About this Collection
This collected edition reprints the landmark 1994 miniseries that explores the Marvel Universe through the eyes of an everyday photojournalist, Phil Sheldon, as he documents the emergence of superheroes and the public's evolving reaction to them. Written by Kurt Busiek with painted artwork by Alex Ross, the story spans key Marvel events from the 1940s through the 1970s, offering a human-scale perspective on iconic moments and characters.
Contains 5 stories
The Origin of the Human Torch
12 pp · Superhero
Phineas Thomas HortonHuman Torch [Jim Hammond]
In this 1994 tale from Marvels, Phineas Horton's ambitious experiment brings the Human Torch to life—only to realize too late that the world isn't ready for a being of fire and freedom. Trapped beneath the earth for years, the Torch stirs as a crack in the concrete begins to spread, hinting at a long-overdue release.
Chapter One: A Time of Marvels
45 pp · Superhero
Phil Sheldon (introduction)Doris Sheldon (introduction)J. Jonah JamesonHuman Torch [Jim Hammond]Prof. Phineas T. HortonSub-Mariner [Namor]Angel [Tom Hallaway] (cameo)Betty DeanCaptain America [Steve Rogers]Bucky Barnes (cameo)PopeyeNick FuryWillie LumpkinToro (cameo)The Vision [Aarkus] (cameo)Black Marvel [Dan Lyons] (cameo)Black Widow [Claire Voyant] (cameo)Blazing Skull [Mark Todd] (cameo)Destroyer [Keen Marlow] (cameo)Thunderer [Jerry Carstairs] (cameo)
Chapter Two: Monsters Among Us
45 pp · Superhero
Phil SheldonAvengers [Captain America [Steve Rogers]Giant-Man [Hank Pym]Thor [Thor Odinson]Iron Man [Tony Stark]]Masters of Evil [Radioactive ManBlack Knight [Nathan Garrett]MelterBennett SchwedFantastic Four [Human Torch [Johnny Storm]Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]Invisible Girl [Susan Storm]The Thing [Ben Grimm]X-Men [Cyclops [Scott Summers]AngelIceman [Bobby Drake]Beast [Hank McCoy]Marvel Girl [Jean Grey]]Doris SheldonBeth Sheldon (introduction)Jenny Sheldon (introduction)Barney BushkinNorman Osborn [Green Goblin]Dorrie EvansAlicia MastersJanet Van DyneCharles XavierJonah JamesonScarlet WitchQuicksilverHawkeyeDaredevil [Matt Murdock]Stilt-ManMaggie (introduction)Doctor Strange [Stephen Strange]Foggy NelsonKaren PageWillie LumpkinNick FuryGabe JonesDum Dum DuganBolivar TraskSentinelsFrederick FoswellBetty BrantPhil UrichThe Beatles [Paul McCartneyJohn LennonGeorge HarrisonRingo Starr]
Chapter Three: Judgment Day
45 pp · Superhero
Phil SheldonPhil UrichCaptain AmericaQuicksilverScarlet WitchHawkeyeTony Stark (photographs)Doris SheldonBeth SheldonJenny SheldonAtlanteansSpider-Man [also as Peter Parker]Jonah JamesonDragon ManKa-Zar (photograph)Daredevil (photograph)Frederick FoswellSilver SurferFantastic Four [Human TorchThe ThingMister FantasticInvisible Girl]GalactusUatu the WatcherPunisher robot
Chapter Four: The Day She Died
45 pp · Superhero
Phil SheldonCaptain Marvel [Mar-Vell]Scarlet Witch [Wanda Maximoff]ThorGoliathCaptain America [Steve Rogers]VisionIron Man [Tony Stark]Quicksilver [Pietro Maximoff]Marcia HardestyBlack Widow [Natasha Romanoff]J. Jonah JamesonRobbie RobertsonDoris SheldonSpider-Man [Peter Parker]Luke CageDoctor Octopus [Otto Octavius]Jen SheldonBeth SheldonDaredevil [Matt Murdock]Gwen StacyNamorGreen Goblin [Norman Osborn]Hulk [Bruce Banner]Hawkeye [Clint Barton]Danny Ketch
In "Chapter Four: The Day She Died" from *Marvels* #1 (1994), Phil Sheldon—once a celebrated chronicler of the Marvels—finds himself at odds with a public that glorifies heroes while vilifying them. Determined to challenge the narrative, he takes on a personal mission: to clear Spider-Man’s name after the tragic accusation of murdering Captain George Stacy.
![Marvels #[nn] cover](https://cdn.comicbooks.com/covers/openlibrary/078510061X.jpg)
