Mighty Marvel Calendar Book: A Visual History - by Chris Ryall (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The full set of Marvel calendars which ran from 1975-81, collected for the first time in a deluxe oversize edition. From 1975-81, Marvel created seven consecutive calendars that were as artistically designed and captivatingly written as any of their comic books. Each of these annual calendars--whether they celebrated the Bicentennial (1976) or spotlighted a specific character such as Spider-Man (1978), Hulk (1979), or Doctor Strange (1980), featured heroes and villains across the pantheon of the Marvel Universe--and all shared inspired features. These included visual call-outs for birthdays of noted Marvel staff and creators; key moments in Marvel history; special events, famous quotes from fan-favorite issues, and other celebratory mentions; with original art from iconic Marvel artists, created especially for these calendars by Jack Kirby, John Buscema, John Byrne, Frank Miller, Walter Simonson, Gil Kane, George Perez, Gene Colan, Jim Starlin, Sal Buscema, Mike Ploog, and dozens more. Never before has all of this astounding art been reprinted, and the complete set of covers, interiors, and gorgeously designed monthly entries are reproduced at their original size in this beautiful, oversized hardcover package. Also included is new commentary, rare promotional materials, and an introduction by longtime Marvel writer/editor/historian Roy Thomas. The years might keep ticking away, but the work collected in this special book remains timeless!"--

Book Synopsis

Mighty Marvel Calendar Book: A Visual History presents seven years of Marvel history in this incredible showcase featuring art from some of the greatest illustrators who drew stories for the House of Ideas.

From 1975-81, Marvel created seven consecutive calendars that were as artistically designed and captivatingly written as any of their comic books. Each of these annual calendars--whether they celebrated the Bicentennial (1976) or spotlighted a specific character such as Spider-Man (1978), Hulk (1979), or Doctor Strange (1980), featured heroes and villains across the pantheon of the Marvel Universe--and all shared inspired features. These included visual call-outs for birthdays of noted Marvel staff and creators; key moments in Marvel history; special events, famous quotes from fan-favorite issues, and other celebratory mentions; with exclusive art from iconic Marvel artists, created especially for these calendars by Jack Kirby, John Buscema, John Byrne, Frank Miller, Walter Simonson, Gil Kane, George Pérez, Gene Colan, Jim Starlin, Sal Buscema, Mike Ploog, and dozens more.

Never before has all of this astounding art been reprinted, and the complete set of covers, interiors, and gorgeously designed monthly entries are reproduced at their original size in this beautiful, oversize hardcover package. Also included is new commentary, rare promotional materials, and an introduction by longtime Marvel writer/editor/historian Roy Thomas. The years might keep ticking away, but the work collected in this special book remains timeless!

"These calendars showcase some of the greatest artwork ever done in comics. I've been waiting a long, long time for this book." --Alex Ross

Review Quotes

"These calendars showcase some of the greatest artwork ever done in comics. I've been waiting a long, long time for this book."-- "Alex Ross"

About the Author

"Capricious" Chris Ryall, as Stan Lee once nicknamed him, was the longtime chief creative officer, editor in chief, and writer for IDW Publishing. He is the cofounder of Syzygy Publishing and cowriter of Comic Books 101. He lives in San Diego.
Roy Thomas has been a comic book writer and editor, primarily for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, since 1965. He was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2011 and currently edits Alter Ego magazine. Thomas is the author of Marvel Value Stamps: A Visual History, and he contributed introductions to the two volumes of the Marvel Classic Black Light Collectible Poster Portfolio. He lives in South Carolina.