Superhero Media: Marvels

Probably one of the best Marvel comics ever written, drawn and poured over, Marvels is a must-have in any comics collection, even if the Golden and Silver Ages of Marvel comics isn't typically your thing. Telling the story of the 616 Marvel Universe itself, through the eyes of photographer Phil Sheldon, who undergoes his own personal journey with what superheroes, "Marvels", as he calls them, mean to him and the broader world. Every panel of Marvels is hand-painted by Alex Ross, and could well be his best work ever, even if the subject matter is sometimes as mundane as Gwen Stacy walking down a street. Written by Kurt Buisek, Marvels can be read as just an exercise in classic Marvel trainspotting, and my version does come with a list of references at the back, but the story is more about how what came to be known as the Marvel Universe came together out of a bunch of comics written by different people over a series of years. And if Marvels was just a nostalgia trip, it wouldn't be as great as it is. 

Broken into four issues, Marvels uses specific moments of Marvel history to tell its broader narrative, The Human Torch Vs Namor, the first appearance of Galactus on Earth, the wedding of Reed and Sue and the death of Gwen Stacy. Within these larger events, other things are happening, and not just on the scale of the big superhero fights; Phil has doubts about his marriage, works too hard and finally prioritises his family above his obsession with the Marvels, often providing excellent contrast with the world-shaping events happening around him. Readers of Marvel comics "know" plenty of ordinary people, like J Jonah Jameson, Mary Jane Watson and Willie Lumpkin, but Phil Sheldon is different, because whilst his profession often engages with the Marvels, he himself doesn't know any or really have much to do with them. Though a few small moments with Peter Parker and Danny Keltch are fun for that little twist of the fantastic.

Since appearing in Marvels, Phil has popped up here and there in broader Marvel media, from mentions in the Ultimate Alliance games through to a cameo in The Superhero Squad Show, of all things. Marvels started as an analysis and celebration of the history of the Marvel Universe, but has become an integral part of it as fans have embraced Phil Sheldon and his world and enshrined them alongside the very events he chronicles. I don't honestly expect to see Phil in the Marvel Cinematic Universe anytime soon, but once you know about him, he does pop up here and there, just keep an eye out. Various attempts have been made to recapture the brilliance of Marvels, some of which we'll go on to explore soon, but most of which don't really come close. Rather than decry these efforts though, I welcome any attempt to get back to this place, to take another swing at recapturing the unparalleled magic of Marvels.