Lost Marvels No. 3: Savage Tales of the 1980s – A Rediscovered Grit in Comics
Fantagraphics has released Lost Marvels No. 3: Savage Tales of the 1980s, a collection of eight issues from Marvel’s 1980s run of Savage Tales. This volume compiles stories that offered a stark contrast to the typical superhero fare of the time, embracing gritty narratives and mature themes.
A Shift in Tone for Marvel
The mid-1980s saw a deliberate effort by Marvel to explore more mature and realistic storytelling. Editor Larry Hama assembled a team of artists and writers to create stories that moved beyond traditional superheroics, delving into genres like gangster noir, historical battles, and post-apocalyptic futures. This shift aimed to appeal to a growing readership that sought narratives reflecting more complex and challenging aspects of life. As noted by Fantagraphics, these stories were “unlike anything on shelves” at the time.
Creative Talent Behind the Pages
Lost Marvels No. 3 showcases the work of a remarkable roster of artists and writers. The collection features contributions from John Severin, John Buscema, Sam Glanzman, Val Mayerik, Michael Golden, and many others. Writers include Chuck Dixon, Robert Kanigher, Denny O’Neil, and Archie Goodwin. This collaborative effort brought a diverse range of styles and perspectives to the series.
Featured Stories
The collection includes several notable storylines:
- “By Rail to Vladivostock” by John Severin and Chuck Dixon
- “The Nam, 1967” by Doug Murray and Michael Golden
- “Of War and Peace: The Trinity” by Sam Glanzman
- The “Blood & Gutz” series by Will Jungkuntz
- The “Skywarriors” series by Herb Trimpe
Preservation and Presentation
Lost Marvels No. 3: Savage Tales of the 1980s marks the first time these issues have been reprinted since 1986, nearly 40 years. Fantagraphics has reproduced the comics in a facsimile format, including the original color covers. The collection spans 544 pages in a hardback format, measuring 8.8″ × 11.7″.
Availability and Details
Lost Marvels No. 3: Savage Tales of the 1980s was released on February 17, 2026, and is available for purchase from Amazon and directly from Fantagraphics. Fans can follow Fantagraphics on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
ISBN-13: 9798875001390