Epic Illustrated #1 – 34 (1980–1986)
Short Description
Epic Illustrated (1980–1986) was Marvel Comics’ bold
foray into adult-oriented fantasy and science fiction storytelling. A
pioneering anthology magazine, it featured creator-owned works and stunning
painted artwork, setting a new standard for mature comic narratives.
Overview / The Story
Epic Illustrated was a groundbreaking magazine-format
comic series published by Marvel Comics between Spring 1980 and February 1986.
Originally intended to be titled “Odyssey”, the name was changed to “Epic”
after Marvel discovered another publisher had already used the title.
Spearheaded by editor Rick Marschall in its inception and later famously
guided by Archie Goodwin, the series provided a unique platform for
creators to explore more mature themes, outside the boundaries of the Comics
Code Authority.
The magazine stood out for its lush, painted artwork,
philosophical depth, and genre diversity. It often leaned into science
fiction, dark fantasy, horror, and surrealism, distinguishing it from
standard superhero fare. Stories were often serialized, and many original tales
have since been collected by various publishers.
Genre
- Science
Fiction
- Fantasy
- Horror
- Mature/Experimental
Notable Characters & Storylines
While Epic Illustrated didn’t follow a single cast of
characters, it featured numerous notable stories and characters created by
legendary artists and writers:
- The
Metamorphosis Odyssey by Jim Starlin – Introduced the character
Dreadstar, who later got his own title.
- Abraxas
and the Earthman by Rick Veitch – A bizarre space odyssey
blending cosmic themes and surreal visuals.
- Marada
the She-Wolf by Chris Claremont and John Bolton – A
sword-and-sorcery tale featuring a fierce warrior woman.
- Contributions
from Moebius, P. Craig Russell, Terry Austin, Walt
Simonson, Ken Steacy, and many more.
Writers and Artists
Some of the biggest creative names in comics contributed to Epic
Illustrated, including:
- Jim
Starlin
- Chris
Claremont
- Rick
Veitch
- John
Bolton
- Moebius
(Jean Giraud)
- P.
Craig Russell
- Terry
Austin
- Walt
Simonson
Editors
- Rick
Marschall (initial editor)
- Archie
Goodwin (primary and most influential editor)
Archie Goodwin’s tenure marked the golden period of Epic
Illustrated, where he curated high-quality stories and allowed creators
unprecedented creative freedom.
Publisher’s Brand
- Publisher:
Marvel Comics
- Imprint:
Epic Illustrated laid the foundation for the Epic Comics
imprint, launched shortly after the magazine’s success. This imprint
continued Marvel’s venture into creator-owned and non-Code-approved works.
Legacy
Though it ended after 34 issues, Epic Illustrated is
remembered as a pioneering anthology that helped legitimize comics as a medium
for adult storytelling. It opened doors for other creator-owned and mature
content and inspired a wave of sophisticated genre storytelling in comics.
Several stories introduced in Epic Illustrated were later reprinted or expanded into standalone series under the Epic Comics imprint or by other publishers.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
