This holiday, there’s no better way to capture heroic memories and celebrate 70 years of mighty Marvel Comics than with three new ornaments for 2009 from Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments.
"This year’s designs look back on Marvel history and forward to its future," said Kurt Gaulke, Keepsake Ornament product development manager and admitted lifelong comics fan.
A Keepsake Ornament recreating AMAZING FANTASY #15, complete with readable pages from the milestone first appearance of Spider-Man, officially marks Marvel’s 70th anniversary. The ornament boasts a three-dimensional cover sculpted by Keepsake Artist Robert Chad commemorating what is quite possibly the most iconic image in Marvel Comics' history created by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. The ornament is the second in Keepsake Ornament’s Comic Book Heroes series.
“This gives the casual fan a fun introduction to the character of Spider-Man,” Gaulke said, “while giving the hard-core fan a chance to own a piece of comic history at a fraction of the cost of the real thing!”
Joining Spider-Man on the tree this year is Captain America striking a classic pose befitting the enduring symbol of liberty and justice. Cap was selected for the 2009 line, Gaulke said, not only for his important place in Marvel Comics history but for the prominent role he plays in current comics continuity including the CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN limited series published this year.
“Captain America’s pose was chosen to reflect his stoic, iconic nature,” he said of the sculpt by Keepsake Artist Anita Marra Rogers (no relation to Steve, True Believers!). “He’s in the upper tier of Marvel’s characters for good reason, and we just couldn’t pass by this opportunity to celebrate him.”
Rounding out the trio for 2009 is Wolverine, an ornament sculpted as the reluctant mutant hero appears in TV’s “Wolverine and the X-Men.” Sure, Wolverine is one of Marvel Comics’ fiercest and powerful heroes, Gaulke said, but his popularity among generations of readers and fans makes him a great choice for a holiday tree.
“To a mom, this is one of the most recognizable and relevant versions of Wolverine currently in the marketplace,” he said. “And for fans, his intensity shows through even in his kid-friendly, animated form.”
As a big comics reader, Gaulke says working with Keepsake Ornaments and Marvel Comics characters makes his job one of the coolest in the world.
“I really strive to help make ornaments that as a fan I would like to own myself,” he said. “I'm even more excited for what we have in store next year!”
These and more than 300 other Keepsake Ornaments are available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores nationwide. Go to www.hallmark.com to find the Hallmark retailer nearest you or call 1-800-HALLMARK.
To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook or visit www.comicshoplocator.com
Not a subscriber to Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited yet? Join now!
Download SPIDER-WOMAN Motion Comics
now on iTunes!
Download episodes of "X-Men: Evolution", "Wolverine and the X-Men", "Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes" and "The Super Hero Squad Show" now on iTunes!
Check out the official Marvel Shop for your favorite Marvel Heroes!
