Scott Dunbier’s Act 4 Publishing and Skybound are celebrating one of Marvel Comics’ most influential artists with the upcoming release of Marvel Heroes by Gene Colan Artist’s Edition. The oversized collection showcases Gene Colan’s work on Captain America, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, Howard the Duck, and other Marvel favorites.
The 176-page volume features complete stories, classic covers, and selections from Colan’s decades-long career. The book arrives in comic shops on April 7, 2027, followed by a wider bookseller release on May 4, 2027.
A Showcase of Gene Colan’s Marvel Legacy
Gene Colan helped define the visual style of Marvel Comics throughout the 1960s and 1970s. His distinctive approach to storytelling, expressive characters, and dynamic compositions made him a favorite among readers.
Marvel Heroes by Gene Colan Artist’s Edition celebrates that legacy with artwork from some of Marvel’s most recognizable characters. The collection presents Colan’s pencils alongside inks by Bill Everett, Tom Palmer, Joe Sinnott, and other artists.
The volume also highlights stories written by Stan Lee, Gerry Conway, and Roy Thomas. Together, these creators produced memorable chapters in Marvel’s publishing history.
Three Complete Marvel Stories and Classic Covers
The collection includes three complete comic book stories featuring some of Marvel’s most popular heroes. Readers will find Captain America #137, Daredevil #63, and Tales of Suspense #97, featuring Iron Man.
Beyond the complete stories, the book includes a selection of Colan’s Marvel covers. Two special foldouts showcase four classic TWICE-UP oversized covers, giving readers an expanded look at his original artwork.
The massive 12-by-17-inch format allows the artwork to take center stage. Each page offers a close examination of the details that made Colan’s illustrations distinctive.
Scott Dunbier Celebrates a Marvel Legend
Artist’s Edition editor and publisher Scott Dunbier praised Colan’s contributions to Marvel and the lasting appeal of his work.
“Gene Colan was one of the core Marvel artists for decades,” said Artist’s Edition editor and publisher Scott Dunbier. “His unique and often stunning storytelling abilities made him a fan-favorite on some of their most iconic characters. This book has some truly incredible work in it.”
Dunbier previously curated an Artist’s Edition dedicated entirely to Colan’s work on Tomb of Dracula. That volume has been out of print for years and now commands high prices on the secondary market.
The new collection gives fans another opportunity to explore Colan’s artwork in a premium format. It also introduces his work to readers who may have missed the earlier release.
Artist’s Edition Recreates the Original Artwork
Artist’s Editions offer a different experience from traditional comic book collections. Rather than reproducing finished, colored comic pages, they present scans of the original artwork at the size in which the artists created it.
Although the finished pages appear black and white, publishers scan the original artwork in color. This process preserves ink gradients, blue pencil marks, and other details that traditional reproductions often lose.
The result gives readers a closer look at the creative process behind the comics. Pencil lines, inking techniques, and the unique characteristics of each original page remain visible throughout the collection.
Act 4 Publishing and Skybound Expand Their Artist’s Edition Lineup
Marvel Heroes by Gene Colan Artist’s Edition continues the publishing partnership between Act 4 Publishing and Skybound. The companies are developing a growing collection of books celebrating influential comic book creators and their artwork.
Additional upcoming releases include Jason Pearson’s Body Bags Artist’s Edition, DC Silver Age Covers and Stories Artist’s Edition, and Circus of Bones: The Art of Mike Mignola. The lineup also features Beta Ray Bill by Daniel Warren Johnson Artist’s Edition and J. Scott Campbell’s Danger Girl Artist’s Edition.
These releases continue the Artist’s Edition tradition of preserving original comic book artwork in large-format collections. Each volume gives readers an opportunity to examine the craftsmanship behind notable comics and their creators.
Marvel Heroes by Gene Colan Artist’s Edition will reach comic book shops on April 7, 2027. The 176-page, 12-by-17-inch hardcover will also be available through booksellers beginning Tuesday, May 4, 2027.
Featuring three complete Marvel stories, classic covers, and oversized foldouts, the collection offers a detailed look at Colan’s contributions to Marvel Comics. It brings together decades of artwork from a creator whose distinctive storytelling helped shape some of the publisher’s most enduring characters.
