100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Image Courtesy of Marvel Comics
#52. Marvels
Medium
Comic Book
Release Dates
January 1994–April 1994
Credits
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Alex Ross
Letterer: John Gaushell, Richard Starkings
Colorist: Alex Ross
Creators: Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross
Editor: Marcus McLaurin
The Reason It’s Great
Marvels is a retelling of major events in the Marvel universe. To make it fresh, the writer frames it from the perspective of Phil Sheldon, a photographer. With amazing art from Alex Ross, Marvel’s is an engrossing story that gives us another look at Marvel’s in-universe history.
The story starts with the original Human Torch, Phil Hammond, and how the public perceives him. It soon shifts to the main character, Phil Sheldom, who, at the time, is an aspiring photographer. Sheldon’s reaction to these Marvels are shown in his everyday life.
The story moves through the 1960s and 1970s, with Sheldon living through various Marvel universe events. Through thick and thin, he supports the Marvels. However, when Spider-Man fails to save Gwen Stacy from a fall, Sheldon loses any remaining faith he has in these superpowered beings.
Kurt Busiek’s unique point-of-view storytelling technique paired with Alex Ross’s stunning art make this a great story for any Marvel fan. By highlighting famous events, the narrative also serves as a very meaningful retrospective.