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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TASCHEN + MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT Launches Spider-Man Vol. 1 1962-1964 – Created with photos from Shelton’s personal collection!

December 07, 2021 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

Taschen Promo copy

TASCHEN and Marvel Entertainment Announce ‘The Marvel Comics Library’;

Spider-Man. Vol. 1. 1962–1964 To Kick Off Long-Term Collaboration Today

 New Series Reproduces Marvel’s Rarest Comics in Extra-Large Format.

New York, NY – December 7, 2021 â€“ ‘The Marvel Comics Library’, an exclusive, long-term collaboration between TASCHEN and Marvel, was announced today. Over the next decade, Marvel’s rarest classic comics, including Spider-Man, Avengers and Captain America will be 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. 

The inaugural volume of ‘The Marvel Comics Library’, Spider-Man. Vol. 1. 1962–1964, features the first 21 stories of everybody’s favorite web slinger, meticulously honoring the original vision of Spider-Man creators Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. An in-depth historical essay by Marvel editor Ralph Macchio, an introduction by uber-collector David Mandel, original art boards, rare photographs, and other never-before-seen gems make this book the ultimate tribute to the teen who redefined what it meant to be a hero, right ahead of Spider-Man’s 60th birthday. 

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 Spider-Man. 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 titles in ‘The Marvel Comics Library’ series will be Avengers. Vol. 1. 1963–1965Fantastic Four. Vol. 1. 1961–1963 and Captain America, all scheduled for release in 2022 and 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 AMAZING! The production quality is awesome. I love it!”

______

We will be offering a pre-order for this book in our store and on our website!

The Marvel Comics Library. Spider-Man. Vol. 1. 1962–1964
Hardcover, 11 x 15.6 in., 10.62 lb, 698 pages
US$ 200.00
Famous First Edition: First printing of 5,000 numbered copies
Will ship in January 2022

 

Also available in a Collector’s Edition of 1,000 numbered copies
Hardcover with ChromaLuxe aluminum print cover tipped into a leatherette-bound spine.
11 x 15.6 in., 5.05 kg (11.13 lb), 698 pages, in a slipcase

Please inquire about availibility. 
US$ 600.00

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HEROESCON 2015 GUEST LIST UPDATE :: STAN LEE!!!

June 05, 2015 By: Rico Renzi Category: Guest List, HeroesCon

stan-lee_talk_heroescon

Stan Lee is coming back to Heroes Convention! The photo above is from Stan’s first HeroesCon appearance in 1984! We’re delighted that Stan has worked us into his busy schedule even if it’s just for one day. Stan will be appearing and signing on our show floor on Saturday, June 20.

For the serious Stan ‘The Man” Fan you can join Stan Lee and a very limited number of other TRUE BELIEVERS for a meet and greet on Friday evening.

Don’t worry we’ve got plenty of packages for other budgets. For full descriptions, click through to our ticket page. Don’t forget, you need a HeroesCon 2015 3 Day pass to enjoy any of the Stan Lee packages.

  • Stan Lee: Friday Evening Meet & Greet
  • Stan Lee: Saturday Early Entry w/ Autograph + Photograph
  • Stan Lee: Autograph
  • Stan Lee: Photograph

Eventbrite - HEROES CONVENTION 2015 :: 3 DAY REGISTRATION

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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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Review :: Leaping Tall Buildings: The Origins of American Comics

September 03, 2012 By: Andy Mansell Category: DISCUSS, Reviews

This is for all of you out there in Heroesland who were unfamiliar with Joe Kubert and did not understand the importance of his his place in comic’s history or the importance of his (and other’s) stature in the history of our beloved medium. There is nothing to be ashamed of–comics has a long rich history and it is hard to get involved in comics’ past when the present is moving so quickly toward the future.
Now, I love comic books and there is only one thing I love more than Comic Books (besides my wife, daughter, and  those fresh Harris Teeter donuts with the sprinkles) and that is Books about Comics. I am a Comic Lit junkie and I try to read every book that gets published about Comic History and Comics Analysis.  And there is a lot out there.  Some of it is OK, some of it is good and some of it is great.  Most books are for the experienced Comic Enthusiast but  sometimes a book is published for fans who are new to our rich history. And Leaping Tall Buildings: The Origins of American Comics by writer Christopher Irving and photographer Seth Kushner is an ideal place for the initiate to annoint themselves in the rich history of Comic book past. In all honesty, the book is really a Photography Portrait album peppered with quite a few fascinating quotes from the creators themselves.
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HEROESCON 2012 :: 3 DAY PASS SALES EXTENDED! EXCLUSIVE CARY NORD ROCKETEER PRINT!

June 19, 2012 By: Rico Renzi Category: HeroesCon, HeroesCon News

Sales of HeroesCon 2012 Advance 3 Day Passes have been extended through tomorrow! Ticket sales will end at 4 PM EST on Wednesday, June 20th. For only $30 you can attend all 3 days of America’s Favorite Comic Convention! You will also receive this limited edition print of Dave Stevens’ Rocketeer with stunning art by Cary Nord!! Stan Lee True Believer Passes are still available too! Get your tickets here!

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HEROESCON 2012 :: STAN LEE’S Signing & Photo Schedule!

June 18, 2012 By: Rico Renzi Category: Guest List, HeroesCon, HeroesCon News, Schedule

 

Because YOU demanded it, and because you sent a million emails to both us and Stan asking for it, Stan Lee will be extending his stay at HeroesCon until Sunday afternoon!

That’s right! The response to the True Believer pass was so strong that Stan didn’t want to disappoint anyone that wanted to meet him and get an autograph or a photo taken with him! All VIP pass holders will have 2 days of opportunity to meet Stan “The Man” Lee!

Below is the full signing and photo schedule. If you were thinking about getting a True Believer pass, do it now. They are still on sale, but obviously for a limited time!

Saturday:

  • 9:30 AM – VIP photo session (advance pass and all VIP in 30 min prior to public)
  • 11:30 AM – VIP autograph session
  • BREAK
  • 2:00 PM – Regular photo session
  • 3:30 PM – Regular Autograph session
  • 5:00 PM – “An Hour With Stan Lee” Panel
  • 6:00 PM – Convention closes

Sunday:

  • 10:00 AM – Photos (VIP pass holders in 1 hour prior to public to be in Stan Lee line only.)
  • 11:30 AM – Autographs
  • BREAK
  • 1:00 PM –  Autographs
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HEROESCON 2012 :: STAN LEE TRUE BELIEVER PASSES BACK FOR A LIMITED TIME!

June 08, 2012 By: Shelton Drum Category: Guest List, HeroesCon, HeroesCon News

Back by popular demand!!! “True Believer” passes to meet Stan Lee!

That’s right True Believers, Stan has OK’d another round of special VIP status passes for us to offer to you. Only the “True Believer” level pass is available, and not too many of those. The description and online ticket form is here.

You can still buy autographs and fast pass tickets in advance of the HeroesCon, ala carte from Desert Winds Comics, as well as autographs and photographs at the con itself as long as time allows.

Stan is pretty super, but superhuman is still the stuff of comic books! There are no guarantees how many autographs will be available at the show.

Don’t miss out!
Order those “True Believer” passes and advance autograph tickets right now!

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HEROESCON 2012 :: NOW AVAILABLE :: STAN LEE AUTOGRAPH TICKET AND FAST PASS FROM DESERT WIND COMICS!!

June 04, 2012 By: Rico Renzi Category: Guest List, HeroesCon, HeroesCon News

Desert Wind Comics, Exclusive Facilitator of Stan Lee Autographs Presents Autograph Tickets and Fast Pass Opportunities!

Although our VIP packages have sold out, everyone who attends HeroesCon 2012 will have an opportunity to meet Stan Lee! A LIMITED NUMBER of tickets will be offered exclusively through Desert Wind Comics are available now! The price for this special opportunity is $55.00 USD per autograph (which includes processing and handling fees). You must supply the item to be signed. Also offered by Desert Wind is the Stan Lee Fast Pass. The Fast Pass allows you to get into a special express line during a DWC Stan Lee signing. The express line is the first line to be signed after the VIP line. Please click the image of Stan or right here for full details. Depending on availability, on-site tickets may also be sold at the Desert Wind Comics booth beginning Friday, June 22nd. There is no guarantee that on-site tickets will even be available. Check with the Desert Wind Comics booth for details.

Neither of these tickets grants admission to HeroesCon. PLEASE READ the ticket desciptions at the link and if you still have questions contact DWC at stanleetickets@desertwindcomics.com .

Get your 3-day passes for $30 here!

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HEROESCON 2012 :: STAN LEE VIP PACKAGES!

May 11, 2012 By: Rico Renzi Category: Guest List, HeroesCon, HeroesCon News

Last week we announced that Stan Lee would be attending HeroesCon 2012, June 22-24, 2012. Please note that anyone who attends the show will be able to meet Stan and purchase an autograph or a photograph with Stan the Man. Stan will also be featured on a panel one of the days that he is here which all convention guests are welcome to attend. But, if you want to guarantee you get an autograph, photo and more from Stan and you don’t want to wait in what we’re sure will be long lines for this living legend we are making two levels of VIP access available to you!

You can purchase “True Believer” and “Excelsior” passes now by clicking here.

  • The “True Believer” pass will allow the holder to one photo with Stan, one certified autograph, express lane for photos and autographs and priority seating at Stan’s panel.
  • The “Excelsior!” pass will provide all of the above as well as admission to an intimate “meet and greet” cocktail party with Stan Lee.
  • In addition to the guaranteed access, one lucky “True Believer” or”EXCELSIOR” pass holder will be chosen at random to be in Stan’s entourage all day Saturday. That lucky winner will be with Mr. Lee all day as he signs autographs, poses with fans for photos, walks with Stan to his panel discussion and will be included in a very exclusive lunch with Stan on Saturday!

We’re so excited Stan Lee is coming back to Charlotte to help us celebrate our 30th Anniversary and we know you are too! Don’t miss your opportunity to meet this legendary creator!

Please note: There are 2 different versions of the Stan Lee ticket on the site. One pair is an upgrade if you already have already purchased your 3-day pass and the others include 3-day admission plus the Stan related upgrades!

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