When Stan Lee first pitched the idea of Spider-Man in 1962, his boss was full of objections: People hate spiders. Teenagers aren’t lead characters; they’re sidekicks. He should be glamorous and successful, not a friendless loser. But Stan persisted and Martin Goodman let him give the unlikely hero a tryout in Amazing Fantasy, which was already slated for cancellation. With Spider-Man on the cover, No. 15 shot to the top of Marvel’s best-seller list for the year, and the rest is history.
Amazing Spider-Man, which debuted seven months later, broke the comics mold. Peter Parker lived in uncool Queens, was always broke, continually worried about his Aunt May, was unlucky in love, and was constantly getting yelled at by his boss, Daily Bugle publisher J. Jonah Jameson. Spider-Man had the quips and confidence that Parker lacked, but learning to use his powers wasn’t always easy. He often seemed on the verge of defeat against the rogue’s gallery of classic foes that debuted in the first couple of years: Vulture, Doctor Octopus, Sandman, Lizard, Electro, Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, and the Green Goblin. Much of the credit for Spider-Man’s greatness goes to co-creator and artist Steve Ditko, who had a knack for portraying teenagers and their problems. His artwork infused Spider-Man with a loose-limbed energy, and, while maybe everyone was scared of spiders, Ditko made swinging through New York seem like the coolest adventure ever.
This XXL-sized collector’s dream, close in size to the original artworks, features the first 21 stories of the world’s favorite web slinger from 1962–1964. Rather than recolor the original artwork (as has been done in previous decades’ reprints of classic comics), TASCHEN has attempted to create an ideal representation of these books as they were produced at the time of publication. The most pristine pedigreed comics have been cracked open and photographed for reproduction in close collaboration with Marvel and the Certified Guaranty Company. Each page has been photographed as printed more than half a century ago, then digitally remastered using modern retouching techniques to correct problems with the era’s inexpensive, imperfect printing―as if hot off of a world-class 1960s printing press. Three different paper stocks, including an uncoated and woodfree paper, were exclusively developed for this series to simulate the feel of the original comics.
With an in-depth historical essay by Marvel editor Ralph Macchio, an introduction by uber-collector David Mandel, and original art, rare photographs, and other gems, these 698 pages of wall-crawling wonder will make anyone’s spider-sense tingle with anticipation.
© 2021 MARVEL
About the series
MARVEL COMICS LIBRARY is an exclusive, long-term collaboration between TASCHEN and Marvel. The rarest classic comics, including Spider-Man, Avengers, and Captain America are meticulously reproduced in their original glory, in extra-large format. The library offers collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lay their hands on the world’s most desirable comics. Each volume includes an essay by a comic book historian along with hundreds of photos and artifacts, including rare original comic book artwork.
The Avengers: More Than Just Superheroes
RispondiEliminaThey assembled a universe.
When The Avengers hit theaters in 2012, it wasn’t just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon. It marked the culmination of years of careful world-building, introducing a team of extraordinary individuals whose paths converged to protect a world that increasingly felt beyond their control. But what made the Avengers truly resonate?
Beyond their superhuman abilities, the Avengers tapped into a deep-seated human desire for unity, hope, and overcoming insurmountable odds. Iron Man’s brash individualism, Captain America’s unwavering idealism, Thor’s noble stoicism, Hulk’s raw power, Black Widow’s lethal grace, and Hawkeye’s grounded expertise formed a complex tapestry of personalities that mirrored the diverse world we inhabit.
The Avengers saga has been a masterclass in storytelling, seamlessly blending epic action with character-driven narratives. Their conflicts, both internal and external, have mirrored real-world challenges, forcing audiences to confront questions of morality, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.
Moreover, the MCU has expanded the definition of heroism. It's not just about physical prowess; it's about empathy, intelligence, and the courage to stand up for what’s right. Characters like Black Widow and Scarlet Witch have challenged traditional superhero archetypes, showcasing the strength and complexity of female characters.
As the Avengers saga continues to unfold, it’s clear that their impact extends far beyond the silver screen. They have inspired a generation, proving that even in a world of uncertainty, hope and unity can prevail.
What do you think? Are the Avengers simply superheroes, or something more? Share your thoughts in the comments below.