Review: Origins of Marvel Comics #1

Posted by Zack Freeman (314 posts) - 3 years, 30 days ago - Show Bio

The origin stories of every major Marvel character are recounted in page-long summaries.

The Good

Van Lente does a great job of distilling these characters' complex histories into concise recounts without it ever feeling like dull summary. Even though I'm well aware of everything covered in this issue, it was still a good refresher to see how all these characters can be defined thematically, both on their own and in contrast to eachother. Also, there's no shortage of amazing art from these twenty two or so contributors.

The Bad

If you've been reading Marvel's titles for more than a year (being generous), than this won't tell you anything you don't already know, thoroughly.

The Verdict - 4/5

This is a tricky book to evaluate since it isn't really a story. It's sort of like reviewing one of Marvel's Official Handbooks. If you're new to Marvel or have friends whom you'd like to give a concise primer on Marvel, too, then I highly recommend this book. It executes its educational purpose exceptionally well. But if you're an established reader, this will be covering well-tread territory for you.

#1 Posted by haydenclaireheroes (8042 posts) - 3 years, 30 days ago - Show Bio

I guess this book is not for me. From your review I probably will not pick it up.

#2 Posted by Icon (2031 posts) - 3 years, 30 days ago - Show Bio

Even as a long time fan I think I'd like to have this. I like these sort of things.

#3 Posted by crazywolf (652 posts) - 3 years, 30 days ago - Show Bio

I usually get handbooks and indexes like this but this book probably covers the same type of info. I'd get it if I didn't have so many handbooks and was not short on cash.