Stan Lee (1922-2018) is known to millions as the man whose super heroes propelled Marvel to its preeminent position in the comic book industry. His co-creations include Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and hundreds of others. While the Chairman Emeritus of Marvel, he was also the Chief Creative Officer of POW! Entertainment, where he created numerous new characters and stories in areas including publishing, film, TV reality, stage, documentary, and multimedia. Jack Kirby (1917-1994) was one of comics' most legendary and prolific artists. His bold figurework, dynamic layouts and unrelenting action made him one of the most unmistakable stylists and influential artists of all time. His notable co-creations at Marvel include Captain America, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, the X-Men, Incredible Hulk, Silver Surfer, Black Panther, Iron Man, Ant-Man, S.H.I.E.L.D., Thor and the Eternals. Chris Claremont took the writing reins of The X-Men in 1975 and made it a sensation with a 15-year run of innovative characterization and milestone moments. He also scripted several other successful series with Marvel, including New Mutants and Excalibur. In 2015, he was inducted into the Eisner Hall of Fame. Fabian Nicieza established himself at Marvel with long runs on titles like Psi-Force and New Warriors. In addition to editing several titles, he expanded into the X-Universe with X-Force and Cable and, along with cocreator Rob Liefeld, debuted the wisecracking mutant assassin Deadpool. In 2022, Nicieza published his first novel, the Edgar-nominated Suburban Dicks.
"“Comics — because they involve stories of human (and superhuman) conflict and change; because they show hand-drawn pictures, with stylized faces; because they often appeal to us first in childhood — invite identification: We read them in search of ourselves, or our future selves. These facts about comics explain — in part — why the X-Men became the most successful superhero franchise."" * The New York Times * “TASCHEN is known for its glorious art books, so when they promise a 'meticulous' reproduction, believe it.” * Comics Beat *"