Posted By Dan Greenfield on Feb 20, 2021 | 5 comments

A high-end collection is coming this summer — and now you can see what posters will finally be re-released…

You may recall that last year there was much ballyhoo over the Amazon listing of a 2021 calendar that was to feature reproductions of the classic 1971 Marvel/Third Eye black light posters.

Then… zip. Zilch. Nada. Nothing. Never happened.

Well, it turns out that Abrams ComicArts, which was to produce the calendar, and the House of Ideas only shifted gears — announcing this week that there will indeed be a collection of reprinted posters, only it will be a high-end portfolio of material instead of a calendar.

Dig this official description of the Marvel Classic Black Light Collectible Poster Portfolio from Abrams ComicArts:

Timed for the 50th anniversary, a collectible portfolio featuring 12 ready-to-frame reproductions of the iconic Marvel Comics black light posters

The Marvel Super Heroes are here! Fans will light up when they see this psychedelic, collectible portfolio featuring 12 frameable black light posters of celebrated Marvel Comics characters, including Captain America, Spider-Man, the Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, and Doctor Strange, illustrated by legendary artists Jack Kirby, Gene Colan, Tom Palmer, and others. First printed in 1971 by Marvel Comics and the famed black light publisher Third Eye, Inc., 12 rare images from the original series of 24 are reproduced here for the first time. Also included is a brief history of Third Eye and their Marvel Comics black light publishing by historian and former Marvel editor in chief Roy Thomas, along with images of the original comic book art featured on the posters. This vibrant, far-out collection is perfect for fans who are looking to brighten their lives.

Features include:

— 12 high-quality reproduction posters ready-to-frame in standard 20″ x 30″ frames
— Printed in fluorescent inks for viewing in black light
— Fully designed keepsake packaging for safe storing
— Brief history of the posters and the original comic book art by historian and former Marvel editor in chief Roy Thomas

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A few thoughts:

— Wanna know which 12 are included? Well, check out the back cover posted on Amazon:

— OK, this is where it gets interesting: The list price is $125 — but this is a completely different concept from the $29.99 calendar that was planned. (And $125 is a relative bargain when you consider how much the originals can fetch on the collectors’ market.)

— The original idea was a calendar with removable and frameable 16 x 20 prints. The portfolio prints will fit in a 20 x 30 frame, which is only a bit smaller than the 1971 originals. Despite the big cost differential, I have to say I’m even more interested than I was before. And since there are only 12 included, I imagine a second volume will be forthcoming if this sells well.

— The portfolio is scheduled for an Aug. 3 release.

— H/T to Arlen Schumer, who flagged this on Facebook.

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MORE

— 13 MARVEL BLACK LIGHT POSTERS to Blow Your Mind. Click here.

— The RETRO MARVEL BLACK LIGHT POSTERS 2021 CALENDAR Appears to Be Cancelled. Click here.