The Secret History of Marvel Comics Revealed in Sean Howe's Epub Book - Download It for Your Mac Now
Marvel Comics: The Untold Story - A Review
If you are a fan of comic books or superheroes in general, you have probably heard of Marvel Comics. Marvel is one of the most successful and influential pop cultural entities in America's history. It has created some of the most iconic and beloved characters in fiction. It has also spawned a multibillion-dollar franchise that spans movies, TV shows, video games, and merchandise. But how much do you know about the history behind Marvel? How did it start? Who were the people who made it? What were their struggles and triumphs? And how did they shape the comics industry and culture?
Marvel Comics The Untold Story Epub Download Mac
These are some of the questions that Sean Howe tries to answer in his book Marvel Comics: The Untold Story. This is a comprehensive and well-researched account of Marvel's history from its inception in 1939 to its present-day dominance. Howe draws on over 150 interviews with Marvel's creators and executives, as well as archival materials, fanzines, and other sources. He tells the stories of the men and women who made Marvel, and the outsized personalities who clashed and collaborated over the decades. He also analyzes the creative and business decisions that affected Marvel's fortunes, and the cultural impact and influence of Marvel's stories and style.
This book is not only a fascinating read for comic fans, but also for general readers who are curious about the history of one of America's most enduring pop cultural forces. In this article, I will provide a brief overview of the book's main themes and scope, and then discuss each of the six chapters in detail. I will also provide a critical evaluation of the book, and recommend it to readers who are interested in learning more about Marvel's history and legacy.
The Golden Age of Marvel Comics
The first chapter of the book covers the origins of Marvel Comics as Timely Publications in 1939. Timely was founded by Martin Goodman, a self-made publisher who forayed into comics after a get-rich-quick tip from a colleague. Goodman hired Joe Simon, a talented writer and editor, who in turn hired Jack Kirby, a young and prolific artist. Together, they created Captain America, one of the first and most popular superheroes of the era. Captain America was a patriotic symbol who fought against the Nazis and other enemies of democracy. He was also notable for his sidekick Bucky, his iconic shield, and his dynamic action scenes.
The book also highlights the contributions of other creators who worked for Timely, such as Bill Everett, who created Namor the Sub-Mariner, a rebellious anti-hero who ruled the underwater kingdom of Atlantis; and Carl Burgos, who created the Human Torch, an android who could burst into flames and fly. These characters were often featured in Timely's flagship title Marvel Mystery Comics, which showcased a variety of genres and styles. The book also discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by Timely during World War II and the post-war era, such as censorship, distribution, competition, and changing tastes.
The Marvel Revolution
The second chapter of the book covers the reinvention of the superhero genre by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1960s. Stan Lee was an energetic editor who had worked for Timely since he was a teenager. He was dissatisfied with his job and wanted to quit, but his wife convinced him to try something different before he left. He decided to create a new team of superheroes that would be more realistic and relatable than the ones he had been writing. He teamed up with Jack Kirby, who had returned to Timely after working for other publishers. Together, they created the Fantastic Four, a family of adventurers who gained superpowers after being exposed to cosmic rays.
The Fantastic Four was a hit with readers, who appreciated its humor, drama, and innovation. Lee and Kirby followed up with other characters that would become Marvel's core roster: Spider-Man, a teenage hero who struggled with everyday problems; Hulk, a scientist who turned into a monstrous brute when angry; Thor, a Norse god who lived among mortals; Iron Man, a wealthy industrialist who wore a high-tech suit of armor; and X-Men, a group of mutants who fought for peace in a world that hated them. The book analyzes the creative collaboration and conflict between Lee and Kirby, as well as other artists like Steve Ditko, John Romita, and Gene Colan. The book also explores the cultural impact and influence of Marvel's stories, themes, and style on the comics industry and beyond.
The Dark Age of Marvel Comics
The third chapter of the book covers the decline and turmoil of Marvel in the 1970s and 1980s due to corporate changes, creative disputes, and market fluctuations. Marvel was bought by several companies that tried to exploit its assets and interfere with its editorial decisions. Many of its creators left or were fired, including Stan Lee, who moved to Hollywood to pursue movie deals. Jack Kirby, who felt betrayed by Lee and Marvel, also left for rival DC Comics. The book highlights the contributions of writers and artists like Roy Thomas, Jim Starlin, Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Frank Miller, Walt Simonson, and Alan Moore to revitalize and diversify Marvel's characters and genres. They introduced new elements such as cosmic epics, social issues, psychological drama, horror, fantasy, and satire. 71b2f0854b