Heroic Marvels
317 Pieces, with 25 Figurals
Cutting: Genuine Oak Ply
Approximate Size: 22 inches x 13 inches
Completed On: January 6, 2011
Original Artwork: Stan Lee
Like many people, I have always enjoyed reading or watching stories about superheroes. As a puzzle enthusiast, I can also appreciate them as they were "born" from The Great Depression, which is also a period in American history during which the country found itself in a new found love with jigsaw puzzles.
"Heroic Marvels" was made for the 10 year old grandson of a friend, so I cut the pieces somewhat larger in size and easier to handle. It was made from a large poster I purchased which contained hundreds of superheroes from the Marvel universe. I decided to focus in on the heroes featured predominantly in the foreground of the poster and left the others out. I this way, I think the puzzle ended up with a more interesting shape.
"Heroic Marvels" was made for the 10 year old grandson of a friend, so I cut the pieces somewhat larger in size and easier to handle. It was made from a large poster I purchased which contained hundreds of superheroes from the Marvel universe. I decided to focus in on the heroes featured predominantly in the foreground of the poster and left the others out. I this way, I think the puzzle ended up with a more interesting shape.
This picture better shows where the Figural pieces might be found. Look quickly, though, as they're apt to fly away, or shift into another dimension!
I tried to use some degree, when possible, of what I like to call "Figural Painting" where the Figurals are positioned in such a way as to pick up defining colors from the background art.
I understand introductions may be in order!
Clockwise from the top left is "The Hulk" (you wouldn't like him when he's angry), "Iron Man," who is flying through the puzzle on jet propelled boots and gloves, "Wolverine", with his indestructable Adamantium claws extracted, and "Captain America", standing ready to do battle with his patriotic shield.
Of course no introductions are needed for the star of the show, the Amazing "Spiderman" !
The remaining superhero Figurals which flew into my puzzle are the members of "The Fantastic Four."
On the left is "The Human Torch", who can surround himself with flames, on top is "Mr. Fantastic" who can stretch his body into incredible shapes and sizes, and on the right is that rocky monstrosity known as "Thing."
But where is the 4th member of the team?! Oh, yes, I forgot, "Invisible Woman" is.....um, ....invisible. So I guess my 25th Figural is my first ever invisible puzzle piece! You can look if you want, but I'm not skipping dinner waiting for you to find her!
The name of the boy I made the puzzle for is Koel. His name has also appeared within the palm of Mr Fantastic's hand.
Here is my son, Jeremy, giving the puzzle it's first "test assembly." We all started working on it on a Friday night, but he seemed to get into this one the most, and had it done by the following Sunday.
The neat thing about this puzzle is that each of the superheroes have distinctive colors and costumes, and in some cases, such as Thing, distinctive textures. This made it really fun to work on the heroes individually. You can see in the picture, Jeremy was quick to sort the green Hulk pieces to the side right away. While one of us was working on Captain America, the other would be working on The Human Torch or Spiderman, etc.
In the end, I think it turned out to be a really fun puzzle, and I certainly enjoyed making it.
