Official Marvel Index

The Official Marvel Index is a series of comic books released by Marvel Comics which featured synopses of several Marvel series. The books were largely compiled by George Olshevsky (who was for fourteen years the sole owner of a complete collection of Marvel superhero comics dating from Marvel Comics #1, published in 1939),^{[citation needed]} and featured detailed information on each issue in a particular series, including writer and artist credits, characters who appeared in the issue, and a story synopsis. A similar series of indices was published for DC Comics.

Publication history

The Official Marvel Index was preceded by the Marvel Comics Index (also compiled by Olshevsky) and distributed by Pacific Comics Distributors sporadically from 1976-1982. These books were magazine-sized as opposed to comic-sized.

The first Official Marvel Index titles were published in 1985, and produced regularly through August 1988. A second series of two titles was published in 1994–1995.

In 2008, Marvel announced that a new Marvel Index series would commence publication in 2009.^[1] Titled Official Index to the Marvel Universe, the first issue was published in January 2009, with a monthly release schedule. The new series focuses primarily on Marvel's most prominent characters. The first volume ran 14 issues and focused on Spider-Man, Iron Man and the X-Men. The second volume began in May 2010 and focuses on the Avengers, Captain America (including Golden Age issues) and Thor (including Journey into Mystery, where Thor premiered). A third started in August 2011, focusing on Wolverine, The Punisher, and Ghost Rider. Each featured title is later collected separately into a digest-sized trade paperback with additional issues not featured in the monthly book.

The Marvel Comics Index

Published by Pacific Comics Distributors, 1976–1982.

• Marvel Comics Index #1 - The Amazing Spider-Man (January 1976) - Synopses of Amazing Adventures #1-6, Amazing Adult Fantasy #7-14, Amazing Fantasy #15, The Amazing Spider-Man #1-151 and Annuals #1-9, The Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #1-2, Amazing Spider-Man Mini Comic (Eye Magazine promo), Giant-Size Super-Heroes #1, Giant-Size Spider-Man #1-6, and Spidey Super Stories #1-14
• Marvel Comics Index #2 - Conan and the Barbarians (March 1976) - Synopses of Conan The Barbarian #1-61 and Annual #1, Giant-Size Conan #1-5, Savage Sword of Conan #1-10 and Annual #1, Ka-Zar (1st series) #1-3, Ka-Zar (2nd series) #1-15, Kull the Conqueror #1-15, Kull and the Barbarians #1-3, Savage Tales #11 and Annual #1, Chamber of Chills #1-21, Chamber of Darkness #1-8 and Special #1, Monsters on the Prowl #9-30, Tower of Shadows #1-9 and Annual #1, Creatures on the Loose #10-37, and Worlds Unknown #1-8
• Marvel Comics Index #3 - The Avengers, Defenders, and Captain Marvel (August 1976) - Synopses of All Winners #19 and 21, Mystic Comics #4, Black Knight #1-5, Avengers #1-151 and Annuals #1-5, Giant-Size Avengers #1-5, Captain Marvel #1-46, Giant-Size Captain Marvel #1, Weird Wonder Tales #7, Defenders #1-39, and Giant-Size Defenders #1-5; cover by Neal Adams
• Marvel Comics Index #4 - Fantastic Four (July 1977) - Synopses of Daring Mystery Comics #6, Marvel Boy #1-2, Astonishing #3-6, Fantastic Four #1-180 and Annuals #1-11, Giant-Size Fantastic Four #1-6, Human Torch #1-8, and Silver Surfer #1-18; cover by Jim Steranko
• Marvel Comics Index #5 - The Mighty Thor (November 1977) - Synopses of Journey into Mystery #83-125, Thor #126-266 and Annuals #1-6, Giant-Size Thor #1, and Tales of Asgard #1
• Marvel Comics Index #6 - Heroes from Strange Tales (December 1977) - Synopses of Strange Tales #1, 25, 74, 75, 77, 79, 89, 101-188, and Annuals #1-2, Doctor Strange (1st series) #169-183, Doctor Strange (2nd series) #1-27 and Annual #1, Giant-Size Doctor Strange #1, Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1-18, S.H.I.E.L.D. #1-5, and Warlock #1-15; cover by Bill Everett/Dean Motter
• Marvel Comics Index #7A - Heroes from Tales to Astonish Book 1: The Incredible Hulk (June 1978) - Synopses of Incredible Hulk #1-6, Tales To Astonish #1, 13, 15, 27, and 35-101, Incredible Hulk #102-227 and Annuals #1-7, Giant-Size Hulk #1, and Rampaging Hulk #1-10; cover by Ken Steacy
• Marvel Comics Index #7B - Heroes from Tales to Astonish Book 2: Sub-Mariner (July 1978) - Synopses of Marvel Mystery Comics #4,10, and 82, Sub-Mariner Comics #1-42, Namora #1-3, Sub-Mariner (1968) #1-72 and Annuals #1-2, Astonishing Tales #1-36, Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up #1-2, Super-Villain Team-Up #1-14, Giant-Size Invaders #1, and Invaders #1-32 and Annual #1; cover by Bill Everett/Dean Motter
• Marvel Comics Index #8A - Heroes from Tales of Suspense Book 1: Captain America (December 1979) - Synopses of Captain America Comics, The Yellow Claw #1-4, Tales of Suspense #39-99, Captain America #100-235 and Annuals #1-4, Giant-Size Captain America #1, and Marvel Treasury Special: Captain America's Bicentennial Battles; cover by Jim Steranko
• Marvel Comics Index #8B - Heroes from Tales of Suspense Book 2: Iron Man and Others (December 1979) - Synopses of Iron Man & Sub-Mariner #1, Iron Man #1-118 and Annuals #1-4, Giant-Size Iron Man #1, Amazing Adventures (1970's series) #1-25, Inhumans #1-12, The Cat #1-4, Ms. Marvel #1-21, Nova #1-23, Omega the Unknown #1-10, and Skull the Slayer #1-8; cover by Ken Steacy
• Marvel Comics Index #9A - X-Men (April 1982) - Synopses of The Uncanny X-Men #1-152 and Annuals #1-5, Giant-Size X-Men #1-2, Amazing Adventures (3rd Series) #1-14, Ghost Rider #1-63, and Champions #1-17
• Marvel Comics Index #9B - Daredevil (April 1982) - Synopses of Daredevil #1-181 and Annuals/Specials #1-4, Giant-Size Daredevil #1, Marvel Adventure #1-6, Jungle Action/Black Panther #1-24, Black Panther #1-15, Shanna the She-Devil #1-5, Black Goliath #1-5, The Human Fly #1-19, and Dazzler #1-14; cover by Frank Miller

The following books were listed in issue #9B, but were never released:

• Marvel Comics Index #10 - Marvel Showcase and Team-Up comics
• Marvel Comics Index #11 - Short run heroes
• Marvel Comics Index #12A - Martial arts heroes
• Marvel Comics Index #12B - War Heroes
• Marvel Comics Index #13A - Marvel's Monsters
• Marvel Comics Index #13B - Marvel's Vampires
• Marvel Comics Index #14 - Marvel's Reprint Comics

The Official Marvel Index

Published by Marvel Comics, 1985–1988 and 1994–1995.

Volume One

• The Official Marvel Index to the Amazing Spider-Man #1-9 (April–December 1985) - Synopses of Amazing Fantasy #15, The Amazing Spider-Man #1-214 and Annuals #1-14, The Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #1-2, Giant-Size Super-Heroes #1, and Giant-Size Spider-Man #1-6
• The Official Marvel Index to Fantastic Four #1-12 (December 1985-January 1987) - Synopses of Fantastic Four #1-214 and Annuals #1-13, Giant-Size Super-Stars #1, and Giant-Size Fantastic Four #2-6
• The Official Marvel Index to Marvel Team-Up #1-6 (January 1986-July 1987) - Synopses of Marvel Team-Up #1-112 and Annuals #1-4
• The Official Marvel Index to X-Men #1-7 (May 1987-July 1988) - Synopses of Uncanny X-Men #1-138 and Annuals #1-3, Ka-Zar #2-3, Marvel Tales #30, Amazing Adventures (2nd series) #11-17, X-Men Classics #1-3, Giant-Size X-Men #1-2, Classic X-Men #1-21, Marvel Treasury Edition #26-27, Bizarre Adventures #27, Incredible Hulk and Wolverine #1, Phoenix, the Untold Story #1, and Amazing Adventures (3rd Series) #1-14
• The Official Marvel Index to Avengers #1-7 (June 1987-August 1988) - Synopses of Avengers #1-145 and Annuals #1-5, Marvel Super Heroes #17, Ka-Zar Quarterly #1, Kree-Skrull War starring the Avengers #1-2, Defenders #8-11, and Giant-Size Avengers #1-5

Volume Two

• The Official Marvel Index to Avengers #1-6 (October 1994-March 1995) - Synopses of Avengers #1-333 and Annuals #1-20, and Giant-Size Avengers #1-5
• The Official Marvel Index to X-Men #1-5 (April–August 1994) - Synopses of The Uncanny X-Men #1-287 and Annuals #1-15, Giant-Size X-Men #1-2, and Special Edition X-Men #1

Official Index to the Marvel Universe

Published by Marvel Comics, 2009–present.

Volume 1

• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #1 - Synopses of Amazing Fantasy #15, Amazing Spider-Man #1-52, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1-4, Tales of Suspense #39-73, and The X-Men #1-50
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #2 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #53-102, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #5, Tales of Suspense #74-99, Iron Man and Sub-Mariner #1, Iron Man #1-11, The X-Men #51-108, X-Men King-Size Special #1-2, and Giant-Size X-Men #1-2.
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #3 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #103-146, Giant-Size Super-Heroes #1, Giant-Size Spider-Man #1-6, Amazing Spider-Man Special #6-9, Iron Man #12-65, X-Men #109-150, and X-Men Annual #3-4.
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #4 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #147-197, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #10-11, Iron Man #66-116, Iron Man Special #1-2, Iron Man Annual #3-4, Giant-Size Iron Man #1, Uncanny X-Men #151-192, X-Men Annual #5-7, Special Edition X-Men #1.
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #5 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #198-244, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #12-16, Iron Man #117-169, Iron Man Annual #5, Uncanny X-Men #192-229, X-Men Annual #8-11, and Heroes for Hope Starring the X-Men #1.
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #6 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #245-286, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #17-20, Iron Man #170-214, Iron Man Annual #6-8, Uncanny X-Men #230-268, and X-Men Annual #12-14.
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #7 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #287-327, Spider-Man versus Wolverine #1, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21-23, Iron Man #215-259, Iron Man Annual #9-11, Uncanny X-Men #269-303, and X-Men Annual #15-17.
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #8 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #328-366, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #24-26, Amazing Spider-Man: Soul Of The Hunter, Iron Man #260-299, Iron Man Annual #12-14, Uncanny X-Men #304-337, Uncanny X-Men Annual #18, '95, and '96, and Astonishing X-Men #1-4.
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #9 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #367-401, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #27-28, Amazing Spider-Man Super Special #1, Iron Man #300-332, Iron Man Annual #15, Age of Innocence: The Rebirth of Iron Man, Iron Man (1996) #1-7, Uncanny X-Men #338-375 and -1, Uncanny X-Men Annual '97, and Uncanny X-Men & Fantastic Four Annual '98.
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #10 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #402-435 and -1, Spider-Man: Maximum Clonage Alpha #1, Spider-Man: Maximum Clonage Omega #1, Amazing Scarlet Spider #1-2, Amazing Spider-Man Annual '96 and '97, Iron Man #8-13, Iron Man (1998) #1-35 and 1/2, Iron Man/Captain America Annual 1998, Iron Mann Annual 1999 and 2000, Uncanny X-Men #376-412, and Uncanny X-Men Annual '99, 2000, and 2001.
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #11 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #436-441, Amazing Spider-Man Annual '98, '99, 2000, and 2001, Amazing Spider-Man (1998) #1-36, Iron Man #36-77, Iron Man Annual 2001, and Uncanny X-Men #413-456.
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #12 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man (1998) #37-58, Amazing Spider-Man #500-533, Iron Man (1998) #78-89, Iron Man (2005) #1-14, Iron Man/Captain America: Casualties of War #1, Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D #15-27, Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D Annual #1, Uncanny X-Men #457-489, Uncanny X-Men Annual #1 (2006)
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #13 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #534-575, Amazing Spider-Man: Swing Shift, Amazing Spider-Man: Fear Itself #1, Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D #28-32, Invincible Iron Man (2008) #1-19, War Machine Ashcan Edition, War Machine (1994) #1-17, Uncanny X-Men #490-514, Uncanny X-Men Annual #2 (2009), Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia, Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Exodus, X-Men: The Hidden Years #1-6
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe #14 - Synopses of Amazing Spider-Man #576-600, Amazing Spider-Man: The Short Halloween #1, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 (2008), #36, Amazing Adventures (1961) #1-6, Amazing Adult Fantasy #7-14, Amazing Fantasy (1995) #16-18, War Machine #18-25, Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D #33-35, War Machine Sneak Peek #1, War Machine (2008) #1-12, Iron Man: The Iron Age #1 and 2, Iron Man: Bad Blood #1-4, Iron Man: House of M #1-3, Iron Man: The Inevitable #1-6, Iron Man: Hypervelocity #1-6, Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin #1-6, Iron Man: Legacy of Doom #1-4, Iron Man 2020, Iron Man: Crash, X-Men: The Hidden Years #7-22, Giant-Size X-Men #3 and 4

Volume 2

• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #1 - Synopses of The Avengers #1-39, Captain America Comics (1941) #1-5, Captain America #100-128, Journey Into Mystery #83-109
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #2 - Synopses of The Avengers #40-79, Avengers Annual #1 and 2, Captain America Comics #6-9, Captain America #129-158, Captain America Annual #1 and 2, Journey Into Mystery #110-125, Journey Into Mystery Annual #1, The Mighty Thor #126-144, The Mighty Thor Annual #2
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #3 - Synopses of The Avengers #80-116, Avengers Annual #3-5, Captain America Comics #10-13, Captain America #159-186, Giant-Size Captain America #1, The Mighty Thor #145-191, Tales of Asgard #1, The Mighty Thor Annual #3
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #4 - Synopses of The Avengers #117-146, Giant-Size Avengers #1-5, Captain America Comics #14-17, Captain America #187-216, Captain America Annual #3 and 4, Captain America's Bicentennial Battles, The Mighty Thor #192-237
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #5 - Synopses of The Avengers #147-181, Avengers Annual #6-8, Captain America Comics #18-21, Captain America #217-247, The Mighty Thor #238-277, Giant-Size Thor #1, The Mighty Thor Annual #5-7
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #6 - Synopses of The Avengers #182-218, Avengers Annual #9 and 10, Captain America Comics #22-26, Captain America #248-273, Captain America Annual #5, The Mighty Thor #278-313, The Mighty Thor Annual #8 and 9
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #7 - Synopses of The Avengers #219-253, Avengers Annual #11-13, Captain America Comics #27 and 28, Captain America #274-303, Captain America Annual #6 and 7, Captain America Special Edition #1 and 2, The Mighty Thor #314-357, The Mighty Thor Annual #10-13, Marvel Graphic Novel #33, Tales of Asgard (1984) #1,
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #8 - Synopses of The Avengers #254-288, Avengers Annual #14-16, Captain America Comics #29 and 30, Captain America #304-337, Captain America Annual #8, The Mighty Thor #358-409, The Mighty Thor Annual #14,
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #9 - Synopses of The Avengers #289-321, Avengers Annual #17 and 18, Avengers Death Trap: The Vault. Captain America Comics #31 and 32, Captain America #338-366, The Mighty Thor #410-448, The Mighty Thor Annual #15-17,
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #10 - Synopses of The Avengers #322-347, Avengers Annual #19 and 20, Captain America Comics #33 and 34, Captain America #367-386, Captain America Annual #9, The Mighty Thor #449-502, The Mighty Thor Annual #18 and 19, Thor: The Legend #1, Journey Into Mystery #503-510
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #11 - Synopses of The Avengers #348-366, Avengers Annual #21, Captain America Comics #35-36, Captain America #387-414, Captain America Annual #10-11, Journey Into Mystery #511-521 and -1, The Mighty Thor (1998) #1-49, The Mighty Thor Thor Annual '99, 2000 & 2001
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #12 - Synopses of The Avengers #367-395, Avengers Annual #22 and 23, Avengers: The Crossing, Avengers: Timeslide, Captain America Comics #37-38, Captain America #415-454, Captain America Annual #12-13, Captain America: The Legend #1, Captain America (1996) #1, The Mighty Thor (1998) #50-85, Thor (2007) #1-12, Thor: Truth of History #1, Thor God-Size Special #1, Thor #600

(The Thor portion of this index concludes in issue 12 while Avengers and Captain America indexes continue)

• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers and Captain America #13 - Synopses of The Avengers #396-402, The Avengers (1996) #1-13, The Avengers (1998) #1-10, Avengers-Squadron Supreme Annual 1998, Captain America Comics #39-41, Captain America (1996) #2-13, Captain America (1998) #1-50, Captain America-Citizen V Annual 1998, Captain America Annual 1999-2001, Captain America (2002) #1-27
• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers and Captain America #14 - Synopses of The Avengers (1998) #11-36, Avengers Annual 1999-2000, The Avengers #0 (Wizard Magazine Supplement), Captain America Comics #42-48, Captain America (2002) #28-32, Captain America (2005) #1-50, Captain America 65th Anniversary Special, Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America #1-5, Captain America #600-601, Captain America: Reborn #1-6, Captain America: Who Will Wield the Shield?

(The Captain America portion of this index concludes in issue 14)

• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: The Avengers #15 - Synopses of The Avengers (1998) #37-84, Avengers Annual 2001, The Avengers #500-503, Avengers Finale #1, New Avengers #1-64, New Avengers Annual #1-3, New Avengers Finale

Volume 3

• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: Wolverine, Punisher, and Ghost Rider #1 - Synopses of Marvel Spotlight (1972) #5-11, Ghost Rider #1-40, Punisher (1986) #1-5, Punisher (1987) #1-35, Punisher Annual #1-3, Wolverine (1982) #1-4, Kitty Pride and Wolverine #1-6, Spider-Man vs. Wolverine (1987), The Best of Marvel Comics (1987)trade paperback, Wolverine (1988) #1-32, Wolverine/Nick Fury: The Scorpio Connection, Wolverine: The Jungle Adventure

• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: Wolverine, Punisher, and Ghost Rider #2 - Synopses of Ghost Rider #41-81, Ghost Rider (1990) #1-6, Punisher (1987) #36-80, Punisher Annual #4-5, Wolverine (1988) #33-70, Wolverine: Bloodlust, Wolverine: Bloody Choices, Wolverine: Rahne of Tears, Wolverine: Inner Fury, Marvel Collector's Edition (1992),

• Official Index to the Marvel Universe: Wolverine, Punisher, and Ghost Rider #3 - Synopses of Ghost Rider (1990) #7-54, Ghost Rider/Wolverine/Punisher: Hearts of Darkness, Ghost Rider/Captain America: Fear, Ghost Rider Annual #1-2, Punisher (1987) #81-104, Punisher Annual #6-7, Punisher (1995) #1-16, Wolverine (1988) #71-100, Wolverine: Killing, Wolverine in Global Jeopardy, Wolverine: Evilution, Wolverine & Nick Fury: Scorpio Rising, Weapon X (1995) #1-4, Wolverine '95 Annual, Wolverine: Knight of Terra, Logan: Path of the Warlord

Trade paperbacks

• Amazing Spider-Man: Official Index to the Marvel Universe-includes content from Spider-Man pages in Official Marvel Index #1-14 plus added entries for The Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #1-2, and Amazing Spider-Man Mini Comic (Eye Magazine promo). (Released July 14, 2010.)
• Iron Man: Official Index to the Marvel Universe-includes content from Iron Man pages in Official Marvel Index #1-14 plus added entries for Iron Man: Iron Protocols #1, Iron Man and Power Pack #1-4, Iron Man: Viva Las Vegas #1 and 2 and Iron Man: The End. (Released April 2, 2010.)
• X-Men: Official Index to the Marvel Universe-includes content from the X-Men pages in Official Marvel Index #1-14 plus added entries for Classic X-Men/X-Men Classic #1-110. (Released November 17, 2010.)
• Thor: Official Index to the Marvel Universe-includes content from the Thor pages in Official Marvel Index to The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #1-12 plus added entries for Journey Into Mystery #1 (1952), Balder the Brave #1-4, Thor Annual #1 (2009), Thor #601-614, Thor Giant-Size Finale #1, Sif #1, Siege: Loki #1, Free Comic Book Day 2010 (Iron Man-Thor), Thor: Godstorm #1-3, Thor: Vikings #1-5, Thor: Son of Asgard (2004) #1-12, Thor: Blood Oath #1-6, Secret Invasion: Thor #1-3, Thor: Tales of Asgard by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (2009) #1-6, Thunderstrike #1-24, Marvel Double Feature (1994) #13-16, Thor Corps #1-4, Thor: Ages of Thunder #1, Thor: Reign of Blood #1, Thor: Man of War #1, Thor: The Trial of Thor #1, Thor: The Rage of Thor, Marvel Comics Thor #1 (2000), and Taco Bell Collector Edition Thor #1 (2009). (Released May 3, 2011.)
• Captain America: Official Index to the Marvel Universe-includes content from the Captain America pages in Official Marvel Index to The Avengers, Thor, and Captain America #1-14 plus additional entries for Captain America Comics #49-73, 76-78, Captain America's Weird Tales #74-75, Captain America #602-605, and Siege: Captain America. (Released May 24, 2011.)

See also

• Official DC Index
• Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe

References

1. ^ "Diamond Retailer Summit News Round-up," The Beat (Sept. 10, 2008). [dead link]