The Early History of Marvel Comics

Early establishment as Timely Comics

Marvel Comics is a publisher of comic books in America and as well as other related media. Their published comic books feature some of the most popular characters such as Spider-Man, Thor, Black Panther, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, and Iron Man. Most of the fictional characters made by Marvel Comics operate in a single reality known as the Marvel Universe. But before Marvel Comics became popular, have you ever thought about how it started? If you’re curious, then read on because we are going to tell you about the early history of Marvel Comics.

Early Establishment as Timely Comics

Marvel Comics marked the beginning of the Marvel universe history which has been blasted across our screens with Iron Man, The Avengers, and Captain America. The comic was first published under Timely, an early incarnation, which was later renamed Atlas in the 1950s, eventually becoming Marvel in 1961. The initial release of Marvel Comics provided the first interaction with the original Human Torch, and Namor, the Sub-Mariner, the mutant and ruler of Atlantis. The Submariner was initially created for “motion pictures funnies weekly” a comic book which never saw the light of day.

The Human Torch and the Submariner came together in Marvel mastery comics in 1940, essentially marking the arrival of a universe of heroes who could easily interact and work together against a common enemy. As a character, the Submariner was, however, seemingly unstable, always reconsidering his allies.

In 1941, Joe Simon who edited Marvel Mystery Comics Issue 8, teamed up with the legendary Jack Kirby to create the Captain America comics. In this issue, you discover Steve Rogers, a young 4-F patriot handed a second chance by the “super soldier” formula, combined with Vita rays, which make him a superman. Captain America later got a boost from his sidekick Bucky Barnes and a group of patriotic boys dubbed the Sentinels of liberty.

The Human Torch, Captain America and the Submariner were the basis of Comic marvel’s success, although there were some other heroes spread across the Golden Age. Marvel comics most popular characters teamed up in the All-Winners Squad, which managed only two appearances but essentially formed the foundation of retroactive continuity, started by Roy Thomas and Stan Lee among others.

In 1963, with Issue 12 of the Fantastic Four, and the first issue of Spider-Man, there is a battle between the Thing and the Hulk as Spiderman meets Fantastic Four, which eventually sets the stage for a shared universe, in which all the Marvel characters are able to join each other’s series. A large number of heroes came together to form the Avengers, founded by Iron man (Tony Stark) and overseen by the US government.

A version of the All-Winners-squad, which had a team of superheroes who did not get along well, but were brought together by a common enemy in the Nazi regime, was named the invaders. Roy Thomas delved into Marvel’s past by imagining a situation where the superheroes will come together to operate as a true team even with their glaring differences, against a common enemy. The book had the three original champions; the Human Torch, Captain America and the Submariner and other new heroes brought in by Thomas including Golem, Union Jack and Spitfire. Invaders highlighted various infamous and famous moments of the Second World War and remain the bases of the modern movies series that draw inspiration from Marvels history.

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby started revisiting Timely comics in 1965, telling new tales of Captain America set in the 1940s. This set the stage for many other writers to create more stories from similar roots with a modern twist. The humble beginnings of Marvel Comics have now become a worldwide media phenomenon adored by fans.

Do You Love Marvel Comics?

Marvel Comics and its characters gained popularity throughout the years. Today, their works are not just read in comic books but are now also being watched on the big screen with the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe produced by Marvel Studios. If you’re a fan of Marvel Comics, their superheroes, or maybe their movies, you’d definitely love these products that we found.

1. Marvel Year by Year

This is a book written by Peter Sanderson. It features the visual history of Marvel Comics. It offers a chronological account not only of Marvel Superheroes such as the Avengers, Spider-Man, and Wolverine, but as well as Marvel Comics itself, the company that created them. This book highlights the debuts of Marvel’s superheroes, villains, and as well as the geniuses who invented them. If you want to know more about Marvel Comics, then this is the perfect book for you.

2. Ultimate Marvel 

This is a Marvel encyclopedia that will give you an in-depth look at the wonderful world of Marvel Comics and its catalog of iconic heroes and characters like Loki, Thor, Black Panther, and the Hulk. It is a great gift to give for your Marvel fan friends as well because this book features every significant Marvel Comic character, location, vehicle, and weapon in chronological order.

3. Marvel Encyclopedia – New Edition

If you want to keep up with the ever-expanding Marvel Universe, then this new edition of Marvel Encyclopedia is perfect for you. This book reveals vital information and secret histories of over 1200 classic and brand new Marvel characters. It also provides the lowdown on recent key events like Civil War 2, Secret Empire, and Infinity Countdown. The introduction of this book is by Stan Lee. If you’re a Marvel fan, this encyclopedia will be your indispensable guide to Marvel Comics

4. Inside the Epic 50-Year Battle Between Marvel and DC by Slugfest

Marvel and DC are the two titans of the comic book industry and they are considered to be the Coke and Pepsi of superheroes. With this book, you will be able to read the history of their epic rivalry. It is complete with interviews with the major names in the industry. This book reveals the arsenal of schemes the two companies have employed in their attempts to outmaneuver the competition. If you’re curious about these things, then you better get your hands on this book.

5. Stan Lee: The Man Behind Marvel

Stan Lee had touched more people than almost any person in the history of popular culture through his works. This book offers an eye-opening look at Stan Lee, the man who created many of history’s most legendary characters. You will be able to read in this book his energetic and entertaining biography and it also explores how Stan Lee capitalized on natural talent and hard work to become the editor of Marvel Comics. If you want to know more about Stan Lee, you better get read this book.

6. Marvel Comics: 75 Years of Cover Art

Marvel Comics released this large-scale book that features some of the most impactful, inspiring, and unusual cover art in celebration of their 75th years of comics’ excellence in 2014. With this book, you will be able to have an access to their rarest and most interesting cover art. This is an imperative addition to your Marvel collection.

7. Marvel Expression Moods T-Shirt

This is a cool shirt for all Avengers fans because it shows the expressions and moods of some of your favorite comic heroes. This shirt comes in colors black and navy blue. You can also give it as a gift to your friends and family who loves Marvel.

8. Marvel Comics Heroes T-Shirt

This is an officially licensed t-shirt that features a detailed graphic artwork design of all your favorite Marvel Comics characters. Marvel fans will definitely love to wear this shirt all the time.

9. Marvel Comics Universe T-Shirt

This shirt has a monochromatic screen art design that features Marvel logo and some of your favorite characters such as Captain America, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Thor, Doctor Strange, Falcon, Red Skull, Medusa, Black Panther, and more. It also has metallic ink accents that makes the shirt look more amazing.

10. Marvel Comics Shirt The Infinity Gauntlet

This shirt features the cover of Marvel Comics’ The Infinity Gauntlet which introduced the character Thanos. If you love the comics, then you’d probably want to have this shirt. This is an officially licensed Marvel apparel. It is a breathable and comfortable shirt as well. You can give it as a gift to your friends who are fans too and they will definitely love it.

Marvel Comics’ have gone a long way with their amazing characters and stories. And even though their movies are very popular now, we hope that the appreciation of the people for their comic books will not fade because that is where it all began. If you’re looking for other items, you can find more Marvel merchandise here.

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