The history of Marvel: from 1939 to today

Marvel began in 1939 as Timely Comics, with a first issue that introduced the Human Torch and Namor. Two years later, in 1941, came Captain America — a hero born in wartime who became a symbol.

The real turn came in the 1960s. Stan Lee, together with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, did something nobody had dared: they gave superheroes problems. Rent, loneliness, guilt, adolescence. Within a few years came the Fantastic Four (1961), Spider-Man (1962), the X-Men and the Avengers (1963). Peter Parker was not a god — he was a kid who struggled to pay the rent.

In 2008, with the first Iron Man, Marvel Studios launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe: a story where every film connects to the next. In 2009 Disney acquired Marvel, and since then the universe has expanded into films, series, animation and games.

Why this matters to collectors: eighty years of history means eighty years of design variations. The same character exists in dozens of suits and eras — which is exactly what makes a Marvel collection endless.

The characters that matter

The Avengers

• Iron Man / Tony Stark – The billionaire engineer who started the MCU.
• Captain America / Steve Rogers – The moral compass of the team, since 1941.
• Thor – The god of thunder, with Norse mythology and humour.
• Hulk / Bruce Banner – The scientist at war with his own anger.
• Black Widow and Hawkeye – The two without powers, standing beside gods.

See all Avengers collectibles →

Spider-Man

The most recognisable Marvel hero, and the most human. Peter Parker now shares the mask with Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy, while the Spider-Verse opened up a whole multiverse of versions. His enemies — Venom, Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus — are as collectible as he is.

See all Spider-Man collectibles →

X-Men

Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Magneto. The X-Men were always Marvel's most political team: a story about difference, dressed in costumes and powers. Wolverine remains the most popular character in figures.

See all X-Men collectibles →

Antiheroes & villains

• Deadpool – The hero who knows he is in a movie.
• Loki – The god of mischief, who became more loved than the heroes.
• Venom, Thanos, Doctor Doom – The opponents who define the heroes.

Movies & series: what is coming

Studio dates move often. We update this guide whenever something changes officially.

Marvel games on console & PC

• Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls – Fighting game by Arc System Works, released 6 August 2026.
• Marvel's Wolverine – PlayStation's big exclusive of the year, by Insomniac Games, 15 September 2026. Single-player, darker, with Jean Grey alongside Logan.
• Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra – Captain America and Black Panther in WWII, by Skydance. Expected from 2027.
• Marvel's Blade – Third-person action in Paris, by Arkane Lyon. No confirmed date.
• Marvel Rivals, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Midnight Suns – Already available if you want something to play now.

Marvel collectibles: what to choose

Marvel's range is one of the largest there is. These are the categories that actually matter:

• Funko POP! – The easiest way into collecting. Small, affordable, hundreds of versions.
• Action figures – Marvel Legends and similar lines, with articulation and accessories. For those who like to pose them.
• Statues – Premium display pieces. More expensive, but they hold value.
• Apparel & t-shirts – The safest gift when you do not know what they already own.
• Mugs, keychains, backpacks, school gear – Everyday objects with a logo that is recognised instantly.

Tip: if you are buying for a collector, ask which line they collect. Someone who collects Marvel Legends rarely wants Funko, and the other way round. If you cannot ask, apparel and mugs never miss.

Marvel gift guide