History of Marvel Comics in Timeline
Founded in 1939 as Timely Comics, Marvel Comics evolved into Atlas Comics by 1951 before becoming Marvel in 1961. The company's iconic superhero universe, featuring characters like the Fantastic Four, was spearheaded by creators like Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko. Acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 2009, Marvel remains a prominent force in comic book publishing and entertainment.
1933: Goodman's Foray into Publishing
Martin Goodman's publishing journey began in 1933 with a focus on Western pulp magazines.
1939: Stan Lee Joins Timely Comics
A young Stanley Lieber, who would later become known as Stan Lee, joined Timely Comics as an office assistant in 1939, marking the beginning of his legendary career in comics.
1939: Timely Publications Founded
Martin Goodman established Timely Publications in 1939, marking the inception of what would later become Marvel Comics.
March 1941: Captain America Debuts
Captain America, created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, made his first appearance in "Captain America Comics #1" in March 1941, quickly becoming a beloved patriotic superhero.
April 1941: Timely Comics, Inc. Established
Goodman officially incorporated Timely Comics, Inc. in April 1941, solidifying the company's presence in the comic book industry.
1941: Stan Lee Becomes Interim Editor
Following the departure of editor Joe Simon in late 1941, Stan Lee stepped in as interim editor, a role that would shape his legacy in the comic book world.
May 1944: First Use of "Marvel Comics"
The name "Marvel Comics" was first used on the cover of "Marvel Mystery Comics #55" in May 1944, hinting at the company's future identity.
November 1951: Atlas Globe Logo Introduced
The Atlas globe logo, borrowed from Goodman's newsstand distribution company, began appearing on comic book covers dated November 1951, unifying the company's various imprints under a single brand.
August 1952: Kable News Ends Distribution for Atlas Comics
Atlas Comics' distribution agreement with Kable News concluded in August 1952.
1953: Atlas Attempts Superhero Revival
Atlas made an unsuccessful attempt to revive superhero comics between late 1953 and mid-1954.
1954: Atlas Focuses on Timely Production
Atlas Comics, during this period, prioritized efficient production over groundbreaking storytelling.
1957: Atlas Faces Distribution Challenges
Atlas Comics faced significant distribution setbacks in 1957 due to legal issues with their distributor, American News Company, leading to a reduced output of titles.
June 1961: First Modern Marvel Comics Debut
"Journey into Mystery #69" and "Patsy Walker #95," both with a June 1961 cover date, are considered the first modern Marvel Comics, marking a transition in the company's branding and editorial direction.
August 1961: The Marvel Era Begins
The Marvel era officially began in August 1961 with the debut of The Fantastic Four, marking a significant shift in the company's trajectory.
1961: Marvel Comics Becomes Primary Brand
In 1961, Goodman formally adopted "Marvel Comics" as the company's primary brand, solidifying its place in comic book history.
1961: Stan Lee Revolutionizes Superhero Comics
Stan Lee spearheaded a revolution in superhero comics in 1961, introducing characters with relatable flaws and complex personalities, ushering in the Marvel Age of Comics.
1962: Marvel Comics Addresses Political Issues
Between 1962 and 1965, Marvel Comics began incorporating political themes into its narratives, a departure from the apolitical stance of its competitors.
1965: Spider-Man and the Hulk Featured in Esquire Magazine
In 1965, reflecting their popularity with college-aged adults, Spider-Man and the Hulk were included in Esquire magazine's list of 28 college campus heroes, alongside notable figures like John F. Kennedy and Bob Dylan.
1965: Marvel's Political Commentary Reaches its Peak
Marvel's engagement with political themes peaked between 1962 and 1965, reflecting the social and political climate of the time.
1967: Bantam Books Publishes First Marvel Prose Novel
In 1967, Bantam Books published "The Avengers Battle the Earth Wrecker" by Otto Binder, marking Marvel's first foray into prose novels. This release signaled an expansion of the Marvel universe beyond the realm of comic books, offering fans new avenues to engage with their favorite characters and storylines.
1968: Bantam Books Publishes Second Marvel Prose Novel
Following the success of their first Marvel novel, Bantam Books released "Captain America: The Great Gold Steal" by Ted White in 1968. This second prose adaptation further solidified Marvel's presence in the world of novels, offering fans another opportunity to delve deeper into the adventures of their beloved heroes.
1968: Marvel Comics Sold to Perfect Film & Chemical Corporation
In 1968, at the height of its success with 50 million comic books sold annually, Martin Goodman sold Marvel Comics and its parent company, Magazine Management, to Perfect Film & Chemical Corporation.
1969: Marvel Ends Distribution Deal with Independent News
In 1969, Goodman ended Marvel's distribution deal with Independent News, signing instead with Curtis Circulation Company.
1970: Marvel Diversifies with New Titles and Genres
In 1970, Marvel Comics expanded its range, introducing titles in genres like sword-and-sorcery, with Conan the Barbarian.
1970: Jack Kirby Leaves Marvel for DC Comics
Jack Kirby, co-creator of many iconic Marvel characters, departed Marvel in 1970 to work for rival DC Comics.
July 1971: Spider-Man Drug Abuse Storyline Published
In July 1971, Marvel published a controversial three-part Spider-Man story about drug abuse, written by Stan Lee at the request of the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. The story was published without the Comics Code Authority's approval due to its depiction of narcotics.
November 1971: Marvel Increases Comic Book Price and Size
In November 1971, Marvel raised the price of its comics from 15 cents to 25 cents, while also increasing the page count from 36 to 52.
1972: Goodman Retires, Lee Becomes Publisher
Martin Goodman retired as publisher in 1972, replaced by his son, Chip. Shortly after, Stan Lee took over as publisher and briefly served as Marvel's president.
1972: Marvel Pulls Ahead of DC Comics
Marvel surpassed DC Comics in sales in 1972, capitalizing on its successful superhero titles and a shifting comics market.
1973: Perfect Film & Chemical Becomes Cadence Industries
In 1973, Perfect Film & Chemical changed its name to Cadence Industries and renamed Magazine Management to Marvel Comics Group.
1974: Goodman Establishes Seaboard Periodicals
After leaving Marvel, Goodman started a new company, Seaboard Periodicals, in 1974. He revived the Atlas Comics brand, but it lasted only a short time.
1974: Origins of Marvel Comics Published
In 1974, Simon and Schuster/Fireside Books published "Origins of Marvel Comics," by Stan Lee, offering insights into the creation and history of Marvel Comics.
1975: Marvel Ventures into Audio with Radio Series and Record
In 1975, Marvel expanded into audio productions, releasing a Fantastic Four radio series and a Spider-Man concept album, both narrated by Stan Lee.
1975: Marvel Holds First Comic Book Convention
Marvel hosted its inaugural comic book convention, Marvelcon '75, in the spring of 1975.
October 1976: Captain Britain Debuts
In October 1976, Marvel created Captain Britain, a superhero specifically for the UK market. The character later appeared in American comics.
1977: Marvel Begins Publishing Star Wars Comics
In 1977, Marvel obtained the rights to publish Star Wars comics, capitalizing on the franchise's popularity.
1978: Various Publishers License Marvel Prose Novels (1978-2002)
From 1978 to 2002, a variety of publishers took on the mantle of licensing and publishing Marvel prose novels. This era saw the release of numerous adaptations and original stories featuring Marvel characters, expanding the reach of the Marvel universe and catering to a diverse readership.
1978: Jim Shooter Becomes Editor-in-Chief
Jim Shooter assumed the role of Marvel's editor-in-chief in 1978, bringing significant changes to the company's operations.
1982: Marvel Syndicated Comic Strips End (Except Spider-Man)
By 1982, most of the syndicated comic strips launched by Marvel and the Register and Tribune Syndicate, including Howard the Duck and Conan the Barbarian, had ended. The Amazing Spider-Man continued to be published.
1982: Epic Comics Imprint Launched
Marvel introduced the Epic Comics imprint in 1982, focusing on creator-owned content and offering royalties.
1984: TSR Publishes "Marvel Super Heroes" RPG
In 1984, TSR, a prominent name in the tabletop gaming world, released "Marvel Super Heroes," a pen-and-paper role-playing game. This marked a significant moment in Marvel's foray into the tabletop gaming sphere, allowing fans to experience the thrills of the Marvel universe in a new and engaging way.
1984: Release of "Spider-Man" for Atari 2600
The year 1984 saw the release of "Spider-Man" for the Atari 2600, marking an early milestone in the world of Marvel video games. This adaptation allowed players to take on the role of the iconic web-slinger and marked the beginning of a long and evolving relationship between Marvel and the video game industry.
1986: Marvel's First Run of Star Wars Comics Ends
After nearly a decade, Marvel's initial foray into publishing Star Wars comics concluded in 1986.
1986: Marvel Entertainment Group Sold to New World Entertainment
In 1986, Marvel Entertainment Group, Marvel's parent company, was sold to New World Entertainment.
1986: New Universe Line Launched
To mark the 25th anniversary of Marvel Comics, the company launched the New Universe line, although it ultimately proved unsuccessful.
1989: New World Entertainment Sells Marvel to MacAndrews and Forbes
Three years after acquiring Marvel, New World Entertainment sold the company to MacAndrews and Forbes, owned by Revlon executive Ronald Perelman, in 1989.
1990: Marvel Universe Trading Cards Released
Marvel partnered with trading card maker SkyBox International to launch the Marvel Universe Cards series in 1990. These collectible cards featured characters and storylines from the Marvel Universe.
1991: Perelman Takes Marvel Entertainment Group Public
Ronald Perelman took Marvel Entertainment Group public in 1991, following a period of significant growth for the company.
1992: Image Comics is Founded
In 1992, seven prominent Marvel artists, including Todd McFarlane and Jim Lee, departed to establish Image Comics.
1992: X-Men: The Animated Series Premieres
Marvel expands into Saturday-morning cartoons in 1992 with the debut of "X-Men: The Animated Series" on Fox Kids.
June 1993: Marvel Releases Hero Caps for Milk Caps Game
June 1993 saw Marvel capitalize on the popularity of the milk caps game by introducing their own line of collectible caps under the brand name "Hero Caps." This move allowed fans to engage with their favorite characters in a new and interactive way.
1993: Marvel Ventures into Christian Comics
In 1993, Marvel collaborated with Thomas Nelson to create Christian-themed comics.
1993: Marvel Cancels Conan the Barbarian Title
In 1993, Marvel's "Conan the Barbarian" title was canceled after 275 issues.
November 3, 1994: Marvel Acquires Malibu Comics
On November 3, 1994, Marvel Comics purchased Malibu Comics, gaining access to their computer coloring technology, the Ultraverse comic line, and the Genesis Universe.
1994: Marvel Acquires Heroes World Distribution
In 1994, Marvel Comics acquired Heroes World Distribution to serve as its exclusive distributor, a move that had significant repercussions for the comic book distribution landscape.
1994: Marvel Abolishes Editor-in-Chief Position
In 1994, Marvel made the decision to temporarily eliminate the position of editor-in-chief. Tom DeFalco, who previously held the role, was succeeded by a group of five editors-in-chief, each overseeing a specific segment of the company's publishing line.
1995: Marvel Characters Debut in Collectible Card Games
The early 1990s saw the rise of collectible card games (CCGs), influenced by the popularity of role-playing games. Marvel characters joined the CCG craze in 1995 with the introduction of Fleer's "OverPower." Spanning from 1995 to 1999, "OverPower" allowed fans to collect and battle with their favorite heroes and villains in a whole new format.
1995: Marvel Reinstates Editor-in-Chief with Bob Harras
The year 1995 saw Marvel reinstate the position of editor-in-chief, appointing Bob Harras to the role. This move marked a return to a centralized editorial leadership structure after a brief period of experimentation.
December 1996: Marvel Entertainment Group Files for Bankruptcy
In December 1996, Marvel Entertainment Group, facing a decline in the comic book industry, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
1996: Heroes Reborn Relaunch
In 1996, Marvel launched "Heroes Reborn," a crossover event that relaunched flagship characters like the Avengers and Fantastic Four, with creative control given to former Marvel artists who had co-founded Image Comics.
1997: Marvel Partners with Diamond Comic Distributors
In 1997, following the failure of its Heroes World distribution venture, Marvel entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Diamond Comic Distributors Inc., solidifying Diamond's position in the industry.
1997: Men in Black Film Series Begins
The "Men in Black" film series, based on a Malibu Comics title, premiered in 1997.
1997: Toy Biz Acquires Marvel Entertainment Group
Toy Biz acquired Marvel Entertainment Group in 1997, leading to the creation of Marvel Enterprises and efforts to stabilize the comic book line.
1997: Publishers Release Film Novelizations
With the release of various Marvel films starting in 1997, several publishers seized the opportunity to release film novelizations. These adaptations allowed fans to relive the excitement of the movies in a literary format, further immersing themselves in the expanding Marvel cinematic universe.
1998: Marvel Knights Imprint Launched
In 1998, Marvel introduced the Marvel Knights imprint, known for its gritty and realistic stories, featuring characters such as Daredevil, the Inhumans, and Black Panther.
1998: Blade Film Series Premieres
Marvel's "Blade" film series debuted in 1998.
1998: TSR Releases "Marvel Super Heroes Adventure Game"
TSR continued their exploration of the Marvel universe in the tabletop gaming realm with the 1998 release of "Marvel Super Heroes Adventure Game." This new game introduced a different system from its predecessor, opting for the card-based SAGA system to provide a distinct gameplay experience.
2000: Marvel Concludes Conan Publications
Marvel published its final Conan-related titles in 2000, marking the end of an era for the character at the company.
2000: X-Men Film Series Launches
The "X-Men" film series, a significant entry in the superhero genre, was launched in 2000.
October 2001: Marvel Implements Its Own Rating System
In October 2001, signifying a departure from the industry-standard Comics Code Authority, Marvel introduced its own rating system for its comic books.
2002: Spider-Man Film Series Premieres
The highly successful "Spider-Man" film series premiered in 2002.
2002: End of Marvel Prose Licensing Period (1978-2002)
The year 2002 marked the end of an era for Marvel prose novels as the licensing period with various publishers came to a close. This transition paved the way for Marvel to explore new avenues and strategies for its prose adaptations and original stories.
2003: Marvel Announces Marvel Press Imprint
Building on the success of the young adult novel "Mary Jane," featuring Mary Jane Watson from the Spider-Man mythos, Marvel announced the launch of its own publishing imprint, Marvel Press, in 2003. This move signaled Marvel's intention to take a more active role in shaping its prose adaptations and original stories.
2003: Marvel Publishing Releases "Marvel Universe Roleplaying Game"
In 2003, Marvel Publishing took the reins of their tabletop RPG endeavors by releasing the "Marvel Universe Roleplaying Game." This in-house production utilized a unique diceless stone pool system, offering a fresh approach to gameplay within the Marvel universe.
2005: Marvel Moves Back to Licensing with Pocket Books
Despite the initial promise of Marvel Press, the imprint released a limited number of titles. Consequently, Marvel returned to a licensing model, partnering with Pocket Books from 2005 to 2008 for the publication of its prose works. This strategic shift allowed Marvel to leverage Pocket Books' expertise and distribution network while focusing on its core comic book publishing business.
November 1, 2006: Guiding Light Crossover
On November 1, 2006, the CBS soap opera "Guiding Light" featured a unique crossover episode with Marvel Comics, transforming the character Harley Davidson Cooper into a superheroine.
December 2007: Marvel Announces Original English-Language Manga
At the December 2007 New York Anime Fest, Marvel revealed its partnership with Del Rey Manga to publish original English-language manga featuring popular characters like the X-Men and Wolverine.
2008: Marvel and DC's Market Share Comparison in 2008
A look back at 2008 reveals that Marvel held a commanding 40.81% share of the comic book market, while DC Comics held a 29.94% share. These numbers underscore Marvel's strong position within the industry during that period.
2008: Marvel and DC Comics Dominate the Market
By 2008, Marvel Comics and its primary competitor, DC Comics, had captured a commanding share of the American comic book market.
2008: End of Marvel's Licensing Agreement with Pocket Books
The year 2008 marked the conclusion of Marvel's licensing partnership with Pocket Books. This transition opened up new possibilities for Marvel to explore different publishing avenues for its prose adaptations and original stories.
August 31, 2009: Disney Announces Acquisition of Marvel Entertainment
On August 31, 2009, The Walt Disney Company made a significant announcement—it would be acquiring Marvel Entertainment, the parent company of Marvel Comics.
2009: Marvel Closes Open Submissions Policy
Citing a lack of professional-quality submissions, Marvel Comics ended its Open Submissions Policy in 2009.
2009: Disney Plans Marvel Attractions at Theme Parks After Acquisition
Following Disney's acquisition of Marvel in late 2009, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts revealed plans to develop original Marvel-themed attractions for their theme parks worldwide. Hong Kong Disneyland emerged as the first park to feature a dedicated Marvel attraction, marking a significant step in integrating the Marvel universe into Disney's theme park experiences.
2009: Marvel to Release Original Manga
In 2009, Marvel is set to release original English-language manga, featuring iconic characters such as the X-Men and Wolverine, in collaboration with Del Rey Manga.
December 31, 2009: Marvel Comics Acquired by Disney
On December 31, 2009, The Walt Disney Company purchased Marvel Comics.
September 2010: Marvel Switches Bookstore Distributor
In September 2010, Marvel Comics transitioned its bookstore distribution from Diamond Book Distributors to Hachette Distribution Services.
October 2010: Marvel Relocates to the Sports Illustrated Building
October 2010 marked a significant change for Marvel as the company moved its offices to the Sports Illustrated Building.
March 2011: Marvel Relaunches CrossGen Imprint
In March 2011, Marvel relaunched the CrossGen imprint, which was under the ownership of Disney Publishing Worldwide.
August 2011: Margaret Weis Productions Announces Marvel Tabletop RPG
In August 2011, Margaret Weis Productions, known for their work in the tabletop RPG realm, announced their development of a new game set in the Marvel universe. Utilizing their proprietary Cortex Plus RPG system, the game was slated for a February 2012 release, promising fans an immersive tabletop experience within the Marvel universe.
2011: Marvel and Disney Books Group Relaunch Marvel Press
In 2011, Marvel, in collaboration with Disney Books Group, decided to relaunch Marvel Press. Their inaugural offering was the "Marvel Origin Storybooks" line, aiming to introduce a new generation of readers to the captivating world of Marvel characters and their origins.
February 2012: Release of Marvel Tabletop RPG by Margaret Weis Productions
February 2012 saw the highly anticipated release of the Marvel tabletop role-playing game developed by Margaret Weis Productions. This new game, utilizing the Cortex Plus RPG system, offered fans a unique opportunity to step into the roles of their favorite heroes and embark on thrilling adventures within the vast Marvel universe.
March 2012: Marvel Announces Marvel ReEvolution
In March 2012, Marvel announced its "Marvel ReEvolution" initiative.
April 2013: Marvel and Disney Conglomerate Announce Joint Projects
In April 2013, Marvel, along with other entities under the Disney umbrella, started unveiling collaborative ventures. One notable announcement was a graphic novel inspired by the ABC series "Once Upon a Time," slated for a September release.
October 2013: Marvel and Disney Announce "Disney Kingdoms" Imprint
In October 2013, Marvel Worldwide, in partnership with Disney, announced the creation of "Disney Kingdoms," a new comic book imprint dedicated to exploring and expanding upon the lore and magic of Disney theme park attractions.
2013: Marvel and DC's Market Share Comparison in 2013
In 2013, Marvel held a 33.50% share of the comic book market, while DC Comics held a 30.33% share. These figures highlight the competitive landscape of the industry during that year.
January 3, 2014: Lucasfilm Announces Star Wars Comics to be Published by Marvel
On January 3, 2014, Lucasfilm, a fellow Disney subsidiary, revealed that Marvel Comics would take over the publishing rights for Star Wars comics starting in 2015.
January 2014: Marvel Releases "Seekers of the Weird" Under "Disney Kingdoms" Imprint
In January 2014, Marvel debuted "Seekers of the Weird," the first comic book series released under the newly established "Disney Kingdoms" imprint. This five-issue miniseries was inspired by "Museum of the Weird," an unbuilt attraction originally envisioned for Disneyland.
January 2014: Marvel Releases First Title Under "Disney Kingdoms" Imprint
In January 2014, Marvel launched its first title, "Seekers of the Weird," under the newly established "Disney Kingdoms" imprint, a collaboration with Disney.
2014: Release of "Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes"
In 2014, Marvel characters made their way into the popular "Disney Infinity" franchise with the release of "Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes." This sandbox game allowed players to interact with a variety of Marvel characters and storylines, blending the worlds of Disney and Marvel in a unique and engaging way.
2014: Marvel Launches "Disk Wars: The Avengers" and Bachicombat Game
In 2014, Marvel expanded its presence in Japan with the debut of the animated TV series "Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers." Alongside the show, they launched a collectible game called "Bachicombat," drawing inspiration from the milk caps game, further engaging the Japanese market and offering fans a fresh avenue to interact with the Marvel universe.
September 2015: Marvel Films Become Highest-Grossing U.S. Franchise
By September 2015, films based on Marvel properties achieved a historic milestone, becoming the highest-grossing U.S. franchise to date. With a domestic gross exceeding $7.7 billion and a worldwide gross surpassing $18 billion, Marvel's cinematic universe solidified its place as a global entertainment powerhouse.
September 2015: Marvel Launches "All-New, All-Different Marvel"
Following the culmination of the "Secret Wars" crossover event in 2015, Marvel inaugurated a revitalized continuity for its comic book universe in September 2015, dubbed the "All-New, All-Different Marvel."
2015: Marvel Resumes Publishing Star Wars Comics
Marvel reacquired the rights to publish Star Wars comics in 2015, marking the start of their second run.
2017: Marvel Holds 38.30% Share of the Comics Market
In 2017, Marvel commanded a significant 38.30% share of the comics market, demonstrating its dominance in the industry. This figure outpaced its main competitor, DC Comics, which held a 33.93% share during the same period.
2017: Marvel Legacy Relaunch and Lenticular Cover Controversy
Marvel Legacy, the company's fall 2017 relaunch branding, sparked controversy due to its lenticular variant covers. Retailers were required to double their regular issue orders to qualify for these variants, leading to complaints about potential overstock. Some retailers, including MyComicShop.com and 70 others, boycotted the variants in protest. Despite the release of several Marvel films, the sales of related comics, such as Guardians of the Galaxy, were underwhelming, leading to its cancellation.
January 12, 2018: Conan Properties International Announces Conan's Return to Marvel
Conan Properties International declared on January 12, 2018, that the character Conan the Barbarian would make a comeback to Marvel Comics in the early months of 2019.
March 1, 2019: Marvel Partners with Serial Box for Original Digital Stories
On March 1, 2019, Marvel announced a partnership with Serial Box, a digital book platform, to publish new and original stories set within Marvel's popular franchises.
May 2020: Marvel and Diamond Halt Comic Book Production Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, both Marvel and its distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors, made the decision to suspend the production and distribution of new comic books from March to May 2020.
March 25, 2021: Marvel Announces Shift to Penguin Random House for Direct Market Distribution
On March 25, 2021, Marvel Comics revealed its intention to transition its direct market distribution for monthly comics and graphic novels from Diamond Comic Distributors to Penguin Random House. This strategic shift was planned to commence on October 1, 2021, marking a multi-year partnership.
October 1, 2021: Marvel's Distribution Partnership with Penguin Random House Takes Effect
October 1, 2021, marked the official commencement of Marvel's distribution agreement with Penguin Random House for their direct market comics and graphic novels. While stores retained the option to order through Diamond, the latter's role shifted to a wholesaler rather than the primary distributor.
March 2023: Marvel Comics Becomes Subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide
In March 2023, Marvel Comics became a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide.
2024: Marvel Cinematic Universe Grosses Over $32 Billion
As of 2024, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has reached a staggering cumulative gross of over $32 billion, showcasing its enduring appeal and influence on the global entertainment landscape.
2099: Marvel Launches 2099 Line
During the comic book boom of the early 1990s, Marvel launched the successful 2099 line. This series featured futuristic versions of popular characters like Spider-Man 2099.
