Marvel Comics

Marvel Comics is one of the most recognized comic book publishers in the world. Founded in 1939 as Timely Publications, the company became Marvel in the 1960s under Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko. Now part of The Walt Disney Company and headquartered in New York City, Marvel defined much of the superhero genre through characters grounded in real-world struggles.

The publisher produces monthly comics, graphic novels, and digital series. Beyond print, Marvel operates in film, television, and gaming through Marvel Studios and Marvel Entertainment. The Marvel Cinematic Universe became the highest-grossing film franchise in history.

Core characters include Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Panther, the X-Men, the Avengers, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. Major events like Civil War, Infinity Gauntlet, Secret Wars, and House of M have influenced both comics and film adaptations.

Key creators include Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, John Romita Sr., Chris Claremont, Frank Miller, Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, and Jonathan Hickman.