Fantastic Firsts [Paperback]

Stan Lee (Author), Marvel Comics (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 428 pages
• Publisher: Marvel Comics (March 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785108238
• ISBN-13: 978-0785108238
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,669,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost Perfect, August 11, 2002

By 

bbertt "bbertt" (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fantastic Firsts (Paperback)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "The eyes of...THE THING!!!", April 6, 2003

By 

CodeMaster Talon (Orlando, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fantastic Firsts (Paperback)

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 Daredevils 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.)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Fantastic Firsts" Simply Fantastic!, June 2, 2002

By 

Bradley Richman (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fantastic Firsts (Paperback)

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.