Strong Reviews and a billion-dollar box office later, Marvel Studios stands vindicated in their ambitious dream to build a shared movie universe (thanks in large part to writer/director Joss Whedon).
The Avengers was a phenomenon and a fun film, to boot. Meanwhile, Disney managed to inculcate a whole new generation of young boys with a love for Marvel superheroes (see: my nephew Quinn, age 3).
Marvel Studios has forever changed the game: Sony will be expanding their Spider-Man universe, starting in Amazing Spider-Man 2 (possibly connecting it with Marvel's Universe); Fox has launched their own X-Men/Fantastic Four Marvel Universe; and DC Comics will launch their Justice League movie team film in 2015 to rival The Avengers 2.
Welcome to the new blockbuster franchise playing field, folks.