Marvel Comics, originally founded as Timely Publications in 1939, has a rich history that spans over eight decades. It began with the creation of characters like the Human Torch and Namor the Sub-Mariner. In the 1960s, under the leadership of Stan Lee, along with artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, Marvel introduced iconic superheroes such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, and the Fantastic Four. This era, known as the "Marvel Age of Comics," revolutionized the industry by focusing on complex characters with real-world problems. Marvel's success continued to grow, eventually leading to the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the 2000s, which has become one of the most successful film franchises in history.