Oh wow, this takes me back! It was so much fun to pick these up and go through every interview and preview (multiple times). Loved getting this level of in-depth insider's view of how my favorite comics were made. The creators and editorial teams became "characters" to me in the same way the actual characters were - it brought me as a kid "into the fold" in a way that I don't know can be replicated today. So much of this era was about taking your time and celebrating the joy of reading and this omnibus content is a testament to that.
For me the best way to describe this is “Marvel Comics of the 80s: Companion Vol. 1” It just enhances the reading experience of things from that time period
Fanzines were big in the late 60s and 70s. This series was essentially a fanzine, but done but done officially by the company (rather than by fans). It was a great way to advertise, hype, feature some creator interviews and make a profit while doing so.
As I get older, I'm more and more interested in books like this, not just comic stories but stories behind the stories. So I'm definitely going to pick this up. I very much like the Deadly hands of kung-fu as well where there is a lot of articles and you just get sucked into that kung-fu world. I hope this book does that but with the whole marvel universe because the 80's are my favorite era of Marvel.
Honestly super excited for this. Would have been nice to have a more detailed table of contents, or perhaps an index in the back. Punisher references on pages X, Y, Z, stuff like that. Hope there are follow ups. Crazy to think how many volumes it would take, but I'd love the line to at least get through the early 90s with the coverage and promotion of the Image founders' titles before they bounced. Coverage of things like the launch of X-Force, X-Men #1, Spider-Man #1, Danny Ketch Ghost Rider, Infinity Gauntlet, the Marvel UK books, Fall From Grace, Midnight Sons, Clone Saga, so on.
I'm excited for this as I remember this back when I was a kid. Happy that articles about lost properties are still included. Hope this sells well enough to get a v2. For the PMS X-Men page, that was from Uncanny X-Men 175. Not sure if that's what you were asking or not.
The only reason any of us ever bought this back in its day was it was 25 to 35 cents. After our weekly or monthly 'packages', we always had the extra change to toss in the monthly Marvel age mag due to it was pennies. Back when it was current, it was worth a read. Now, I would bet most that buy this would just flip through the pages and say "oh yeah, I remember that house add or exclusive artwork" but barely spend the time to read this book and then regret their purchase.
I am sooo looking forward to this. Yes it’s pure nostalgia but for those of us if a certain age, these issues were gold dust. Behind the scenes, speculation, gossip, guesswork, original art. It was heaven. Have the early singles. Can’t wait.
Very cool overview! I’m glad Marvel collected this and I hope they continue to collect the later issues. Maybe one day they’ll also collect FOOM and DC will collect the Amazing World of DC Comics. Which were both very similar to Marvel Age. Just as an FYI - Moonshadow had all 12 of its issues printed at Epic and they even released an early softcover trade. Ten years later (1994) Vertigo reprinted all 12 issues followed by a one shot sequel. That was also collected as a softcover. Dark Horse was the first to print a hardcover of the run in 2019.
This looks pretty cool, Omar. You and nostalgia may have sold me on this. Seeing this makes me wonder if it would ever be possible for the Wizard magazines to ever be printed in some sort of collected editions?
Thanks as ever Omar. I absolutely cannot wait for my copy of this to arrive. Have the first 20 or so issues in singles. Looking forward to seeing all the stuff in large format plus the letter issued I didn’t get. Never thought this would get an Omni
Such a great slice of Marvel history. My fear is that, as this is so niche, the chances of a volume 2, let alone anything beyond that, are almost non-existent.
@@FrankCastlesConscienceI agree just even getting Volume 1 is a huge and very pleasing surprise. A real slice of history and nostalgia. Glad Marvel found the appetite for it
Kind of cool that they did this one. I think I used to get Marvel Age with my subscription service orders as a Freebie. I'm not personally interested in this volume but happy that people can get it if they want. What I WANT is F.O.O.M. Omnibus. Probably a much harder sell (with far less color).
Marvel, I have an idea for the next great omni! An omni of ad pages. Just think of all those hostess snack cake ads, junk store joy buzzers, and video game pages. You make a fortune off of that one, trust me!
I was dubious about pre-ordering this, but I did anyway (DM Variant). After watching this review, I'm now really looking forward to receiving it! G.I. Joe omnibus collection, please, Marvel....!!!
I was surprised when I found out they did this, but I was very excited!! I own a few issues, but it’s awesome to see all these issues in omnibus form. You don’t see stuff like this being done in omnibus form. Now if only we could get a Heavy Metal omnibus from the early years. Also, with the Rom misspelling, I kept thinking of that moment from SpongeBob where Patrick yells, “MY NAME’S…NOT…RIIIIIIIIIIIIICCCKKKK!!!!!” It kind of makes me want to see Rom doing that. “MY NAME’S…NOT… ROOOOOOOOOOONNNNNN!!!!!!!”
I didn't start reading Marvel Age until a bit later (Annual #3 was my first) so I'm really looking forward to these early issues that I've never seen - can't wait! Before the internet, this was essential reading!
I'm def getting this, though, ngl, really hope/wish Marvel would work with Dynamite and publish a reworked recolor/fix up of those original Sonja comics, including the ones that would've appeared in this, exactly how the original artist wanted. Just for those really wanting that authenticity. And with it at omnibus size, I'd buy that in a heartbeat!
Oh wow. I was on the fence leaning towards No on this one but dude, you have sold me on it! This is up my alley for sure. This is the perfect behind the scenes book covering maybe the best period in comic book history.
I'm really looking forward to this. It shows how it was an exciting time to collect comics. I remember the issue that featured Frank Miller's return to Marvel to do Daredevil Born Again, Elektra: Assassin, etc had a page from the Elektra Lives Again that was not included in it when it was finally released.
There is a big chance that I pick this omni up; it brings back a ton of memories. i was still in elementary school when Marvel Age came out and it was one of those books that i enjoyed reading b/c you would get all the latest news on all the Marvel comics coming out. and it was only 35 cents; plus great interviews with writers and artists!
I had to buy the back issues in order to read the older issues. I bought some a comic book shop and most of them through mail order. My father told me to put them in the basement after we moved, and they got wet. I managed to find some on Ebay for not too much money when bought some altogether. Now days the prices are higher on the other copies. It is great it is Omni format now. I at first bought some back issues to read about the history of or Marvel. The first Issue I bought was 37 which had the photo of Heman on the cover and had the article about 1971. I first heard of the magazine when reading a letter in Doctor Who that had news and reprints of Doctor Who comics from Marvel's sister publication in the England or the UK. I wonder if there will be an Omnibus with Marvel Saga. So far there was an Essential one. DC used to have some free handouts news that looked like pamphlets. I saw that Marvel started to do that too.
I remember the book cover that had the monthly calendar. Nice!!! Wait... the cover price back then was starting at 25 cents.... and this collects the first 34 issues and one annual in this one volume. Shouldn't the cover price of THIS omnibus be much less? LOL Thanks for this video, Omar! Good times at a young kid getting these monthly issues. Very informative!
I think i bought one Marvel Age book in the late 80s, it had a photo of Dolph Lundgren’s Punisher on the front cover. I dont remember the contents but looking at this review it provides a huge amount of 80s nostalgia, what a great era. Although modern tech makes life much easier i also really miss the idea of periodicals like this where you had to put the effort in as a reader, plus you absorbed the information ravenously compared to nowadays where you can lazily skip over digital pages to your hearts content. There’s something more rewarding about the former. Definite buy for me.
@@NearMintCondition yeah but it’s still interesting to see how things were at the time the comic your reading was coming out. Still your silvery tongue can convince anyone to buy an Omni😂
I;m so pleased this has been collected in omnibus format. I still have some issues, and this is a wonderful treasure trove to want to buy. But given it contains material from previously licensed books is it really all intact?
I picked up the first issue of Marvel Age the first time I visited a comic shop and bought it regularly for years. I love the fact that today's Marvel omnis include relevant material from contemporary issues of Marvel Age and the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. But I have no interest in buying omnis of Marvel Age or OHOTMU.
🤣I remember buying 4 of these early in my collecting cause i wanted EVERYTHING ..😂then my dad said here's your pay/ allowance for working in the family business -- spend wisely ..I never read them lol... I think they were like 50 or 75 cent
Moonshadow was fully published at Epic. DC did republish it in the 90's through Vertigo. Including a new story and a collected edition of the series. You must be thinking of something else.
I have fond memories, but I don't think Marvel Age needs to be immortalized in a premium edition. (I would love some Hembeck gallery editions, though!)
Ah i just saw this on Ebay and was wondering what this was! Its basically an old school Encyclopedia???....easyyy pass! I thought they were 80s comic issues
The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe is more like an encyclopedia, this Omni is like a trip to the past in general. Take it as an early fanzine
There is some interesting stuff in here, including house ads and art, but the vast majority of it is advertising and hype for upcoming issues/events - the whole comic was essentially an ad. I would be much more interested in a collection of actual early fanzines like FOOM! or the like. I agree, no way I'm spending money for this - it's like a corporations wet dream, selling their in house advertising magazine in a hardcover format.
Oh wow, this takes me back! It was so much fun to pick these up and go through every interview and preview (multiple times). Loved getting this level of in-depth insider's view of how my favorite comics were made. The creators and editorial teams became "characters" to me in the same way the actual characters were - it brought me as a kid "into the fold" in a way that I don't know can be replicated today. So much of this era was about taking your time and celebrating the joy of reading and this omnibus content is a testament to that.
One of my most anticipated Omnis!
Thank you Omar for reviewing this!!
For me the best way to describe this is “Marvel Comics of the 80s: Companion Vol. 1” It just enhances the reading experience of things from that time period
Omar, man, you are Marvel's unsung marketing one-man-team... Now I want this book...
A wizard magazine hardcover collection would be so cool
I have never heard of this series, but my goodness you make it sound so interesting.
It was back in the day, but NOW, it's beyond irrelevant.
Fanzines were big in the late 60s and 70s. This series was essentially a fanzine, but done but done officially by the company (rather than by fans).
It was a great way to advertise, hype, feature some creator interviews and make a profit while doing so.
It's extremely niche, but if you like good old Marvel you'll love it
Marvel in it's prime during this period, IMHO. Worth checking out.
As I get older, I'm more and more interested in books like this, not just comic stories but stories behind the stories. So I'm definitely going to pick this up. I very much like the Deadly hands of kung-fu as well where there is a lot of articles and you just get sucked into that kung-fu world. I hope this book does that but with the whole marvel universe because the 80's are my favorite era of Marvel.
Honestly super excited for this. Would have been nice to have a more detailed table of contents, or perhaps an index in the back. Punisher references on pages X, Y, Z, stuff like that. Hope there are follow ups. Crazy to think how many volumes it would take, but I'd love the line to at least get through the early 90s with the coverage and promotion of the Image founders' titles before they bounced. Coverage of things like the launch of X-Force, X-Men #1, Spider-Man #1, Danny Ketch Ghost Rider, Infinity Gauntlet, the Marvel UK books, Fall From Grace, Midnight Sons, Clone Saga, so on.
Speaking of the Punisher there was an issue with him on the cover.
I'm excited for this as I remember this back when I was a kid. Happy that articles about lost properties are still included. Hope this sells well enough to get a v2. For the PMS X-Men page, that was from Uncanny X-Men 175. Not sure if that's what you were asking or not.
The only reason any of us ever bought this back in its day was it was 25 to 35 cents. After our weekly or monthly 'packages', we always had the extra change to toss in the monthly Marvel age mag due to it was pennies. Back when it was current, it was worth a read. Now, I would bet most that buy this would just flip through the pages and say "oh yeah, I remember that house add or exclusive artwork" but barely spend the time to read this book and then regret their purchase.
I am sooo looking forward to this. Yes it’s pure nostalgia but for those of us if a certain age, these issues were gold dust. Behind the scenes, speculation, gossip, guesswork, original art. It was heaven. Have the early singles. Can’t wait.
Very cool overview! I’m glad Marvel collected this and I hope they continue to collect the later issues. Maybe one day they’ll also collect FOOM and DC will collect the Amazing World of DC Comics. Which were both very similar to Marvel Age.
Just as an FYI - Moonshadow had all 12 of its issues printed at Epic and they even released an early softcover trade. Ten years later (1994) Vertigo reprinted all 12 issues followed by a one shot sequel. That was also collected as a softcover. Dark Horse was the first to print a hardcover of the run in 2019.
Seeing the Indian Jones cover makes me wish they would release the Indiana Jones omnibus.
Dark Horse did publish softcover omnibus editions of the Marvel series.
I'll have to look around, although I'd prefer a hardcover version. But beggars can't be choosers.
I still have all of the single issues of Marvel Age but I still preordered this omnibus.
This looks pretty cool, Omar. You and nostalgia may have sold me on this. Seeing this makes me wonder if it would ever be possible for the Wizard magazines to ever be printed in some sort of collected editions?
Oh man, I would LOVE that!
Thanks as ever Omar. I absolutely cannot wait for my copy of this to arrive. Have the first 20 or so issues in singles. Looking forward to seeing all the stuff in large format plus the letter issued I didn’t get. Never thought this would get an Omni
Such a great slice of Marvel history. My fear is that, as this is so niche, the chances of a volume 2, let alone anything beyond that, are almost non-existent.
Even if thats true, its still amazing to get 1 of these.
But they already knew that before printing this one, so I can only assume it's a calculated risk.
@@FrankCastlesConscienceI agree just even getting Volume 1 is a huge and very pleasing surprise. A real slice of history and nostalgia. Glad Marvel found the appetite for it
I plan to do my part. I agree it’s unlikely we get more but since it’s not a linear story type of book, vol 1 can stand alone
Kind of cool that they did this one. I think I used to get Marvel Age with my subscription service orders as a Freebie. I'm not personally interested in this volume but happy that people can get it if they want.
What I WANT is F.O.O.M. Omnibus. Probably a much harder sell (with far less color).
Marvel, I have an idea for the next great omni! An omni of ad pages. Just think of all those hostess snack cake ads, junk store joy buzzers, and video game pages. You make a fortune off of that one, trust me!
I was dubious about pre-ordering this, but I did anyway (DM Variant). After watching this review, I'm now really looking forward to receiving it!
G.I. Joe omnibus collection, please, Marvel....!!!
I was surprised when I found out they did this, but I was very excited!! I own a few issues, but it’s awesome to see all these issues in omnibus form. You don’t see stuff like this being done in omnibus form. Now if only we could get a Heavy Metal omnibus from the early years.
Also, with the Rom misspelling, I kept thinking of that moment from SpongeBob where Patrick yells, “MY NAME’S…NOT…RIIIIIIIIIIIIICCCKKKK!!!!!” It kind of makes me want to see Rom doing that. “MY NAME’S…NOT… ROOOOOOOOOOONNNNNN!!!!!!!”
I didn't start reading Marvel Age until a bit later (Annual #3 was my first) so I'm really looking forward to these early issues that I've never seen - can't wait! Before the internet, this was essential reading!
I'm def getting this, though, ngl, really hope/wish Marvel would work with Dynamite and publish a reworked recolor/fix up of those original Sonja comics, including the ones that would've appeared in this, exactly how the original artist wanted. Just for those really wanting that authenticity. And with it at omnibus size, I'd buy that in a heartbeat!
An interesting book, u get a little bit of everything that was going on at Marvel in the 80’s.
DC Comics rebuttal to the Marvel version of the Justice League / Avengers cancellation by Paul Levits was Epic!
Oh wow. I was on the fence leaning towards No on this one but dude, you have sold me on it! This is up my alley for sure. This is the perfect behind the scenes book covering maybe the best period in comic book history.
I'm really looking forward to this. It shows how it was an exciting time to collect comics. I remember the issue that featured Frank Miller's return to Marvel to do Daredevil Born Again, Elektra: Assassin, etc had a page from the Elektra Lives Again that was not included in it when it was finally released.
This series really helped me get immersed in the Marvel universe when I started reading comics in 1987. Day one purchase for me.
Opinion: This book is an important creation for historical reasons. I'm just not interested due to space.
Any news on an Uncanny Avengers Omnibus reprint?
I can't wait to get this. I love behind the scenes stories. I really hope we get the whole series collected.
Man, it's a nice Omnibus that summarizes the entire history of the Marvel Universe in Marvel Comics.
I'm getting this Saturday.
Nice intro changed it up you even got your own catch phrases!
Thank you.
There is a big chance that I pick this omni up; it brings back a ton of memories. i was still in elementary school when Marvel Age came out and it was one of those books that i enjoyed reading b/c you would get all the latest news on all the Marvel comics coming out. and it was only 35 cents; plus great interviews with writers and artists!
Looks like an awesome piece for a big collection, sadly I've got a lot of other targets to grab first I continue building my collection 🙂
I hope that Transfomers logo on the cover of the book is telling us something...
I had to buy the back issues in order to read the older issues. I bought some a comic book shop and most of them through mail order. My father told me to put them in the basement after we moved, and they got wet. I managed to find some on Ebay for not too much money when bought some altogether. Now days the prices are higher on the other copies. It is great it is Omni format now. I at first bought some back issues to read about the history of or Marvel. The first Issue I bought was 37 which had the photo of Heman on the cover and had the article about 1971. I first heard of the magazine when reading a letter in Doctor Who that had news and reprints of Doctor Who comics from Marvel's sister publication in the England or the UK. I wonder if there will be an Omnibus with Marvel Saga. So far there was an Essential one. DC used to have some free handouts news that looked like pamphlets. I saw that Marvel started to do that too.
I remember the book cover that had the monthly calendar. Nice!!!
Wait... the cover price back then was starting at 25 cents.... and this collects the first 34 issues and one annual in this one volume. Shouldn't the cover price of THIS omnibus be much less? LOL
Thanks for this video, Omar! Good times at a young kid getting these monthly issues. Very informative!
I think i bought one Marvel Age book in the late 80s, it had a photo of Dolph Lundgren’s Punisher on the front cover. I dont remember the contents but looking at this review it provides a huge amount of 80s nostalgia, what a great era. Although modern tech makes life much easier i also really miss the idea of periodicals like this where you had to put the effort in as a reader, plus you absorbed the information ravenously compared to nowadays where you can lazily skip over digital pages to your hearts content. There’s something more rewarding about the former. Definite buy for me.
Omar you ain’t going to talk me into buying this…. 😂
You got the Internet to find out what’s coming up next :)
@@NearMintCondition what does this mean? You saying a reprint of something I want is coming?🤔
@@fishin4bass2002 lol no it means you have the internet now. You don't need books like this anymore.
@@NearMintCondition yeah but it’s still interesting to see how things were at the time the comic your reading was coming out. Still your silvery tongue can convince anyone to buy an Omni😂
I know it's next to impossible but I wish there was a way to collect the Wizard magazines. I would buy it just for the nostalgia.
I;m so pleased this has been collected in omnibus format. I still have some issues, and this is a wonderful treasure trove to want to buy. But given it contains material from previously licensed books is it really all intact?
Me- Oh I should watch this to support Omar. Now I want more King Conan... thanks Omar
Is this done in one? Are there more issues for a volume 2?
Marvel Age ran 140 issues and 4 annuals. It could take 3 or 4 Omnibus to collect the whole run.
Was gonna pass....dammit Omar! Need this documentary next to Deadly Hands!
OMG, I forgot all about Alien Legion.
I prefer this type of material put as an extra in a book story.
I picked up the first issue of Marvel Age the first time I visited a comic shop and bought it regularly for years. I love the fact that today's Marvel omnis include relevant material from contemporary issues of Marvel Age and the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. But I have no interest in buying omnis of Marvel Age or OHOTMU.
Never. Not even on a bet or a 99% discount would I buy this. 1 reed then shelved for all time. Even if it becomes THE WHALE of all whales, no regrets.
🤣I remember buying 4 of these early in my collecting cause i wanted EVERYTHING ..😂then my dad said here's your pay/ allowance for working in the family business -- spend wisely ..I never read them lol... I think they were like 50 or 75 cent
Moonshadow was fully published at Epic. DC did republish it in the 90's through Vertigo. Including a new story and a collected edition of the series. You must be thinking of something else.
Do I still need this when I still have them all? Probably...
I have fond memories, but I don't think Marvel Age needs to be immortalized in a premium edition. (I would love some Hembeck gallery editions, though!)
Bro please, review Indian comics also🇮🇳🙏❤️
I saw the further adventures of Indiana Jones and G.I Joe and The Transformers. #futureoriginalmarvelyearsideasformarvelcomics
#Spider-HamOmnibus
👍💯🔥🎯👏💪👌🙌
Ah i just saw this on Ebay and was wondering what this was! Its basically an old school Encyclopedia???....easyyy pass! I thought they were 80s comic issues
The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe is more like an encyclopedia, this Omni is like a trip to the past in general. Take it as an early fanzine
There is some interesting stuff in here, including house ads and art, but the vast majority of it is advertising and hype for upcoming issues/events - the whole comic was essentially an ad. I would be much more interested in a collection of actual early fanzines like FOOM! or the like. I agree, no way I'm spending money for this - it's like a corporations wet dream, selling their in house advertising magazine in a hardcover format.