After some fine-tuning and additional concept art and prelim work added, the Mighty Marvel Calendar Book: A Visual History is now officially slated for release in December from Abrams ComicArts. Written by Chris Ryall, edited by Charles Kochman, the book is introduced by Roy Thomas and designed by Shawn Lee.
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 until 1981, 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-favourite issues, and other celebratory mentions; with exclusive art from iconic Marvel artists, created especially for these calendars by Jack Kirby, John Buscema, John Byrne, Dave Cockrum, Frank Miller, Walter Simonson, Gil Kane, George Pérez, Gene Colan, Jim Starlin, Sal Buscema, Mike Ploog, and dozens more.
All of this astounding art has never been reprinted before, 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…
“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 was 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.
Abrams ComicArts is an imprint of Abrams, founded in 1949, the first company in the United States to specialise in publishing art and illustrated books. The company continues to publish critically acclaimed and bestselling works in the areas of art, photography, cooking, craft, comics, interior and garden design, entertainment, fashion, and popular culture; children’s books ranging from middle grade to young adult fiction to picture books to board books.
• Mighty Marvel Calendar Book: A Visual History is scheduled for release 17th December 2024 and is available to preorder now from your local book or comic shop | ISBN: 978-1419770470 | Preorder from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link) | Preorder via Bookshop.org (Affiliate Link)
With thanks to Chris Ryall for the heads up
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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