Marvel’s 80th anniversary is fast approaching and the company has something big planned. Hot on the heels of a previous story hinting at such an event, the comic giant has revealed a special commemorative issue. Per the New York Times, the Marvel Comics #1000 anthology will make its debut this August with an 80 page special.
Each page of the comic will cover a particular year in Marvel’s history, starting with 1939. It will also feature a number of characters vital to its universe, including Captain America and Iron Man. Blue Marvel, Night Thrasher, and other heroes will also take part in the stories.
“This is by far the most complex and complicated and difficult book I’ve ever had to assemble,” said Tom Brevoort, Marvel’s executive editor and senior vice president. And it won’t just contain one big story across 80 pages. Instead, it will be 80 different stories, each with their own creative teams.
Marvel editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski explained that a lot of care went into recruiting creators of these stories. “Our characters are mentioned in so many different ways and in so many different mediums and we always keep track,” he explained. “Now these distinguished individuals are able to contribute back to the comics they grew up on.”
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The first panel for Marvel Comics #1000 will feature a nod to a classic cover from 1939. But the entire issue is a labor of love for Marvel’s teams.
While the entire list of artists and contributors haven’t been provided just yet, a few names previously made the rounds. Earlier this week, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was announced to be a part of the anthology. He’ll be working alongside co-writer Raymond Obstfeld and artist Mattia De Iulis on a story.
You can see the cover art for the special issue below. Will you pick up Marvel Comics #1000? Let us know in the comment section below!
