Comic books in 'Marvel Comics (History)'

1st printing. By Pierre Comtois. After being relegated to the realm of children's literature for the first 25 years of its history, the comic book industry experienced an unexpected flowering in the early 1960s. This book presents a step-by-step look at how the company emerged as one of the most dynamic, slightly irreverent, and downright original contributions to an era when pop-culture emerged as the dominant force in the artistic life of America. Marvel Comics in the 1960s takes the reader from the legendary company's beginnings as helmed by savvy editor/writer Stan Lee, to the full maturity of its wild, colorful, offbeat grandiosity. Softcover, 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 224 pages, B&W. Cover price $27.95.

Expanded Edition - 1st printing.

By Pierre Comtois.

New Edition With 16 Extra Pages!

Marvel Comics in the 1970s covers Marvel's final historical phase: the twilight years of the 1970s, after the initial '60s wave of popularity pushed the company to the forefront of the comics industry, and made many of its characters household names.

This full decade of pop-culture history saw Stan Lee's role as writer diminish as he ascended to Publisher, the stunning departure of Jack Kirby to DC (and his later return to Marvel), the rise of Roy Thomas as editor (and eventual Editor In Chief), and the introduction of a new wave of writers and artists who would expand the boundaries of comics beyond super-heroes, while planting the seeds for the company's eventual self-destruction.

Don't be satisfied with only half the story! Find out why Marvel was once hailed as The House of Ideas!

Softcover, 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 240 pages, B&W.

Cover price $29.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $18.00

1st Edition - 1st printing.

By Pierre Comtois.

TwoMorrows Publishing presents Marvel Comics in the 1970s, the sequel to Pierre Comtois' heralded first volume on the 1960s! This full decade of pop-culture history saw Stan Lee's role as writer diminish as he ascended to Publisher, the departure of Jack Kirby to DC (and his later return to Marvel), the rise of Roy Thomas as editor (and eventual Editor In Chief), and the introduction of a new wave of writers and artists who would expand the boundaries of comics beyond super-heroes.

Comics such as the Spider-Man "drug" issues, Conan the Barbarian, Tomb of Dracula, Master of Kung Fu, Howard the Duck, the new X-Men, and more are covered in detail, along with the creators who wrote and drew them.

Check out Marvel Comics in the 1970s and find out why Marvel was once hailed as The House of Ideas!

Softcover, 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 224 pages, B&W.

Cover price $27.95.

1st printing. TwoMorrows Publishing presents Marvel Comics in the 1980s, the third volume in Pierre Comtois' heralded series, which covers Marvel's final historical phase. The 1980s saw Stan Lee's retreat to the West Coast, Jim Shooter's rise and fall as editor-in-chief, the twin triumphs of Frank Miller and John Byrne, the challenge of independent publishers, and the weakening hold of the Comics Code Authority that led to the company's creative downfall. Comics such as the Chris Claremont/John Byrne X-Men, Frank Miller's Daredevil, the new wave of dark heroes such as Wolverine and the Punisher, and more are all covered, in analytic detail and often irreverent manner. The 1980s represented years of upheaval in the comics industry, so expect a bumpy ride in the 1980s decade that marked the beginning of the end of Marvel Comics as you knew them! Softcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 224 pages, B&W. Cover price $27.95.