In The Spotlight

Marvel Spotlight is a traditional title at Marvel Comics. Like many others, Marvel Spotlight is a title that has been recycled a few times and applied to new concepts. The original Marvel Spotlight title was used for two volumes of an anthology running throughout the 1970s and early 1980s lasting a total of 44 issues. Many Marvel characters that would go on to have their own series, like Ghost Rider, Spider-Woman and Werewolf by Night, first appeared in the anthology.

In recent years, the title has been brought back with a different purpose, as it now spotlights creators (usually a writer and an artist) of current hot books, like Marvel Spotlight Civil War Aftermath, Marvel Spotlight Thor, and Marvel Spotlight Hulk Movie to name a few. Each issue includes in depth interviews with the top creators on the particular book or character featured in each issue.

For example, in Marvel Spotlight Thor, J. Michael Straczynski and Oliver Coipel, the creative team behind the return of Thor in his new series, detailing their involvement in the rebirth of the original Avenger, the god of thunder, Thor. The issue also contains preview art from Thor #1 and other exclusives.

Marvel Spotlight Spider-Man provided interviews with the creative teams of all the then current Spider-Man titles talking about the history of Marvel’s most prolific and iconic hero, as well as taking a look back at essential Spider-Man stories.

In the upcoming Marvel Spotlight Uncanny X-Men 500 Issues, in celebration of the milestone achievement, Marvel takes a look back at decades of X-Men stories. They also explore how the title launched the careers of some of the top talent in comics today, and how these masterfully memorable characters came to be household names.

For any die-hard fan of Marvel Comics, the spotlight issues are a must have. Many, though, view the spotlight issues as gimmicks or fluff, which may be true in some part. By no one can deny the rich history presented in these issues, or the quality of the in-depth interviews with Marvel's, and comics', top creative talent.

Marvel Spotlight seems to be around for the long haul in this incarnation. And for true Marvel zombies, this is a welcome accompaniment to their favorite books and characters. Some may view it as unnecessary with the advent of the internet, and all the information available therein. But others recognize the worth of this title and will continue to buy it as long as they produce it. As for me, while I do tend to read interviews online, nothing compares with holding a book in your hands.

Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.