"Marvel presents the origins and history of its most famous creations, narrated by Stan Lee, that stellar storyteller who saw comics as more than dime-store material and helped turn Marvel's characters into twentieth-century mythology. Included are the beginnings of The Fantastic Four, which hurled Marvel out of the era of monsters without soul into the age of cosmic heroes; the Hulk, brilliant scientist turned muddled monster; Spider-Man, the teenage super hero known affectionately to aficionados as "Spidey"; Thor, the Norse god with the mystical hammer and the Shakespearean speech pattern; and finally Doctor Strange, the oddball magician who uses his supernatural powers on the side of good. Along with the big full-color stories and first heady inspirations from Stan, this deluxe, expanded fiftieth-anniversary edition features a new introduction and remembrances from the editor of Fireside Books' deluxe reissues, Chris Ryall, as well as an interview with the original series editor, Linda Sunshine; essays from Marvel executive editor Tom Brevoort and deluxe-edition cover artist Alex Ross, as well as a gallery detailing Ross' cover process; a remembrance by Mighty Thor co-creator and brother of Stan Lee, Larry Lieber; the re-presentation of author/futurist Ray Bradbury's original newspaper review of Origins; and an extensive gallery showcasing Origins ads, merchandising, and original art pieces. You will see why, taken as a whole, Origins of Marvel Comics was so influential in launching super hero material into the mass market and beyond. Origins stands alone as one of the great classics--an undying tribute to Marvel mania then and now!"