Memes are the currency of modern popular media. They are the fastest link between a niche piece of entertainment and global recognition.
A child tugged her mother’s sleeve. “Mommy, why is the sad rain cloud on my cereal box?” justiceleaguexxxanaxelbraunparody2017dv link
The Matrix (1999) vs. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (2012-present). While The Matrix used a website and comics, the MCU mastered the link. To understand Avengers: Endgame , you didn't need to watch WandaVision , but doing so enriched the experience. WandaVision was entertainment content, but the YouTube breakdowns, the Reddit fan theories, and the Entertainment Weekly cover stories—that was popular media linking back to the content. Memes are the currency of modern popular media
A four-hour director's cut that represents Snyder's original vision, featuring expanded character arcs and a different tone. Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths (2024) “Mommy, why is the sad rain cloud on my cereal box
The consumption of entertainment content is now simultaneous with the consumption of popular media.