Few writers/editors influenced Marvel more than Mark Gruenwald (1953-1996). Famed for pioneering work on Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe and his magnum opus Squadron Supreme, he also wrote a hundred-plus-issue run of Captain America; multiple Marvel Two-in-One sagas; and several miniseries, including Contest of Champions, the first of Marvel's multi-hero sagas. He explored the Marvel Universe's ancient history in a series of What If? backup stories he also penciled.

Kevin Maguire's career in comic books got off to an impressive start, with the young artist winning the prestigious Russ Manning Best Newcomer Award in 1988. After gaining fame during the '80s on Justice League, Maguire rejoined writers Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis on the Eisner Award-winning Formerly Known as the Justice League and its sequel, I Can't Believe It's Not the Justice League, as well as Marvel's Defenders miniseries.