[1] Its aim was to produce "pure, healthy literature" at a cheaper price, and the slogan "Started to Suppress Bad Books for Boys" appeared on its cover for many years, underscoring its mission.

Despite its moralistic intent, the paper still featured thrilling and adventurous tales similar to those found in the very publications it sought to replace.

[5] For a brief period, the paper experimented with condensed versions of classic literature by authors such as Sir Walter Scott, Charles Dickens, Harrison Ainsworth, and Henry Cockton.

[8] During this period, Arthur S. Hardy introduced stories of Tom Sayers, a character named after the historical bare-knuckle boxer.

Hardy’s tales of Sayers’ rise from a waif to middleweight champion gained popularity, often featuring thrilling fight descriptions and theatrical settings.

Some readers criticized Clarke Hook’s later stories, claiming they had devolved into formulaic slapstick, but the characters' enduring popularity ensured their continued presence.

A significant design change occurred when the traditional green cover was replaced with a white background and red-and-blue text.

Despite its unceremonious ending, the Marvel had achieved a respectable 28-year run, its 1485 issues leaving a lasting impact on British boys' fiction and serialized storytelling.