Take a guided tour through the vast cosmos known as the Marvel Universe and meet the superheroes -- Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four -- and the supervillains -- Green Goblin, Magneto, Galactus, Doctor Doom -- whose adventures have thrilled millions of comic book readers. Comics insider Peter Sanderson recounts Marvel's main story lines and delves into the lives of major characters, showing how different writers shaped their fates. The illustrations include scenes from ground-breaking stories, showcasing the best work of important Marvel artists.