As the latest phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe begins to build momentum, this special issue takes a look at the past, present and future of the pop-culture powerhouse that spawned Spider-Man, Captain America, the X-Men, Black Panther and countless other superheroes. For more than 80 years, Marvel has told stories of some of the most colorful and relatable characters in comic books, on TV and, of course, in movie theaters, growing from a fringe fandom to a worldwide phenomenon.