This is one of the most intelligently written thrillers I've read in ages. The action is exciting, the techno-talk satisfying and not overdone, and the general writing and play of mind mean you don't have to put your own wits entirely to sleep to enjoy the book, as you do with many thrillers. True, it gets a touch preachy towards the end, but only a little. The book is o.p. but worth looking for!

Though I like the idea that we keep close tabs on the world, I hope sane people are in charge. Good story with underlying menace. It is well written.

The essential Conan is a collection of the first 25 issues of the Conan the Barbarian comics released by Marvel back in the early seventies. Although this book is in black and white, a format which seems to have gone out of style, this book often manages to capture the spirit of the original Conan stories. The plots aren't usually too dumb, and as the book advances the comics go from a bunch of individual stories to big story-arcs, making it more readable and giving it more of a sense of continuity.

While this book doesn't always stick to the Conan stories continuity-wise, for the most part it fits in, filling little gaps in between those stories. Also, several of howard's better stories are adapted to comic format here; Tower of the Elephant, Frost Giant's Daughter, and Rogues in the House to name a few. We get the first comics' appearance of Red Sonja as well.

Overall, this is a fun, quick read, and although it's only in B&W, for the sheer amount of materiel included herein it's definitely worth the cover price.

I remember when Barry Smith drew his first comic for Marvel Comics. It was an issue of the X-Men that we all thought was THE WORST DRAWN COMIC BOOK IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. It turned out that Smith, newly arrived from England, drew the issue on park benches in NYC. When the first issue of Conan the Barbarian arrived it was clear he was not that bad. By the time his run as artist on "Conan" ended it was even more clear he was something special and the fact that the illustrative style that had evolved in those two-year span was not feasible within the demands of producing monthly issues of a comic book was a depressing irony.

Barry Windsor-Smith has long been my favorite "comic book artist," and this collection traces his evolution as such quite admirably. Indeed, not other collection could better serve that purpose. A simple comparison of the covers from Conan #1 and Smith's swansong issue #24 ("The Song of Red Sonja") evidences the transformation from artist to illustrator. For that matter you can also consider Smith intermediary style (e.g., #13 "Web of the Spider-God"). This transformation is as impressive because of how quickly in took place while he was drawing Conan as it is for the artistic growth. But even in his work today you can see how it is grounded in the style he developed while working on this comic.

These reprinted stories are presented in black and white, which is certainly better than nothing, but I look forward to Smith's work being presented in color as it originally appeared. I notice this most particularly in the Epilogue to Conan #20, "The Black Hound of Vengeance," which was originally presented in muted tones of gray, blue and brown. Smith abandoned panels in an interesting change of pace that underscored the emotional impact of the sequence. Without color that impact is most decidedly lost. One of the things that is still discernable is the increase in the number of panels per page from issue to issue through Smith's tenure as he became more comfortable with using art rather than dialogue to advance parts of the story. The best example of this is the hanging sequence on page 14 of Conan #10.

From a writing stand point it should be noted that there is a nice balance between stories adapted from Robert E. Howard's Conan work and original stories by Roy Thomas. For the former "The Tower of the Elephant" (#4) is usually considered the high point. The appearance of Michael Moorcock's Elric in issues #14-15 seems a bit forced, while the Fafnir character (original a quick tribute to Fritz Leiber's famous pair of thieves) becomes a wonderfully integrated character into an ongoing story line.

Of the 25 issues included in this collection not all are drawn by Smith. Several issues are drawn by Gil Kane because Smith had missed a deadline or took a hiatus from working on Conan. Thomas' ability as a storyteller capable of crafting bigger and longer storylines would continue to grow, and while John Buscema's artwork on Conan was quite excellent (especially when inked by Ernie Chan), Barry Smith's work will always stand on a plateau. Jim Steranko cracked open the door on stylized illustration in color comics, but Barry Smith was the one who gets credit for busting all the way through.

This is not only the best and most comprehensive book in learning to draw comic book style art, this has some of the most basic, yet most critical drawing techniques, techniques such as the vanishing point, character swatches, layouts and breaking figures down into shapes, for example... I did not have this advantage when I was learning to draw. When I started out as a child, I discovered all of these techniques the difficult way, through trial & error...A process that regrettably takes years. I wish I knew about this book when I was a kid. If I had, I would have advanced so much more as an artist, I couldn't even imagine where I'd be today.

Anyways, I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning how to draw, period. This really is THE book, people. Search no more. It LITERALLY contains everything I know on drawing techniques (& I've been drawing since I've been old enough to hold a pencil). And not only is it informative, it's extremely fun! The way they present thier lessons, reading & practicing along with it makes you feel like you're goofing off with a comic book, as if you weren't learning anything (although you are). Ideal for those with a 30 sec.(or less) attn. span. The only thing that keeps me from rating it 5 stars, however, is that they should encourage readers to take up more of an interest in drawing real life, things around you, as well as comics. Because it's real life elements that serves as inspiration for the true comic book artist. Real life drawing is the foundation for comic book style art.

I bought the book under influence from a friend of mine who said it was essential if you wanted to draw superhero comics. I can tell you, I was NOT disappointed. It starts off with the basics. Later going into the obvious subject, how to draw great superhero comics. I learned alot from this book, e.g.the human head and the vital information on the stance of the character you draw or create.

If there is a down side to the book, you could say it is also it's greatest aspect. It is the variety of subject it goes into. This book will help you become good at ALL (or at least most) of the subjects it goes into. Which is a great thing. But it doesn't teach you to be great at any of them. Which is pretty obvious since this is a book that teaches you every aspect of drawing great comics. After you've read this book (and you want to keep progressing), you really should check out the books which the authors suggest on each subject "touched upon in this volume" (quoting the book).

A must buy, an essential if you will.

I think every serious or aspiring artist should own this book. I've had a copy since the early '80s, andit became so dog-eared from frequentuse, that I had to buy another. John Buscema is an excellent teacher. After all, if you're goingto learn to draw, you might as well learn from the best; and John IS the best, IMO. Among other things, the book contains vital rules for drawing in perspective, and drawing lifelike human faces and figures. This is not just a book for comic fans, or kids, it's for everyone!

Obviously this brainless fool from TN just wants to see his stupidity in print. Jack Kirby is known throughout the world as one of the most influential comic artists ever. Marvel did do everyone a disservice by having no-name artists touch-up the reprinting flaws in the Masterworks series but to insult Jack Kirby and his legacy is a good way to show how small your life experience is.

I am moved to write by the totally off the wall comments of the writer who trashed Kirby's artwork in early silver age Marvel comics. If you didn't like the books.....fine, but there is no doubt.... none... in any critical venue that Jack Kirby was the innovative genius in early 60's and 70's comic book penciling. I remember seeing my first issues of Fantastic Four, Thor, and Avengers comics. Soon a loyal Batman fan was a Marvel Fan Club Member. Obiously comic book artwork has evolved and so have comics as the tastes and sophistication of todays youth have changed and grown (although I wonder if it is for the better?), but for the times, Kirby was the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of Comics, and Thor was one of the reasons.

In all honesty, I'm writing this review because I'm sick of the anti-Kirby review being the first one on the page. Kirby is the greatest artist of all time, and this comes through very well on the early Thors. This was super-heroics on a grand, cosmic scale. While some people may not be capable of appreciating his style, they do need to realize that their favorite "new" artists all followed Kirby. He defined more of the artistic language of comics thatn any other three people, and only a select few (Eisner, Siegel & Schuster, a few others) contributed anywhere near the massive amount which Kirby did to the history of comics.

This book is a collection of 20 comics. Not any odinary comics but 20 comics that changed the Comic genre and the world.

The art work is done by the late Jack kirby who was a genius. His best art will be re-printed in volume 3 and 4. Nevertheless enjoy a genius at work. Kirby maintained he created the FF.

The book is in B&W that shouldnt matter here, in fact its a distinct advantage as we get to see Kirbys art in its true glory before the colourist got to it.

Please forgive the racist over-tones of anti communist and anti Russian feeling, America was going through a bad time in the 60s regarding this matter.

Buy the book you may never get to read these comics again. Every true comic fan has to read them once.

Both Marvel and DC Comics have been reprinting their classic tales, making them affordable and accessible to modern collectors, but Marvel deserves an extra kudos for their exceptional "Essentials" series which reprint entire runs of 20-or-so comics from Marvel's Silver Age in a black-and-white "phone book" format (no doubt inspired by Dave Sim's massive collections of "Cerebus" comics). How innovative are these first FF comics? Picture the early 1960s, where a superhero team comic meant the rather whitebread "Justice League of America" from DC...classic stories, of course, but somewhat lacking in scope and character development. Enter Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's first Marvel Comic: the heroes don't wear costumes (not until the third issue, at least), squabble and fight (not unlike a real family) and face truly hideous and grotesque monsters of true nightmare quality. Reading these stories I'm often surprised at the sheer amount of plot and action that Lee and Kirby manage to squeeze into a couple dozen pages for each story...although this is slightly before the incredibly innovative period of Kirby's blockbuster, knock-you-out layouts, there's still, for want of a better phrase, "never a dull moment." This book, and others created by Lee and Kirby and the other great artists of early Marvel, created comics that inspired a whole new wave in the industry. This isn't the single greatest Fantastic Four period--Kirby's knock-out run beginning around FF #45 and including the mind-blowing Galactus Trilogy is yet to come--but it's an absolute must-have for anyone who professes to love comics. Finally, *very* high praise for the Essentials series in and of itself: I've always wanted to read *all* these stories, not just the few that get often reprinted in other formats (FF #1, 5), and this is simply the best way to read a couple years worth of continuity at an exceptionally affordable price. Sure, these are reprinted in black and white rather than the original color, but that's a minor problem-Kirby's art is as dynamic and innovative even without colors. The "Essentials" series is a re-publishing program that is much needed, and I hope it continues (how about a collection of Ant-Man/Wasp stories? John Byrne's run on FF? Gulacy's Master of Kung Fu?). Although DC has made enormous strides in re-presenting their classic works for a modern audience in their Archives editions and the Millennium comic books, Marvel has shown that it can and will cover all ends of the market with comic book format reprints, color graphic novel compilations, their pricier color Masterworks collections, and these accessibly-priced and aptly-named Essentials. There's only one thing Marvel could do better: add a "created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby" line to every Fantastic Four comic, giving homage and credit where credit's due to not only Stan the Man but the one and only King of Comics.

I was watching a Stan Lee interview on TV. And saw in the back ground some comics with the word's ESSENTIAL. So I looked them up on Amazon.com.

Way cool! In the early 60's as a kid I was a chronic comic book reader. Into the 70's discovering Rock 'N' Roll I tended to drift away from them. Sold them all to the local "used book" store, to stock up on Deep Purple,Alice Cooper,Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath lp's. Tryin' figure?

When I read they were only in Black and White, no color. I'd get a couple to check them out, know what I mean?

20 issues for under $, not bad for a check out,lol.
Half way into the first story, you don't even notice the color being there or not. Remember, your imagination is what powered these story's in the first place,right?

So now I've gotten THOR,X-MEN,HULK,DR.STRANGE,IRON MAN,AVENGERS,SILVER SURFER and SPIDERMAN. Vol.1's of course.

I intend to get alot more in the future.

But the bottom line is this. If you want to follow the all important story's as they intertwine with each other. You need to start right here, right now! THE FANTASTIC FOUR are the greatest fighting team of all time!!
I'm watching to see what issue THE THING first said "It's Clobbering Time!"

**Side note** I looked up the value of the comics I had. And I could buy my house twice!

So I only gave this 4 stars because lack of color. But the price makes up for it. So it is 5 star's.

Would have been interesting if they left the advertising in for some laugh's. But they didn't so it is packed with the adventure you crave and lust for.

These are my new collection now. So please don't buy any,okay }:-)

I don't want them to run out or raise the price,do to supply and demand };-)

There I go sounding like Dr. Doom, I'm sorry,lmao!!
Go ahead and get them, okay? Great x-mas or Father's daygift for Dad if he's in his 40's+

If you like nice big pictures without going to the full details of the x-men, this book is for you. If you are a long time fan, I would recommend get the previous edition, it still includes the annoying "behind the scenes" of the first movie (as if there were not enough DVD's with such feature) but includes more about the characters of the comics.. This updated edition includes just a few more pages but, some mutants don't appear or are not fully well described as in the previous edition, which you can still get here in Amazon. It's a nice book indeed, the cover and the quality of the paper and great illustrations, but they really need to get in touch with the fans to meet their needs. There is the need of a REAL X-men guide to all the characters, organized alphabetically prefferably.

ULTIMATE X-MEN by DK Publishing gathers all the information and trivia one might need to understand the X-Men and Marvel Universe. The depth and scope of the information is sufficient to pique the curiosity of an early to intermediate X-Men fan, and is concise and helpful at minimizing pedantry.

The artwork and book design make this a fun and easy read, akthough some diagrams seem sketchy and overly simplified, such as the designs for the Danger Room and the Blackbird. Topics that every fan is aware about, such as the Weapon X project or Cyclops powers are covered in depth, while subjects that I really wanted to see more of, such as the Age of Apocalypse and Onslaught are given two pages respectively! More discretion and sensiblity on the part of the editors would have been helpful.

The Marvel Universe is byzantine to say the least, drenched in overly convoluted stories, mishmashing mutants with cyborgs, aliens, gods, magical powers, time travel; along with conspiracies, twisted romances, deaths and resurrections: only a bureaucrat at IRS would be able to follow them through. But if anyone else has managed to make sense out of it all, it's DK in this book, ULTIMATE X-MEN.

Ultimate X-Men will appeal to fans of the mutants because of its comprehensive explanation, not only of the individual characters, but also of the relationships between them. The book delves into the history and lore of all the characters. The major characters are profiled as they have developed since the sixties, all the way up to the animated TV series and this summer's blockbuster movie. Minor characters are profiled briefly, but they are all listed. The book contains a family tree which is very helpful for understanding the complex genealogy of the mutants. Summaries of major story lines such as Jean Grey's Phoenix transformation are summarized. The artwork is adequate, but not stupendous. The main strength of this book is the comprehensive explanation of the history of the X-Men. Comic buffs and X-Men fans will like this book for its detail. People who aren't fans may not appreciate the book, but they probably aren't interested in buying it anyway.

Although one would expect Captain America to be be the spearhead in the 60s Marvel battles with Communism, there is only one story in this book with a Communist villain. For the most part, Cap is shown battling sinister organizations and remnants of the Nazis. And Battle he does, Kirby shows more kinetic energy in these stories than any of the other series he worked on. Perhaps it was the fact that his connection with Cap goes back to the 40s. Every story shines with drawings of Captain America flipping, jumping and slamming his way through battle after battle. And we get classic stories from the 60s-the Sleepers, Nazi superweapons programmed to arise in the 60s, The Cosmic Cube, the most powerful device in the universe. Add to this great villains like the Red Skull, Zemo, the Adaptoid and Modok. I only have one quibble with the book, the starkness of the black and white art does not allow us to see Cap is risking his neck to rescue a black Air Force pilot from Vietnam-the pilot is white here. In many pages, the Black Panther when out of costume is white. The only inkling we get that the greatest of the black superheroes is actually black comes because some of the pages had to be photocopied from actual comics. The Panther was a groundbreaking character in comics but his relevance is almost lost in this anthology.

Alright, let's clear the air as far as reviews go. Yes, this is a black and white book (ALL Marvel's "Essential" books are), and the print is only a little better than newspaper print, but it still won't smear easily and it's cheap. ...

I do have to knock off one star for the lack of color, but it's still a solid 4 star book for the sheer amount of material presented at such a low cost.

The collected stories are reprints of "Tales of Suspense", the book that featured Cap before he got his own title, from issue #59 (his first appearance in the series) to issue #99. At issue #100 the book was re-titled "Captain America", and issues 100, 101, and 102 are included as well.

Essential Captain America Vol. 2 picks up at issue #103 and runs up to issue #126. But before you criticize 40+ issues in volume 1 vs. 20+ issues in volume 2 , realize that "Tales of Suspense" was a book split between Cap and Iron Man. There may be half the issues in volume 2, but they're twice as long. It all balances out, really.

Just be careful what you expect vs. which volume you order since the same reviews post for both volumes.

The only problem (aside from the black and white that people love to moan about) is some of the writing doesn't hold up so well by today's standards. (Insert "Golly!" here. Or mention somebody in "deadly danger".) Although as long as you take into account the time period this was written in, it's just fine.

Including Avengers issue #4 would have been nice too, since it's Cap's first (true) appearance since WWII, but I guess there's always volumes of Essential Avengers... All things considered, if you want a full run of Cap's coninuity, this is the most financially responsible decision you can make.

I thought this book had some of the best Captain America comics ever! They had great stories of good vs. evil, with patriotic Cap in the lead, and fantastic artwork by the late great, Jack "The King" Kiby. The Red Skull is a featured bad guy quite a bit, and he makes for excellent opposition against Cap. Finally, I like the length of each individual comic in the book. 20 pages is too long, and I like the 12-page format used in all but 3 of the Cap comics. Buy and enjoy the Essential Captain America Volume 1, then buy Volume 2.

This book has beautifully reprinted the first ten issues of the Fantastic Four. Credit is given to Jack Kirby but not enough. Though the book is a beautiful reprinting of classic MARVEL, it should tell the fans how the Fantastic Four really came to be. After all the concept of the super team was nothing new to Jack Kirby when he first penned the first issue of the Fantastic Four. Really the Fantastic Four are recycled characters of Jack Kirby's "Challengers of the unknown" comic book done for the D.C. Comics before Jack Kirby returned to Marvel. This book brings back the memories of the early Fantastic Four adventures. My favorite issue is the introduction of Dr. Doom. There's always something exciting going on in every Panel. Jack Kirby's artwork was and still is to this day awesome! The fact that the first ten issues are all compiled in this book is really something because if you were to go out and try to buy issue one to ten,you'd be in the poor house. If you don't own a copy of this book, What are you waiting for ? Kirby's comic book creations will clobber you. Jack Kirby really created something special when he re-worked the challengers of the unknown. Jack Kirby single handedly saved Marvel comics with this super team. This book is really worth your time. When you pick it up, you can't put it down. The Price is just right to. If you love comics, this book has to be in your collection. Thank's for the Fantastic Four Jack Kirby.

The latest printing (5th, just released 1/98) is a beautiful reprinting of the first ten issues of the Fanastic Four. While the introduction is in the typical Stan Lee manner (which I happen to like), ample credit is given to Jack Kirby's contributions without whom there may not have been a continuing and successful series.

If you are a fan of Marvel Comics, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four, comics, the 1960's, etc., then this would make a great addition to your collection or library.

Alan D. Earhart

This book reprints a grand run of Lee-Kirby FF covering the period immediately after the first Galactus saga. It contains the great "This Man, This Monster" (the greatest Thing story, in my opinion) as well as stories featuring the Dr Doom, the Silver Surfer, the Inhumans, and the introduction of the Black Panther. Lee and Kirby were literally bursting with new ideas at this point in time and the stories seemed to be getting bigger and more grand. Jack Kirby was the most important comic book artist ever and this volume contains some of his finest work.

Another reviewer has complained about the computer enhancement of the artwork. There will always be problems in upgrading artwork meant for newsprint to artwork for the higher quality paper. The colors will always seem brighter and more garish. However, if you use the original printing process on the higher quality paper, the colors would look like a bunch of dots. You can't go back to the original newsprint and I feel that Marvel had to do what it could with what it had. I have many issues of this run of FF and the "touched-up" artwork did not bother me or distract me too much. I enjoyed seeing these stories again and I am glad they are collected in one place. I wonder if it would be too much to ask that they do Marvel Masterworks versions of other great runs: Barry Windsor-Smith Conan, Frank Miller Daredevil....

Lee and Kirby at the peak of their powers were a formidable combination. These stories were taken from the time that you literally couldn't wait the month-long interval between issues. The artwork is unmatched, particularly the definitive version of the Thing by Kirby and Sinnott. This book should be given to all new comics writers and artists as the ultimate example of the "Marvel House Style". Easy to read, yet every panel is exciting, dyanamic, and has a purpose. Despite its inherent flaws in the upgrade process, it still deserves the highest recommendation.

Although some of the comics in the middle of this essential tome miss the mark, it's the bookend collaborative efforts of Lee & Kirby that make this collection a must for any comics library.

Now, if they'd only get around to publishing ESSENTIAL THOR VOL. 2; that's where things really get interesting...!

ESSENTIAL THOR REPRINTS JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #83-112. MANY OF THE ISSUES CONTAIN THE LEGENDARY TANDEM OF STAN LEE(WRITER) AND JACK KIRBY(ARTIST). THE ADVERSARIES WHO FACE THOR ARE POWERFUL AND ENTERTAINING, SUCH AS ZARRKO, THE TOMORROW MAN. THE STORYLINES INVOLVING THOR/DR. DON BLAKE AND HIS NURSE JANE FOSTER ARE COMPELLING. ALSO, THE BACK-UP STORIES OF "TALES OF ASGARD" ARE AN ADDED TREAT. PRESENTING THE BOOK IN BLACK AND WHITE FOCUSES THE READER'S ATTENTION ON THE ART. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING!

After the first couple of pages, you don't even notice it's in black and white. The artwork is fantastic. Thor is illustrated with more realistic athletic proportions as was typical of the earlier comics. I guess it wasn't until the eighties or so that they started drawing the characters with muscles bulging down to the pinky level. The stories are very imaginative and top of the line. Of course, you'd expect that with Stan Lee at the wheel. Share it with your kids, or read it yourself to bring back those comic book memories. After reading the "Frog Thor" series (Thor 363 - 366) to my six year old son (who laughed hysterically when the frog lifted the hammer), he's requested that one Thor adventure be read each night. With over 500 pages, this comic should last about a month for the littlest comic book junkie in the family.
P.S. Don't buy a six year old a Thor hammer. Ouch, even those plastic ones really smart!!! Just kidding. Thanks, Stan.

The Avengers debuted at the same time as the original X-Men and until the New X-men came along, they were Marvel's Superteam Supreme. The earliest stories feature powerhouses Thor, Iron Man and Hulk, along with Giant/ant Man and the Wasp. After a few issues the Hulk left and was replaced by Captain America in a classic must read story. The early team fought time spanning menaces like Kang and Immortus, villainous conglomerates like the Masters of Evil, and Wonder Man. (Although Zemo never seemed very menacing, an ex-Nazi with a hood permanently glued to his head by accident?) After a dozen or so issues, this team was replaced by Cap, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and Hawkeye. Can you say "power shortage"? And we're treated to a team that had a hard time defeating a fat robot and the Swordsman. SO they find themselves thoroughly outmatched when they meet Kang in the last 2 stories in this collection. But that was the charm of the Avengers. Their roster changed every dozen or so issues. While the Justice League would add a member here and there, you never saw anybody leave the roster. Imagine a JLA where Superman or Batman decided to call it quits for a few years. This is where we see the genius of Stan Lee. After forming a superteam of awesome strength, he allowed a change to bring in a team of also rans. Watch as Cap molds his group into a team that has to use wits instead of brute strength to stop their foes. At the time, it was a major change in team books. And as always, watch for the dated female characterizations, especially of the Wasp, who spends most of her time mooning over Thor and fantasizing what Iron Man looks like under the armor.

The Avengers were initially an obvious recipe for success - take a number of characters already supporting their own comics and bring them together as a group, an idea as old as the Justice Society of America. So, in the debut issue, we have Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, Ant-man and the Wasp joining forces as an unexpected consequence of a plot by Loki against his half-brother, Thor.

However, the ideas changed quickly as the Hulk left and teamed-up with the Sub-mariner to fight his former allies and was replaced by Captain America, a World War 2 hero frozen between then and the 60s. And then again, to suddenly have all the original members depart, leaving Cap with Hawkeye, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, three super-villains seeking to reform, as his teammates.

The stories in this volume represent a fairly diverse bunch, showing both the best and worst aspects of Stan Lee's writing at the time. Interesting team dynamics, where the characters are not always each others' friends, villains with motives beyond the banal, references to events in other titles, secrets and subplots that aren't resolved in a single story all show the hallmarks of a writer seeking to develop a loyal following. At the same time, we have blatant sexism and racism, villains with banal motives and some very hokey dialogue.

The art is OK, the early Jack Kirby issues not his best work, and I've never been fond of Don Heck's art. It seems a little odd to be reading these stories in black and white, although this obviously keeps the price down.

If you want to see how one of the best super-hero team series started out, get this.

As good as the early Fantastic Four issues were, the Avengers took the superteam concept to a whole new level. Here was a team formed for the noblest of goals, thrown together by the machinations of an evil immortal only to turn the tables and begin the legendary association which would have teenagers all over the world shouting "Avengers Assemble!" in their backyards.

"Essential Avengers vol. 1" captures the first 24 issues of the classic series, scripted by Stan Lee and illustrated by Jack Kirby and Don Heck. If the first appearances of Kang the Conqueror, Immortus, and the Masters of Evil aren't enough for you, pick this collection up for Avengers # 4, the return of Captain America. This alone is enough to mark a substantial return on your investment for this book.

Highly recommended to all comics fans and X-Men fanatics who need a primer in how team books used to be written.