Published by Running Press, 1st ed (2007)
Hardcover, 192 pages
Today's special is about "The Marvel Vault: A Museum-in-a-Book with Rare Collectibles from the World of Marvel" (whew, that's a long title for a book!) by Peter Sanderson and the living legend that is Roy Thomas.
What Is It? The Vault is a hardcover ring binder book detailing the history of Marvel Comics, from its early days in 1939 to 2007. An updated version published in December 2016 covers the current decade too. The format is a little strange: 30 x 2.3 x 26.9 cm (or 10.7 x 13 x 1.8 inches) mean it's shorter and deeper than a regular book, meaning it doesn't fit well on a book-shelf unless placed resting on its binding.
What Makes It Special? As the name suggests, the Vault isn't just a book and contains various Marvel memorabilia. Placed in special plastic pocket pages, there are 32 collectibles relating to the period of history being discussed in that section of the book. All the Collectibles are, of course, reproductions, and range from curious trinket to interesting bit of history. They are: original Sub-Mariner sketches from 1941-1942, most likely by Carl Pfeufer; three postcards from Bill Everett to his daughter with original drawings; a farewell party poster by the Timely staff before it's near collapse; the synopsis of Fantastic Four #1; a Thing Christmas Card by Marie Severin sent to selected letter writers in 1965; four items of the Merry Marvel Marching Society welcome kit; the 1975 first Marvel Convention Program; the 1976 Howard the Duck campaign button; ten Marvel Value Stamps from the mid-70s; the 1982 No-Prize Book; the 1982 Marvel visitor pass; the 1987 Spider-Man wedding invitation; three 1990 trading cards; s 1993 Marvel stock certificate; the 1998 Marvel restaurant menu; Andy Kubert's sketches for the 2001 Origin mini.
So, Is It Any Good? Not so much for ordinary readers or comic book historians, but it's ok for collectors looking for something different. The only really interesting bit of memorabilia is the original synopsis for Fantastic Four #1, including some details that Lee and Kirby had decided to ignore by the time the actual book was made (such as Sue being an actress or Johnny being a top athlete). The others are nice to look at, and probably the originals would be of value to collectors, but being repros they are not much more than curiosities. The chronicles of Marvel history are a good starting point, well-written and easy to digest, but not quite as detailed as some other history books, and certainly lacking any unheard-of new detail despite having been written by Roy Thomas. Readers new to books on comics history will find plenty to marvel (eh) at, but there are far more exhaustive works around.
Something that's really good is the graphics, with a very extensive image collection. Being an official product means freedom to include all sorts of covers, photos and panels from the long Marvel (and pre-Marvel) history. The book takes full advantage, with several full-page or half-page images, including a few originals not yet inked or coloured. At times it gets a little too much, with the actual main text squeezed out of the page altogether, or reduced down to a small single paragraph, but the images are always pertinent to what is being discussed, and the captions add additional info and details.
Depending on which edition one buys, the Vault can be more or less up to date. I have the original 2007 edition and, in fairness, it covers more recent history than any other book in my possession, including the first few movies and stories such as the original Civil War. Unfortunately, the chapter on the 2000s is more promotional than informative and it doesn't really say anything than even an occasional reader wouldn't know or easily find online. I actually just re-read this chapter right now as whilst writing this review I'm pondering whether to buy the updated edition or not, and on the basis of what I just said I don't think I will.
Final Verdict: A good entry point in Marvel history, with tons of art and some funny trinkets, but not the most exhaustive or in-depth book around. 3/5
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