Interview: Chuck Costas of Prop Store about Marvel Universe of Super Heroes at Telus World of Science Edmonton
The written story, as well as recorded interview were done by Chris Doucher, Editor-in-Chief, Writer and Comic Panel Moderator for GeekNerdNet. (Photo credits to: Charles Cousins and Chris Doucher)
Chuck Costas from Prop Store at the Canadian premiere of Marvel Universe of Superheroes (photo credit: Charles Cousins for GeekNerdNet)
Chuck Costas, Vice President, Business Development and Operations at Prop Store talked to me at the Canadian premiere of Marvel Universe of Super Heroes at TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE EDMONTON. Quick backstory: The show originated in Seattle in 2018, then moved to Philadelphia, and recently landed on Canadian soil for the first time.
Costas is one of the main contributors of artwork and collectibles - right from his personal collection. For instance, the Punisher section, which includes the first sketch of the Punisher, by the legendary John Romita. And, he contributed a lot of the X-Men pieces as well.
The breadth of work is absolutely spectacular. Packing in 80 years of Marvel into one show is no small feat. And Costas played a pivotal role in getting other collectors to lend their priceless pieces to have on display so that we can all be lucky enough to enjoy them.
In this amazing exhibit you’ll see quite the collection of props, costumes and pieces from Marcel TV and movies - many courtesy of Prop Store. The key though, was to also showcase original art from the comics of the past to remind people where the greatness on screen we enjoy today, came from. As Costas puts it: “Anchor it (the exhibit) to key moments in Marvel history.”
Costas agrees that what’s really remarkable about this show is how real life and moments in time have an impact on the fictional world of comics. Because comics have always been - in one way or another - a reflection of our world at the time. Costas goes on to talk about how the creators who worked in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s in New York City were drawing what was right outside their window, and how they’d insert fantastical characters that would fly, swing, or jump through the skyline.
I do talk to Costas about how a company like Marvel really did kick off the path of indie comics because there was suddenly a world where fans needed and wanted more than just Marcel, and one set of heroes or voices. There’s so much more in the audio interview so go ahead and listen to it now.
LISTEN NOW: Select “Listen in bowser” on the Soundcloud link. Depending on which device you’re accessing this interview, you may also click/select the SoundCloud Play button. For more content about this incredible exhibit, here’s an interview I did with Chief Curator, Ben Saunders.