10 most iconic moments from Marvel Comics history - chosen by Marvel writers, directors and fans

At great risk, Stan decided to defiantly publish the comics anyway without the Comics Code Seal of Approval which, for decades, graced the cover of every comic book in America. And the world didn't end. In that one act of rebellion, Stan Lee neutered the Comics Code. It would hang around for many, many years, but it would never be the scary, Draconian thing it once was. In 1971 Stan Lee and Marvel helped change the history of comics in America... again.Dan Slott, Marvel Comics writer (Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Iron Man)

$10.99 at amzn.toIn 1966, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced the first-ever black superhero to its roster with Black Panther. The Wakandan hero first appeared Fantastic Four #52 and soon enough was popping up in several other arcs including the Avengers for a few years. He then got his first leading storyline in the critically-acclaimed Jungle Action run of 1973.What’s remarkable about this character is Lee’s refusal to portray him through negative stereotypes of African and black communities. T’Challa is a highly intelligent ruler who governs over the most technologically advanced country in the world. He’s as capable, if not more so than most of the white heroes he contends with and he has continued to be treated with that respect to become an iconic figure we can’t get enough of.

$43.29 at amzn.toMarvel: The Golden Age). Created by writer-artist Bill Everett as the opposite and adversary of Carl Burgos’ Human Torch, Namor was the first recorded antihero.As the mutant son of a human sea captain and a princess of an underwater race, he fought in defence of the sea against land dwellers who might harm it and for a long time was seen as the enemy of the United States. The Sub-Mariner showed there was a hunger for characters who weren’t all good or all bad, but had a specific sense of justice that let them toe the line. Namor walked so The Punisher, Black Cat, Winter Soldier and Deadpool could run.

$22.67 at AmazonThe Marvel Cinematic Universe would arguably not be what it is today with Mark Millar and artist Bryan Hitch’s 2002-2004 reimagining of The Avengers. The Ultimates took place outside of the typical Marvel Comics’ universe and in one where the superheroes are far more flawed and more representative of the post-9/11 era. These heroes had the same names but their easy camaradie was not. They were brought together by the Samuel L. Jackson-inspired Nick Fury to work for the government-sanctioned S.H.I.E.L.D. and act more like a military squadron than a superhero team. It was both groundbreaking and uncomfortable.The cinematic approach to the narrative and comic panels created a blueprint for the likes of Kevin Feige to work from when adapting these Marvel heroes though some of the more uncomfortable characteristics of certain characters - Hank Pym’s domestic violence, Bruce Banner’s people eating and Captain America’s Bush-era machismo - were left behind.