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Marvel Explodes

From Bullpen to Big Business
Brief Description
Explore the Stories Behind the Legends Starting in 1968 when three classic Marvel anthologies were split into separate titles for Iron Man, Captain America, Sub-Mariner, The Hulk, Doctor Strange, and Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel began an explosive arc of growth which culminated in becoming... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
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Releases 10th December 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "Marvel Explodes" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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A behind-the-scenes look at the growth of Marvel from 1967 to 1975, from one of the smallest comic companies in America to the leading one.

A behind-the-scenes look at the growth of Marvel from 1967 to 1975, from one of the smallest comic companies in America to the leading one.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Explore the Stories Behind the Legends

Starting in 1968 when three classic Marvel anthologies were split into separate titles for Iron Man, Captain America, Sub-Mariner, The Hulk, Doctor Strange, and Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel began an explosive arc of growth which culminated in becoming America’s largest comics publisher in 1972.

Marvel Explodes tells the story year-by-year, exploring this decisive period from a creative standpoint – the expanded mythology, the new titles, and the writers and artists who would join to fuel the explosion – as well as a business one: the key transitions, including new distributor, owners, and opportunities.

Illustrated with full-colour art, Paul Levitz’s entry in the MARVEL AGE OF COMICS offers an eyewitness account of Marvel Comics in the years that established its greatness.

Series: Marvel Age of Comics

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  • Marvel Explodes
    Pre-order
    Marvel Explodes
    Explore the Stories Behind the Legends Starting in 1968 when three classic Marvel anthologies were split into separate titles for Iron Man, Captain America, Sub-Mariner, The Hulk, Doctor Strange, and Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel began an explosive arc of growth which culminated in becoming America’s largest comics publisher in 1972. Marvel Explodes tells the story year-by-year, exploring this...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Pre-order
    Out 10 Dec 2026

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9798216377719

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 October 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic

Illustration: 32 color illus

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 238.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 176

About the Author

Paul Levitz is former President and Publisher of DC Comics and has written for many of DC's major comic books series, including Superman and Justice Society. His story Legion: The Great Darkness Saga was voted one of the top 20 best comic stories of the last century by readers of The Buyers' Guide.

Also by Paul Levitz

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