MARVEL VISIONARIES: STEVE DITKO

A great read and a nice trip down Memory Lane.

This is a beautiful book showcasing a comic book legend. The Introduction is well written and it really helps you understand the importance and influence Steve Ditko had in the comic book world. Not only did Steve Ditko draw the original Spider-Man comics before John Romita took over as the artist, but Spider-Man first first appeared on the pages of Amazing Fantasy. The Introduction describes the backstory for Amazing Fantasy and how this was a comic specifically made for Ditko to do his own thing (mostly different from the superhero comics being published). Additionally, this book contains an interesting quote from Stan Lee where he straight up says that Doctor Strange was Steve Ditko’s idea.While this is a beautiful collection that showcases Tales to Astonish, classic Spidey comics and Doctor Strange, I do have one complaint. And I’m going to remove a star because of this complaint. The first appearance of Spider-Man isn’t in this book. The omission is peculiar because this collection does include the first appearances of Doctor Strange and Squirrel Girl. I can only assume Amazing Fantasy #15 wasn’t included because it’s been reprinted so many other times. So I guess they’re assuming you already have it..? What an odd assumption if this is for BOTH introducing Steve Ditko to those who are unfamiliar with him and the already dedicated fans.If you’re looking for the first appearance of Spider-Man, I’d recommend picking upThe Amazing Spider-Man: Secret Origins. It goes for real cheap these days, including here on Amazon. It’s a nice collection of some other classic Spidey tales too. But if you just want to have a book showcasing the work of Steve Ditko and you don’t care that Amazing Fantasy #15 isn’t included, this book is a must buy.

Steve Ditko created some MAJOR characters in comics that have been the cornerstone to the Marvel Universe! Read his words and see his artwork that many might have never seen.

A solid collection that starts with some of his work for the anthologies, highlighting stories from Amazing Adult Fantasy (always a plus), and his early Spider-Man and Dr. Strange work. Other samples including his first Incredible Hulk issue (Ditko was instrumental in bringing him back in Tales to Astonish) and his redesign of Iron Man (giving us the familiar red and yellow design that has remained the basic style ever since). And of course you have Squirrel Girl...A great selection for an iconic master!

Great art work and classic stories