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Issue: Origins of Marvel Comics #[nn]
Publication Date: January 1974
 
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Title:
Variant: First Print
Rating:
Publisher: FlagSimon and Schuster
Brand: A Fireside Book
Indicia Publisher: Simon and Schuster
On Sale Date: 09/30/1974
Volume: none
Pages: 264
ISBN: 0671218638
UPC/EAN: none
Price: $5.95 USD
Indicia Frequency:
Content Items: 41 (19 stories, 1 cover)
Editor(s): Linda Sunshine
Disclose Notes: Stories with the origins of various Marvel heroes, and the occasional second story. There is also a Revised Edition with different content, published in 1997.

The on-sale date is the publication date reported on the copyright registration.
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Disclose Format
Publication Type: Comic Book
Color: color
Dimensions: standard Modern Age US
Paper Stock: cardstock cover
Binding: squarebound; trade paperback
Publishing Format: collected edition
Format Notes:  
Disclose Reprinted From27
reprinted 27 times from Content Items in other Issues.
Disclose Images2
Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
 
 

Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
Enlarged cover image.
 
Assets0
 
Disclose Issue Images
[untitled]

Illustration  on  Cover, Front
Credits
John Romita (painting)
John Romita (painting)
John Romita (painting)
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Fantastic Four; Spider-Man; Doctor Strange; Thor; Sub-Mariner; Hulk
Fantastic Four [Human Torch; Thing]; Spider-Man; Doctor Strange; Thor; Sub-Mariner; Hulk; Stan Lee (hands at typewriter)
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Cover credits confirmed by John Romita via email 6/2015.
Disclose
Origins of Marvel Comics

Foreword, Introduction, Preface, Afterword  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
typeset
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Title page.
Disclose
Prologue

Foreword, Introduction, Preface, Afterword  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
Part One: If One Is Good, Four Will Be Better

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Typeset
Reprinting
FlagMarvel Masterworks: The Fantastic Four #1 published January 2009
as If One Is Good, Four Will Be Better [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
8
Stan describes his early career and his creation, with Jack Kirby, of the Fantastic Four.
Disclose
[untitled]

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
George Klein
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Fantastic Four
Reprinting
FlagFantastic Four #1 [U.S. Cover Price] published November 1961
was [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
The Fantastic Four!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
George Klein; Sol Brodsky ? (alterations)
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four [Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; Thing [Ben Grimm]; Invisible Girl [Susan Storm]; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]]
Dr. Reed Richards takes his friends on a rocket trip that changes their lives forever.
Reprinting
FlagFantastic Four #1 [U.S. Cover Price] published November 1961
was The Fantastic Four! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
13
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The Fantastic Four Meet the Mole Man!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
George Klein; Sol Brodsky ? (alterations)
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Fantastic Four
Moleman [a.k.a. Mole Man] (intro and origin); Fantastic Four [Mr. Fantastic; Human Torch; Invisible Girl; Thing]
Reprinting
FlagFantastic Four #1 [U.S. Cover Price] published November 1961
was The Fantastic Four Meet the Mole Man! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
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The Moleman's Secret!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
George Klein; Sol Brodsky ? (alterations)
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Fantastic Four
Moleman [a.k.a. Mole Man] (intro and origin); Fantastic Four [Mr. Fantastic; Human Torch; Invisible Girl; Thing]
Reprinting
FlagFantastic Four #1 [U.S. Cover Price] published November 1961
was The Moleman's Secret! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
Introduction to Fantastic Four #55

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Subject Matter
superhero
Fantastic Four
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
[untitled]

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Joe Sinnott
?
Sam Rosen
Subject Matter
superhero
Fantastic Four
Thing; Silver Surfer
Reprinting
FlagFantastic Four #55 [U.S. Cover Price] published October 1966
was [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
When Strikes the Silver Surfer!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
Joe Sinnott
?
Sam Rosen
Subject Matter
superhero
Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four [Mr. Fantastic; Invisible Girl; Thing; Human Torch]; Silver Surfer; Wyatt Wingfoot; Lockjaw
Reprinting
FlagFantastic Four #55 [U.S. Cover Price] published October 1966
was When Strikes the Silver Surfer! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
20
Disclose
Part Two: There Shall Come a Jolly Green Giant

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Subject Matter
superhero
Hulk
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
9
Stan discusses the creation of The Hulk and his inspirations.
Disclose
[untitled]

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby ?
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Hulk
Hulk; Bruce Banner; Thunderbolt Ross; Betty Ross
Reprinting
FlagThe Incredible Hulk #1 [U.S. Cover Price] published May 1962
was Is He Man or Monster or... Is He Both? [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
Part 1: The Coming of the Hulk

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
Paul Reinman
?
Ray Holloway; Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Hulk
Hulk [Bruce Banner]; Rick Jones; Thunderbolt Ross; Betty Ross; Igor; Gargoyle
Scientist Bruce Banner saves a young boy from being killed by a nuclear blast but absorbs deadly amounts of gamma radiation which transforms him into a monster dubbed the Hulk.
Reprinting
FlagThe Incredible Hulk #1 [U.S. Cover Price] published May 1962
was The Coming of the Hulk, Part 1 [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
Part 2: The Hulk Strikes!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
Paul Reinman
?
Ray Holloway; Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Hulk
Hulk; Rick Jones
Rick accompanies The Hulk until he reverts back to Bruce Banner.
Reprinting
FlagThe Incredible Hulk #1 [U.S. Cover Price] published May 1962
was [The Coming of the Hulk] Part 2: The Hulk Strikes! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
5
Disclose
Part 3: The Search for the Hulk

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
Paul Reinman
?
Artie Simek; Ray Holloway
Subject Matter
superhero
Hulk
Hulk; Rick Jones; Betty Ross
Rick helps cover for Banner and explains to the scientist what happened.
Reprinting
FlagThe Incredible Hulk #1 [U.S. Cover Price] published May 1962
was [The Coming of the Hulk] Part 3: The Search for the Hulk [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
3
Disclose
Part 4: Enter...the Gargoyle

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
Paul Reinman
?
Ray Holloway; Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Hulk
Hulk; Rick Jones; Betty Ross; General Thunderbolt Ross; Gargoyle
The Gargoyle hears about The Hulk and heads out to find and capture him.
Reprinting
FlagThe Incredible Hulk #1 [U.S. Cover Price] published May 1962
was [The Coming of the Hulk] Part 4: Enter...the Gargoyle! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
5
Disclose
Part 5: The Hulk Triumphant!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
Paul Reinman
?
Ray Holloway; Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Hulk
Hulk; Rick Jones; Betty Ross; General Thunderbolt Ross; Gargoyle
Banner helps restore the Gargoyle, who turns against his masters.
Reprinting
FlagThe Incredible Hulk #1 [U.S. Cover Price] published May 1962
was [The Coming of the Hulk] Part 5: The Hulk Triumphant! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
5
Disclose
Introduction to The Incredible Hulk #118

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Subject Matter
superhero
Hulk
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
[untitled]

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Herb Trimpe
Herb Trimpe
?
Sam Rosen
Subject Matter
superhero
Hulk
Hulk; Namor, the Sub-Mariner; Dorma
Reprinting
FlagThe Incredible Hulk #118 [U.S. Cover Price] published August 1969
was [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
A Clash of Titans

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Herb Trimpe [as Herbie Trimpe]
Herb Trimpe [as Herbie Trimpe]
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Hulk
Hulk; Namor, the Sub-Mariner; Lord Vashti; Lady Dorma; Fara
Dorma finds Bruce Banner floating in the ocean and brings him down to Atlantis where, inevitably, the Hulk and the Sub-Mariner battle.
Reprinting
FlagThe Incredible Hulk #118 [U.S. Cover Price] published August 1969
was A Clash of Titans [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
20
Disclose
Part Three: The World's Best-Selling Swinger

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
10
Stan describes the improbable creation of Spider-Man.
Disclose
[untitled]

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Steve Ditko
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Reprinting
FlagAmazing Fantasy #15 [U.S. Cover Price] published September 1962
was Spider Man [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
Spider-Man!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Steve Ditko
Steve Ditko
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man
Spider-Man; Aunt May; Uncle Ben; Flash Thompson
Peter Parker finds that with great power comes great responsibility.
Reprinting
FlagAmazing Fantasy #15 [U.S. Cover Price] published September 1962
was Spider-Man! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
11
Disclose
Introduction to The Amazing Spider-Man #72

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
[untitled]

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
John Romita
John Romita
?
Sam Rosen
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man
Shocker
Reprinting
FlagThe Amazing Spider-Man #72 [U.S. Cover Price] published May 1969
was Rocked by the Shocker! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
Rocked by..the Shocker!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee; John Buscema (plot)
John Buscema (layouts); John Romita (finishes)
Jim Mooney
?
Sam Rosen
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man
Spider-Man; Shocker; Gwen Stacy; Captain George Stacy; Aunt May; J. Jonah Jameson; Lizard (flashback); Flash Thompson
Reprinting
FlagThe Amazing Spider-Man #72 [U.S. Cover Price] published May 1969
was Rocked by.. the Shocker! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
20
Disclose
Part Four: Meanwhile, Back in Asgard...

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Subject Matter
superhero
Thor
Reprinting
FlagThe Mighty Thor Omnibus #1 [Jack Kirby Cover] published November 2010
as Meanwhile, Back in Asgard... [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
9
Stan describes the creation of Thor and the involvement of his brother Larry Lieber, along with Jack Kirby.
Disclose
Introducing... the Mighty Thor!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Joe Sinnott
?
Artie Simek
Stan Lee (Original Editor)
Subject Matter
superhero
Thor
Thor
Reprinting
FlagJourney into Mystery #83 [U.S. Cover Price] published August 1962
was Introducing... the Mighty Thor! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
The Stone Men from Saturn!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee (plot); Larry Lieber (script)
Jack Kirby
Joe Sinnott
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Thor
Thor (introduction, origin); Don Blake (introduction); Gorr (introduction)
After witnessing the beginnings of an alien invasion, Don Blake discovers the hammer of Thor, and becomes the Norse god.
Reprinting
FlagJourney into Mystery #83 [U.S. Cover Price] published August 1962
was The Stone Men from Saturn! [Story on Interior Page(s)]part one
 
Miscellaneous
5
V-786
Disclose
Part 2: The Power of Thor!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee (Plot); Larry Lieber (Script)
Jack Kirby
Joe Sinnott
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Thor
Thor; Don Blake; Gorr
Don Blake explores his new abilities.
Reprinting
FlagJourney into Mystery #83 [U.S. Cover Price] published August 1962
was The Stone Men from Saturn! [Story on Interior Page(s)]part two
 
Miscellaneous
5
V-786
Disclose
Part 3: Thor the Mighty Strikes Back!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee (Plot); Larry Lieber (Script)
Jack Kirby
Joe Sinnott
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Thor
Thor; Gorr
Thor repels the alien invasion.
Reprinting
FlagJourney into Mystery #83 [U.S. Cover Price] published August 1962
was The Stone Men from Saturn! [Story on Interior Page(s)]part three
 
Miscellaneous
3
Disclose
Introduction to Thor #143

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Subject Matter
superhero
Thor
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
[untitled]

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Jack Kirby
Vince Colletta
?
Sam Rosen
Stan Lee (Original Editor)
Subject Matter
superhero
Thor
Thor; Balder; Sif; Brona; Magnir
Reprinting
FlagThor #143 [U.S. Cover Price] published August 1967
was [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]interior
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
--And, Soon Shall Come: the Enchanters!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
Bill Everett
?
Sam Rosen
Stan Lee (original editor)
Subject Matter
superhero
Thor
Thor; Heimdall; Don Blake; Mr. Markham; Balder; Sif; Enchanters Three [Magnir; Forsung; Brona] (introduction); Living Talisman (introduction)
Sif and Balder face The Enchanters Three, possessors of the Living Talismen.
Reprinting
FlagThor #143 [U.S. Cover Price] published August 1967
was --And, Soon Shall Come: the Enchanters! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
16
First appearances of the land of Ringsfjord.
Disclose
Part Five: Mainly about a Master of the Mystic Arts

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Subject Matter
superhero
Doctor Strange
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
8
Stan describes the genesis of Dr. Strange.
Disclose
Dr. Strange Master of Black Magic!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Steve Ditko (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)
Steve Ditko
Steve Ditko
?
Terry Szenics
Subject Matter
superhero
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange; Nightmare; Ancient One
Dr. Strange enters a man's dreams.
Reprinting
FlagStrange Tales #110 [U.S. Cover Price] published July 1963
was Dr. Strange Master of Black Magic! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
5
Disclose
The Origin of Dr. Strange

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
Steve Ditko
Steve Ditko
?
Sam Rosen
Subject Matter
superhero
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange; Ancient One; Baron Mordo
Seeking healing, Stephen Strange stumbles onto the Ancient One and studies with him.
Reprinting
FlagStrange Tales #115 [U.S. Cover Price] published December 1963
was The Origin of Dr. Strange [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
8
Disclose
Introduction to "--The Fearful Finish--!"

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Subject Matter
superhero
Doctor Strange
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
The Fearful Finish..!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Marie Severin (co-plot); Stan Lee (co-plot, dialogue)
Marie Severin
Marie Severin
?
Artie Simek
Subject Matter
superhero
Doctor Strange
Dr. Strange; Clea; Umar; Ancient One
Dr. Strange saves Clea.
Reprinting
FlagStrange Tales #155 [U.S. Cover Price] published April 1967
was The Fearful Finish--! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
10
Disclose
Epilogue

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Stan Lee
typeset
Subject Matter
superhero
Origins of Marvel Comics
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
2
Stan talks about the current new wave of Marvel talent.

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