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The Marvel Creator Collection No. 1: "Back to the Savage Land" Barry Windsor-Smith at Marvel Vol. 1
- GenresComics
352 pages, Hardcover
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Barry Windsor-Smith
483 books154 followersBarry Windsor-Smith (born Barry Smith) is a British comic book illustrator and painter whose best known work has been produced in the United States. He is known for his work on Marvel Comics' Conan the Barbarian from 1970 to 1973, and for his work on Wolverine – particularly the original Weapon X story arc.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Did Not Finish
March 31, 2026Unfinished not through choice, but because the Netgalley ARC is only the first quarter or so of the collection – which I can't entirely begrudge on a high-end item like this, and one which by its nature was always going to be bitty anyway, so it's not as if it's a smooth read interrupted. Along with assorted covers for Marvel, the sampler contains early issues and shorts illustrated by the then Barry Smith. All are written in the melodramatic, portentous style synonymous with old Marvel, with scripts by Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway and, worst of the lot, Arnold Drake; the Beast has always been a minefield of a character, but never before have I seen him read quite so much like a self-appointed intellectual arguing on the internet. That's in a fight between the early X-Men and Blastaar; we also get the Vision's betrayal of the Avengers and rebooting of Ultron; the end of an adventure for Tarzan knock-off Ka-Zar; and two horror shorts in both of which a foolish incomer scoffs at one of the ancient curses with which Britain is so amply supplied, with predictable consequences. Still, we are not, thankfully, here for the scripts, but to trace the development of BWS as an artist, and it's remarkable to watch how rapidly he goes from stilted, blocky imitation Kirby to the haunted backgrounds and harrowed faces that would define his imperial phase.
October 8, 2025
Collection of gorgeous older art by Barry Windsor Smith at the start of his career. Even if you’ve seen his superhero art from X-Men or Avengers before, the rarely reprinted horror stories are a surprise in showing far more of BWS’ range and where he will take his art beyond these early stages.
Read courtesy of NetGalley and Fantagraphics
Read courtesy of NetGalley and Fantagraphics
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Fantagraphics Books for an advance copy preview of a new collection from one of the most dynamic artists of the seventies and eighties, one whose skill not only got better with time, but so did his love of invention and changing styles.
I was a huge comics fan as a child, but it took me quite a while to realize there was more to comics than guys with capes punching things. I education in comics came from the bins and basket at tag sales and flea markets, where comics could be bought a few copies for less than a dollar if they lacked covers, sometimes more if they were complete. There I discovered a lot of comic creators who I still enjoy today. One of these, and a favorite was Barry Windsor-Smith, though I am sure the Windsor came much later. It was Conan the Barbarian that introduced me to both the artist, and a series of comics and books that I would come to enjoy. Conan, a huge man with no shirt, a bigger sword, a hint of blood, and a look of confidence, with a hint of berserker. The art grabbed me at once, and frankly even typing this now, has never really left me. All the lasting legacy of an artist, who constantly changed, tried new things, and never gave less than his all. The Marvel Creator Collection No. 1 "Back to the Savage Land" Barry Windsor-Smith at Marvel Vol. 1 features various artists, various heroes, all drawn by Windsor-Smith showing his early works and influences, the first in a three part series.
The copy I read was a preview of about 100 pages. Included in this collection were a few classic X-Men stories, a Thor story and a few others. The writing for the stories is basically of their time. A lot of words, more words in a dialogue box than in most issues. Slightly sexist to mostly sexist. Still a lot of fun. It is the art that brings the readers to the page, and this is Windsor-Smith still learning his craft. One can see the clear influence of Kirby, the posing, the mechanical backgrounds. The Marvel-way, as some would call it. However, especially in the Thor story, one can see things, a change in pose, a way the artist plays with the reader's point of view, the Windsor-Smith was starting to reach out of his comfort zone. And become the master he is considered.
Again I read a sample, but I really enjoyed what I read and more importantly what I saw. This will be an important series, about an artist I have long enjoyed. I look forward to buying all three volumes when they are released.
I was a huge comics fan as a child, but it took me quite a while to realize there was more to comics than guys with capes punching things. I education in comics came from the bins and basket at tag sales and flea markets, where comics could be bought a few copies for less than a dollar if they lacked covers, sometimes more if they were complete. There I discovered a lot of comic creators who I still enjoy today. One of these, and a favorite was Barry Windsor-Smith, though I am sure the Windsor came much later. It was Conan the Barbarian that introduced me to both the artist, and a series of comics and books that I would come to enjoy. Conan, a huge man with no shirt, a bigger sword, a hint of blood, and a look of confidence, with a hint of berserker. The art grabbed me at once, and frankly even typing this now, has never really left me. All the lasting legacy of an artist, who constantly changed, tried new things, and never gave less than his all. The Marvel Creator Collection No. 1 "Back to the Savage Land" Barry Windsor-Smith at Marvel Vol. 1 features various artists, various heroes, all drawn by Windsor-Smith showing his early works and influences, the first in a three part series.
The copy I read was a preview of about 100 pages. Included in this collection were a few classic X-Men stories, a Thor story and a few others. The writing for the stories is basically of their time. A lot of words, more words in a dialogue box than in most issues. Slightly sexist to mostly sexist. Still a lot of fun. It is the art that brings the readers to the page, and this is Windsor-Smith still learning his craft. One can see the clear influence of Kirby, the posing, the mechanical backgrounds. The Marvel-way, as some would call it. However, especially in the Thor story, one can see things, a change in pose, a way the artist plays with the reader's point of view, the Windsor-Smith was starting to reach out of his comfort zone. And become the master he is considered.
Again I read a sample, but I really enjoyed what I read and more importantly what I saw. This will be an important series, about an artist I have long enjoyed. I look forward to buying all three volumes when they are released.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In the world of comic books Barry Windsor-Smith is an artist with a long and significant legacy in the history the medium. Among his long line of work, he is known for redefining Conan The Barbarian in the 70s, and for his 'Weapon X' run, which provided a mature origin story for the X-Men's Wolverine, giving the character more complexity and nuance, and creating some of his most iconic moments that have since been translated to both animation and film.
He is one of the rare creators in the industry who often has complete artistic control over his work, from the writing to the pencils, inks, and colouring. His Jack Kirby influences are very clear, especially in his early work, but through the years his style has evolved and got an identity that is distinctively his own.
The Marvel Creator Collection No. 1 "Back to the Savage Land" Barry Windsor-Smith at Marvel Vol. 1 (the first of 3) collects some of his most popular, pre-Conan comics for Marvel, including Ka-Zar in Astonishing Tales, as well as some of his most prominent depictions of The Avengers, The Uncanny X-Men, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange. As the comics here are mostly silver age material, it's worth keeping in mind that both the writing and the themes are sometimes a product of their time. Some characters and storylines might come off as a little dated to someone who is more used to the modern comic book (or MCU) versions of some characters. Nevertheless, it's a great example of how the medium has grown, changed, and adapted through the decades.
On the whole, this volume collects some great specimens of the history of some of Marvel's most well-known heroes. As this is Windsor-Smith's early work, it's interesting seeing how his artwork and overall style evolved and slowly broke away from Kirby's influence and took a form and identity of its own. Certainly a great read for any fan of classic Marvel, and of Barry Windsor-Smith's work specifically.
He is one of the rare creators in the industry who often has complete artistic control over his work, from the writing to the pencils, inks, and colouring. His Jack Kirby influences are very clear, especially in his early work, but through the years his style has evolved and got an identity that is distinctively his own.
The Marvel Creator Collection No. 1 "Back to the Savage Land" Barry Windsor-Smith at Marvel Vol. 1 (the first of 3) collects some of his most popular, pre-Conan comics for Marvel, including Ka-Zar in Astonishing Tales, as well as some of his most prominent depictions of The Avengers, The Uncanny X-Men, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange. As the comics here are mostly silver age material, it's worth keeping in mind that both the writing and the themes are sometimes a product of their time. Some characters and storylines might come off as a little dated to someone who is more used to the modern comic book (or MCU) versions of some characters. Nevertheless, it's a great example of how the medium has grown, changed, and adapted through the decades.
On the whole, this volume collects some great specimens of the history of some of Marvel's most well-known heroes. As this is Windsor-Smith's early work, it's interesting seeing how his artwork and overall style evolved and slowly broke away from Kirby's influence and took a form and identity of its own. Certainly a great read for any fan of classic Marvel, and of Barry Windsor-Smith's work specifically.
April 29, 2026
★★⯨☆☆ (2.5/5.0)
This is an interesting archival piece that showcases Barry Windsor-Smith’s unmistakable artistic talent, but as an overall reading experience, it feels more important historically than emotionally engaging. Fans of classic Marvel comics and comic art history, like me, will likely appreciate seeing Windsor-Smith’s early style and evolution, especially the detailed linework and dynamic character designs that helped define an era.
Nevertheless, the storytelling feels dated and uneven. The pacing can be slow, with dialogue that often feels overly dramatic and repetitive by modern standards. While the Savage Land setting has potential for adventure and mystery, the narrative doesn’t always make the most of it, and some sections feel more like a curiosity piece than a gripping comic.
Where this volume shines most, is in the visuals. Windsor-Smith’s artwork carries much of the book, adding energy and personality even when the script struggles. Readers interested in comic book artistry will find value here, but casual readers may have a harder time connecting with the story itself.
Overall, it is a mixed but noteworthy collection—better appreciated as a showcase of a legendary creator than as a must-read Marvel adventure.
My NetGalley review
This is an interesting archival piece that showcases Barry Windsor-Smith’s unmistakable artistic talent, but as an overall reading experience, it feels more important historically than emotionally engaging. Fans of classic Marvel comics and comic art history, like me, will likely appreciate seeing Windsor-Smith’s early style and evolution, especially the detailed linework and dynamic character designs that helped define an era.
Nevertheless, the storytelling feels dated and uneven. The pacing can be slow, with dialogue that often feels overly dramatic and repetitive by modern standards. While the Savage Land setting has potential for adventure and mystery, the narrative doesn’t always make the most of it, and some sections feel more like a curiosity piece than a gripping comic.
Where this volume shines most, is in the visuals. Windsor-Smith’s artwork carries much of the book, adding energy and personality even when the script struggles. Readers interested in comic book artistry will find value here, but casual readers may have a harder time connecting with the story itself.
Overall, it is a mixed but noteworthy collection—better appreciated as a showcase of a legendary creator than as a must-read Marvel adventure.
My NetGalley review
December 19, 2025
This was an interesting read. I liked reading the darker aspect of the marvel comics and the different stories I've never read or heard about before. I do feel like some of the dialogue felt forced, but that could have been the year these comics were made. The art style was nice to look at. The only dissatisfaction I had was that all of the females were portrayed as weak and defenseless and needed help from a man. Jean is one of the strongest telepaths but seems to always have a very weak mind since she constantly faints after using her powers.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced arc for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced arc for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Marvel Creator Collection No. 1 “Back to the Savage Land” Barry Windsor-Smith at Marvel Vol. 1
Barry Windsor-Smith
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
ARC courtesy of Fantagraphics Books and NetGalley.
This is a review of a SAMPLER of The Marvel Creator Collection No. 1 “Back to the Savage Land” part of a curated series, with Barry Windsor-Smith’s earliest work at Marvel comics, including early issues of X-Men, Thor and a few others, including short horror tales. This is the Marvel I remember reading as a child – wordy, often sexist dialogue, and beautiful artwork. This was a treat, and I await the complete series.
Barry Windsor-Smith
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
ARC courtesy of Fantagraphics Books and NetGalley.
This is a review of a SAMPLER of The Marvel Creator Collection No. 1 “Back to the Savage Land” part of a curated series, with Barry Windsor-Smith’s earliest work at Marvel comics, including early issues of X-Men, Thor and a few others, including short horror tales. This is the Marvel I remember reading as a child – wordy, often sexist dialogue, and beautiful artwork. This was a treat, and I await the complete series.
April 26, 2026
Not a full review as it was only a hundred page sampler that i read.
You can clearly see Kirbys influence on the earliest of Smiths artwork here. Theres very few signs of where his artwork would end up.
Your mileage with the stories themselves may vary as they are very much of their time. But an interesting snapshot in the career of a man that would become a master of his craft.
I look forward to the full book
Thank you to Netgalley and Fantographics for the ARC of this
You can clearly see Kirbys influence on the earliest of Smiths artwork here. Theres very few signs of where his artwork would end up.
Your mileage with the stories themselves may vary as they are very much of their time. But an interesting snapshot in the career of a man that would become a master of his craft.
I look forward to the full book
Thank you to Netgalley and Fantographics for the ARC of this
September 28, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. And I forgot to review it when I read it....
This is a collection of early Marvel Comics Barry Windsor-Smith work. It's very interesting to see how different his style was in these early stories. You can see glimpses of the artist he will eventually become, but these stories are somewhat typical Marvel fare of the time.
This is a collection of early Marvel Comics Barry Windsor-Smith work. It's very interesting to see how different his style was in these early stories. You can see glimpses of the artist he will eventually become, but these stories are somewhat typical Marvel fare of the time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Presenting the art work
of one of the earliest pioneers
from the upstart Comic House
Marvel Comics.
It is good to see what comics
looked like 60(?) years ago.
The art was beautiful
but clunky by today's views.
But you can't fly before
you learn to walk.
We owe Windsor-smith
and everyone who was
to do it first a debt of thanks.
of one of the earliest pioneers
from the upstart Comic House
Marvel Comics.
It is good to see what comics
looked like 60(?) years ago.
The art was beautiful
but clunky by today's views.
But you can't fly before
you learn to walk.
We owe Windsor-smith
and everyone who was
to do it first a debt of thanks.
August 24, 2025
ARC from Netgalley.
Not a single thing wrong with any of the material, but the collection doesn't do anything to highlight his talents.
Not a single thing wrong with any of the material, but the collection doesn't do anything to highlight his talents.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked reading this as it is not something I usually read. It's old school and fun to see all the characters that we're now familiar with from the big screen.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews