Also available in a Collector’s Edition of 1,000 numbered copies
Marvel Comics Library. Spider-Man. Vol. 1. 1962–1964
Hardcover, 11 x 15.6 in., 10.62 lb, 698 pages
US$ 200
Travel back in time to witness the creation of the world’s favorite web-slinger as dreamed up by comic book legends Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, who redefined what it meant to be a hero. In this Hulk-sized, collector’s dream, the first 21 Spider-Man stories from 1962–1964 have been meticulously photographed from the most pristine copies of these rare comic books—a fine art celebration of the teen super hero in this inaugural volume of TASCHEN’s Marvel Comics Library series.
Also available in a Collector’s Edition of 1,000 numbered copies
Also available in a Collector’s Edition of 1,000 numbered copies
Customer reviews (5)
Birth of a Legend
The origins of the teenager who broke the superhero mold
When Stan Lee first pitched the idea of Spider-Man in 1962, his boss was full of objections: People hate spiders. Teenagers aren’t lead characters; they’re sidekicks. He should be glamorous and successful, not a friendless loser. But Stan persisted and Martin Goodman let him give the unlikely hero a tryout in Amazing Fantasy, which was already slated for cancellation. With Spider-Man on the cover, No. 15 shot to the top of Marvel’s best-seller list for the year, and the rest is history.Amazing Spider-Man, which debuted seven months later, broke the comics mold. Peter Parker lived in uncool Queens, was always broke, continually worried about his Aunt May, was unlucky in love, and was constantly getting yelled at by his boss, Daily Bugle publisher J. Jonah Jameson. Spider-Man had the quips and confidence that Parker lacked, but learning to use his powers wasn’t always easy. He often seemed on the verge of defeat against the rogue’s gallery of classic foes that debuted in the first couple of years: Vulture, Doctor Octopus, Sandman, Lizard, Electro, Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, and the Green Goblin. Much of the credit for Spider-Man’s greatness goes to co-creator and artist Steve Ditko, who had a knack for portraying teenagers and their problems. His artwork infused Spider-Man with a loose-limbed energy, and, while maybe everyone was scared of spiders, Ditko made swinging through New York seem like the coolest adventure ever.
This XXL-sized collector’s dream, close in size to the original artworks, features the first 21 stories of the world’s favorite web slinger from 1962–1964. Rather than recolor the original artwork (as has been done in previous decades’ reprints of classic comics), TASCHEN has attempted to create an ideal representation of these books as they were produced at the time of publication. The most pristine pedigreed comics have been cracked open and photographed for reproduction in close collaboration with Marvel and the Certified Guaranty Company. Each page has been photographed as printed more than half a century ago, then digitally remastered using modern retouching techniques to correct problems with the era’s inexpensive, imperfect printing—as if hot off of a world-class 1960s printing press. Three different paper stocks, including an uncoated and woodfree paper, were exclusively developed for this series to simulate the feel of the original comics.
With an in-depth historical essay by Marvel editor Ralph Macchio, an introduction by uber-collector David Mandel, and original art, rare photographs, and other gems, these 698 pages of wall-crawling wonder will make anyone’s spider-sense tingle with anticipation.

© 2021 MARVEL
Marvel Comics Library. Spider-Man. Vol. 1. 1962–1964
Hardcover, 11 x 15.6 in., 10.62 lb, 698 pages
ISBN 978-3-8365-8233-9
Edition: English
Edition: English
MARVEL COMICS LIBRARY is an exclusive, long-term collaboration between TASCHEN and Marvel. The rarest classic comics, including Spider-Man, Avengers, and Captain America are meticulously reproduced in their original glory, in extra-large format. The library offers collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lay their hands on the world’s most desirable comics. Each volume includes an essay by a comic book historian along with hundreds of photos and artifacts, including rare original comic book artwork.
Customer reviews (5)
This book is amazing!
Jen, May 09, 2022
Everything about this book is awesome!!!!! I see why it was $200. It is so nice and so well put together. 2 thumbs up
The most beautiful book I've ever seen
Scott, February 03, 2022
From the texture of the cover, to the stunning reproductions, it is undoubtedly the best looking book I've ever held. I can't wait for the rest of the editions to be released.
A Real Treasure of a Volume
Cormac, January 14, 2022
This is the way to reprint classic comics. One of my big gripes with many modern reprintings is the horrible, flat digital re-colouring that gets foisted on them. I love the approach Taschen have taken here in choosing to remaster the art from high quality scans. Part of the appeal of comics from this era comes from the particular aesthetic of the printing process's limitations. In film, you might call this quality photogénie. If there's a comics equivalent, Taschen does their best to keep it.
Perfection.
Yale, December 23, 2021
I had high hopes for this book, and I can honestly say it exceeded every one of them. When the Marvel Library line was announced, I was definitely on board for Spidey and FF. Every release now has my attention thanks to this book. The most perfect reprint I could've ever expected. The literal only exception is the size. I may've been happier with slightly more wieldy dimensions, but at the same time, looking at the pages as they are, I don't know if I would change it. An absolute stunning book.
*****
Frederic, January 10, 2022
Très content de ma commande, le livre était parfaitement emballé !