On Aug. 31, 1939, Marvel Comics No. 1 landed on comic book shelves, introducing the world to the Marvel Universe for the first time. In the eight decades since, that comic book universe has become an integral thread in the fabric of pop culture, producing some of the most recognizable characters to ever fly, smash, crash, and save the day on page and on screen.
“For myself and almost every other comic book fan around the world, Marvel’s beloved comics and characters have been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember,” said Marvel editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski in a public statement. “But it all started with the Human Torch.”
To commemorate 80 years of heroics and storytelling, many retailers have partnered with Marvel to create anniversary-inspired merchandise. Check out some of our favorites!
Marvel Comics No. 1000 (pictured above) | Marvel Comics | $9.99 |Comic Shops, comicstore.marvel.com
Marvel history and creativity collide like never before in this 89-page comic book, which features the entire Marvel Universe of characters and art from 80 creative teams. Plus, it finally answers a mystery with origins in Marvel Comics No. 1.
Monopoly Marvel 80 Years Edition | Hasbro | $49.99 | preorder from GameStop
Get ready to buy up famous Marvel covers and team leaders in this themed version of Monopoly. Who needs houses and hotels when you can buy issues and omnibuses?
Marvel 80th Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures | Funko | $10.99 | preorder from Entertainment Earth
It’s #TBT for some of Marvel’s most iconic heroes and villains, including Iceman, Deadpool, and Wolverine. They’re getting new Funko Pop! figures, with designs inspired by their very first comic book appearances.
Marvel’s Box of Super Heroes: The 80th Anniversary Notebook Set | Marvel Entertainment/Clarkson Potter | $20 | Barnes & Noble, Amazon
Notebooks, assemble! These eight blank, 47-page notebooks each feature one of Marvel’s iconic heroes: Captain America, Black Widow, Ms. Marvel, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Groot and Rocket, or Iron Man. The set comes in a keepsake slipcase.
Marvel 80th-Anniversary Crate | Loot Crate | $80 | lootcrate.com
This box of limited-edition goodies comes straight to your front door, packed with at least five items — including apparel, housewares, and more — inspired by the Marvel Universe. You can also get your hands on an exclusive pin and jacket in the Marvel Legacy edition crate ($130).
Marvel Super Heroes Arcade Cabinet | Arcade1Up | Starting at $299 | arcade1up.com
Get ready to battle like it’s 1995 with this limited-edition cabinet, which features the Marvel Super Heroes fighting game. Play as your favorite heroes, battle villains for Infinity Gems, and try to save the universe from Thanos.
Marvel Select Sandman Collector’s Action Figure | Diamond Select Toys | $29.99 | comic shops, shop.diamondselecttoys.com
This 7-inch figure features Flint Marko in his classic striped shirt, with swappable legs that change to a tower of sand for all of your super villain needs. It also features an interchangeable sand fist, a claw, and spiked mace pieces.
Marvel x Barbie | Mattel | $54.99 each | preorder from GameStop, barbie.mattel.com
Barbie gets even more super with three new dolls that pay tribute to X-Men characters Storm, Mystique, and Dark Phoenix. Each doll is painted to the character’s likeness, wears a stylish outfit inspired by the mutants, and features articulation for posing.
Marvel’s 80th Anniversary Backpack | shopDisney | $49.95 | shopdisney.com
Any FOOM (Friend of ‘ol Marvel) will want to get their hands on this backpack, which is decorated with small details that pay homage to the comic book powerhouse.
Limited-Edition Marvel 80th Watch | Citizen | $495 | citizenwatch.com
Count down the minutes until the next Marvel release with this commemorative watch. Its numbers are styled with a comic book font, and the watch face background features logos from throughout Marvel history.
Marvel Block Logo Long Sleeve T-Shirt | C-Life | $24.99 | FYE
Wear your love for Marvel on your sleeve — literally! This long-sleeve T-shirt has Marvel Comics logos from throughout history on one sleeve and “since 1939” on the other.
This article was originally published in the Pop Insider’s Fall 2019 Issue No. 5, click here to read more!
