Marvel's enduring global popularity, spanning film, television, and video games, is a testament to the innovative storytelling of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko. Their creation of the Marvel Universe, starting 60 years ago, revolutionized the comic book superhero genre, laying the foundation for the entertainment landscape we know today.
To appreciate this impact, I recently embarked on a personal journey: rereading every Marvel superhero comic from the 1960s and beyond. This exploration reveals the groundbreaking work that shaped Marvel's success.
This article focuses on pivotal early Marvel comics, from the Fantastic Four's 1961 debut to the Avengers' 1963 formation. We'll examine key character introductions, significant plot developments, and other noteworthy issues. This is just the beginning of our journey through essential Marvel comics!
Further Essential Marvel Reading:
- 1964-1965: The Sentinels Emerge, Captain America's Thaw, and Kang's Arrival
- 1966-1969: Galactus's Reshaping of the Marvel Universe
- 1970-1973: The Night Gwen Stacy Died
- 1974-1976: The Punisher's War on Crime Begins
- 1977-1979: Star Wars Rescues Marvel From Financial Ruin