photos retrieved from www.marvelcomics.com
Marvel Comics is creating a new series of comic books called “Heroes.” This series is about the heroic firefighters and rescue personnel who risked and lost their lives on Sept. 11.
The first issue of Marvel Comics was printed in the ’40s. The issue depicted the human torch melting his way through a steel door. The premier of the comic was immediately successful.
One of the reasons why the comic books were so successful back in the ’40s was because of the depression. Kids wanted thrills and superheroes, plus they were a bargain. The first issue of Marvel Comics was priced at 10 cents. The new “Heroes” comics are priced at $3.50.
In 1987 a copy in mint condition of the first issue was sold for $82,000. That is a far cry from the original price tag of 10 cents.
Sales were so high in the ’40s and ’50s that Marvel Comics sold more issues of comic books than Time magazine sold magazines. Marvel sold close to 1 million copies and Time sold 700,000.
Since the ’40s Marvel Comics has grown from its Captain America series to Spider-Man, X-Men, Electra and Incredible Hulk.
Although comic books are not as popular as they used to be, Marvel Comics is trying to do their part to aid the United States in its time of need. Proceeds from the sales of “Heroes” will go to the Twin Towers Fund. This fund is giving needed financial aid to the families of firefighters, police officers and other uniformed personnel who died during the attack on the World Trade Center.
On the cover of one of the issues of “Heroes” it says, “The world’s greatest super hero creators honor the world’s greatest heroes.”
Marvel Comics is using their power to portray the nation’s heroes as the super heroes they believe that they are. “Heroes” is Marvel’s way of saying thank you to everyone who participated and who continues participating in the aid of people involved in the World Trade Center tragedy.
In one issue of “Heroes” it says, “When others ran away, they charged forward. When others reached out for safety, they offered a helping hand. When others cried out, they responded with a soothing voice. And, tragically, many of them died.but in doing so taught us all how to live. They can’t stick to walls. They can’t summon thunder. They can’t fly. They’re just HEROES.” Additional donations can be made to:
The Twin Towers Fund
General Post Office
P.O. Box 26999
