The Walt Disney Company (DIS) announced on August 31, 2009 that it would buy Marvel Entertainment Inc. (MVL) in a deal estimated to be worth $4 billion. The cash and stock deal may not immediately help Disney’s bottom line, but if its 2006 acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios (PIXR) is any indication, Disney will weave its marketing magic around Marvel’s huge library of characters to create a bona fide hit. Marvel, the largest American comic book publisher, brings to Disney over 5,000 characters, several of whom have starred in major motion pictures in recent years. Disney hopes to leverage the characters’ popularity into more of its blockbuster movies, character licensing deals and theme park attractions. Sign up now for PowerOptions 14-day free trial The purchase appears designed to appeal to the young male demographic, where Disney has struggled in recent years. Most of Disney’s current franchises, including the Jonas Brothers...