The Origins of Marvel Comics go through Stan Lee is a foundational book that develops Marvel’s legacy, proves that comics collections can be successful in bookstores, and provides readers with access to early Marvel comic classics. Originally published in 1974, this book contains the origin stories and more recent (still 1969) stories of the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Spider-Man, Thor, Doctor Strange and Nick Fury.
In addition to etching the story’s title (“Clash of the Titans”???) forever into our consciousness, this book introduces Marvel’s greatest stories and characters in an affordable paperback format. Even in the 1970s, those early issues had become collectibles and the idea of reprinting comics was still in its infancy.
As we all know, the book also firmly established Stan Lee as the sole American creator of Marvel. jack kirby and Steve Ditko to the side.
Despite this unfortunate narrative, the book remains a classic… and Abrams Comic Arts has just released a 50th anniversary deluxe updated edition. Original cover by John Romita Sr.. has been updated to Alex Rossand editor Chris Riel Updated content with Ryall’s article, Tom Brevoort Ross, and Larry Deere. One more interview Linda Sunshineis the only editor recently rediscovered by Firesign Books who worked on the original work.
The world of diamond preview Interviewed by Riel The production process of this book is really interesting and very detailed, such as Ryall meeting a 93-year-old man and other details Larry Deere (Stanko’s brother) is also one of the few survivors to have worked on the original comics (although Stanko is still alive and active.)
Ryall puts the book’s importance into perspective and points to the huge update that finally corrected the historic wrong:
This is a fundamental thing that is important to a lot of people. In many ways, it launched The whole idea of bookstore graphic novels didn’t exist before this. I think Alex Ross’ cover sums up our approach perfectly. The original cover showed Stan Lee’s hands on a typewriter, with all the characters leaping out of the typewriter. Alex’s cover shows Stan Lee’s hands on a typewriter, Jack Kirby’s hands finishing Thor, and Steve Ditko’s hands finishing Doctor Strange. The broader point is that we are not in the room. We don’t know what anyone did. But together these men created magic and a universe that still resonates with millions of fans today. I think it’s important for me to celebrate the work that all these people have done and not apologize for what Stan wrote, but enhance it by talking about everyone’s efforts.
It does justice that Ditko and Kirby’s hands now appear on the cover alongside Stan’s hands at the typewriter. (Thanks to comics historian Paul Gravett, who brought this to my attention on FB.)
I remember borrowing this book from the library as a kid and just learning about the lore and long-running storylines of Marvel Comics. I’m sure I’m not the only one in my generation and beyond to think of this book as a way to think about Marvel Comics as a gateway to the Marvel Universe – a larger, ever-expanding realm of fantasy in its own right. Thanks to Stan Lee’s early commitment to community building, you’ll want to be a part of the Merry Marching Crew and learn about the Marvel Bullpen.
While this view may be as much a fantasy as Doctor Strange’s mystical realm, it remains an enduring one.
Fifty years later, graphic novels and reprints of classic comics have not only become part of the industry and publishing world, but the Marvel Universe has become one of the greatest fantasy worlds for billions of people around the world. The Hulk, Fury, and Doctor Strange are cultural icons beyond the imagination of the average reader.
However, I believe Stan and Jack may have had such a vision themselves. Stan believed he could market himself to the highest level of fame… and he was right. Jack believed his work had value and could move any reader…and he was right
Ditko…well, he had another vision.
Truly the genesis of Marvel Comics.
Check out the interview for more historical perspective, as well as Marvel Comics Origins: 50th Anniversary Edition on your list of potential gifts for 2024.
According to Wikipedia, the original content of Marvel Comics Origins:
- “Fantastic Four” (Fantastic Four #1, November 1961)
- “When the Silver Surfer attacks!” (Fantastic Four #55, October 1966)
- “The Hulk” (incredible hulk #1, May 1962)
- “Clash of the Titans” (incredible hulk #118, August 1969)
- “Spider-Man!” (wonderful fantasy #15, August 1962)
- “Shocking…shocking!” (The Amazing Spider-Man #72, May 1969)
- “Mighty Thor and the stone men from Saturn!” (Mysterious journey #83, August 1962)
- “The magician will be here soon!” (Thor #143, August 1967)
- “Doctor Strange, master of dark magic!” (strange story #110, July 1963)
- “The Origin of Doctor Strange” (strange story #115, December 1963)
- “A terrible ending!” (strange story #155, April 1967)
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