The VCU Libraries is pleased to announce the 2,000,000th addition to the library collections: Marvel Comics "Amazing Spider-Man, #583." This collector's edition of the Amazing Spider-Man, written by Zeb Wells and illustrated by Todd Nauck and Frank D'Armata, includes a variant cover drawn by Phil Jimenez featuring President Barak Obama giving the thumbs-up to his favorite superhero. In the story set in Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day, Spider Man battles his old foe the Chameleon, who threatens the swearing in ceremony by posing as President-Elect Barak Obama. Spider Man saves the day in "Spidey Meets the President." Marvel Comics undertook the publication of the special issue when they learned of Obama's childhood interest in comic books. The issue sold out immediately. The fifth printing (currently available) includes the original variant cover with the Lincoln Memorial in the background. The VCU Libraries' copy of "Amazing Spider-Man, #583" is a first printing and will be housed in Special Collections and Archives at James Branch Cabell Library as part of its Comic Arts Collection.
"Amazing Spider-Man, #583" is especially appropriate as the 2,000,000th addition for the VCU Libraries. It highlights the historic election of the 44th President of the United States, celebrates VCU's proud tradition of diversity, and represents another significant addition to the Comic Arts Collection. The VCU Libraries' Comic Arts Collection is one of the largest of its kind in North America, with over 125,000 items, including comic books, graphic novels, manga, editorial cartoons, comic strips, memorabilia, comic journals, fanzines, and a broad array of reference materials. It also includes the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Archive, awarded each year to outstanding expressions of comic art and recognized as the "Oscars" of the comic world.
The "Amazing Spider-Man, #583" will be celebrated as the 2,000,000th addition to the VCU Libraries during the Two Millionth Volume celebration on October 2nd beginning at 2 p.m. in Cabell Library. The event will be simulcast at Tompkins-McCaw Library on the MCV Campus.
Visit the VCU Libraries Two Millionth Volume Blog to learn more.