Connect with us
'Marvel Treasury Edition' contains some of the best art you'll see in 2021
Marvel

Comic Books

‘Marvel Treasury Edition’ contains some of the best art you’ll see in 2021

The ‘Marvel Treasury Edition’ is a gorgeous art book first that’s also filled with incredible stories.

Out this week in comic book shops, Alex Ross’ curated epic Marvel has made its way into Marvel’s top-of-the-line and extra-sized Treasury Edition format. Truth be told, this is the best way to read this stellar series of iconic artists. Earlier this year, Marvel released the Fantastic Four: Antithesis Treasury Edition and last year the amazing History of the Marvel Universe Treasury Edition also dazzled. Marvel tops them both — the creatives working on this book can’t be beat.

It includes Alex Ross, Kurt Busiek, Frank Espinosa, Steve Rude, Dan Brereton, Eric Powell, Paolo Rivera, Alan Weiss, Bill Sienkiewicz, Scott Gustafson, Ryan Heshka, Daniel Acuna, Hilary Barta & Doug Rice, Sal Abbinanti, Adam Hughes, Gene Ha, Mark Waid, Lucio Parrillo, Greg Smallwood, and Lee Bermejo. And that’s not even all of the creators involved. In truth, this book is held together by a somewhat conventional story by Alex Ross that is lifted up by his incredibly epic and realistic art. But that really doesn’t matter. You’ll find in this book, which collects Marvel #1-6, all sorts of art from painted works to cartoonist styles to classic super muscular superheroes. And every single one is lifted up and improved by the 8-inch by 13-inch size.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

The A-plot opens and closes each chapter of the book slowly unveiling Nightmare’s take over of, well, everything. Ross writes a short introduction to the book explaining how the very idea contained here is what Marvel rejected when he pitched them decades ago. He admits it doesn’t sting at all knowing how he was able to go on to do Marvels with Kurt Busiek. This main plot ends up connecting the issues, but ultimately all the stories stand alone. One can assume the A-plot is there to keep readers coming back, but in this extra-sized format you’ll be salivating over every page of this gorgeous book as if it was the tastiest cake in existence.

Contained in the first issue are three stories — opening with “Overture” by Alex Ross, then a Spidey tale titled “Spider-Man: Make My Day” by Frank Espinosa and Saajan Saini, a classic Avengers tale by Kurt Busiek and Steve Rude, and then closing to lead us to the next adventure. The entire narrative hangs on Ross and Darnall’s tale, which is incredibly drawn and maybe some of his best work yet. It’s striking, dark, and may stick with you. It’s the stuff of Kingdom Come and Marvels before it and once again I’m struck by how awesome his art can be. It’s a clever premise too, allowing the anthology to work and yet allow creators to do anything they please. A smart way into these stories.

'Marvel Treasury Edition' contains some of the best art you'll see in 2021

We don’t deserve Alex Ross.
Credit: Marvel Comics

Following this is the Spidey story by Espinosa (with dialogue by Sajan Saini) and the art is gorgeous. I’m guessing it’s oil paintings panel to panel. At first, it looks expressionistic, but once you realize each panel is a work of art in itself you linger longer. The tale is a quirky one and it gives us a classic MJ and Peter good-vibes story.

Next up is the Busiek and Rude story that looks and reads like any Stan Lee/Jack Kirby yarn. It’s seriously clever and never loses sight of the voice and tone of the characters at this time. Titled “The Boy…and the Brute,” you can probably guess Hulk and Rick Jones play a part. It suits the theme of the anthology too and is a nice reminder of the old days at Marvel Comics.

The Spidey story is gorgeous, but a bit long and redundant. The book also ends abruptly as there are a lot of Marvel ads closing it out that give it a thicker feel. If you’re unfamiliar with or just not a fan of the original Avengers, you may not enjoy the Avengers tale as much as others.

Throughout the book there are stories that will make you stop, put the book down, and look outside your window. Not just because of Marvel’s knack for making us see superheroes in a realistic way, but by the sheer talent supplying incredible stories and art. Truly, each story deserves its own essay, but standout tales include Sienkiewicz’s mixed media exploration of the Watcher, Mark Waid and Lucio Parrillo’s epic Hulk vs. Wolverine story (easily top 3 ever made), and Daniel Acuña’s story that features new character designs and a crazy tale only comics could tell.

Marvel #6

Lee Bermejo’s story is gloriously shiny!
Credit: Marvel Comics

This book has extras too with sketches by Acuña, process pages by Paolo Rivera, inks by Hughes, process pages by Parrillo, and thumbnail sketches, cover concepts, and an unused Spider-Man cover by Ross. There are no notes, but frankly, the art speaks for itself.

This is a gorgeous collection that looks great and brings you back to the wonderment and heroics of the Golden Age of comics. Alex Ross reminds us once again he’s a master at mood and atmosphere, and for his art alone this book is worth picking up. Every story holds up on its own, entertains in different ways, and makes this a coffee table book well worth owning. Rarely do you see art this epic and inspiring.

'Marvel Treasury Edition' contains some of the best art you'll see in 2021
‘Marvel Treasury Edition’ contains some of the best art you’ll see in 2021
Marvel Treasury Edition
This is a gorgeous collection that looks great and brings you back to the wonderment and heroics of the Golden Age of comics. Alex Ross reminds us once again he’s a master at mood and atmosphere, and for his art alone this book is worth picking up. Every story holds up on its own, entertains in different ways, and makes this a coffee table book well worth owning. Rarely do you see art this epic and inspiring.
Reader Rating1 Vote
9.5
Just an incredible collection featuring some of the best creators working today and the best creators of the past too
An anthology with many stories each of which easily stands on its own
The Treasury Edition is glorious in this size and improves upon the original size of the floppies by a lot
The A-plot story is epic and gorgeous, though it ends up feeling a bit run of the mill with its conclusion
10
Fantastic

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup