The Marvel Age of Comics 1961–1978. 45th Ed.

by Roy Thomas

An Era of the Invincible
The making of Marvel’s household heroes

It was an age of mighty heroes, misunderstood monsters, and complex villains. With the publication, in November 1961, of Fantastic Four No. 1, comics giant Marvel inaugurated a transformative era in pop culture. Through the next two decades, the iconic Hulk, Spider-Man, Iron Man,and the X-Men leapt, darted, and towered through its pages. Captain America was resurrected from his 1940s deep-freeze and the Avengers became the World’s Greatest Super Heroes. Daredevil, Dr. Strange, and dozens more were added to the pantheon, each with their own rogues’ gallery of malevolent counterparts. More than 50 years later, these thrilling characters from the ’60s and ’70s are more popular than ever, fighting the good fight in comics, toy aisles, and blockbuster movies around the world.

The Marvel Age of Comics 1961–1978 takes you to the heart of this seminal segment in comic history―an age of triumphant character and narrative innovation that reinvented the super hero genre. With hundreds of images and insider insights, the book traces the birth of champions who were at once epic in their powers and adversaries and grounded in a world that readers recognized as close to their own; relatable heroes with the same problems, struggles, and shortcomings as everyone else. By the ’70s, we see how the House of Ideas also elevated horror, sword and sorcery, and martial arts in its stable of titanic demigods, introducing iconic characters like Man-Thing, Conan, and Shang-Chi and proving that their brand of storytelling could succeed and flourish outside of the capes and tights.

Behind it all, we get to know the extraordinary Marvel architects whose names are almost as familiar as the mortals (and immortals!) they brought to life―Stan “The Man” Lee, Jack “King” Kirby, and Steve Ditko, along with a roster of greats like John Romita, John Buscema, Marie Severin, Jim Steranko, and countless others. The result is a behind-the-scenes treasure trove and a jewel for any comic fan’s library, brimming with the innovation and energy of an invincible era for Marvel and its heroes alike

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Nonfiction, History, Art, Graphic Novels, Reference

511 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2017

About the author

Roy Thomas was the FIRST Editor-in-Chief at Marvel--After Stan Lee stepped down from the position. Roy is a longtime comic book writer and editor. Thomas has written comics for Archie, Charlton, DC, Heroic Publishing, Marvel, and Topps over the years. Thomas currently edits the fanzine Alter Ego for Twomorrow's Publishing. He was Editor for Marvel comics from 1972-1974. He wrote for several titles at Marvel, such as Avengers, Thor, Invaders, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and notably Conan the Barbarian. Thomas is also known for his championing of Golden Age comic-book heroes — particularly the 1940s superhero team the Justice Society of America — and for lengthy writing stints on Marvel's X-Men and Avengers, and DC Comics' All-Star Squadron, among other titles.

Also a legendary creator. Creations include Wolverine, Carol Danvers, Ghost Rider, Vision, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Valkyrie, Morbius, Doc Samson, and Ultron. Roy has also worked for Archie, Charlton, and DC among others over the years.

Reviews

[Warwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never really got into superhero comics, because I am a comics snob and only like them when they're in French and/or designed to make you jump off a bridge. But this handsome Taschen volume induced me to try and fill some gaps in my cultural knowledge. This didn't change my mind on the strange sexlessness and airy lack of consequence in this medium, but it did help me see how much it's mitigated by artistic innovation that I clearly never gave enough credit to. The best thing in here is watching the evolution of the art styles – from Kirby and Ditko to Johns Buscema and Romita and the new artists coming through at the end of the 70s.


The cover to the first Avengers in 1963, drawn by Jack Kirby


Beautiful developments in figurework, from John Romita and Jim Mooney (1968)


The Castañeda-inspired psychedelica of Jim Starlin and John Romita (again) in 1973

This is, obviously, not a critical look at Marvel's history (Thomas was their editor-in-chief for years, and had a hand in creating not a few of the characters herein). In fact it's barely a history at all. When faced with the choice between reflecting on the social history or personnel movements of the times, and reproducing another Howard the Duck cover, it will plump for the second option nine times out of ten. But the reproductions are pretty good.

[Pedro Pascoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely visual Marvel puffpiece, written (as such) by 'Rascally' Roy Thomas, covering the Silver Age and early Bronze age of Marvel. While the brief passages written by Thomas do provide a few insights and behind the scenes glimpses into his view of Marvel from 1961 to 1978, this book is valuable as a tome of images from Marvel Comics during this explosive period with brief descriptive passages for context. I would personally hope for a companion volume covering 1979 to the end of the Copper Age (1990 or so), but a delightful visual romp through a creative explosion in pop culture.
'Nuff Said.

[Ignacio Vega · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesante recorrido por los 15 años que vieron nacer Marvel que marcó mi infancia y que terminó por apoderarse del cine, relatando no solo los orígenes de personajes clásicos como Spider-Man, Hulk y los 4 Fantásticos, sino también las circunstancias particulares en las que Lee, Kirby y co. le dieron vida a esta infinidad cósmica de personajes, en el contexto de la Nueva York de los sesentas. Se incluyen anécdotas de la vida en el bullpen, del proceso creativo, inspiraciones para los personajes, escritores, ilustradores y jugadores desconocidos en todos los departamentos de la compañía… en fin, la historia completa, además de muchísimas fotografías, páginas de cómics y portadas emblemáticas. Dicho todo eso, aunque me pareció un libro interesante, lo sentí un poco desarticulado, y más de la mitad era una colección de momentos de cómic con poca relación uno con otro o con el tema que estaba tratando el texto, y cuesta un poco seguir la pista y mantener la atención. Además siento que es una lástima leer una versión traducida, con todas las páginas de cómic en su idioma original; un lector que no sepa inglés se pierde la mitad de la experiencia. Pero bueno, no está nada mal, y lo terminé con un aprecio renovado por las historias que me vieron crecer a mí (eso sí, adaptadas a otros medios. En cómics como tal me inicié recientemente).

[Doug Downing · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an abridged version of the full-size edition. What a shame! I feel ripped off.

The design is excellent. But there are too many graphics I expected to see (from ’61-’78) that just aren't here. There's plenty to look at, yes. But it's not comprehensive, compared to earlier, larger editions. The reflowing of content to accommodate the smaller page size made it hard to compare in detail.

NOTE: This 512-page book (6.5" x 8.75", w/silver background and wraparound endpaper) is part of Taschen's 40th Anniversary series, celebrating their own publishing history with compact versions of their top sellers. The contents are copyright © 2022 by Marvel. The original edition of Marvel Age of Comics (2017) had a white background. It, itself, was an extraction of a much larger, more comprehensive Taschen book, 75 Years of Marvel by Roy Thomas (2014), that celebrated Marvel's 75th anniversary.

[Greg L Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Note: This review is for the "mini" Taschen edition, which is pretty much the same as the oversize.)

Marvel veteran Roy Thomas has written a lovely historical "puff piece." That's not meant to be a critical or judgmental comment in any way , just an obvious to heads up to the fact that if you are expecting much critical insight here, you're not in the right place.

We get a handful of behind the scenes insights into Marvel from 1961 to 1978, especially the earlier years, but this book is more valuable as a visual digest of "The Marvel Age of Comics."

Some material is organized in a surprising way, as overviews of characters are often not chronological, and I can't discern the logic to that. (i.e. Howard the Duck precedes Shang-Chi.)

All in all, though, if you care about this period and these characters, the book is must have for your shelves.

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nicely produced and fairly comprehensive tour through most of Marvel's first couple of decades. However, it's an extremely sanitized version of events that favors Marvel (as the licensor) and Roy Thomas (as the writer). Thomas's stories get much more focus and depth than other creators', and there's nary a controversial word written about Stan Lee.

It's also very interesting to note that Thomas does not claim any credit for the creation of Wolverine in this book... but of course, it was written in 2017 when some of Wolverine's actual co-creators were still alive, and Roy didn't make that credit grab until 2024, once they were all dead.

Roy Thomas is a hugely important figure when it comes to preserving comics history. But I would suggest not taking him at his word when he's talking about anything that he was personally involved in.

[Drew Canole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A visual review of Marvels' first 17 years. It's definitely a puff piece but it was a fun way to get a 1000 foot high overview of the creative process, the stories they told, and lots of good art reproductions. Some scans of the original art, some scans of the actual comic pages (which is always appreciated).

One thing I found interesting is how in the 60s they doubled down on the success of Spider-Man and Fantastic Four essentially becoming just a superhero publisher. But in the 70s they expanded a bit more and tried to cover nearly every genre of comics popular in the day - westerns, sci-fi, horror, etc. There's a lot of interesting titles in the 70s I've overlooked or always meant to look at that I'd enjoy checking out now.

One day I'd like to read all the 60s superhero stuff in some sort of publication order.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A visually stunning book (like most of Taschen's output) only marred by a strangely edited text. Throughout, Thomas mentions historical points that are never explained, notably several references to Timely/Marvel's distribution deal before the Marvel Age began that limited the number of titles they could publish. Definitely read this alongside Sean Howe 's masterful history.

[John Peel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undeniably one of the most productive and readable time for comics was the early years of Marvel Comics. So many great characters, so many terrific titles, so much lunacy... Roy Thomas was there from almost the start, so he writes authoritatively on the period. Insightful and great fun.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to read about early days of Marvel and see the early issues.

[Chris Tower · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great history. I love Roy Thomas and Taschen.

[Eme A]

Mucha ilustración y poco texto, como era de esperar. ¡Es Taschen! Lo peor, la traducción con errores, falsos amigos y desconocimiento del sector del cómic en general

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read highlights and brief commentary of the first 17 years or so of the Marvel Comics age from an insider.

[Jose · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Marvel Age Of Comics 1961-1978 Roy Thomas Beautiful Coffee Table Book

Lavishly illustrated, Huge tome,love the cover,the artwork the history the way the book is done. The book should have left out the "timeline" carefully selected I am sure,typical of other Taschen books as far as politcally slanted. With honorable mentions towards A youthful president from the infamous Kennedy Clan and other causes and this is right when you open the book on the book itself. This book had potential of being a great history for the BEST time in History for Comicbooks,for Marvel I still recommend the book to any Marvel fan worth their salt as I got myself a Copy for me and another a year ago as a gift. My two cents however I am disappointed.

[Jaq Greenspon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. It’s fascinating in that it a completely objective look at the company, glossing over most of the controversies (which are handled elsewhere quite well) in favor of just glorifying the comics themselves.

[Christoph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Für meinen Geschmack ist Roy Thomas zu freundlich. Gegenüber Martin Goodman, aber vor allem gegenüber Stan Lee. Vermutlich bin ich #TeamKirby…