Chapter One: A Time of Marvels
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist / cover artist: Alex Ross
Lettering and interior design: Richard Starkings
Logo design: Joe Kaufman
Originally published: January 1994

Perhaps it is ironic that I’m starting this project with an issue that does not feature, does not even mention, Spider-Man. Since he appears in the rest of the Marvels issues, though, I thought it would be just plain mad not to read the first issue.

Despite Spider-Man’s absence, this was a fantastic way to kick off the project. There can be no better way to begin my immersion in the Marvel Universe than through the eyes of Phil Sheldon, a photojournalist in a world that’s trying to adapt to the sudden appearance of super-powered beings. The writing is great; telling the story from Sheldon’s perspective makes for a very grounded, human, and interesting story. We are treated to very little of the Marvels’ theatrics and I, for one, didn’t miss them. Busiek’s wonderful writing is accompanied by breathtaking art from Alex Ross. Every page is a beautiful painting, and Ross captures the time period perfectly.

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