From the panels that birthed heroes including the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man to the billion-dollar modern box-office phenomena of the X-Men and the Avengers, Marvel has transcended beyond comic books and superheroes and now sits firmly in our collective consciousness. Now, in a new special edition from the editors of TIME, Earth's mightiest heroes have assembled in celebration and triumph of one comic book company's enduring legacy and the media empire it has spawned. This special edition covers the history of the superhuman powerhouse, a trip through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the evolution of televised heroes, and the lasting impact of fictional heroes becoming real-life icons. Additionally, we delve into the emotional connection that we form with these characters and why we worship them. We'll also take a look at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will test your knowledge of the MCU as well.