Origins of Marvel Comics, Facsimile Edition

Now back in print and timed for its 50th anniversary-the landmark book Origins of Marvel Comics by Stan Lee!

MARVEL presents the origins and history of its most famous creations, narrated by Stan Lee, that stellar storyteller who saw comics as more than dime-store material and helped turn Marvel's characters into twentieth-century mythology.

Included are the beginnings of the Fantastic Four, which hurled Marvel out of the era of monsters without soul into the age of cosmic heroes; the Hulk, brilliant scientist turned muddled monster; Spider-Man, the teenage super hero known affectionately to aficionados as "Spidey"; Thor, the Norse god with the mystical hammer and the Shakespearean speech pattern; and, finally, Doctor Strange, the oddball magician who uses his supernatural powers on the side of good.

Along with the big full-color stories and first heady inspirations from Stan, this deluxe, expanded fiftieth-anniversary edition features a new introduction and remembrances from the editor of Fireside Books' deluxe reissues, Chris Ryall, as well as an interview with the original series editor, Linda Sunshine; essays from Marvel executive editor Tom Breevoort and deluxe-edition cover artist Alex Ross, as well as a gallery detailing Ross' cover process; a remembrance by Mighty Thor co-creator and brother of Stan Lee, Larry Lieber; the re-presentation of author/futurist Ray Bradbury's original newspaper review of Origins; and an extensive gallery showcasing Origins ads, merchandising, and original art pieces.

You will see why, taken as a whole, Origins of Marvel Comics was so influential in launching super hero material into the mass market and beyond. Origins stands alone as one of the great classics–an undying tribute to Marvel mania then and now!