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Marvels Annotated #1-5
Marvels 25th Anniversary
The timeless classic that changed the way we look at Marvel super heroes celebrates its 25th birthday in style! Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross' original tour through the early history of the Marvels - as captured through the lens of photojournalist Phil Sheldon - is collected in full, together with dozens of pages of brand new commentary from the two iconic creators! Then, Busiek and Ross reunite for an amazing new epilogue featuring the all-new, all-different X-Men in deadly battle against the Sentinels- with the now-retired Phil and his daughters caught in the middle! Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the epilogue; scripts, sketches and scores of other bonus features; and a stunning gallery of MARVELS 25th Anniversary Tribute variant covers!
COLLECTING: MARVELS ANNOTATED (2019) 1-4, MARVELS EPILOGUE (2019) 1, MARVELS 25TH TRIBUTE VARIANTS
COLLECTING: MARVELS ANNOTATED (2019) 1-4, MARVELS EPILOGUE (2019) 1, MARVELS 25TH TRIBUTE VARIANTS
504 pages, Hardcover
First published March 18, 2020
22 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,859 books627 followersKurt Busiek is an American comic book writer notable for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own title Astro City, and his four-year run on Avengers.
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 27, 2020
Marvels was a truly breathtaking work of art when it first hit the racks a quarter of a century ago (I remember it well, being an old git) and this 25th anniversary edition, with it’s all-new 16 page epilogue and more bonus features than you could possibly read in one sitting, just cements it’s place in comicbook history.
If you’ve never read Marvels or if, like me, you thought it would be a good time to revisit an old favourite, do yourself a favour and pick this up.
If you’ve never read Marvels or if, like me, you thought it would be a good time to revisit an old favourite, do yourself a favour and pick this up.
May 20, 2021
The quality of the book is undeniable but this was kinda boring for me.
October 9, 2023
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Writer Kurt Busiek form a legendary team with artist Alex Ross to deliver one of the most groundbreaking comic book stories set within the Marvel Universe. Told through the eyes of an ordinary and relatable character, utterly human in the face of otherworldly events, the ultimate vessel for the common mortal, this unquestionable classic unveils the arrival of the superpowered and supernatural into the everyday life of humans. The story offers readers a convincing and thorough perspective, one that serves as an examination of humanity’s ability to manoeuvre through the trials and tribulations of their own vulnerability to the unknown. While also serving as a critique of humankind’s propensity towards violence and hatred instead of kindness and solidarity when in fear of what they do not understand, it also explores the limits of journalism and communication in a world ready to take arms against those who are deemed different.
The story follows young photojournalist Phil Sheldon and his first encounter in 1939 with the Marvels through the fiery arrival of the original Human Torch into the life of the American people. As he struggles to comprehend the state of the world and the danger that now lurks in every corner, he learns throughout the years the good and the bad that comes from the superpowered beings of this world. From The Fantastic Four to the Avengers, he discovers the morally-grey, the many motives that lead some to save lives at the risk of their own, as well as the fear and hatred they must compensate with as many innocent folks are unable to grasp the extent of their powers. Throughout his life, up into the 70s, he thus learns that the world is changing, that heroes and villains come and go, and that journalism can only do so much to convey the truth. Ultimately, it’s up to humanity to look inwards if they are to live without fear of what the future beholds.
Collecting Marvels #1-4, Marvels #0, and Marvels Epilogue, as well as insightful annotations, scripts, sketches, and bonus artwork, this edition of one of Marvel’s greatest graphic novels is a marvellous and hefty volume, perfect for newcomers and fans of this universe, to discover a wonderfully complex universe. Succinct in terms of dialogue and breathtaking through its visual style, the story evolves wonderfully, it presents numerous iconic superheroes and villains, canonical Marvel events, nifty Easter Eggs, and effortlessly digestible dilemmas that invite readers to reflect on the place of these superpowered beings through the civilian’s perspective and their own personal lives. The creative team behind this work of beauty also efficiently establish its protagonist and allow readers to put themselves in his head, becoming one with the numerous emotions and questions he asks himself throughout his life. From a natural awe at the extraordinary things that manifests before him, as giant robots fight with superheroes across iconic landscapes, to an intangible fear for his own life and the future of this world at the mercy of these heroes, there isn’t a moment in his life where he’s not reduced to an infinitely small and inconsequential pawn to the grander events unfolding before him.
There’s very little that can be criticized of Alex Ross’ artwork as well. It wonderfully captures the human soul with perfection through a realistic artistic style, it gorgeously depicts the emotions of individuals, it beautifully portrays the epic scale of these superhero battles. The colouring is flamboyant, every panel of every page is brought to life through his detailed character designs. Even the structure isn’t traditional, with panels overlapping in unique ways, offering a dynamic reading experience, until the huge and memorable moments are showcased in unforgettable splash pages. Through Alex Ross’ art, writer Kurt Busiek efficiently tells his multi-decade story, always keeping a focus on the local photojournalist’s viewpoint, asking questions about family, life, and love, while also illustrating the unparalleled scope of the Marvel Universe and the big questions around humanity challenged by ordinary men and women’s trigger-happy tendency towards hatred and violence. At the end of the day, it’s up to each individual to learn about those around them, whether they have powers or not, and decide if they are willing to live together or suffer through division.
Marvels 25th Anniversary is the quintessential edition of a phenomenal and visually astonishing comic book masterpiece, exploring the Marvel Universe through the eyes of an everyday journalist.
November 11, 2021
Alex Ross' painted art alone is worth all the stars. I can't imagine encountering these comics on the stands in 1994. I'd have been flabbergasted. Now, artists with even the most radical of styles can work on Marvel and DC books, but from what I've seen, affairs were far less vibrant in the 90s. Or vibrant in a bad way. Marvels is just plain gorgeous.
The story in Marvels is above average, but less memorable than the art. It offers an interesting look at early Marvel heroes through the literal lens of a freelance photographer. The glimpses of Phil's home life are appreciated - and it's neat to see in the copious extra materials for the 25th anniversary that Phil's fleshed-out family weren't initially planned for the book. What a loss that would have been!
Phil grapples with his feelings about superheroes as they expand in number and the scope of their activities. It's neat to see the street-level view of Galactus threatening the planet, among other big events. There's also a bit of an assumption that the reader has at least a passing knowledge of these original stories. Again, the extras were fascinating in revealing the hundreds of easter eggs Busiek and Ross squeezed into every page. These men know their Marvel. Some aspects of the 25th anniversary edition can be skipped, but it's well worth a perusal for the easter eggs alone.
The story in Marvels is above average, but less memorable than the art. It offers an interesting look at early Marvel heroes through the literal lens of a freelance photographer. The glimpses of Phil's home life are appreciated - and it's neat to see in the copious extra materials for the 25th anniversary that Phil's fleshed-out family weren't initially planned for the book. What a loss that would have been!
Phil grapples with his feelings about superheroes as they expand in number and the scope of their activities. It's neat to see the street-level view of Galactus threatening the planet, among other big events. There's also a bit of an assumption that the reader has at least a passing knowledge of these original stories. Again, the extras were fascinating in revealing the hundreds of easter eggs Busiek and Ross squeezed into every page. These men know their Marvel. Some aspects of the 25th anniversary edition can be skipped, but it's well worth a perusal for the easter eggs alone.
July 2, 2024
this was such a stunning read. I have previously read very very old editions of the fantastic four but that's it. now, I am actually more interested in reading all of the previous stories.
the art style in this was different- it was very beautiful but it did not have a very comic feel. loved whenever tony made an appearance in this one and almost lost it when logan appeared for a split second. I have a thing for that man istg.
but, I am very excited to continue with the story.
the art style in this was different- it was very beautiful but it did not have a very comic feel. loved whenever tony made an appearance in this one and almost lost it when logan appeared for a split second. I have a thing for that man istg.
but, I am very excited to continue with the story.
June 15, 2021
Photography, a lot of the time, at least. It’s news- It’s things people need to know. Dangerous things. New things. Cool things. It’s scary. It’s exciting. It’s thrilling. All of it at once.
September 3, 2024
Opasłe tomiszcze. Ale sama fabuła to dwieście kilkanaście stron. Prawie trzysta to różne dodatki zebrane z okazji dwudziestej piątej rocznicy wydania. Dałem sobie z nimi spokój, może kiedyś jeszcze wrócę do nich i przeczytam zamiast kartkować. Aczkolwiek, czy szkice i scenopisy mogą być aż tak ciekawe?
Fabularnie jest znakomicie - mamy tu opowieść o uniwersum Marvela od drugiej wojny światowej, kiedy pojawia się Human Torch i Namor. Aż po X-menów i współczesność (sprzed ćwierćwiecza). Fabułę czytelnik śledź oczami zwykłego człowieka - dziennikarza, fotografa, którego całe zawodowe życie skupiło się na obserwowaniu superbohaterów. Mnóstwo smaczków dla wiernych czytelników Marvela. Doskonała, choć momentami trochę szablonowa, przewidywalna konstrukcja fabuły.
Graficznie to nadal majstersztyk. Kadry są piękne, technika ich wykonania wciąż zachwyca. Czasami kiedy czytam jakąś obszerną komiksową fabułę to od pewnego momentu czuję przesyt z powodu tej obszerności. Tym razem, kiedy dotarłem do końca naprawdę było mi żal. Zwłaszcza że nie wiedziałem, że większość tego tomu to dodatki.
Fabularnie jest znakomicie - mamy tu opowieść o uniwersum Marvela od drugiej wojny światowej, kiedy pojawia się Human Torch i Namor. Aż po X-menów i współczesność (sprzed ćwierćwiecza). Fabułę czytelnik śledź oczami zwykłego człowieka - dziennikarza, fotografa, którego całe zawodowe życie skupiło się na obserwowaniu superbohaterów. Mnóstwo smaczków dla wiernych czytelników Marvela. Doskonała, choć momentami trochę szablonowa, przewidywalna konstrukcja fabuły.
Graficznie to nadal majstersztyk. Kadry są piękne, technika ich wykonania wciąż zachwyca. Czasami kiedy czytam jakąś obszerną komiksową fabułę to od pewnego momentu czuję przesyt z powodu tej obszerności. Tym razem, kiedy dotarłem do końca naprawdę było mi żal. Zwłaszcza że nie wiedziałem, że większość tego tomu to dodatki.
June 13, 2021
Perfectly captures the original Marvel ethos in an interesting perspective: the daily life of an ordinary man as he witnesses the rise and fall of various heroes. He documents the encounters and goes back and forth as to wether the super heroes are good or bad. Really interesting, fantastic art.
December 29, 2021
If you've not read the Marvels book before this is a pretty good read. If you have there just isn't enough extra unless you're a real died-in-the-wool fan. I'm not, so it was just slightly interesting.
Kind of a downer to end my 2021 book challenge on.
Kind of a downer to end my 2021 book challenge on.
July 28, 2020
The story revolves around a photographer as a young man prior to WWII in New York and follows him through the years as the age of Marvel heroes commences with various heroes and villains coming into the public eye, at times involuntarily helped the main character.
The art by Alex Ross is fantastic and so is the story by Busiek. It seems simple and straightforward at first but the main character's faith and then doubt about the place of superheroes and how we view them was moving and made you think about the fallibility of mankind. We want the world to be good but we have to struggle with reality crossing out the good we long for.
If you are already familiar with the Marvel world, this is a five star book.
The art by Alex Ross is fantastic and so is the story by Busiek. It seems simple and straightforward at first but the main character's faith and then doubt about the place of superheroes and how we view them was moving and made you think about the fallibility of mankind. We want the world to be good but we have to struggle with reality crossing out the good we long for.
If you are already familiar with the Marvel world, this is a five star book.
June 25, 2024
W zasadzie to jeden z najlepszych historii opowiedzianych w formie komiksu, jaką czytałem. I do tego rysunki Rossa - sama przyjemność!
November 15, 2020
Como vimos en Kingdom Come, el gran Alex Ross nos trae una obra explorada desde el punto de vista del hombre común que vive en un mundo de super humanos. Esta vez las aventuras son documentadas en el universo de Marvel y, como es costumbre, el arte de Alex Ross ilustra momentos que nos dejan con la boca abierta a pesar de que su estilo no deja apreciar la fluidez del movimiento.
May 30, 2021
I very much enjoy getting blu-rays with Director's commentary and lots of special features regarding the making of a show. To me, the enjoyment is enhanced by gaining an appreciation of the work that goes into a production. This is exactly what you will get with this 25th anniversary edition of Marvels. You receive an excellent story and more information about the creative process than you can shake a stick at. But, let me digress.
Being new to Marvel comicdom numerous sources referenced this story as the place to start. It follows the evolution of the marvel heroes, starting in WWII and moving up to present day. However, rather than told through the eyes of the title characters, it is through the lens of a photographer/journalist that this story is presented. It starts with the Torch and goes through to the X-Men and everybody and their dog is in there someplace. (And trust me, you have no idea who shows up! I started looking for myself as it would not have surprised me!) It is a tale of the heroes' impact on the world and how they are viewed by folks watching them on the news or catching a brief glimpse as they zoom past. It brings a different perspective to be sure. And this is just the story. The art? Well the art is incredible!
I have been a fan of Alex Ross since I saw his first depiction of Superman. He makes characters look, well, real. And he does an outstanding job here. His brushes bring an aura of verisimilitude to the book that really drives its themes home. With Kurt Busiek's writing it is no wonder this has had numerous reprints leading up to this uber-special edition. Yet, even though the story is terrific, more than half this volume is devoted to detailing how it came about, the work that went into it, and the legacy it has left behind. I learnt more about the creators' craft reading this book than I have obtained from any other single source.
One special treat is a breakdown, chapter by chapter, of all the Easter eggs hidden in plain sight. And brother, are there a lot! I wasn't kidding when I said everyone was in this book. Expect to be surprised with some of the cameos that crop up. I know I was. You can see the sense of humor both collaborators brought to the table as well since some of the appearances are a little unorthodox for a Marvel book. There are also a great many homages, and to do that while telling an epic story... Whew! No wonder this book is such a hit.
I am now adding my recommendation into the ring. If you are thinking about getting into Marvel's universe and don't know where to start? Look no further. This is the place. And, after reading a dynamite tale, you will also be afforded a glimpse into the passion and dedication these guys bring to the medium. Outstanding!
Being new to Marvel comicdom numerous sources referenced this story as the place to start. It follows the evolution of the marvel heroes, starting in WWII and moving up to present day. However, rather than told through the eyes of the title characters, it is through the lens of a photographer/journalist that this story is presented. It starts with the Torch and goes through to the X-Men and everybody and their dog is in there someplace. (And trust me, you have no idea who shows up! I started looking for myself as it would not have surprised me!) It is a tale of the heroes' impact on the world and how they are viewed by folks watching them on the news or catching a brief glimpse as they zoom past. It brings a different perspective to be sure. And this is just the story. The art? Well the art is incredible!
I have been a fan of Alex Ross since I saw his first depiction of Superman. He makes characters look, well, real. And he does an outstanding job here. His brushes bring an aura of verisimilitude to the book that really drives its themes home. With Kurt Busiek's writing it is no wonder this has had numerous reprints leading up to this uber-special edition. Yet, even though the story is terrific, more than half this volume is devoted to detailing how it came about, the work that went into it, and the legacy it has left behind. I learnt more about the creators' craft reading this book than I have obtained from any other single source.
One special treat is a breakdown, chapter by chapter, of all the Easter eggs hidden in plain sight. And brother, are there a lot! I wasn't kidding when I said everyone was in this book. Expect to be surprised with some of the cameos that crop up. I know I was. You can see the sense of humor both collaborators brought to the table as well since some of the appearances are a little unorthodox for a Marvel book. There are also a great many homages, and to do that while telling an epic story... Whew! No wonder this book is such a hit.
I am now adding my recommendation into the ring. If you are thinking about getting into Marvel's universe and don't know where to start? Look no further. This is the place. And, after reading a dynamite tale, you will also be afforded a glimpse into the passion and dedication these guys bring to the medium. Outstanding!
September 30, 2023
Truly Marvelous!
I’m starting to notice a pattern with me reading these revisionist/tribute/send-up-style comic miniseries like DC: The New Frontier, JSA: The Golden Age, Spider-Man: Life Story, and now Marvels, but I can say that THIS miniseries really hit the mark better than those other books (in my opinion at least). The artwork by Alex Ross alone is truly phenomenal and almost any cover or splash page from here could be put on display at the Met or Guggenheim or the Louvre; it’s THAT GOOD!! 🤩😭🙌🏼
Kurt Busiek’s story is really endearing and charming, and it’s so simple in its set-up and yet so powerful in its execution. There’s so many nods and references to Marvel characters and stories, and if you didn’t catch them on first reading, this anniversary edition I got has pages upon pages for breaking down each panel in each issue to give you details about which characters cameoed, how the creatives approached the story direction and art direction, etc. etc. And that’s kind of what brought down this edition for me, there was so many things and articles talking about this miniseries in such depth and detail that it was exhausting and nauseating for me (and why it took me so long to finish this; I pretty much skimmed or skipped most of the bonus material here, which maybe I’ll revisit at some point, but I really couldn’t be bothered with reading so many pages about how amazing this miniseries was and what other hidden details there were).
Overall, whatever edition you get, it better be this one. Even if you don’t care about bonus material in comics, the six issues collected here makes this story feel very definitive and very complete.
I’m starting to notice a pattern with me reading these revisionist/tribute/send-up-style comic miniseries like DC: The New Frontier, JSA: The Golden Age, Spider-Man: Life Story, and now Marvels, but I can say that THIS miniseries really hit the mark better than those other books (in my opinion at least). The artwork by Alex Ross alone is truly phenomenal and almost any cover or splash page from here could be put on display at the Met or Guggenheim or the Louvre; it’s THAT GOOD!! 🤩😭🙌🏼
Kurt Busiek’s story is really endearing and charming, and it’s so simple in its set-up and yet so powerful in its execution. There’s so many nods and references to Marvel characters and stories, and if you didn’t catch them on first reading, this anniversary edition I got has pages upon pages for breaking down each panel in each issue to give you details about which characters cameoed, how the creatives approached the story direction and art direction, etc. etc. And that’s kind of what brought down this edition for me, there was so many things and articles talking about this miniseries in such depth and detail that it was exhausting and nauseating for me (and why it took me so long to finish this; I pretty much skimmed or skipped most of the bonus material here, which maybe I’ll revisit at some point, but I really couldn’t be bothered with reading so many pages about how amazing this miniseries was and what other hidden details there were).
Overall, whatever edition you get, it better be this one. Even if you don’t care about bonus material in comics, the six issues collected here makes this story feel very definitive and very complete.
June 10, 2020
If you haven't read Marvels yet, this is the edition that is worth picking up. Collecting issues 0 to 4, including 2019's Epilogue issue plus all annotated notes of each issue, plus all behind-the-scenes, scripts, comic galleries, and whole lot more is included in this edition. I was a bit skeptical whether this is better than the 10th Anniversary... but luckily, this edition is a little slightly better than the previous editions that was released some years back. Some artwork quality does feel as if its scanned and printed, but nevertheless... its the experience that counts and it really deserves a five star - for Kurt Busiek for his writing and Alex Ross, that I will always remember his painted artwork that change comics... forever.
December 9, 2025
I’ve read and re-read Marvels more times than I can possibly count. And while it’s always repaid another reading, this annotated version was new to me,and proved (however predictably) an utter delight. I thought I’d caught all the charming callbacks and Easter eggs in the now ***THIRTY-PLUS YEARS*** that I’ve been reading this masterpiece, but I was happily mistaken; Busiek’s and Ross’s love letter to the Marvel Universe (and to the superhero genre in general) still has depths I’d never plumbed. Also:it’s more than a little mind-boggling to me that Marvels itself is now as old as the source material it references was when Marvels was originally published.
March 22, 2021
I mean, this is arguably the greatest Marvel miniseries of all time, right? And it certainly holds up
What's weird is that all the notes really detract from the story. The weird cameos, the fact that the art is to some degree just a painting of a photograph, the fact that Phil's story was an afterthought.
The issue zero belongs with the series historically but not thematically. The new epilogue feels a little like a gimmick - a reason to bring out Ross and toss in the characters - but it's largely a retread of a famous X-Men comic.
What's weird is that all the notes really detract from the story. The weird cameos, the fact that the art is to some degree just a painting of a photograph, the fact that Phil's story was an afterthought.
The issue zero belongs with the series historically but not thematically. The new epilogue feels a little like a gimmick - a reason to bring out Ross and toss in the characters - but it's largely a retread of a famous X-Men comic.
February 26, 2022
Aunque el primer libro me pareció algo más aburrido, la historia fue mejorando con los otros. Vemos diferentes acontecimientos de los vengadores y la Patrulla-X desde el punto de vista del fotógrafo Sheldon, cuya opinión sobre ellos va cambiando a lo largo de este cómic. Aunque esto te da otra perspectiva, ver a los superhéroes desde las personas de la calle, también hace que se profundice poco en las peleas y algunas se mencionen solo de paso.
El dibujo de Ross es muy realista y me gustó mucho.
El dibujo de Ross es muy realista y me gustó mucho.
April 5, 2023
Marvels by Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross is quite the marvel and the presentation in this 25th anniversary deluxe edition is indeed, also quite the marvel. Seeing all the work, research, homages, and easter eggs revealed in the extra content makes it even more amazing.
May 5, 2021
- achei mais aborrecido nesta releitura
- a premissa da apresentacao dos herois atraves dos olhos de um jornalista é interessanta mas para funcionar a vida dele tem de ser interessante pois o tema herois corre Como segundo plano
- a cena dele perder um olho e estar todo otimista achei ridicula
- o capitulo 2 envolvendo os mutantes é excelente e muito emotivo
- dialogos muito bons de busiek
- a premissa da apresentacao dos herois atraves dos olhos de um jornalista é interessanta mas para funcionar a vida dele tem de ser interessante pois o tema herois corre Como segundo plano
- a cena dele perder um olho e estar todo otimista achei ridicula
- o capitulo 2 envolvendo os mutantes é excelente e muito emotivo
- dialogos muito bons de busiek
October 7, 2022
25 years later, it still holds up as a true classic. Beautiful painted art and an inventive ground level story about the age of the "Marvels." If you enjoy the medium, this is a must.
(Ultimately, the extras weren't worth the $ to me, but I'm not deducting a star for that --- I could have dug my original trade out of a box.)
(Ultimately, the extras weren't worth the $ to me, but I'm not deducting a star for that --- I could have dug my original trade out of a box.)
May 10, 2021
I loved this edition to the point that I ended up buying it physically. The story, the characters, everything is wonderful. Besides that it is the genesis of the Marvel universe. Each story allows you to transport yourself to a moment in universal history.
May 30, 2021
Great introductory collection for anyone looking to get an overall idea of important Marvel story lines and events over the course of about 40+ years. Incredible illustrations but don't expect this to read like a standard comic, it's a lot more visual.
October 2, 2021
Amazing story and beautiful art from the legendary Alex Ross! I like how the book is in the POV of an ordinary person who witnesses these incredible superheroes rather than the superheroes POV. It makes for a nice and relatable change
July 19, 2022
Encantador recorrido por la historia de los comics desde los ojos de los lectores. Me agrado un montón el comic. A modo de crítica, tengo que decir que el dibujo de Alex Ross no termina de agradarme.
January 31, 2023
This was so intriguing to read. Seeing the history of various different heroes and stories on one timeline and as if they existed in our world really made this a page-turner. I especially loved the epilogue. I'm gonna think about this for a long time after.
June 5, 2021
4.5/5 but rounding up
July 20, 2021
Masterpiece, no doubt about it. A retelling of all the marvel comics history through the eyes of a common reporter. Wonderful colors, art and story, that make this one of the best comics ever made.
July 24, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
August 23, 2021
It's a all time masterpiece not for its marvelous art but for its story context. What a comic book!
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