Okay, we’re plunging deep into geeky waters here.

A couple of days ago, Marvel released the latest trailer for “The Avengers.” The preview was a huge hit with fans — a record-setting 13.7 million views in its first 24 hours on iTunes — some of whom lay down their skepticism about the Joss Whedon movie thanks to the character moments and big action scenes included.

And what an action scene at the end of the trailer, as Iron Man is pursued through the concrete canyons of New York by a huge flying serpent thing.

There’s been a lot of speculation in the days since the trailer debuted online about just who or what the flying serpent is. Is it organic or mechanical? Is it a robot or a ship? (Some observers noted an earlier trailer showed alien warriors jumping from a ship that looked suspiciously like the serpent.)

Some of the guesses in the wake of the trailer were particularly geeky, harking back to the early days of Marvel Comics. Could the serpent be Fin Fang Foom?

Let’s all say that together. Fin Fang Foom. Fun, isn’t it? Fin Fang Fun, as a matter of fact.

For all those people who have spent their lives somewhat closer to the heart of reality, an explanation of who (what?) Fin Fang Foom is:

Fin Fang Foom first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1961 as a sort of talkative Godzilla character, a dragon/snake/whatever that reappeared later, when Marvel specialized in superhero comics. Fin — if you’ll allow me to adopt a familiar, first-name basis — fought the Fantastic Four as well as Avengers Thor, Hulk and Iron Man.

Do I really think Fin Fang Foom is in “The Avengers?”

Well, no. Not really.

As over-the-top as a bunch of costumed superheroes might seem, a talking dragon monster might be perceived as a little too … preposterous, shall we say?

I’m guessing the flying snake thing in “The Avengers” is just a particularly eye-catching transport ship for the legions of creatures (Skrulls?) that the good guys will be fighting.

If I’m wrong and Thor blurts out, “By Odin’s beard! That is none other than Fin Fang Foom!” you’ll know geek culture has ascended to the highest halls of Hollywood.

And the “Fin Fang Foom” prequel movie will be, by that point, inevitable.