Marvel Archive Edition: Amazing Spider-Man - The Black Costume: Year One Gallery Edition Ron Frenz Original First Issue Cover HC

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 hardcoverThe original comic stories presented as they were first printedPacked with Bonus Features like complete with ads, fan letter pages, and moreCover galleries highlighting the work of legendary artists from the eraEach 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 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.

Language: English
Page Count: 488
Size (in inches): 9.25 x 13.00
Size (in cm): 23.50 x 33.02
Genre: Comics & Graphic Novels - Superheroes (See Also Fiction - Superheroes)
Creator(s): (W) Tom DeFalco; Marvel Various (A) Ron Frenz; Marvel Various (CA) Ron Frenz
On-Sale Date: July 22, 2025

Omar’s Key Takeaways

1. A Premium Nostalgia Trip
Omar highlights how this new format is more than a hardcover. It’s designed to recreate the original experience, with full ads, letter columns, and all the vintage charm of the original printings.

“Marvel is bringing us a new format with their Archive Edition… a nostalgic journey through the most dynamic periods in Marvel’s history.”

2. The Black Costume Story Reintroduced the Right Way
This volume gives you Peter Parker’s first year with the alien suit, exactly as it was published. Omar appreciates how the facsimile presentation enhances the story’s original rhythm and tone.

“When Spider-Man returns from the Secret Wars, he’s got a new look. The costume is sleek, powerful, and responsive… but there’s something off. As readers, we now know it’s a symbiote, but back then it felt mysterious and thrilling.”

3. Archival Love and Shelf Presence
Omar is impressed by the oversized design and the extras that make this edition feel like an art object. From cover galleries to creator spotlights, it’s a collector-focused release that respects the material.

“This hardcover includes full-page covers, ads, letter columns, and bonus content that really puts you back in that era. It’s not about remixing the past. It’s about preserving it.”