Cartoonist Chris Giarrusso Reimagines Iconic ‘The Official Handbook Of The Marvel Universe’ Covers In April Variants

by Tony Thornley

The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe is one of the most iconic supplemental series in comics history and a BIG part of that was the covers. In April, one of comics’ best cartoonists reimagines those covers for a new line of variant covers.

Chris Giarrusso is known, among other things, for his Mini Marvels comic strips. His simple but expressive cartooning has always brought a sense of fun to his work that you don’t see often- whether in Mini Marvels or his own work. By reimagining the OHOTMU’s covers, he gets to give us that iconic layout in his own style. Even better, the fifteen covers will also be available as Blue Line Sketch variants as well, giving fans an opportunity to see his rough art up close.

“The original covers to the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition absolutely mesmerized me as a burgeoning comic reader in the ’80s,” Giarrusso shared. “I still remember my brother pointing out, ‘see, they all connect,’ as he held up two issues next to each other. It was mind-blowing to my ten-year-old brain. When Marvel gave me the opportunity to mini-marvelize this classic piece originally drawn by John Byrne (issues 1-11), Ron Frenz (12) and Keith Pollard (13-15), enthusiasm edged out intimidation. It was as fun as it was challenging to draw. The kid in me couldn’t be more excited about this!”