Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe

The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe is an encyclopedic guide which details the fictional universe featured in Marvel Comics publications. The original 15-volume series was published in comic book format in 1982, followed by sporadic updates.

Origin

Jim Shooter, Marvel's then Editor in Chief, conceived of the idea,^[1] envisioning a guide detailing statistics much in the manner of those found upon the backs of baseball cards.^[2] This initial project was to be called The Marvel Super-Specifications Handbook (the eventual title incorporating the term "Marvel Universe" was appropriated from Al Milgrom, who had used it as a working title for Marvel Fanfare).^[1] Shooter appointed Mark Gruenwald editor of the project, and Gruenwald developed the project to include all aspects of the Marvel Universe, although he noted it was not comprehensive.^{[citation needed]} In addition to Gruenwald, contributing writers on the initial volume were Marvel editors Mike Carlin, Eliot R. Brown,^[1] and Peter Sanderson.^[2]

Critics of the Handbook have argued that the level of detail within the guide effectively limited the ability of writers to innovate, a charge Gruenwald dismissed, reputedly stating that the information presented was only the most recent data and was subject to change.^[3] Sanderson, one of the writers of the original guide, noted that "Mark sought to make the Marvel characters' super-powers as firm a basis in real science as possible. After the first version of the Handbook, Mark decided that some of the explanations had grown too complicated, and asked me to simplify them."^{[citation needed]}

The OHOTMU detailed the more significant characters, items and locations in the Marvel Universe, itemizing them into individual entries. Individual entries usually consisted of:

• A frontal full-body view of the character.
• Prose text describing the character's origin, powers, and other abilities and unique traits, as well as "statistics" such as place of birth, former aliases, height, weight, hair and eye color and so forth. The original edition opted only to describe the "Origins" of characters (how they acquired their powers), instead focusing heavily on detailed explanations for how those powers functioned. In the Book of the Dead supplement, however, the handbook provided entire "Histories" for the deceased characters, a trend which was then adopted for the main body of the Deluxe Edition, allowing the entire life and career of the characters to be covered. Major important pieces of equipment were also given technical illustrations with breakdowns of their functions and features.
• Example images of the character in action, taken directly from the comics themselves.

In the original, characters were listed at one character to a page, although minor characters were sometimes listed at two to a page and major characters would occasionally receive more than one page. In the Deluxe Edition, however, every character received at least one page, with significant characters receiving up to 3-5 pages. Both editions had wraparound covers that could be linked together to form a giant poster. In the late 80's, a poster made up of the first twelve issues of the original Handbook was released. For the poster, several characters were added and others received up-to-date looks.

In the Master Edition (1990–1993) this changed and every character was allocated a double-sided loose leaf page. Later versions allocate characters different lengths of entry depending on their history and importance.

There have been several versions of the concept since first published in 1982:

• 1982-1984: a 15-issue series. Issues 13-14 are titled the Book of the Dead and Inactive, featuring characters and groups who were, at the time, believed dead or inactive. Issue 15 is titled the 'Book of Weapons, Hardware, and Paraphernalia', featuring technical drawings of equipment such as the shield of Captain America and the web-shooters of Spider-Man. One issue of the series (#9) can be seen in the movie Explorers.

• 1985-1988: a 20-issue Deluxe Edition is published; technical drawings of equipment are incorporated into individual characters' entries. Although numerous entries reference an Appendix, the Deluxe Edition Appendix is not published. The '85-'88 run (Deluxe Edition) was also been collected in trade paperback format, in a series of 10 128 page volumes. The trade edition also feature updates of many characters. Supplements for licensed properties are published, including Conan the Barbarian, G.I. Joe, and the Transformers.

• 1989: an additional 8-issue supplement to the Deluxe Edition, denoted Update '89 on the cover, is published. This series covers primarily new characters and is notable for including numerous non-superhumans. This series also sported wraparound covers but unlike previous versions, these did not link together.

• 1990-1993: A 36-issue Master Edition series is published, with each issue a shrink-wrapped pack of loose-leaf pages. A three-ring vinyl binder was also released for the pages to be inserted into.

• 2004-2005: Themed one-shot supplements are published, such as Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe: X-Men 2004. Other entries in this themed, subtitled series include Spider-Man 2004; Avengers 2004; Hulk 2004; Daredevil 2004; Wolverine 2004; Golden Age 2004; Women of Marvel 2005 and Avengers 2005.

• 2006: A new 12-issue series, the All-New OHOTMU A-Z, was published featuring new characters. A series of themed one-shot issues was also published in the same style as the 2004-2005 books, including Civil War Files which tied in with Marvel's Civil War crossover series. The original Handbook series, original 20-issue Deluxe Edition, and the Update '89 edition were also reprinted in five Essential volumes.

• 2007: 4 A-Z Update issues, six themed issues (including World War Hulk: Gamma Files and X-Men: Messiah Complex - Mutant Files) and the first issue of the Marvel Atlas are published.

• 2008: All material from 2004-2007 is updated and printed in the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z Premiere HC set, divided into 12 volumes (each containing 240 pages). The second issue of the Marvel Atlas is published. Other publications included Ultimate Secrets, All-New Iron Manual, Secret Invasion: Skrulls!, and Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day Yearbook.

• 2009: The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z Premiere HC set continued publication. A sister project to the Handbook, the Official Index to the Marvel Universe monthly series, began publication in January. Other forthcoming titles include Dark Reign Files and Wolverine: Weapon X Files.

Bibliography of Official Handbook series

The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Vol. I

• Original Series #1 - #15 (Marvel Comics, January 1983 - May 1984)

#	Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
1	A from Abomination to Avengers Quinjet	January 1983	34	$ 1.00
2	B - C from Baron Mordo to Collective Man	February 1983	34	$ 1.00
3	C - D from Collector to Dracula	March 1983	34	$ 1.00
4	D - G from Dragon Man to Gypsy Moth	April 1983	34	$ 1.00
5	H - J from Hangman to Juggernaut	May 1983	34	$ 1.00
6	K - M from Kang to Man-Bull	June 1983	34	$ 1.00
7	M from Mandarin to Mystique	July 1983	34	$ 1.00
8	N - P from Namorita to Pyro	August 1983	34	$ 1.00
9	Q - S from Quasar to She-Hulk	September 1983	34	$ 1.00
10	S from Shi'ar to Sub-Mariner	October 1983	34	$ 1.00
11	S - U from Subterraneans to Ursa Major	November 1983	34	$ 1.00
12	V - Z from Valkyrie to Zzzax	December 1983	34	$ 1.00
13	Book of the Dead and Inactive I: Air-Walker to Man-Wolf	February 1984	34	$ 1.00
14	Book of the Dead and Inactive II: Marvel Boy to Zuras	March 1984	34	$ 1.00
15	Book of Weapons, Hardware, and Paraphernalia	April 1984	34	$ 1.00

• Essential OHOTMU (Trade Paperback) #1 (Marvel Comics, January 2006)

The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Vol. II (Deluxe Edition)

• Original Series #1 - #20 (Marvel Comics, December 1985 - February 1988)

#	Info	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
1	Abomination to Batroc's Brigade	December 1985	64	$ 1.50
2	Beast to Clea	January 1986	64	$ 1.50
3	Cloak to Doctor Octopus	February 1986	64	$ 1.50
4	Doctor Strange to Galactus' Heralds	March 1986	64	$ 1.50
5	Gardener to The Hulkbusters	April 1986	64	$ 1.50
6	Human Torch to Ka-Zar	May 1986	64	$ 1.50
7	Khoryphos to Magneto	June 1986	64	$ 1.50
8	Magus to Mole Man	July 1986	64	$ 1.50
9	Molecule Man to Owl	August 1986	64	$ 1.50
10	Paladin to The Rhino	September 1986	64	$ 1.50
11	Richard Rider to Sidewinder	October 1986	64	$ 1.50
12	Sif to Sunspot	November 1986	64	$ 1.50
13	Super-Adaptoid to Umar	December 1986	64	$ 1.50
14	Unicorn to Wolverine	January 1987	64	$ 1.50
15	Wonder Man to Zzzax plus Appendix: Alien Races	March 1987	64	$ 1.50
16	Book of the Dead: Air-Walker to Death-Stalker	June 1987	64	$ 1.50
17	Book of the Dead: Destiny to Hobgoblin	August 1987	64	$ 1.50
18	Book of the Dead: Hyperion to Nighthawk	October 1987	64	$ 1.50
19	Book of the Dead: Nuke to Obadiah Stane	December 1987	64	$ 1.50
20	Book of the Dead: Stick to Zuras	February 1988	64	$ 1.50

• Reprints (Trade Paperback) #1 - #10 (Marvel Comics, 1986–1987)

#	Info	ISBN	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
1	Abomination to Circus of Crime	ISBN 0-87135-208-7	?	128	$ 6.95
2	Clea to Gaea	ISBN 0-87135-209-5	?	128	$ 6.95
3	Galactus to Kang	ISBN 0-87135-210-9	?	128	$ 6.95
4	Karkas to Mister Fantastic	ISBN 0-87135-211-7	?	128	$ 6.95
5	Mister Fear to Quicksilver	ISBN 0-87135-212-5	?	128	$ 6.95
6	Radioactive Man to Stilt-Man	ISBN 0-87135-213-3	?	128	$ 6.95
7	Stingray to Wendigo	ISBN 0-87135-214-1	?	128	$ 6.95
8	Werewolf to Zzzax Book of the Dead: Air-Walker to Dorcas, Dr. Lemuel	ISBN 0-87135-215-X	?	128	$ 6.95
9	Book of the Dead: Dorma to Patriot	ISBN 0-87135-353-9	?	128	$ 6.95
10	Book of the Dead: Phantom Eagle to Zuras	ISBN 0-87135-366-0	?	128	$ 6.95

• Essential OHOTMU - Deluxe Edition (Trade Paperback) #1 - #3 (Marvel Comics, March 2006 - July 2006)

• Update '89 #1 - #8 (Marvel Comics, July 1989 - December 1989)

#	Info	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
1	Adversary to Chameleon	July 1989	48	$ 1.50
2	Champion of the Universe to Ecstasy	August 1989	48	$ 1.50
3	Eon to Hulk	September 1989	48	$ 1.50
4	Human Torch to Manikin	October 1989	48	$ 1.50
5	Marauders to Power Princess	November 1989	48	$ 1.50
6	Prowler to Serpent Society	Late November 1989	48	$ 1.50
7	Set to Tyrak	December 1989	48	$ 1.50
8	U-Man to Madelyne Pryor	Late December 1989	48	$ 1.50

• Essential OHOTMU - Update '89 (Trade Paperback) #1 (Marvel Comics, December 2006)

The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Vol. III (Master Edition)

• Original Series #1 - #36 (Marvel Comics, December 1990 - ?)

#	Info [1]	Month of Publ.	Sheets	Orig. Price
1	Model Sheets: Anaconda, Blue Shield, Corsair, Counterweight, Dormammu, Foxfire, Gorgon, Agatha Harkness, Juggernaut, Llyra, Midnight Sun, MODAM, Moonboy, Nebulon, Oneg the Prober, Puck, Ronan the Accuser, Spider-Man, Starfox, Stranger, Trickshot, Typhoid, Watchdogs, Zuras	December 1990	24	$ 3.95
2	Model Sheets: Awesome Android, Ulysses Bloodstone, Captain America, Destiny, Doctor Octopus, Eel, Forge, Grey Gargoyle, Howard the Duck, ISAAC, Kubik, Leader, Moonstone, Mother Night, Nitro, Orka, Plantman, Quicksilver, Rock Python, Scorpio, Sise-Neg, Triton, Volcana, Water Wizard	January 1991	24	$ 3.95
3	Model Sheets: AIM, Baron Mordo, Big Bertha, Cable, Diamondback II, Electro, Firelord, Gargantua, Ghost Rider VI, Heimdall, Ka-Zar, Man-Ape, Mister Fantastic, Morgan le Fay, Naga, Porcupine, Razorback, Shocker, Sunder, Thunderbird, Venus, Whizzer, Wrecker, Zaran	February 1991	24	$ 3.95
4	Model Sheets: Apocalypse, Baron Zemo II, Blastaar, Carrion, Devastator, Dr. Minerva, Executioner, Grim Reaper, Hammer, King Cobra, Living Mummy, Madame Web, Malekith the Accursed, Mister Jip, Nikki, Puppet Master, Red Raven, Shadowcat, Shape, Texas Twister, U-Man, Vector, Wolverine, Ziran the Tester	March 1991	24	$ 3.95
5	Model Sheets: Abomination, Blizzard, Boomerang, Captain Marvel I, Crimson Dynamo V, Dagger, Doctor Malus, Eternity, Fandral the Dashing, Guardian II, In-Betweener, Knickknack, Magma, Man-Thing, Mesmero, Nighthawk I, Owl, Punisher, Quasimodo, Sleeper, Speed Demon, Titania II, Vulture, Wizard	April 1991	24	$ 3.95
6	Model Sheets: Astronomer, Bullseye, Cannonball, Copperhead III, Darkoth, Fixer, Gatecrasher, Hela, Hobgoblin II-IV, Immortus, Leir, Mirage I, Mister Sinister, Mordred the Evil, Nomad III, One Above All, Professor Power, Rintrah, She-Hulk, Starlight, Thin Man, Ursa Major, Vertigo, Whirlwind	May 1991	24	$ 3.95
7	Model Sheets: Armadillo, Barbarus, Black Knight III, Callisto, Cypher, Daredevil, Egghead, Firestar, Goldbug, Hangman, Jack Frost, Karnilla, Lizard, Magneto, Marvel Boy I, Mercurio, Nova II, Psycho-Man, Red Ronin, Shaper of Worlds, Slug, Stilt-Man, Ulik, Valkin	June 1991	24	$ 3.95
8	Model Sheets: Attuma, Blacklash, Captain Ultra, Colossus, Devil Dinosaur, Dragon Man, Elektra, Gladiator II, Hulk, Jackal, Kang, Lamprey, Machete, Makkari, Manslaughter, Nighthawk II, Piledriver, Quicksand, Shang-Chi, Spider-Woman I, Supreme Intelligence, Tyrannus, Viper II, Woodgod		24	$ 3.95
9	Model Sheets: Air-Walker, Black Panther, Brother Tode, Chameleon, Doc Samson, Ego, Firebird, Gremlin II, Hyperion, Isis, Lightspeed, Machinesmith, Moon Knight, Over-Mind, Phantom Eagle, Rocket Raccoon, Scarlet Witch, Silver Dagger, Skids, Taskmaster, Vidar, Colleen Wing, Xemnu, Zarek		24	$ 3.95
10	Model Sheets: Ajak, Black Talon I & II, Blob, Captain Britain, Constrictor, Doctor Faustus, Grandmaster, Hercules, Jigsaw, Misty Knight, Llan the Sorcerer, Mad Thinker, Miss America, N'astirh, Odin, Poundcakes, Red Ghost, Seth, Siryn, Thanos, Umar, Venom, Wong, X-Ray		24	$ 3.95
11	Model Sheets: Ares, Balor, Cloak, Crucible, Death Adder, Gilgamesh, Hydro-Man, Impossible Man, Jocasta, Kronos, Lupo, Master Order, Multiple Man, Nezarr the Calculator, Oddball, Power Princess, Rocket Racer, Spider-Woman II, Storm, Tana Nile, Tinkerer, Vanguard, White Tiger, Yellow Claw		24	$ 3.95
12	Model Sheets: Aguila, Andromeda, Black Cat, Centurius, Crossbones, D'Spayre, Frenzy, Goliath III, Helio, Jack of Hearts, Karnak, Loki, Melter, Mister Hyde, Nightcrawler, Piper, Puff Adder, Runner, Satannish, Silver Surfer, Spitfire, Taurus, Uni-Mind, Whiplash II		24	$ 3.95
13	Model Sheets: Arabian Knight, Blood Brothers, Bullet, Contemplator, Diablo, Dreadknight, Fer-de-Lance, High Evolutionary, Iceman, Mad Dog, Master, Mysterio, Northstar, Phoenix I, Quasar, Ringmaster, Shroud, Surtur, Thundra, Tiger Shark, ULTIMATUM, Werewolf Action Sheet: Spider-Man / Team Action Sheet: Fantastic Four		24	$ 4.50
14	Model Sheets: Annihilus, Beast, Black Knight II, Champion of the Universe, Darkstar, Eon, Gargoyle II, Jetstream, Kurse, Mentor, Modred the Mystic, Mongoose, Namorita, Prowler, Rhino, Sidewinder, Sphinx I, Super Sabre, Thor, Tombstone, Wendigo Action Sheets: Captain America, Spider-Man (Web-Shooters) / Team Action Sheet: Fantastic Four (Replacements)		24	$ 4.50
15	Model Sheets: Ant-Man II, Brothers Grimm II, Bushwacker, Charlie-27, Crystal, Deathurge, Frankenstein's Monster, Garokk the Petrified Man, Guardsman, Hate-Monger I, Iron Man, Killer Shrike, Mangog, Moonglow, Omega, Princess Python, Rogue, Sandman, Saturnyne, Space Phantom, Tyr, Adam Warlock Action Sheet: Ghost Rider / Team Action Sheet: Avengers (First Line-Up)		24	$ 4.50
16	Model Sheets: Absorbing Man, Baron Strucker, Cyclops, Darkhawk, Force, Graviton, Hawkeye, Jemiah the Analyzer, Kofi, Lava Men, Martinex, Midas I, Mole Man, Pluto, Sabretooth, Spymaster, Stallior, Tatterdemalion, Vamp, Yellowjacket II, Zzzax Action Sheet: Wolverine / Team Action Sheet: Avengers (Second Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
17	Model Sheets: 3-D Man, Ancient One, Black Queen, Brother Voodoo, Count Nefaria, Death-Stalker, Eson the Searcher, Glob, Havok, Kingpin, Lady Deathstrike, Maelstrom, MODOK, Namor, Paladin, Red Guardian II & V, Sasquatch, Scorpion, Thunderball, Vishanti, Worm Action Sheet: Punisher / Team Action Sheet: Avengers (Third Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
18	Model Sheets: Arishem the Judge, Beetle, Bulldozer, Clea, Demolition-Man, Fang, Ghaur, Hogun the Grim, Ironclad, Kangaroo, Lucifer, Madcap, Moondragon, Nebula, Professor X, Razor-Fist, Nicholas Scratch, Spirit of '76, Thing, Wolfsbane, Zaladane Action Sheet: She-Hulk / Team Action Sheet: Avengers (Fourth Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
19	Model Sheets: Apollo, Battle Star, Ch'od, Dr. Demonicus, Earth-Lord, Gamora, Iron Monger, Rick Jones, Major Victory, Mandarin, Marrina, Nova I, Oracle, Ringer, Satana, Shatterstar II, Tom Thumb, Ultimus, White Bishop, Zodiac I, Zodiac II Action Sheet: Daredevil / Team Action Sheet: Avengers (Fifth Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
20	Model Sheets: Archangel, Baron Blood I, Black Knight I, Captain Atlas, Controller, Doctor Doom, Enchantress, Flag-Smasher, Ghost, Korvac, Lilandra, Maha Yogi, Maximus, Nuke, Quantum, Redstone, Sabra, Silvermane, Unicorn I, Wasp, Wolverine (original costume), Zarrko the Tomorrow Man Team Action Sheet: Avengers (Sixth Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
21	Model Sheets: Aquarian, Banshee, Bi-Beast, Crossfire, Dakimh the Enchanter, Dominic Fortune, Gambit, Haywire, Invisible Woman, Jester, Karkas, Living Laser, Mantis, Master Man, Occult, Power Broker, Red Wolf III, Speedball, Swordsman I, Thena, Thor, Uatu the Watcher, Will o' the Wisp		23	$ 4.50
22	Model Sheets: Arcade, Black Bolt, Bushmaster, Crimson Commando, Diamond Lil, Doctor Nightshade, Nick Fury, Gammenon the Gatherer, Hermes, Kismet, Madame Masque, Merlin, Phantom Rider IV, Screaming Mimi, Silver Sable, Slither, Starbolt, Terrax, Ultron, Volstagg, Whizzer II, Yondu Team Action Sheet: Avengers (Seventh Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
23	Model Sheets: Arkon, Batroc the Leaper, Blonde Phantom, Cage, Chthon, Collector, Dr. Spectrum, Falcon, Glorian, Hammerhead, It the Living Colossus, Krang, Left-Winger, Mockingbird, Psylocke, Radioactive Man, Sauron, Silhouette, Supremor, Tarantula I & II, Unus, Vermin Team Action Sheet: X-Men (First Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
24	Model Sheets: Ape-Man, John Blaze, Byrrah, Chemistro I-III, Cyclone, Deathbird, Drax the Destroyer, Gladiator I, Horus, Human Torch II, Iron Fist, Jubilee, Klaw, Machine Man, Medusa, Phoenix III, Prester John, Red Skull, Stingray, Terminatrix, Trump, Zeus Team Action Sheet: X-Men (Second Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
25	Model Sheets: Black Widow II, Bucky I & II, Cottonmouth, Deadpool, Fin Fang Foom, Guardian I, Hepzibah, Infinity, Hannibal King, Mirage II, Mister Fear, Night Thrasher, Osiris, Peregrine, Quagmire, Rama-Tut, Silver Samurai, Stellaris, Strong Guy, Terminus, Vibro, Wind Warrior Team Action Sheet: X-Men (Third Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
26	Model Sheets: Aginar, Belasco, Boomer, Caber, Chondu the Mystic, Doctor Druid, Foreigner, Jean Grey, Halflife I, Ikaris, Jarella, Lockjaw, Molten Man, Mystique, Neptune, Orb, Psyklop, Rattler, Stryfe, Super-Skrull, Titan, Windshear Team Action Sheet: X-Men (Fourth Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
27	Model Sheets: Anvil, Asp II, Bengal, Beta Ray Bill, Cat-Man, Deathlok I, Devos the Devastator, Electron, Foolkiller, Giant-Man II, Green Goblin, HYDRA, Jack O'Lantern II, Korath the Pursuer, Marauders, Master Pandemonium, Needle, Pip the Troll, Raza, Snowbird, Toad, Wyatt Wingfoot Team Action Sheet: X-Men (Fifth Line-Up)		23	$ 4.50
28	Model Sheets: Aron the Rogue Watcher, Black Crow, Blade, Changeling, Cutthroat, Domino II, Dream Queen, Elysius, Galactus, Hellfire Club, Kaluu, Living Lightning, Man-Beast, Meggan, Possessor, Ramrod, Scarecrow, Squadron Supreme, Starhawk II, Terror, Inc., Valinor, Warstar Team Action Sheet: X-Men (Sixth Line-Up)		23	$ 4.95
29	Model Sheets: Aurora, Balder, Blackout I, Carnage, Black Tom Cassidy, Chief Examiner, Dazzler, Dredmund Druid, Gardener, Justin Hammer, Lightmaster, Mastermind, Mentallo, Occulus, Puma, Reavers, Sabretooth, Sersi, Solo, Talon, U.S. Agent, Warwolves Team Action Sheet: X-Men (Seventh Line-Up)		23	$ 4.95
30	Model Sheets: The Answer, Bishop, Blackout II, Chord, Crusader II, Dracula, Dreadnought, Griffin, Hera, Impala, Janus II, Longshot, Magik, Nobilus, Portal, Rage, Shalla Bal, Skrulls, Snowblind, Union Jack III, Yandroth, Wraith Team Action Sheet: X-Men (Eighth Line-Up: Blue Team)		23	$ 4.95
31	Model Sheets: Agamemnon, Blue Eagle, Cardiac, Coldblood, Destroyer III, Feral, Gronk, Hussar, Killraven, Living Monolith, Mandrill, Micromax, Molecule Man, Nebula, Presence, Quill, Shockwave, Sleepwalker, Talisman II, Vision II, War Machine, Wildheart Team Action Sheet: X-Men (Eighth Line-Up: Gold Team)		23	$ 4.95
32	Model Sheets: Analyzer, Bird-Man I & II, Captain Universe, Doughboy, The Enclave, Famine, Growing Man, Harriers, Ion, Kree, Lord Chaos, Maverick, Mephisto, Nefarius, Paibok the Power Skrull, Rampage, Señor Muerte, Shapeshifter, Trapster I & II, Union Jack I & II, Voice, Ymir Team Action Sheet: Avengers West Coast (First Line-Up)		23	$ 4.95
33	Model Sheets: Avalanche, Black Archer, Centurious, Crippler, Deathwatch, Enforcers, Feron, Gideon, Hercules, Human Torch I, Inertia, Iron Man, Karma, Living Tribunal, Morg, Rancor, Reptyl, Scourge, Slapstick, Spider-Man 2099, Tyler Stone, Warpath Team Action Sheet: Avengers West Coast (Second Line-Up)		23	$ 4.95
34	Model Sheets: Aragorn, Blackheart, Caliban, Captain Marvel II, Cyber, Demogoblin, Frank Drake, 8-Ball, Frog-Man, Grizzly II, Jack of Hearts, Lilith II, Multiple Man, Null the Living Darkness, Omega Red, Punisher 2099, Henry Pym, Replica, Rictor, Sunfire, Tigra, Wonder Man Team Action Sheet: Avengers West Coast (Third Line-Up)		23	$ 4.95
35	Model Sheets: Beyonder, Bloodaxe, Crystal, Deathlok III, Dr. Strange, Doom 2099, Fearmaster, Hellstorm, Kala, Lyja the Lazerfist, Magus I, Polaris, Proteus, Tamara Rahn, Shotgun II, Specialist, Spirit of Vengeance, Starhawk I, Thunderstrike, Turbo I & II, Weapon X II, Zero Team Action Sheet: Avengers West Coast (Fourth Line-Up)		23	$ 4.95
36	Model Sheets: Ajax, Binary, Blackwing, Cerise, Chance I, Evilhawk, Goddess, Grizzly I, Hardcore, Moonhunter, Morbius, Ms. Marvel II, Proctor, Pyro, Ravage 2099, Roma, Savage Steel, Siege, Sunspot, Ultimo, Vanisher, White Queen, Zarathos		23	$ 4.95

• Essential OHOTMU - Master Edition (Trade Paperback) #1 (Marvel Comics, April 2008)
• Essential OHOTMU - Master Edition (Trade Paperback) #2 (Marvel Comics, June 2008)
• Essential OHOTMU - Master Edition (Trade Paperback) #3 (Marvel Comics, September 2008)

The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Vol. IV

2004

• 2004 One-Shots (Marvel Comics, May - December 2004)

Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
X-Men 2004	May 2004	48	$ 3.99
Spider-Man 2004	June 2004	48	$ 3.99
Avengers 2004	July 2004	48	$ 3.99
Hulk 2004	August 2004	48	$ 3.99
Daredevil 2004	September 2004	48	$ 3.99
Wolverine 2004	October 2004	48	$ 3.99
Book of the Dead 2004	November 2004	48	$ 3.99
Golden Age 2004	December 2004	48	$ 3.99

2005

• 2005 One-Shots (Marvel Comics, January - December 2005)

Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
Women of Marvel 2005	January 2005	48	$ 3.99
Marvel Knights 2005	February 2005	48	$ 3.99
X-Men - Age of Apocalypse 2005	March 2005	48	$ 3.99
Spider-Man 2005	April 2005	48	$ 3.99
Teams 2005	May 2005	48	$ 3.99
Fantastic Four 2005	June 2005	48	$ 3.99
Avengers 2005	July 2005	48	$ 3.99
Ultimate Spider-Man & Ultimate Fantastic Four 2005	August 2005	48	$ 3.99
Alternate Universes 2005	September 2005	48	$ 3.99
Horror 2005	October 2005	48	$ 3.99
X-Men 2005	November 2005	48	$ 3.99
The Ultimates & Ultimate X-Men 2005	December 2005	48	$ 3.99

2006

• 2006 Series (All-New OHOTMU A - Z) #1 - #12 (Marvel Comics, January - December 2006)

#	Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
1	Abraxas to Batwing	January 2006	64	$ 3.99
2	Benny Beckley to Crazy Eight	February 2006	64	$ 3.99
3	Copperhead to Ethan Edwards	March 2006	64	$ 3.99
4	Damon Dran to Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg & Holliway	April 2006	64	$ 3.99
5	Gorgon to Jury	May 2006	64	$ 3.99
6	Justice to Marvel	June 2006	64	$ 3.99
7	Victor Mancha to Phantazia	July 2006	64	$ 3.99
8	Nekra to Quoi	August 2006	64	$ 3.99
9	Puppet Master to Shamrock	September 2006	64	$ 3.99
10	Shadowoman to Tara	October 2006	64	$ 3.99
11	Stranger to Ultimo	November 2006	64	$ 3.99
12	Ultra Girl to Arnim Zola	December 2006	64	$ 3.99

• 2006 Series (Marvel Legacy: The 1960s–1990s Handbook) (Marvel Comics, February 2006 - February 2007)

Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
Marvel Legacy: The 1960s Handbook	February 2006	64	$ 4.99
Marvel Legacy: The 1970s Handbook	May 2006	64	$ 4.99
Marvel Legacy: The 1980s Handbook	November 2006	64	$ 4.99
Marvel Legacy: The 1990s Handbook	February 2007	64	$ 4.99

2007

• 2007 Series (All-New OHOTMU A - Z: Update) #1 - #4 (Marvel Comics, January - October 2007)

#	Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
1	Amatsu-Kami to Walker	January 2007	64	$ 3.99
2	Adam II to Zodiak	May 2007	64	$ 3.99
3	Acts of Vengeance to Zodiac Key	July 2007	64	$ 3.99
4	Aqueduct to Zaran	October 2007	64	$ 3.99

• 2007 One-Shots (Marvel Comics, April - December 2007) (All numbered #1)

Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
Spider-Man: Back in Black Handbook	April 2007	48	$ 3.99
Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter - Guilty Pleasures Handbook	May 2007	48	$ 3.99
Mystic Arcana: The Book of Marvel Magic	June 2007	64	$ 3.99
The Mighty Avengers: Most Wanted Files	June 2007	48	$ 3.99
World War Hulk: Gamma Files	August 2007	48	$ 3.99
Marvel Zombies: The Book of Angels, Demons, & Various Monstrosities	September 2007	48	$ 3.99
Marvel Atlas #1	November 2007	64	$ 3.99
X-Men: Messiah Complex - Mutant Files	December 2007	48	$ 3.99

2008

• 2008 One-Shots (Marvel Comics, January - December 2008)

Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
Ultimate Secrets	January 2008	48	$ 3.99
Marvel Atlas #2	March 2008	64	$ 3.99
All-New Iron Manual	May 2008	64	$ 4.99
Secret Invasion: Skrulls!	July 2008	64	$ 4.99
Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day Yearbook	December 2008	64	$ 4.99

• OHOTMU A - Z (Premiere Hardcover) #1 - #14 (Marvel Comics, February 2008 - May 2010)

*contains material from 2004 - 2009, plus updates and several all-new entries

#	Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
1	1602 A.D. to Blackwing (Manfredi)	February 2008	240	$ 24.99
2	Blackwulf to Crimson Dynamo	April 2008	240	$ 24.99
3	Crimson Dynamo (Gavrilov) to Elements of Doom	June 2008	240	$ 24.99
4	Elf with a Gun to Guardians of the Galaxy	August 2008	240	$ 24.99
5	Guardsmen to Jackal	October 2008	240	$ 24.99
6	Harald Jaekelsson to Maelstrom	December 2008	240	$ 24.99
7	Maestro to Ms. Marvel	March 2009	240	$ 24.99
8	Multiple Man to Phoenix Force	May 2009	240	$ 24.99
9	Photon to Sage	July 2009	240	$ 24.99
10	Salem's Seven to Speed	September 2009	240	$ 24.99
11	Speed Demon to Terrible Trio	November 2009	240	$ 24.99
12	Terror (Pevely) to Vision (Aarkus)	January 2010	240	$ 24.99
13	Vision (Victor Shade) to Zaran	April 2010	240	$ 24.99
14	Aboriginal Gods to Zzzax	June 2010	240	$ 24.99

2009

• 2009 One-Shots (Marvel Comics, January - December 2009)

Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
Dark Reign Files	February 2009	64	$ 4.99
Wolverine: Weapon X Files	April 2009	64	$ 4.99
Marvel Pets Handbook	June 2009	48	$ 3.99
Thor & Hercules: Encyclopedia Mythologica	July 2009	64	$ 4.99
Marvel Mystery Handbook: 70th Anniversary Special	September 2009	64	$ 4.99

2010

• 2010 Series (OHOTMU A - Z: Update) #1 - #5 (Marvel Comics, February - December 2010)

#	Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
1	Marlene Alraune to Zuri	February 2010	64	$ 3.99
2	Abyss (Sorcerer) to Xartans	June 2010	64	$ 3.99
3	Aakon to Yondu	August 2010	64	$ 3.99
4	Beetle (Davis) to Zodiac (gang with no name)	October 2010	64	$ 3.99
5	Advisor to Witness	December 2010	64	$ 3.99

• 2010 One-Shots (Marvel Comics, January - December 2010)

Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
Deadpool Corps: Rank and Foul	March 2010	64	$ 3.99
Iron Manual Mark 3	April 2010	64	$ 3.99
Avengers Assemble	May 2010	64	$ 3.99
X-Men: Phoenix Force Handbook	July 2010	64	$ 4.99

• 2010 Trade Paperbacks (Marvel Comics, July 2010)

Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
Women of Marvel: Celebrating Seven Decades Handbook	July 2010	240	$ 19.99

2011

• 2011 One-shots (Marvel Comics, January 2011 - December 2011)

Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
Blockbusters of the Marvel Universe	January 2011	64	$ 4.99
Thor: Asgard's Avenger	April 2011	64	$ 4.99
X-Men: Earth's Mutant Heroes	May 2011	64	$ 4.99
Captain America: America's Avenger	June 2011	64	$ 4.99
Fear Itself: Fellowship of Fear	August 2011	32	$ 3.99
FF: 50 Fantastic Years	September 2011	64	$ 4.99
Vampires: The Marvel Undead	October 2011	64	$ 4.99
Defenders: Strange Heroes	December 2011	64	$ 4.99

• OHOTMU A - Z (Trade Paperback) #1 - TBA (Marvel Comics, September 2011 - TBA)

*collects material from 2008's OHOTMU A - Z with corrections, plus 16-page addendums entitled "Where are they now?"

Vol.	Title	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
1	1602 to Blackwulf	September 2011	256	$ 19.99
2	Blade to Crooked World	December 2011	256	$ 19.99
3	-	February 2012	256	$ 19.99
4	-	April 2012	256	$ 19.99

The Marvel Encyclopedia

• Original Series (Hardcover) #1 - #6 (Marvel Comics, October 2002 - December 2004)

#	Info	ISBN	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
1	Marvel in general: Avengers, MAX, Ultimate Marvel	ISBN 0-7851-0984-6	October 2002	240	$ 29.99
2	X-Men	ISBN 0-7851-1199-9	April 2003	240	$ 29.99
3	Hulk	ISBN 0-7851-1164-6	June 2003	208	$ 19.99
4	Spider-Man	ISBN 0-7851-1304-5	November 2003	240	$ 24.99
5	Marvel Knights	ISBN 0-7851-1385-1	April 2004	240	$ 29.99
6	Fantastic Four	ISBN 0-7851-1480-7	November 2004	240	$ 29.99

• Original One-Shot (Hardcover) (Dorling Kindersley, October 2006)

Title	ISBN	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
The Marvel Encyclopedia	ISBN 0-7566-2358-8	October 2006	352	$ 40.00

• Updated and Expanded Edition (Hardcover) (Dorling Kindersley, October 2009)

Title	ISBN	Month of Publ.	Pages	Orig. Price
The Marvel Encyclopedia	ISBN 0-7566-5530-7	October 2009	400	$ 40.00

Gamer's Handbook of the Marvel Universe

• Original Series #1 - #8 (see Marvel Super Heroes RPG)

See also

• Official Marvel Index
• List of Marvel Comics characters
• List of Marvel Comics teams and organizations
• List of Marvel Comics publications
• Who's Who in the DC Universe

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} DeFalco, Tom. "Bullpen Bulletins Special," Marvel Comics cover-dated March 1984.
2. ^ ^{a b} Peter Sanderson (2005-01-28). "Comics in Context #70: Elektra Lite: Superheroes A to Z."
3. ^ Scott Tipton (2004-09-15). "Gone Too Soon: Remembering Da Gru."

External links

• OHOTMU at the Marvel Universe
• Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
• OHOTMU Discussion Forum
• Jeff Christiansen's Master List
• Marvel Catalog at Marvel.com