Marvel: Journey of Heroes

Overview

Today, Marvel is one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry; however it has taken 80 years for the company to progress from small comics outfit to the pop culture phenomenon behind a 23-movie franchise. To mark the organisation's massive milestone, Melbourne Central is playing host to a huge exhibition — celebrating the outfit that gave the world Spider-Man, Wolverine, Thor, Iron Man, Captain America and more, and stepping through its hefty history.

On display until Sunday, September 29, the three-month-long Marvel: Journey of Heroes showcase jumps through each of Marvel's eight decades, starting with its origins as Timely Comics. The work of legendary artists such as Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko earns a sizeable mention, naturally, as does the fact that Marvel is now a big-screen force to be reckoned with (if this year's Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home didn't already make that obvious).

Visitors will also find a range of original artwork on display, including by local artists Patrick Brown, Jon Sommariva, David Yardin, Ben Templesmith and Wayne Nichols — plus eight special pieces by by Radio Velvet creatives, all marking a decade in Marvel's past, and all taking their cues from the company's most iconic comic book covers.

The free exhibition is open daily from 10am, on level one of the Melbourne shopping centre, behind the Shot Tower. From Monday–Friday between 11am–5pm and Saturday–Sunday from 10am–5pm, you'll also be able to nab some Marvel goodies at the onsite merchandise store.