2. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a narrative embodiment of hypertext.

3. - Hypertext ? - MCU? “Bruce, what does it all mean?”

4. Let’s define hypertext by using a paper I wrote in 2009!

8. HYPERTEXT…  Defies traditional/paper presentation!  Grows indefinitely!  Is built on interconnections/links!  Encourages user exploration! 2009-Allen…  Was as much a dweeb as 2015-Allen!

11. Just like in the comic books, all of the various properties are set in the same universe. As such, crossovers can happen all the time!

12. In Iron Man (2008), Samuel L. Jackson makes a surprise post- credits cameo as Nick Fury, informing viewers that this movie is a mere entrance to a proverbial “garden of forking paths.”garden of forking paths

13. The Incredible Hulk, released less than two months later, features a post-credits scene in which Tony Stark makes further reference to the Avengers, arguably the most iconic team in the Marvel Comics canon.

14. While casual movie fans began sinking their teeth into these references, the longtime nerds (e.g., 2009-Allen) had an awareness of the structure being constructed…

23. MCU as HYPERTEXT?  Defies traditional/paper presentation?  Grows indefinitely?  Is built on interconnections/links?  Encourages user exploration?

24. MCU as HYPERTEXT?  Defies traditional/paper presentation!  Grows indefinitely?  Is built on interconnections/links?  Encourages user exploration?

25. MCU as HYPERTEXT?  Defies traditional/paper presentation!  Grows indefinitely!  Is built on interconnections/links?  Encourages user exploration?

26. MCU as HYPERTEXT?  Defies traditional/paper presentation!  Grows indefinitely!  Is built on interconnections/links!  Encourages user exploration?

27. MCU as HYPERTEXT?  Defies traditional/paper presentation!  Grows indefinitely!  Is built on interconnections/links!  Encourages user exploration!

29. THE END! (Thanks for watching!)