Marvel Comics’ seminal miniseries Secret Wars by writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Esad Ribić was not just a comic, but a transformative event that altered not just the entire Marvel line in some form or fashion, but reshaped how we think about Marvel’s multiverse. And just in time for Secret Wars‘ 10th anniversary this year, Pan-Galactic Universal Worldwide (PUG-W) is crowdfunding Marvel: Behind the Panels of Secret Wars. Written by Ellie Pyle and now on Kickstarter, Behind the Panels dives deep into the event, incorporating a bevy of research including “creative summits and planning sessions, wild pitches that never saw print, first looks at new character designs, and much more,” according to the Kickstarter’s official press release. The massive 300-page hardcover incorporates thoughts from Hickman and Ribić, along with Kieron Gillen, Gerry Duggan, and Tom Brevoort.

Check out art from the Kickstarter below, along with the full press release for all the details!

 

 

From the official press release about the Kickstarter:

Pan-Galactic Universal Worldwide (PUG-W), a creative production company based in Southern California, announces the first volume in its new Behind The Panels series of deluxe hardcover art books, MARVEL: BEHIND THE PANELS OF SECRET WARS, a collaboration with Marvel Comics.

How does a team of talented creators destroy the Marvel Universe, replace every book in Marvel’s comic line with an alternate-reality crossover event, and then remake the multiverse in a way where every story before, during, and after the event still counts?

Written by Ellie Pyle, Marvel: Behind The Panels Of Secret Wars takes a deep dive into the secrets that shaped the groundbreaking 2015 crossover event, one of the most important stories in Marvel history, compiling tales from creative summits and planning sessions, wild pitches that never saw print, first looks at new character designs, and much more. Measuring 11.7”x16.5” and showcasing hundreds of gorgeous illustrations, this 300-page deluxe hardcover features meaningful insights from creators including Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribić (Secret Wars), Jason Aaron (Thors and Weirdworld), Keiran Gillen (Siege and 1602: Witch Hunter Angela), Gerry Duggan (Infinity Gauntlet, 1782, and Mrs. Deadpool and the Howling Commandos), and Tom Brevoort (Vice President and Executive Editor, Marvel Comics).

“It’s been a fascinating journey back into Battleworld via the memories of the writers, artists, and editors who built it! So many cool stories, from ‘the most fun Marvel summit ever’ to the final deadline crunch for this ‘event that was all events’,” said Ellie Pyle.

“There have been many art books and behind-the-scenes peeks into the world of Marvel Comics—but with the Behind The Panels line of books we wanted to present comic books with the same stature we might with a film,” said PUG-W Editor-In-Chief John Barber. “We treat the comics with the reverence and depth they deserve and show what goes into making a huge event comic from the mouths of the people who were there. This book and the extras that are planned for the entire campaign will showcase what PUG-W as a company is about.”

Secret Wars has a long and storied history at Marvel Comics, with lasting changes that still play out in the Marvel Universe today. The 2015 event series shares connective tissue with the legendary Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (1984) by Jim Shooter and artists Mike Zeck and Bob Layton, and inspired many concepts at the core of upcoming Marvel Studios films.

Visit the Marvel: Behind The Panels of Secret Wars crowdfunding campaign, now live at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/578322347/behind-the-panels-of-marvels-secret-wars.