Hulk and Iron Man Agree: USC Rules!

For readers of comic books, 2011 may go down as the year that big business figured out that it might be worth sticking its massive hand into an industry that’s been more aligned with outsiders than the mainstream.

Earlier this year we saw the introduction of big-brand product placement in comics when Nike’s logo appeared on a Marvel character’s T-shirt. Now Marvel has taken another step and struck a licensing deal with the University of Southern California to have its characters appear on gear alongside the university’s mascot and logo.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the deal was arranged through Silver Star Merchandising, the “Texas-based outfit launched last year by the family of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.”

The Times quotes Marvel’s press release explaining the deal:

“The collection combines one of the most recognizable athletic programs in the nation with some of the most popular Marvel Super Heroes of all-time including Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Wolverine. Featuring apparel and headwear for infants, kids, and adults, the collection will feature your favorite Super Heroes in USC’s school colors of Cardinal and Gold, along with its Trojan mascot and logos.”

But what professional team does Captain America like, Marvel? It may not be long till we all get to find out at the rate things are going.