“The Avengers” may have rocketed past the $1 billion mark worldwide, but with less than
“The Avengers” may have rocketed past the $1 billion mark worldwide, but with less than $400 million earned so far at domestic box offices, the film is still straggling behind several superpowered super- grossers. Here’s how the recent wave of movie crusaders stacks up, according to domestic figures from BoxOfficeMojo.
v “Spider-Man”: When Andrew Garfield inherits Tobey Maguire’s role in the upcoming reboot, he’ll be taking on the most successful superhero franchise in history. The three movies, all directed by Sam Raimi, have earned more than $1.1 billion.
v “X-Men”: More popular than Batman (at least “The Dark Knight” series)? Yes, though the mutant team has made twice as many movies. The franchise has earned nearly $753 million with four films since 2000 (and that’s not counting Hugh Jackman’s 2009 solo flight, “Wolverine,” which pulled in $179 million).
v “Batman”: Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” earned $205 million in 2005, but it was “The Dark Knight” that became the top-grossing superhero film of all time with $533 million. Grand total: $738 million, which spells high hopes for the upcoming finale, “The Dark Knight Rises.”
v “Iron Man”: Powered by pure snark, Robert Downey Jr.’s metal-clad hero has become a top earner with $630 million after only two films.
v “Hulk”: Strange that this super-strong behemoth is such a weak performer. Eric Bana’s 2003 film and Edward Norton’s 2008 reboot pulled in less than $267 million combined.
Photography exhibit at Butler museum
YOUNGSTOWN
“View Points,” an exhibit of photographs by retired Youngstown State University librarian David Genaway, is on display at the Butler Institute of American Art through June 10.
Included are 10 photographs taken over a 40-year period with a wide variety of photographic media.
Genaway’s work is intended to challenge and inspire the average photographer to become more creative by using different view points, camera settings, unusual angles or uncommon perspectives.
Genaway worked at YSU from 1980 to 1996.
Toby Keith tickets go on sale Friday
CUYAHOGA FALLS
Country music star Toby Keith will come to Blossom Music Center on July 13, with Brantley Gilbert and Thomas Rhett. Tickets range from $25 to $80 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at Ticketmaster.com, Livenation.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by calling 800-745-3000.
Artisans Festival seeks vendors
LEETONIA
The Leetonia Artisans Festival, which will be Sept. 23 at Wick Park, is seeking vendors. Contact Dan Morelli at 330-427-6741.