There have been some pretty iconic series over at Marvel Comics over the years, but nothing really has struck me like Marvels from the mid-90s. A masterpiece in comic storytelling that felt unique and poignant, while also striking visually. Now, Steve Darnall gives us a thrilling all-new interpretation of the original comic series in Marvels: The Novelization, which adds to the already outstanding story while keeping the source material intact.
Welcome to New York. Here, burning figures roam the streets, men in brightly colored costumes scale the glass and concrete walls, creatures from space threaten to devour our world . . . and everyone else is going about their lives.
Marvels was first released in 1994 as a single issue comic miniseries by Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross and has since been published in various formats and collected editions. The landmark series pulls back the curtain on Marvel’s history with the unique perspective of an everyman character in news photographer Phil Sheldon. The photographer chronicles a world ever-growing with costumed superhumans, providing a view we don’t normally see in the world of comics as the Marvel Universe expands into what we see now.
What some may not know is that while Busiek was the writer on the series the author of Marvels: The Novelization, Darnall, was the Ross’ original writing partner back in the 1990s as they pitched the idea to the higher-ups at Marvel. So Darnall comes to this book with a deep passion for this story and knowledge on what is going on in the world of Marvel at the time.
With Marvel Comics spanning many decades, some people can forget how it all began (well in the fictional world). The introduction of the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner, then Captain America, Iron Man, and the X-Men. We might take advantage that all these characters just exist in universe we all love, but they have origins as well. Even more important is how those on the ground, the everyday people, react and feel about these new superhumans. Phil Sheldon helps us all see what it was like as the Marvel Universe was introduced.
Those on the ground were frightened, they were confused, they were unsure what to make of it all. Are these superpowered beings good or evil, were they here to help or hinder. Giving us this perspective makes you think a bit deeper than you might in a modern day storytelling. Even when things feel like these Marvels are here to help, the feeling of lost protection when Galactus appears would be utterly devastating and frightening.
I could continue spending the rest of this review discussion how important and fantastic the Marvels story is overall. However, it’s Darnall’s adaptation into novel that is the focus. What is a beautiful and stunningly visual feast in the original series, is just as good in the novel format as Darnall adds to the story with vivid descriptions and expands on what we already know while keeping the heart of the story the same.
Marvels: The Novelization is such an important story in comics, a must-read for those who have a deep passion and love for the Marvel Universe. The huge benefit to having the single issues, trade collections, and now this novelization, is it is now in a format that everyone can enjoy. Whether you want to see more of Ross’ outstanding paintings or would rather curl up with a good book, Marvels is a must-read story.
Marvels: The Novelization hits bookstores everywhere on May 19, 2026 from Abrams ComicArts.
