Fantagraphics is partnering with Marvel to release The Marvel Creator Collection: Barry Windsor-Smith at Marvel, a three-volume series collecting the artist’s trailblazing Marvel comics.

Barry Windsor-Smith, a British comic book illustrator, joined Marvel in the 1960s. Most famous for his work on Conan the Barbarian, Windsor-Smith’s style is evocative of Jack Kirby and embodies the early decades of Marvel comics. Volume 1: “Back to the Savage Land” of the Marvel Creator Collection focuses on his pre-Conan work on X-Men, The Avengers, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, as well as his amazing run on “Ka-Zar” in Astonishing Tales and other earlier works. 

“I have literally been following Barry Windsor-Smith’s career since 1969 when he debuted at Marvel Comics and immediately became my 2nd favorite artist (after Jack Kirby),” says Fantagraphics Publisher and Co-Founder Gary Groth. “So, it is a distinct pleasure to have the privilege of finally presenting all the work he did for Marvel (with the exception of Conan) in a gorgeously produced 3-volume hardcover series.” 

In my opinion, Back to the Savage Land is a must-have for any comic book aficionado or early-career illustrator. The illustrations are bright, expressive, and scratch the aesthetic itch that only classic comic books can. It sparks an appreciation for the art and history of comics in a way that only a deep dive into a Marvel legend can provide.

This volume includes memorable storylines on The Avengers, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, and individual stories for Chamber of Darkness, Tower of Shadows, and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Future volumes will trace Windsor-Smith’s milestones as Machine Man and Weapon X. Overall, Windsor-Smith has worked on more than 130 covers and written over 40 comics that are sure to delight fans through this nostalgic collection.

The Marvel Creator Collection No. 1: “Back to the Savage Land” is due out on April 28, 2026, from Fantagraphics.

For updates on The Marvel Creator Collection and other publications (including Windsor-Smith’s Eisner award-winning Monsters), fans can follow Fantagraphics on X, Instagram, Facebook, Blue Sky, and YouTube.

Below are some preview images for The Marvel Creator Collection No. 1: “Back to the Savage Land”, courtesy of Fantagraphics/Marvel Comics.

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(via press release)

Author: Abby Kirby

Abby Kirby is an English teacher and fan studies scholar. She holds an M.A. in Media and Cinema Communications from DePaul University.

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