TASCHEN + MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 1 1961–1963 – CREATED WITH PHOTOS FROM SHELTON’S PERSONAL COLLECTION!

November 29, 2022 By: Karla Southern Category: DISCUSS, Exclusives, Feast Your Eyes, Heroes Aren't Hard To Find, NEWS, Now Read This!, Special Offers, Spotlight on New Releases, This Just In, Vintage Comics

TASCHEN and Marvel Entertainment Announce ‘The Marvel Comics Library’;
Fantastic Four Vol. 1. 1961–1963

Famous First Edition: First printing of 5,000 numbered copies

In 1961 Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created The Fantastic Four—a powerhouse super hero team revolutionary for their flaws and complexity—that kicked the comic industry into high gear. This XXL volume from the Eisner Award-winning series reproduces the Four’s first 20 stories and charts how it became in Lee’s words “the world’s greatest comic magazine.”


The First Family of the Marvel Age

The ultimate collection of the world’s greatest comic magazine

Hoping to break out of a sales slump at Marvel in the early 1960s, veteran comic creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby hit on the idea of doing a super team. Kirby, who thought superheroes were due for a revival after 15 years of being pushed aside by romance, horror, and war comics, saw it as smart business. Lee just once wanted to “do the type of story I myself would enjoy reading.” The Fantastic Four forever changed their careers, their lives, and the comic book industry.

Some of the most iconic moments in Marvel history are here, starting with Reed Richards, his girlfriend Sue Storm, his best friend Ben Grimm, and her little brother Johnny Storm crash landing their rocket after it has been hit cosmic rays and discovering they have been transformed into Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Girl, the Thing, and the Human Torch in issue No. 1. They were emotionally complex characters, who weren’t always sure whether their powers were a benefit or burden. Stories were set in New York City, not some fictional stand-in, and Marvel heroes regularly crossed over into each other’s books. The art was dynamic and the writing conversational and engaging. Lee and Kirby were like the Lennon and McCartney of comic books. Where the talents of one ended and the other began was not always clear, but together one plus one equaled three.

Collected here in an XXL-size volume are the first 20 issues reproduced from the most pristine pedigreed original comics, which were cracked open and photographed in close collaboration with Marvel and the Certified Guaranty Company.

Featured alongside the comics is an in-depth essay by acclaimed Marvel writer Mark Waid, a foreword by former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, and original art, photographs, and other rarities. Welcome true believers to the Marvel Age of Comics.


The author

Mark Waid is a New York Times best-selling author who has written nearly two thousand comics and graphic novels over the course of his career. He has penned adventures for dozens of characters including Superman, Batman, the X-Men, Archie, and the Fantastic Four.

The contributing author

Mike Massimino, Ph.D, is a former NASA Astronaut who flew twice on the Space Shuttle to service the Hubble Space Telescope. He is a New York Times bestselling author, a Columbia University professor, an advisor at The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, a television host and expert commentator, and a motivational speaker.

The artists

Stan Lee (1922–2018) is known to millions as the man whose super heroes propelled Marvel to its preeminent position in the comic book industry. His co-creations include Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and hundreds of others. While the Chairman Emeritus of Marvel, he was also the Chief Creative Officer of POW! Entertainment, where he created numerous new characters and stories in areas including publishing, film, TV reality, stage, documentary, and multimedia.

Jack Kirby (1917–1994) was one of comics’ most legendary and prolific artists whose notable co-creations include Captain America, Avengers, X-Men, Incredible Hulk, Ant-Man, S.H.I.E.L.D., and Thor.

Marvel Comics Library. Fantastic Four. Vol. 1. 1961–1963

Famous First Edition: First printing of 5,000 numbered copies

Mark Waid, Mike Massimino, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby


ABOUT THE SERIES:

TASCHEN’s extra-large format, close in size to the original artworks, reveal startling new details in the work of Marvel’s most acclaimed artists. For each title in the series, the most pristine pedigreed comics (from the collection of our own SHELTON DRUM!) have been cracked open for reproduction in close collaboration with Marvel and the Certified Guaranty Company. Rather than recolor the original production 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. Beginning with high grade, top-quality comics sourced with the assistance of the CGC, super-high-resolution photographs of each page were made as printed more than half a century ago, using modern retouching techniques to correct problems with the era’s inexpensive, imperfect printing. This included improved and balanced ink densities and color matching, proper registration of the four-color printing and correction of thick/thin lines resulting from the flexible plates “smudging.” The end result is a finished product — as if hot off a world-class printing press produced without economic or time-pressure constraints – tailored for readers, fans, artists and collectors alike.

Each volume features an essay by a comic book historian alongside hundreds of photos and artifacts. The books use three different paper stocks, including an uncoated and wood-free paper exclusively developed for this series that simulates the feel of the original comics.

The first 5,000 copies of Fantastic Four Vol. 1 will be numbered and released as a ‘Famous First Edition’. The book is also available as a Collector’s Edition, limited to 1,000 copies featuring an aluminum print cover tipped into a leatherette-bound spine, foil embossing, and housed in a slipcase. Each book is individually numbered. The inaugural purchase of the Collector’s Edition entitles the collector to the selection of a personal favorite number between 1 and 1,000 on a first-come-first-serve basis. This will also secure a preemptive right to reserve a copy with the identical edition number for all forthcoming Collector’s Edition titles in ‘The Marvel Comic Library’.

The next title in ‘The Marvel Comics Library’ series will be Captain America, scheduled for release in 2023.


Shelton granted exclusive and unprecedented access to some of his most prized and beloved comics, and art, to assist in the creation of this comics tome.

“Working with TASCHEN and the CGC on these books has been an honor. The finished product FAR EXCEEDS any pre-conceived expectations I may have held! I just opened the box with the book, and I know the word might be overused, but it is FANTASTIC! The production quality is awesome. I love it!”


We have a few copies available for purchase in-store NOW, or you can order your copy to have it shipped today!

The Marvel Comics Library Fantastic Four Vol. 1. 1961–1963
Hardcover, 11 x 15.6 in., 10.48 lbs, 700 pages
US$ 200.00
Famous First Edition: First printing of 5,000 numbered copies

Shipping is an additional $25.00 if you are unable to pick up in store.

Pre-Order your copy for pick-up in our store HERE

Order your copy to be shipped HERE – Ships within the US ONLY

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HEROESCON 2017 :: KIRBY & EISNER AT 100

July 28, 2017 By: Rico Renzi Category: Uncategorized

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STAFF PICKS :: AMERICAN BARBARIAN COMPLETE SERIES :: AUGUST 5, 2015

August 04, 2015 By: Seth Peagler Category: DISCUSS, Staff Picks

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seth_staff_picksSETH’S PICK :: AMERICAN BARBARIAN: Tom Scioli has long held the reputation for being an artist who expertly pays homage to the canon of Jack Kirby. One of the things I most respect about Scioli, though, is how he not only captures and distills Kirby’s work in his own, but also channels other interests and influences. Case in point with this week’s long awaited complete collection of American Barbarian. Sure there are nods to Kirby, especially the excellent Kamandi comics, but there’s also a plethora of other monsters, robots and beings that could only jump from Scioli’s fertile imagination. ambar1

As with Scioli’s must read Transformers vs. G.I. Joe series, American Barbarian is full of unabashed love for all things sci fi, fantasy, film, comics and pop culture. It takes concepts that have at times been stereotyped as low, and raised them to high comics art. Thanks to IDW, American Barbarian is finally receiving a nice new complete hardcover collection. It’s unlike any other new book you’ll see on the stands this week, and I hope you’ll take the time to relish this work in all its glory. ambar4

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STAFF PICKS :: CAPTAIN VICTORY AND THE GALACTIC RANGERS #1 :: AUGUST 6, 2014

August 01, 2014 By: Seth Peagler Category: DISCUSS, Staff Picks

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seth_staff_picksSETH’S PICK :: CAPTAIN VICTORY AND THE GALACTIC RANGERS #1: One of Jack Kirby’s last great series gets a shot of new energy this week. It’s written by Joe Casey, who wrote one of my favorite series in recent history, Dark Horse’s Catalyst Comix. Similarly to that book, Captain Victory teams Casey with a variety of talented artists to tell an offbeat sci-fi superhero story. This time around Casey teams up with Nathan Fox, Jim Rugg, Ulises Farinas, Ben Marra, Farel Dalrymple, Michel Fiffe and more, all creators who happen to make some of today’s most consistently inventive comics.  The preview pages suggest that these artists brought plenty of joy and enthusiasm to Kirby’s world, and I can’t wait to see their work on this underrated property.
Victory01-Cov-Fox-600x910

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STAFF PICKS :: DKW DITKO KIRBY WOOD ONE SHOT :: JULY 02 2014

July 01, 2014 By: Justin Crouse Category: DISCUSS, Staff Picks

staff_picksjustin_staff_picksJUSTIN’S PICK :: DKW DITKO KIRBY WOOD ONE SHOT: Hello, Staff Picks, how have you been? Sorry, I’ve been a real jerk. I haven’t called, I didn’t write. HeroesCon had us all hopping
I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Maybe if I offer you this awesome Fantagraphics one shot? Would that help? Cartoonist Sergio Ponchione draws three different stories in the signature styles of those titular titans Steve, Jack, and Wally. It’s a gorgeously designed book, as well, tastefully toned and wrapped in a masterful cover. I know I’ve neglected you, Staff Picks, but can’t we put that all behind us now, and just be together again? Aw, you’re the best. I knew you’d understand.

dkw

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STAFF PICKS :: DEVIL DINOSAUR BY JACK KIRBY THE COMPLETE SERIES TP :: MAY 28, 2014

May 26, 2014 By: Andy Mansell Category: DISCUSS, Staff Picks

staff_picks andy_staff_picksANDY’S PICK :: DEVIL DINOSAUR BY JACK KIRBY THE COMPLETE SERIES TP: Here’s the back-story. In 1972, DC asked Jack Kirby to come up with a title to compete with Marvel’s recent licensing acquisition of Planet of the Apes. Hence, Kamandi. A few years later, Kirby was back at Marvel and they asked him to create a new property  that could go paw to paw with the new Kamandi TV series that DC was developing. So Kirby grudgingly  came up with Devil Dinosaur and Moon Boy. The series only ran for 9 issues. The comic was geared at younger readers, but like most comics back in the ’70s it was never marketed properly. So, at the time  DD  looked like a big-foot n embarrassment from the once-great King when compared to the more cutting edge ‘relevant’ comics from O’Neill and Engelhart. Today those topical books are still fun but are self important, quite silly and rather dated; meanwhile ol’ DD remains a great kids comic just brimming with the Kirby excitement, movement and creativity. Marvel is offering all nine issues in an affordable soft cover edition for only 19.95. You owe it to yourself to pick it up and enjoy!

DevilDino

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STAFF PICKS :: INHUMANS TP: ORIGIN OF INHUMANS :: SEPTEMBER 18, 2013

September 16, 2013 By: Andy Mansell Category: DISCUSS, Staff Picks

staff_picks andy_staff_picksANDY’S PICK :: INHUMANS TP:  ORIGIN OF INHUMANS: In 1965,  Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created a group of supporting characters that cemented the Fantastic Four’s place as The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine!. These Inhumans– a group of Earth-based Kree who are exposed the Terrigen Mists and receive bizarre super powers– continue to play a vital part in the ever-unfolding tapestry of the Marvel comics Universe to this very day. Read the earliest adventures of the Inhuman’s Royal Family– Black Bolt, Medusa, Trigon, Karnak, Gorgon, Crystal along with their faithful teleporting dog Lockjaw!  See Kirby at one of his many creative peaks aided and abetted by (arguably) his greatest inker, Joe Sinnott!, Read captions filled with the Stan Lee ’60s Marvel Magic!  See what all the exclamation points are all about!!!! Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #36, #38, #41-47, #54, #62-65 and ANNUAL #5, plus portions of #48, #50, #52 and #55-61; and the Inhumans’ origin story serialized in THOR  #146-152.
jack kirby stan lee. inhumans. p001
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STAFF PICKS :: IN THE DAYS OF THE MOB HC :: AUGUST 7, 2013

August 01, 2013 By: Andy Mansell Category: DISCUSS, Staff Picks

staff_picksandy_staff_picksANDY’S PICK :: IN THE DAYS OF THE MOB HC: Jack Kirby was always breaking new ground.  When he left Marvel in 1970 over creative and financial differences, he landed at DC comics where he created the justly famous Fourth World series.  But he didn’t stop there. He created a line of black and white magazines that were just a few years before their time.  DC collected one of those magazines, Spirit World last year and now they proudly re-present, In the Days of the Mob. Kirby was once again way ahead of the curve as gangster stories would take over Hollywood about a year later.  These stories represent Kirby at one of his many creative heights.  You don’t want to miss this. Collects IN THE DAYS OF THE MOB #1 and stories from AMAZING WORLD OF DC COMICS #1 and 10.
kirby_mob
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STAFF PICKS :: 2012 FAVORITES :: JUSTIN CROUSE

December 21, 2012 By: Justin Crouse Category: DISCUSS, Staff Picks

JUSTIN’S FAVORITES OF 2012:

Favorite Super-hero Book of 2012: This may be a bit premature, but the Marvel NOW! relaunch of Captain America stands head and shoulders above any other new superhero book for me this year. It manages to be kitschy and modern all at once, a post-millennial nod to Jack Kirby’s near autonomous 1970s run that would surely send the King over the moon. I haven’t read a single issue of a comic book so many times this year; I think my current tally is closing in on a baker’s dozen. Rick Remender deserves a big ol’ hug. If he’d come to Heroes Con, he’d get one.
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STAFF PICKS :: KAMANDI LAST BOY ON EARTH HC VOL 02 OMNIBUS :: DECEMBER 12, 2012

December 07, 2012 By: Rico Renzi Category: DISCUSS, Staff Picks

ANDY’S PICK :: KAMANDI LAST BOY ON EARTH HC VOL 02 OMNIBUS: So back in 1972, DC tried to secure the comic publishing rights to Planet of the Apes, but they lost out to Marvel. So DC asked Jack Kirby to create a series that would be similar (but not too similar) to PoA. And as usual, Kirby not only delivered, he surpassed all expectations. Kirby wrote and drew a 40 issue masterpiece of bizarre concepts and fun to read stories that all take place in a post-nuclear-war earth of the future where mutated animals rule and humans struggles to survive. This Omnibus collects the final 20 issues of the series and includes the classic issue #29 where a cult has formed whose members celebrate the legend of Superman–the hero who tried (in vain) to prevent the Great Disaster. The followers worship at the feet of all that remains– Superman’s uniform. It is one of the great Superman stories of all time and oddly it is a story where the Man of Steel never even appears! Pure Kirby magic! Sorry to sound like a broken record, but these Kirby Omnibus are required reading. Get busy and enjoy–there will be a test!

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