TITLE: The Marvel Fumetti Book vol. 1, issue 1
YEAR: April 1984
COMPANY: Marvel Comics
PRESENTED BY: Stan Lee
PRODUCED BY Jim Shooter
CO-DIRECTED BY Louise Jones and Ann Nocenti
SCREENPLAY BY: Mike Carlin, Jim Shooter and Joe Albelo
TYPE BY: Brenda Mings
In the ’80s, Marvel Comics reached amazing popularity and that includes the talented staff.
There were no doubt incredible comics released by Marvel throughout the ’80s, many positive, many shocking and also some controversial.
But for those reading Marvel Comics, reading a Marvel Comic book at the time, made you want to write, draw and even dream of becoming a part of that Marvel Comics team.
Granted, through the passage of time, we learned from former Marvel Comics staff who worked with the company during the ’80s have shared stories of how life at the workplace was not as rosy as things would appear. Certain staff members didn’t get along and for the most part, the love and harmony may have been a facade for a few people.
But back in 1984, Jim Shooter and the Marvel staff were superstars and released in April that year was “The Marvel Fumetti Book” showcasing a comic book featuring the staff in a few photo skits.
While you couldn’t make out the faces all that perfectly, as photos back then didn’t reproduce well on newsprint paper, but it was enough to put a face to the name.
To learn how Jim Shooter was very tall, there was numerous female employees at that time and for the most part, staff did have fun with each other in the ’80s and the fact that they did participate in this project shows that at least there was fun at the office.
As for short stories, you see Spider-Man giving a tour of Marvel Comics offices, staff having breakfast in the bullpen, Jim Shooter showing who’s boss, a wet t-shirt contest, the fastest wrtier in the world with Bill Mantlo, Stan Lee doing a pin-up, secret behind the comics with Walt and Louise Simonson and more, Inker-Dinker-Doo with Terry Austin, John Byrne in Quick Draw, The Super Boxers vs. the Futurians featuring Rojn Wilson and Dave Cockrum,The Spider-Man Plot Session, the Up Elevator, Beauty and the Beast with the Hulk, Mary Mcpherran, John Byrne, Ron Wilson, Louise Jones and Ann Nocenti and more.
While I remember this comic very well from way back in 1984, it’s the first time reading it in a very long time and probably worth picking up if you were nostalgic of those early Marvel years but if anything, it’s a glimpse of Marvel Comics staff from yesteryear.