Marvel’s “Avengers: Endgame” currently tops the chart for the highest-grossing film of all time. Yet, the influence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) extends far beyond the silver screen. 

At Edina High school, a group of students formed the EHS Marvel Club to share their passion for the MCU. “We’re all pretty crazy about Marvel. It’s a fun thing to discuss and talk with people. Everyone said that it would be fun to have somewhere to all get together every other week, and just talk about what we love,” Marvel Club founding member sophomore Zoey Keepper said. 

Meeting every other Thursday after school in the flex space near EHS social studies teacher Jason Dockter’s room, the club engages in different activities to explore their shared interest. In one of the earlier meetings, the club questioned the unrealistic aspects of the MCU, such as Thor’s hammer, and went around to different teachers and asked for their opinions. Other times, the club will also put up character polls in the social studies’ hallway and ask people on their thoughts on Marvel’s controversies. 

Starting a club as a freshman has been an eye-opening experience for Avery Gill. “I was a little nervous, but I was also excited to be a part of the beginning of something. I’m in other clubs too, but it’s different when you’re running it. There’s a different sense of leadership that goes into it,” Gill said. As one of the club leaders, she needs to maintain the group chat to update members on meetings and cancellations and plan activities. 

Keepper developed an interest in Marvel due to how she could connect with the characters. Instead of only being solely perfect and superhuman, MCU’s heroes share more relatable experiences such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression. “It also shows how they overcame that to be the hero they are. And I think that’s kind of an inspiring message that helped me a little bit, when I was trying to get through school. It shows that even the strongest people struggle,” Keepper said.