As a part of the MCU, Marvel has already attracted millions of eyeballs towards its plethora of movies and Disney Plus shows. From kids to young adults and grownups to aged people – there’s absolutely no stopping the wave of Marvel’s unstoppable progression. But with ample content being released digitally, can the Gen-Z fans relate to the love of comics that the previous era had adored?
There’s no doubt that the only source of inspiration for Marvel in producing future content is the original, humongous collection of comic books that have been written both in the previous century as well as in the 21st century. With these comics ranging from the origin stories of famous characters to the inter-dimensional wars, new readers have high chances of getting confused as to where to begin.
Today, we are listing down some of the most spectacular pieces written under the banner of Marvel comics. These titles are some of the best stories that you can get your hands on, so gear up for a brilliant Marvel experience!
The Kree-Skrull War
In the first time that they went into space, the Avengers proved their worth in this epic Kree-Skrull battle. The early phase of the MCU, which focuses on the origins of the Avengers only serves the purpose of building their foundation. This comic issue, on the other hand, adds to the glory of this prestigious superhero team.
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: Sal Buscema, Neal Adams, Alan Weiss, Sam Grainger, Tom Palmer
Blurb: “A conflict of star-spanning proportions — with Earth caught in the crossfire! Those eternal intergalactic enemies, the merciless Kree and the shape-changing Skrulls, have gone to war — and our planet is situated on the front lines! Can Earth’s Mightiest Heroes bring about an end to the fighting before humanity becomes a casualty of war? And what good are even a dozen super-powered champions against the vast military machines of two of the great empires of the cosmos? The key to victory lies with the expatriate Kree Captain Mar-Vell — and his human host, honorary Avenger Rick Jones! Featuring the trend-setting artwork of Neal Adams, the Kree/Skrull War is universally acknowledged as one of the finest and most important sagas in the Marvel canon. Guest-starring the Fantastic Four, Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. and more!”
World War Hulk
If you’re a fan of Bruce Banner’s Hulk and have watched his share in the MCU, you should definitely give this comic a try. In what seems to be one of the mightiest forms of the Hulk, these issues delve deep into the after-effects of banishing a furious superhero into the void of space.
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: John Romita Jr.
Blurb: “When the Illuminati sent the Hulk into outer space, they hoped he would find peace—they never expected he would return with an army at his back! The Worldbreaker and his Warbound challenge the heroes of Earth in a six-issue event written by Greg Pak with art by John Romita Jr. featuring the explosive battles and all-out action!”
Old Man Logan
X-Men’s Wolverine garnered a lot of attraction worldwide. So did his comic books, where Logan was portrayed as a brave-hearted superhero, who would stop at no limits to beat the evil. Old Man Logan is a perfect read for those concerned about the superhero’s future, post his death in the cinematic universe.
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Steve Mcniven
Blurb: “Nobody knows what happened on the night the heroes fell. All we know is that they disappeared and evil triumphed and the bad guys have been calling the shots ever since. What happened to Wolverine is the biggest mystery of all. For 50 years, no one has heard hide nor hair from him…and in his place stands an old man called Logan. A man concerned only about his family, pushed to the brink by the HULK GANG and forced to help an old friend-the blind archer, HAWKEYE-to drive three thousand miles to secure his family’s safety. Get ready for the ride of your life, Logan.”
Marvels
Through the years, Marvel has created thousands of classic moments that have grown to be irreplaceable in the present times. Marvels focuses on these moments through the eyes of a journalist, who depicts the game-changing instances in a thrilling manner that keeps us on our toes. Prepare to face the astonishing times that changed the course of this universe.
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Alex Ross
Blurb: “Within the Marvel Universe, heroes soar high in the skies, ready to battle the villains who threaten their world. Yet living in the shadow of these extraordinary icons are ordinary men and women who view the “MARVELS” with a mixture of fear, disbelief, envy and admiration. Among them is Phil Sheldon, a New York City photojournalist who has dedicated his career to covering the exploits of the Marvels and their effect on humankind. Written by Kurt Busiek and masterfully illustrated by Alex Ross, Marvels presents a richly painted historical overview of the entire Marvel Universe, spanning from the 1939 debut of the Human Torch to the fearsome coming of the world-devouring Galactus — and culminating in the shocking death of Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man’s first love.”
Ultron Unlimited
Avengers: Age of Ultron showed us the harrowing potential of the Android created by Tony Stark. In the comics, however, Ultron was created by Hank Pym and in this issue, he proves his true intentions. Besides destroying the country of Slorenia in a matter of minutes, Ultimate Ultron puts forward the heinous side of one of the most vicious villains that the Avengers have faced to date.
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: George Pérez
Blurb: “The Avengers must confront their greatest foe yet: Ultron, the sentient robot created by Avenger Hank Pym, who has seized control of the world’s media and destroyed the Eastern European country of Slorenia.”
The Night Gwen Stacy Died
Unarguably one of the best comic issues that Marvel has delivered to its fans. The Night that Gwen Stacy Died went against the stereotypes and killed Spider-Man’s love of life – something that, however, wasn’t done frequently during that time. By killing both Gwen Stacy and the Green Goblin, these classic comics had a major impact on the superhero’s life and future, thus making them a must-read for every Spider-Man fan.
Writer: Gerry Conway
Artist: Gil Kane
Blurb: “‘The Night Gwen Stacy Died‘ is a story arc of the Marvel Comics comic book series The Amazing Spider-Man #121–122 (June–July 1973), that became a watershed event in the life of the superhero Spider-Man, one of popular culture‘s most enduring and recognizable superheroes. The two-issue story, written by Gerry Conway, with pencil art by Gil Kane and inking by John Romita Sr. and Tony Mortellaro, features Spider-Man’s fight against his nemesis, the Green Goblin. The Green Goblin abducts Spider-Man’s girlfriend Gwen Stacy, and she is killed during the battle. Separately, issue #121 is also named “Turning Point” and #122 is named ‘The Goblin’s Last Stand!‘.”
Civil War
Captain America: Civil War was a movie loosely based around these comic issues. Both Iron Man and Captain America have been the forerunners of the MCU in its initial stage. Watching them go head-to-head was a surprise element for the viewers, but the comics had done the unthinkable years ago. If you want to know more about these epic battles and everything that the film missed on, here’s your chance to do so!
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Steve Mcniven
Blurb: “After a horrific tragedy raises questions on whether or not superheroes should register with the government, longtime Avengers teammates Captain America and Iron Man end up on opposite sides of the argument! Writer Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven split the Marvel Universe in two as friend fights friend in one of the most celebrated and successful events of all-time!”
The Infinity Gauntlet
Thanos has most certainly been one of the greatest and toughest villains in the MCU. Moreover, he has done the same in the comics, and his infamous Infinity Gauntlet saga is considered to be the finest comic story arc of all time. With fabulous characterization, mind-blowing storytelling, out-of-the-box detailing, and adrenaline-rushing narration, The Infinity Gauntlet is never something to miss out on.
Writer: Jim Starlin
Artist: George Perez
Blurb: “The Mad Titan Thanos has seized control of Infinity Gauntlet and with it near-omnipotent power! Who can stop this deadly new overlord? All of Marvel’s top heroes star in this epic of cosmic proportions!”
X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga
There’s no doubt that The Dark Phoenix Saga is one of the best X-Men story arcs to date. Beginning way back in 1976, when Jean Grey first came into contact with the Phoenix Force, the comic issues span through the influence of the Hellfire Club upon Grey. As the entire team combats for its survival, these issues rightly portray the evil effects of the Phoenix Force, through the character of Jean Grey. Therefore, these comic issues are a great source for adaption in future cinematic ventures.
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: John Byrne
Blurb: “The Phoenix Force consumes Jean Grey and with the manipulation of the Hellfire Club‘s Mastermind she is driven mad. The Phoenix Force becomes the Dark Phoenix and consumes the power of a star and destroys an entire solar system before sacrificing herself to save the universe from mass destruction.”
Daredevil: Born Again
Over the years, Daredevil has established his position as one of the most beloved Marvel characters. In his latest appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Matt Murdock seemed to be a polished character. But these comic issues show his best, where the blind, yet immensely powerful superhero stood up from the lowest point in his life. Born Again is the splendid depiction of some of the popular characters like Ben Urich, Captain America, Kingpin and how they affected Daredevil in this beautifully crafted storyline.
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: David Mazzucchelli
Blurb: “‘And I – I have shown him … that a man without hope is a man without fear.’ The definitive Daredevil tale, by industry legends Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli! Karen Page, Matt Murdock’s former lover, has traded away the Man Without Fear’s secret identity for a drug fix. Now, Daredevil must find strength as the Kingpin of Crime wastes no time taking him down as low as a human can get.”
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