The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe #1

This Deluxe Edition relaunch of Marvel's beloved encyclopedia series kicks off in fine style with a cover by John Byrne (inked by Josef Rubinstein) that packs an energetic crowd of characters — including a glowing figure in yellow, a white-haired sword-wielder, a large pink-purple powerhouse, and a winged flier among others — all surging dynamically across the image. Covering entries from Abomination to Batroc's Brigade, issue #1 from December 1985 promises the kind of thorough, authoritative character profiles that made this series a trusted companion for Marvel fans. Written by Mark Gruenwald and Peter Sanderson with interior art by Dave Cockrum, it's a genuinely satisfying reference work dressed up with real comic-book excitement.