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Fantastic Firsts

Fantastic Firsts

List Price: $29.95
Your Price: $18.87
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Almost Perfect
Review: A virtual treasure trove from the Marvel Age of Comics. It was spoiled by the addition of Part 1 of a six-part Origin of Wolverine Story, which did not fit in this tome either stylistically or in tone. The story would have been fine on its own or in another collection, but it did not belong here. It was sort of like having a Rage Against the Machine tune on a Doo-Wop compilation CD. Unfortunately Marvel has always shown little confidence either in the appeal or the celebration of their historical roots, especially when compared to historical collections of their publishing rival DC. The Origin of the Black Panther should have been included instead of the Wolverine story. Black Panther was the first hero of color in comics, and Marvel should have celbrated that fact by including that story here. Even though the character currently pales in popularity to Wolverine, Black Panther merited inclusion. Otherwise this was an almost perfect compilation of the stories that spurred the "Marvel Age" of the 1960s and beyond.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: "The eyes of...THE THING!!!"
Review: How cool is this? Marvel Comic's "Fantastic Firsts" reprints the first appearances of many of the greatest Superheroes in the history of comics. Included here are the origins of: Spiderman, Thor, Dr. Strange, Namor, Ant-Man (!), Iron Man, Nick Fury, Captain America, The Fantastic Four, The Avengers, X-Men and as a bonus the first issue of Wolverine: Origin (which doesn't really belong but I like it so no complaints here).

There are also introductions before most of the comics by many legendary writers and artists such as Stan Lee, Joe Sinnott, Gene Colan and John Buscema. Most of the fun in this book comes from seeing how drastically these stories have changed over time (check out Daredevil's original suit!) and revisiting the art of Jack Kirby, Bill Everett and other Grand Old Masters. This book belongs in the collection of any buff and would make a great gift for a comics-loving kid.

GRADE: A (Personal Favorite: The supercool but short lived Silver Surfer. The portrait of him, lonely and contemplative atop his board in the book's opening pages is awesome.)

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: "Fantastic Firsts" Simply Fantastic!
Review: Recently I have been into purchasing the original editions of these wonderful Silver Age Marvel Comics. I do enjoy the reprints, but I have recently felt that they don't have the charm of the originals. Of course there is the fact that the originals can be difficult to find and can be expensive. So, if you are not into finding an original and spending what an original demands, this paperback is, may I say, sensational.

When I was looking through to see what it offered, I was amazed at what I saw: every major Marvel character's origin from the popular Amazing Spiderman to the hard to find Astonishing Ant-Man. Reading all of these origins, one after the other, thrusts you into some of the best comic book drama and conflict that would make Shakespeare jealous. Alright, maybe I'm going overboard somewhat, but these comics really do tell good stories. My favorite: Journey Into Mystery starring The Mighty Thor. Here, a feeble Dr. Don Blake (love the alliteration)stumbles across a simple stick that turns into the Hammer which gives Dr. Don the ability to become Thor, the God of Thunder. Here, Thor battles unusual enemies: Green Rock-like Aliens that speak with hatred towards earthlings and are armed with gun-like weapons. Interesting villains, a good hero, and a thrilling good vs evil plot with good as the victor. This is what comics should be.

Treat yourself to this wonderful book. Take the ones that interest you the most and try to purchase the originals. Compare the charm.

Also, for teachers of reading and writing workshop, these stories are wonderful when it comes to the elements of story as well as craft lessons. The kids will love it.

This book is highly recommended.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Huh?
Review: This book is a softcover reprint of the original Marvel Limited hardcover that was released several years ago... sort of. With this softcover, you get the first appearances (or first issues) of the majority of Marvel's classic Silver Age heroes, the ones on which they built their reputation: Spider-Man, the FF, Thor, Capt. America, Hulk, X-Men, Nick Fury & SHIELD, the Howling Commandos, Avengers, Ant-Man, Daredevil, Dr. Strange, Silver Surfer,Sub-Mariner, etc. Of course, these are stories by Lee, Kirby, Ditko, and others - the fathers of modern comics. The stories and art are a bit plain at times compared to today's stuff, but that can only be a good thing, as today's writers and artists could learn tons about plot and design from studying them! From a historical perspective, it's invaluable. A ~400 page treasury of Silver-Age greats, and at a very affordable price. The Kirbyesque cover by Bruce Timm is a hoot (worth the price of the book alone), and the paper quality and printing are exceptional.

I do have a big problem with this book, however: the inclusion of Wolverine. I know that Wolverine is a popular character, but please, Marvel, give us a break. Fantastic Firsts is a chance to spotlight your classic heroes - the ones that exhibit true heroic qualities, not ones that have a reputation built on bloodlust and a bad attitude. Even then, it doesn't include the true first appearance of Wolverine (Hulk #181), but gives the first issue of the "Origin" limited series, which is by no means complete, and doesn't even feature him in his costume. If this is intended as a bonus, I certainly don't appreciate it. Wolverine ruins the context of the book, and prevents me from giving it 5 stars.


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