Iron Man. This teaser campaign also included memorable designs including Ant-Man with Thor’s hammer and Cap’s shield.
Thor: The Dark World
This ensemble poster works on many levels. It conveys the drama of the story along with some gorgeous artwork. The colour scheme also works really well here. The throwback to the ensemble posters of the 80s and 70s make this a great addition to the Marvel Studios catalogue.
The Incredible Hulk
While Universal were the ones that released this 2008 effort starring Edward Norton as the Hulk, this movie plays a pivotal role in Phase 1 of Marvel’s masterplan. The end sting involving Ross and Tony Stark was a great gateway to the Avengers forming. This poster also captures that classic comic book design and the struggle Bruce Banner endures very well.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Another great Guardians ensemble poster with stunning artwork that captures the team dynamic of the group. A rare moment of calm between the chaos.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The excellent Winter Soldier storyline paves the way for Civil War and this teaser design really shows the struggle that a weary Steve Rogers has to endure. The political angle is also subtly well-placed in the poster.
Captain America: Civil War
The main design for Captain America keeps it simple but very effective. Tony and Steve going head to head for an epic showdown that will rock the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Iron Man
The first ensemble poster for Iron Man does Jon Favreau’s wonderful origin story justice. Epic, functional and classic in equal measure, it also gives us a great look at the supporting cast.
Captain America: Civil War
This alternative design brings the fight to the forefront with Iron Man and Captain America in an epic superhero showdown. A brilliant design that conveys the severity of the situation in Civil War.
Iron Man
In many ways, this was the teaser poster that started it all off. This Iron Man design very simply gives us a great look at the mask – a symbol that would go on to define the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is in cinemas now.
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