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MARVEL ARCHIVE EDITION: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN - THE BLACK COSTUME: YEAR ONE GALLERY EDITION RON FRENZ ORIGINAL FIRST ISSUE COVER

Author Tom DeFalco, Marvel Various
Illustrated by Ron Frenz, Marvel Various
Cover Design or Artwork by Ron Frenz
Hardcover
$125.00 US
Marvel | Marvel Universe
On sale Jul 22, 2025 | 496 Pages | 9781302965327
Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies
MARVEL ARCHIVES: A TIME CAPSULE OF ICONIC ERAS!
Marvel Comics has shaped pop culture for decades, and now you can relive its most unforgettable moments with the all-new Marvel Archives series. This groundbreaking line of oversized graphic novels takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the most dynamic periods in Marvel’s history. Whether it’s the cosmic adventures of the 70s, the gritty urban tales of the 90s, or the high-flying superheroics of the mid-80s, Marvel Archives captures the essence of each era like never before.

Marvel Archive Editions will contain:

  • Deluxe oversized hardcover
  • The original comic stories presented as they were first printed
  • Packed with Bonus Features like complete with ads, fan letter pages, and more
  • Cover galleries highlighting the work of legendary artists from the era

Each volume is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a portal to the cultural zeitgeist of the time. With every turn of the page, you’ll experience the world as it was, from the political and social upheavals that shaped the stories to the music, movies, and television that defined the era, and laid the groundwork for the Marvel Universe as we know it today.

In this debut volume, journey back to the mid-80s, a transformative time in Marvel history. Spanning 1984-1985, this collection highlights one of the most pivotal storylines in Spider-Man’s career: the introduction of his mysterious black costume.

Returning from Secret Wars, Peter Parker dons a sleek new suit, seemingly perfect in every way. But as Spider-Man battles villains like the Puma and the Hobgoblin, he discovers his suit has a dark secret—it’s alive, a symbiotic alien with its own agenda! With guest appearances from the Fantastic Four, the Black Cat, and a shocking confession from Mary Jane Watson, this saga sets the stage for one of Marvel’s most legendary rivalries: Spider-Man vs. Venom.

Set against the backdrop of mid-80s politics, where Ronald Reagan’s presidency ushered in a conservative wave, and the Cold War still loomed large, the cultural landscape was equally charged. The booming music scene brought us everything from Prince’s Purple Rain to Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A., while MTV revolutionized the way we experienced music. Blockbuster films like The Terminator, Ghostbusters, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom dominated theaters, and groundbreaking TV shows such as Miami Vice and The Cosby Show redefined small-screen entertainment.

In this electrifying environment, Marvel Comics thrived, weaving superhero tales that resonated with the fears and hopes of the time.

Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #252-263 FACSIMILE EDITIONS and Bonus Cover Gallery.
Tom DeFalco’s earliest comic-book scripts were for Archie and DC; he soon moved to Marvel, where he wrote Avengers, Machine Man and other titles, also launching Dazzler, a hit series of the early ’80s. In addition to writing long and well-received runs on Amazing Spider-Man and Thor, DeFalco edited many titles, eventually becoming editor in chief. During the 1980s, he headed the creative team that provided fictional biographies for G.I. Joe members, originally included with Hasbro’s toys and later used as the basis for multiple storylines on the animated series. Perhaps his best-known work is multi-title character Spider-Girl, whom he introduced in 1998. DeFalco has authored multiple books, including Ultimate Guides for Avengers, Fantastic Four, Hulk and Spider-Man.

Roger Stern enjoyed well-regarded runs on Amazing Spider-Man, in which he introduced Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau) and the Hobgoblin; Avengers; and Captain America. He launched West Coast Avengers and wrote numerous tie-in miniseries starring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. At DC, he relaunched Atom and co-created Starman (Will Payton) before participating in one of comics’ most shocking events: the 1992 “Death of Superman.” He later returned to Marvel to write Amazing Spider-Man and related titles.

Bob Layton began as a prolific and popular inker for Charlton, Marvel and DC Comics, where he first teamed with longtime collaborator David Michelinie on Claw the Unconquered and Star Hunters. The Michelinie-Layton duo’s writing work on Iron Man (1978-1982 and 1987-1989) is one of the most popular and influential interpretations of that character. Leaving Marvel in 1990, he became a key writer/artist/editor at Valiant Comics, where he co-created characters such as X-O Manowar and rose to the post of editor in chief before departing. He still does occasional freelance work for DC and Marvel, notably Michelinie-Layton reunion projects Iron Man: Bad Blood (2000), Iron Man: Legacy of Doom (2008) and Iron Man: The End (2009).

Few can match Ron Frenz’s record of substantial stints on two of comicdom’s most influential and revered characters, Spider-Man and Superman, both of whom he provided with controversial new looks. Frenz succeeded John Romita Jr. on Amazing Spider-Man, and his artwork was favorably compared to Steve Ditko’s original web-slinger. With Roger Stern, he introduced the Hobgoblin, covering the mysterious villain’s debut and revealing his identity more than a decade later in Hobgoblin Lives. With writer Tom DeFalco on Thor, Frenz debuted a new look and identity for Marvel’s Thunder God, eventually branching into Thunderstrike. Later, Frenz and DeFalco launched the MC2 Universe, home of Spider-Girl, the only Marvel heroine to reach one hundred consecutive issues.

Three different incarnations of Cloak and Dagger were only a few of Rick Leonardi’s artistic achievements for Marvel. His other credits include Uncanny X-Men, New Mutants and Spider-Man 2099. At DC, he drew Batman family titles Batgirl and Nightwing, as well as comic/film crossover Green Lantern vs. Aliens. At Event Comics, he penciled Painkiller Jane.
Tom DeFalco View titles by Tom DeFalco
Marvel Various View titles by Marvel Various
Ron Frenz View titles by Ron Frenz

About

MARVEL ARCHIVES: A TIME CAPSULE OF ICONIC ERAS!
Marvel Comics has shaped pop culture for decades, and now you can relive its most unforgettable moments with the all-new Marvel Archives series. This groundbreaking line of oversized graphic novels takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the most dynamic periods in Marvel’s history. Whether it’s the cosmic adventures of the 70s, the gritty urban tales of the 90s, or the high-flying superheroics of the mid-80s, Marvel Archives captures the essence of each era like never before.

Marvel Archive Editions will contain:

  • Deluxe oversized hardcover
  • The original comic stories presented as they were first printed
  • Packed with Bonus Features like complete with ads, fan letter pages, and more
  • Cover galleries highlighting the work of legendary artists from the era

Each volume is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a portal to the cultural zeitgeist of the time. With every turn of the page, you’ll experience the world as it was, from the political and social upheavals that shaped the stories to the music, movies, and television that defined the era, and laid the groundwork for the Marvel Universe as we know it today.

In this debut volume, journey back to the mid-80s, a transformative time in Marvel history. Spanning 1984-1985, this collection highlights one of the most pivotal storylines in Spider-Man’s career: the introduction of his mysterious black costume.

Returning from Secret Wars, Peter Parker dons a sleek new suit, seemingly perfect in every way. But as Spider-Man battles villains like the Puma and the Hobgoblin, he discovers his suit has a dark secret—it’s alive, a symbiotic alien with its own agenda! With guest appearances from the Fantastic Four, the Black Cat, and a shocking confession from Mary Jane Watson, this saga sets the stage for one of Marvel’s most legendary rivalries: Spider-Man vs. Venom.

Set against the backdrop of mid-80s politics, where Ronald Reagan’s presidency ushered in a conservative wave, and the Cold War still loomed large, the cultural landscape was equally charged. The booming music scene brought us everything from Prince’s Purple Rain to Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A., while MTV revolutionized the way we experienced music. Blockbuster films like The Terminator, Ghostbusters, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom dominated theaters, and groundbreaking TV shows such as Miami Vice and The Cosby Show redefined small-screen entertainment.

In this electrifying environment, Marvel Comics thrived, weaving superhero tales that resonated with the fears and hopes of the time.

Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #252-263 FACSIMILE EDITIONS and Bonus Cover Gallery.

Author

Tom DeFalco’s earliest comic-book scripts were for Archie and DC; he soon moved to Marvel, where he wrote Avengers, Machine Man and other titles, also launching Dazzler, a hit series of the early ’80s. In addition to writing long and well-received runs on Amazing Spider-Man and Thor, DeFalco edited many titles, eventually becoming editor in chief. During the 1980s, he headed the creative team that provided fictional biographies for G.I. Joe members, originally included with Hasbro’s toys and later used as the basis for multiple storylines on the animated series. Perhaps his best-known work is multi-title character Spider-Girl, whom he introduced in 1998. DeFalco has authored multiple books, including Ultimate Guides for Avengers, Fantastic Four, Hulk and Spider-Man.

Roger Stern enjoyed well-regarded runs on Amazing Spider-Man, in which he introduced Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau) and the Hobgoblin; Avengers; and Captain America. He launched West Coast Avengers and wrote numerous tie-in miniseries starring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. At DC, he relaunched Atom and co-created Starman (Will Payton) before participating in one of comics’ most shocking events: the 1992 “Death of Superman.” He later returned to Marvel to write Amazing Spider-Man and related titles.

Bob Layton began as a prolific and popular inker for Charlton, Marvel and DC Comics, where he first teamed with longtime collaborator David Michelinie on Claw the Unconquered and Star Hunters. The Michelinie-Layton duo’s writing work on Iron Man (1978-1982 and 1987-1989) is one of the most popular and influential interpretations of that character. Leaving Marvel in 1990, he became a key writer/artist/editor at Valiant Comics, where he co-created characters such as X-O Manowar and rose to the post of editor in chief before departing. He still does occasional freelance work for DC and Marvel, notably Michelinie-Layton reunion projects Iron Man: Bad Blood (2000), Iron Man: Legacy of Doom (2008) and Iron Man: The End (2009).

Few can match Ron Frenz’s record of substantial stints on two of comicdom’s most influential and revered characters, Spider-Man and Superman, both of whom he provided with controversial new looks. Frenz succeeded John Romita Jr. on Amazing Spider-Man, and his artwork was favorably compared to Steve Ditko’s original web-slinger. With Roger Stern, he introduced the Hobgoblin, covering the mysterious villain’s debut and revealing his identity more than a decade later in Hobgoblin Lives. With writer Tom DeFalco on Thor, Frenz debuted a new look and identity for Marvel’s Thunder God, eventually branching into Thunderstrike. Later, Frenz and DeFalco launched the MC2 Universe, home of Spider-Girl, the only Marvel heroine to reach one hundred consecutive issues.

Three different incarnations of Cloak and Dagger were only a few of Rick Leonardi’s artistic achievements for Marvel. His other credits include Uncanny X-Men, New Mutants and Spider-Man 2099. At DC, he drew Batman family titles Batgirl and Nightwing, as well as comic/film crossover Green Lantern vs. Aliens. At Event Comics, he penciled Painkiller Jane.
Tom DeFalco View titles by Tom DeFalco
Marvel Various View titles by Marvel Various
Ron Frenz View titles by Ron Frenz

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