The story began in Baltimore in 1990, but the fight extends far beyond one city.
Spider-Man appeared alongside Kurt Schmoke, Baltimore’s first elected Black mayor, as part of a literacy campaign encouraging young people to discover the value of reading. At the time, Baltimore proudly carried the name “The City That Reads.”
More than 35 years later, educators across the country are raising concerns about students struggling to read, comprehend and complete entire books. The message remains urgent.
The villain is still illiteracy and the mission is bigger than Baltimore.
This wearable-art T-shirt brings a powerful piece of Baltimore comic-book history into the present. Each full-color graphic is individually applied by Baltimore artist Akio Evans, transforming an archival comic page into a wearable reminder of the relationship between reading.
LAUNCH-WEEKEND PREORDER
Available for the introductory preorder price of $35 through Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The price returns to $40 after the launch weekend.
PRODUCT DETAILS
• Black short-sleeve T-shirt
• Full-color archival comic graphic
• Graphic individually applied by Akio Evans
• Unisex sizing
• Made in Baltimore
• Slight variations in placement may occur
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Wash inside out in cold water. Hang dry or tumble dry on low. Do not iron directly over the artwork.
Independent wearable-art release. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Marvel.
The story began in Baltimore in 1990, but the fight extends far beyond one city.
Spider-Man appeared alongside Kurt Schmoke, Baltimore’s first elected Black mayor, as part of a literacy campaign encouraging young people to discover the value of reading. At the time, Baltimore proudly carried the name “The City That Reads.”
More than 35 years later, educators across the country are raising concerns about students struggling to read, comprehend and complete entire books. The message remains urgent.
The villain is still illiteracy and the mission is bigger than Baltimore.
This wearable-art T-shirt brings a powerful piece of Baltimore comic-book history into the present. Each full-color graphic is individually applied by Baltimore artist Akio Evans, transforming an archival comic page into a wearable reminder of the relationship between reading.
LAUNCH-WEEKEND PREORDER
Available for the introductory preorder price of $35 through Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The price returns to $40 after the launch weekend.
PRODUCT DETAILS
• Black short-sleeve T-shirt
• Full-color archival comic graphic
• Graphic individually applied by Akio Evans
• Unisex sizing
• Made in Baltimore
• Slight variations in placement may occur
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Wash inside out in cold water. Hang dry or tumble dry on low. Do not iron directly over the artwork.
Independent wearable-art release. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Marvel.
