Amazing Fantasy Omnibus collects Amazing Adventures #1-6, Amazing Adult Fantasy #7-14, Amazing Fantasy #15 (1961–1962). If you like early Marvel, Kirby, or Ditko, you’ll love this collection of monster/fantasy/weird comic stories, forty-five years in the making. Stan Lee’s imagination was on overdrive, producing the early germs of ideas which eventually resulted in the Marvel Age of Super Hero dominance. This hardcover, full color, deluxe package of the collected series, culminates with the introduction of Spider-Man! Perfect for Marvel fans who missed the original issues the first time around or as a gift for any serious student of Marvel history.
Originally titled Amazing Adventures (first issue cover-date June 1961), the science fiction anthology introduced Marvel Comics’ first continuing character, the paranormal adventurer “Doctor Droom”. Amazing Adventures included the efforts of writer/editor Stan Lee and artists Don Heck, Jack Kirby (inked by Dick Ayers) and Paul Reinman. With issue #7, the book transformed into Amazing Adult Fantasy and it became pure Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The cover of the comic carried the motto “The magazine that respects your intelligence.”
Amazing Fantasy #15: The Origin of Spider-Man
(Part 1/2)
I found this animated version of the first appearance of Spider-Man on YouTube. It was created in 2008 by J.W.B. Studios. J.W.B. took images from the original Amazing Fantasy #15 and used a paint program to create the animation.
Story and Artwork
Amazing Adult Fantasy presented Twilight Zone-style tales of otherworldly aliens, time travel, ghosts, and underground bomb shelters. With story after scintillating story, Ditko’s scrumptious art set a new standard for comic book illustration.
The book really hit its stride in the last half-dozen issues, when Steve Ditko basically took over and was given full reign on the creative end. The book developed a strong signature style, and Ditko achieved a new level of recognition. Some of the best surprises come with the famous Spidey issue, in which an editorial announced they planned to change the look and format of the book (they canceled it and started up “The Amazing Spider-Man” instead). This is a fascinating look back at the history of Marvel Comics. Probably best appreciated for the dynamic, colorful artwork (which looks fabulous in the glossy archival format)
It wasn't just Spider-Man in the historic Amazing Fantasy #15! Meet...the Man in the Mummy Case!
This tome is absolutely perfect: The writing by Stan Lee and the art by Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby are prime indicators that the Marvel Age Of Comics is about to begin. The production on this Massive collection is top notch.
The oversize format showcases Ditko’s brilliant yet subtle illustrations, while Kirby’s bombastic and kinetic storytelling explodes off of every page. The rich, vibrant colors originally used in these tales get a whole new life in this format.
Highlights of This Collection
- “Jack Kirby, Atlas Comics & Monsters!” essay by Jack Kirby, reprinted from Monster Menace #2, January 1994
- Amazing Adventures #5, page one, original artwork by Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers
- Reprint covers from Monsters on the Prowl #27-28, Strange Tales #175, Weird Wonder tales #19-22
- Amazing Adult Fantasy/Fantastic Four house ad from Hulk #1
- Reprint covers from Fantasy Masterpieces #1, Journey Into Mystery #10
- Cover to Monster Menace #2 by Steve Ditko
- Cover to Curse of the Weird #1 by Steve Ditko
Two average people take an amazing adventure through a Jack Kirby dinosaur landscape in "We Were Trapped in the Twilight World" from Amazing Adventures #3.
- Pinup from Monster Menace #1 by Steve Ditko
- “Essay” by Steve Ditko from Monster Menace #3, art by Steve Ditko
- Biographies: Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers, Paul Reinman
- The complete comic that featured the debut of Spider-Man!
- Biographies: Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers, Paul Reinman
- The complete comic that featured the debut of Spider-Man!
What’s Included
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Marvel (September 5, 2007)
Language: English
Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 7.5 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
Average Customer Review: 5 out of 5 stars (13 customer reviews)
How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
The cheapest I’ve seen it on Amazon for new books is $99.95 and you should be able to find used issues at around $94.01.
What Others Are Saying
The Amazing Fantasy Omnibus has received enthusiastic praise from an overwhelming majority of buyers, with an average of 5 out of 5 from most reviewers on Amazon. Here are some of the comments to date:
- “It is great that Marvel has finally reissued the entire run from #1 to #15 in an archival-quality edition that pays homage to this wonderful work.”
- “This collection is a must have for vintage monster comic book fans…”
- “I can strongly recommend this Omnibus volume to anyone with similar geeky tastes.”
- “The art restoration and reproduction is first rate, and the coloring is excellent.”
- “A visual feast for fans of King Kirby and Sturdy Steve Ditko.”
- “Every page is the comic book equivalent of watching a 52″ plasma HDTV!”
- “The individual original issues are hard to find and terribly expensive, so this hardbound omnibus is a real blessing for fans who just want to read the old stuff, and not pay a gazillion dollars or have to worry about preserving the fragile old artifacts.”
Where Can You Buy Amazing Fantasy Omnibus?
You can buy this hardcover Amazing Fantasy collection from Amazon. Click here to view on Amazon.
You can also buy the
Amazing Fantasy Omnibus HC Brereton Variant at Better World Books.
Where Can You Read More Reviews for Amazing Fantasy Omnibus?
The best place for reviews from people who actually own Amazing Fantasy Omnibus is Amazon.
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