What’s the first Marvel comic? This question often sparks curiosity among comic book enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Marvel Comics, known for its rich history and iconic characters, has a storied past that began with the publication of its first issue. Let’s delve into the origins of this legendary comic book publisher and discover the answer to this intriguing question.
Marvel Comics, originally known as Timely Publications, was founded in 1939 by Martin Goodman. The company’s first issue, “Marvel Comics 1,” was published in October 1939. This groundbreaking comic featured a diverse array of characters, including the Human Torch, Sub-Mariner, and the Angel. Although not as famous as some of the characters that would later become Marvel’s cornerstones, these initial heroes laid the foundation for the company’s future success.
The Human Torch, created by Carl Burgos, was the first superhero to appear in a Marvel comic. He was a flame-wielding teenager who fought evil with the power of fire. The Sub-Mariner, designed by Bill Everett, was a mutate from the deep sea who sought revenge on the humans who had wronged him. The Angel, created by Paul Gustavson, was a costumed adventurer who sought to protect the innocent from those who would harm them.
Despite the lack of widespread fame at the time, “Marvel Comics 1” marked the beginning of a long and storied tradition of superhero storytelling. Over the years, Marvel Comics would go on to create some of the most beloved characters in the comic book industry, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, and the Fantastic Four.
The early years of Marvel Comics were characterized by a mix of science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories, with superheroes emerging as a dominant genre in the late 1960s. The introduction of the Marvel Universe, a shared continuity where all the characters interacted with each other, was a revolutionary concept at the time. This interconnected storytelling allowed for epic crossovers and a rich tapestry of interconnected tales.
In conclusion, the first Marvel comic, “Marvel Comics 1,” was published in October 1939 and featured a diverse cast of characters. Although not as well-known as some of the company’s later heroes, it laid the groundwork for the Marvel Universe that we know today. Marvel Comics has since become an iconic brand, synonymous with the very best in superhero storytelling.
