Marvel Comics, founded in 1939 as Timely Publications and later becoming Atlas Comics in the 1950s, is a leading American comic book publisher. Known for iconic characters like Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Captain America, and the Avengers, Marvel has significantly impacted pop culture. Its expansive universe, complex storytelling, and diverse characters have led to a successful transition into blockbuster films and television series, expanding its global reach.