Marvel is an American comic book company founded in 1939 that is famous for its many popular superhero characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Captain America. Some key points: Marvel was originally called Timely Comics and Atlas Comics before taking the name Marvel Comics in 1961. Stan Lee created many famous characters for Marvel including Iron Man in 1963. Marvel comics often explore social and political issues of the time through their superhero storylines, such as questioning authority and government overreach.