The history of Marvel comics, along with all the characters we’ve come to know and adore stretch far back into the early 20th century, back to a time well before the current heyday of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and even before the creator Stan Lee popularised the comic book series even further.
Back in 1939, pulp magazine publisher Martin Goodman expanded into the newly found world of emerging comic book content. Goodman, at the time, purchased comic book content from companies such as Funnies, Inc. and republished the work under his company name, Timely Publications.
Around this time, we begin to see the introduction of Marvel art and similar Marvel comic book-inspired design making its way to the surface. In August 1939, Goodman published the first Marvel comic – The Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner No. #1 – designed by Al Anders, Carl Burgos, Bill Everett, Paul Gustavson and Ben Thompson.
Based on what we know from history, it wasn’t until 1961 when American comic book writer and editor Stan Lee founded Marvel Studios with the launch of The Fantastic Four, along with other superhero titles created by himself, and Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and several well-known writers and artists.
Marvel Art & Pop Art
Though the artistic periods of design through which Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios had transitioned during the last six to seven decades had undergone tremendous changes, the overall design and characteristics of Marvel artwork have remained the same and presented a consistency in its delivery.
During the 1960s, Marvel Comics was briefly renamed “Marvel Pop Art Productions” in an attempt to gain greater cultural significance by riding existing pop culture trends of the period. This was however short-lived, and after four months the company dropped the name, due to supporter outcry and loyalty towards the Marvel Comics brand.
Despite their attempt at something that seemed outlandish at the time, Marvel Comics writers and designers managed to create a new generation of pop art that would stand individually, not only as a testament to the early era of coloured comic book content but rather rolling back the canvas on something that would one day become, by definition, uniquely Marvel pop art and stylish posters.
Marvel Artists
Since its founding as Timely Productions by Martin Goodman, hundreds of designers, pencillers, colourists and artists have helped to shape the well-known and beloved Marvel wall prints, and art posters we’ve all come to recognise in modern day.
Now, Marvel Studios, under the helm of the Walt Disney Company, represents a collection of interpretive art and established artists that continue to shape the trajectory of Marvel art.
Artists such as Alex Ross, Randy Martinez, Adi Granov, John Romita, Senior, Christopher Clark, and the late Stan Lee all worked to produce Marvel artwork that inspired the classic fictional comic book characters of superheroes that have become recognised across the world.
Throughout their careers, this cohort of artists and pencillers brought to life the likes of Captain America, Captain Marvel, The Hulk and Iron Man, Thor, Spider-Man, and many others.
Everything from their characteristics, superhero abilities and even the lettering used in the comic books helped to establish Marvel art as a distinct era of pop art, in a time of art deco and abstract art and would later conceptualise the postwar era of character design, font design and art itself.
Marvel Art For Your Home
High quality picture frames have helped transform Marvel art from a lost, and almost forgotten form of art into something more unique compared to traditional photo art standards.
Not only this, but developments in the field have meant that many new artists have taken inspiration from Marvel comic book stories and characters to design new art pieces that reflect the artistic expression of their work and of that which predates them.
Modern Marvel canvas wall art, comic wall art prints, posters and prints have moved beyond the borderless and unframed movie-inspired posters that once plastered the walls of every teen comic fanatic.
A series of limited edition custom framed art prints is now available at St Paul’s Gallery. Removing the limitations, while remaining within the confines of everlasting inspiration, Marvel fine art prints and stylish wall art have become an important addition to the modern art collective.
A selection of Paul Mellia designs is currently available at St Paul’s Gallery. These pieces have been carefully hand-selected which reflects the history, and the importance of Marvel wain an era dominated by modern stylistic art and minimalism.
If you’re looking for something unique to add to your gallery wall and bring a sense of individuality to your home, contact our team at St Paul’s Gallery for more information about our Marvel new wall art collection. A series of popular posters that compliments a variety of interior design styles and home decor for is available through our sustainable production value chain.
