Marvel Class Of ’90 Yearbook

Marketing is a powerful tool when it comes to selling products.  Marvel Comics' marketing department was well aware of the fact in the early 1990s.

Marvel Comics was experiencing a huge surge in popularity and sales.  But, like any upswing in sales the possibility of a downswing was inevitable.

Before the Internet and social networking swept the world the only way publishers or companies could promote their products was through print, TV and radio.

A good review or article could boost sales and Marvel Comics knew that.

Marvel often sent out promotional material to comic book shops and reviewers.  In 1990 Marvel distributed its Marvel Class Of ‘90 Yearbook.

The plastic bound black and white publication promoted up and coming series and titles for the next year along with helpful retailer strategies for sales, insights into what Marvel was planning as well as glimpses of Marvel merchandise other than comic books.

For collectors publications such as this included first appearances of new characters before they appeared in print.  With the sudden flurry of interest in key issues and first appearances look for retailer/reviewer publications such as this to attract the attention of collectors.