Marvel Studios' ‘Werewolf by Night’ Is The Unsung Hero Of Marvel's Phase 4

Marvel Studios' Werewolf by Night was originally filmed in black-and-white, and the lack of a color palette paid homage to the classic films of the 1930s that introduced moviegoers to Frankenstein's monster, classic vampires in black capes and castles, ancient mummies that emerge from their tombs, and watery creatures that arise from dark lagoons. 

It gave the Halloween special an extra edge that not only set it apart from other Marvel properties, but also helped set a chilling mood unseen before in a Marvel property. Perfect for the Halloween season. 

Jack Russell and his ferocious alter ego were introduced to Marvel readers back in 1971 in Marvel Spotlight #2, but he soon got his own series in 1972. Jack was an everyday normal Transylvanian whose ancestor was turned into a werewolf after fighting Dracula in 1795. For years, the lycanthrope curse was dormant in Jack's family. It wasn't until his grandfather got his hands on the Darkhold (yes, that Darkhold, the same one that messed up Wanda and Doctor Strange) that the curse was activated. Since then, adult descendants of the family have been turning into werewolves when the moon is full.

But the story of Jack Russell and the tragedy of the Russell family had been cast aside for large, bigger names in the Marvel Universe - until now. With this Halloween special, the door has been opened for Jack and he has the opportunity to shine. 

Though Blade is not introduced, mentioned, or even whispered in Marvel Studios' Werewolf by Night, the Disney+ special does set up some much-needed lore. 

For example, among Ulysses Bloodstone trophies are a vampire, establishing the night walkers as real monsters in this universe. Furthermore, Marvel Studios' Werewolf by Night introduces audiences to the concept of monster or creature hunters, a core part of the Blade universe. 

But most important, it made traditional movie monsters canon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

The introduction of Man-Thing, Jack Russell, and Elsa opens a door to the megateam Order of the Midnight Sons, which has included members (past and present) Doctor Strange, Moon Knight, Blade, Morbius the Living Vampire, Ghost Rider, Wong, and Iron Fist, to name a few. 

Formed to protect the world from Goddess of the Underworld Lilith, the Midnight Sons have gone to battle with supernatural and paranormal activity and demonic forces, including Mephisto. 

Though recently Marvel has been experimenting with genre in Sam Raimi's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, many of Marvel's efforts have been set within a single genre: superhero films. And though it is a genre in which they excel, Werewolf by Night is a breakout, proving that superheroes can be more than just capes, courage, and clever quips. 

Marvel Studios' Werewolf by Night uses the monster movies of yesteryear to create a Halloween special that modern audiences can easily appreciate. In doing so, it creates a property unlike anything else in the Marvel Universe. 

Once a biochemist named Dr. Theodore Sallis, the creature known as the ferocious “Ted” stands by Jack's side when he gets into a jam. With glowing red eyes and gigantic claws, Ted, better known to comic fans as Man-Thing, is more than a terrifying mixture of plant matter, mystical energy, and man: He's a friend. 

Ted's appearance in Marvel Studios' Werewolf by Night is a visual treat to longtime fans who have enjoyed the adventures of the cult icon since his first appearance back in 1971. Man-Thing is crucial to the multiverse because he is the guardian of the Nexus of All Realities, a sort of gateway of crossroads to different dimensions.