What are the best, must-read, and most important Marvel Comics of the last twenty-three years? Find out right here!
Each genre has its generational classics. In music, you have Prince’s Purple Rain, David Bowie’s Space Oddity, and the Beatles’ Let It Be. In movies, there’s Coming to America, The Godfather, and Predator. In Marvel Comics, series like the original Secret Wars, the first Giant Sized X-Men No. 1, and Kraven’s Last Hunt are all series that every comic book fan should read. In the 2000s Marvel continued to put out classics. Unfortunately, because of the definitive comics in the past, the comics in the 2000s seem to be overlooked.
In the past two decades, Marvel Comics has stopped relying on things that were once a staple. Captain America is no longer overly wholesome. Cyclops created a team specifically designed to kill. Meanwhile, Wolverine became a teacher (no one saw that coming).
Teams have let in people they normally wouldn’t. For example, Rogue led an Avengers team with Deadpool and Cable on it (Uncanny Avengers). Juggernaut was once one of the X-Men’s greatest enemies. Now he’s on their team. It’s made for an interesting and unpredictable twenty-plus years.
Coming up are 50 comic book series that every Marvel Comics fan should read. Some of them are great stories that helped characters evolve or had a major effect on the universe. Others are just amazing reads. Let’s begin.
50. Marvel Zombies Vol. 1
Writer: Robert Kirkman
The Marvel Zombies first appeared during Ultimate Fantastic Four: Crossover. After that series ended, Robert Kirkman continued the universe’s story. It was a reality where almost every hero and villain on Earth was an undead cannibal. One of the few survivors was T’Challa. Of course, he’d find a way to stay uninfected despite Hank Pym feeding on him.
This isn’t a deep series, but it is an entertaining read. You’ll get a chance to see your favorite heroes in a way you’ll never see again. And, unlike the Marvel Studios What if…? these zombies spoke and had personalities. Certainly, a must-read.
49. Moon Knight: From the Dead
Writer: Warren Ellis
Moon Knight became a more interesting character in an earlier comic (it will be brought up later). His entire personality was given a much-needed reboot. He went from a version of Batman to his own person. Warren Ellis took this change and created an anthology of stories fitting of his new look.
Each of Ellis’ stories highlighted a different part of Moon Knight, Mr. Knight, and Marc Spector’s life. It’s an easy read with enough story for people to really get into Moon Knight. This writer recommends Moon Knight: From the Dead if someone wants to learn more about the character. There’s a quick explanation of his background and a thorough look at how heroic, terrible, and brutal he can be.
48. Marvel Knights Spider-Man (1-12)
Writer: Mark Millar
Spider-Man has a plethora of classic stories. Most of them come from the Amazing Spider-Man stories. However, the first twelve issues of Marvel Knights Spider-Man are one of the few that didn’t come from that run.
In this series of Marvel Knights Spider-Man, you’ll see almost all of Spidey’s most dangerous villains, the people he loves, and one of Norman Osborn’s most insidious plans. Norman made Peter Parker and Spider-Man’s life more miserable and did it from prison. Then, towards the end of their series (The Last Stand), Norman has Spider-Man break him out of prison, debuts the Sinister 12, attempts to kill Mary Jane, and more. An absolutely wild twelve issues.
47. Thunderbolts
Writer: Warren Ellis
The Thunderbolts are usually a team made up of criminals who wanted to be better people. Not this time. After the Superhero Civil War, Norman Osborn led the Thunderbolts. On that team were people like Bullseye, Moonstone, and Venom (Mac Gargan). None of them wanted to be good people. They were in it for the money and the U.S. pardon.
Some of the other members like Songbird believed in the Thunderbolts program. Unfortunately, that didn’t matter. Norman just wanted to prove he was better than everyone. This leads to a bunch of unnecessary deaths, crippling, and incarcerations. As horrible as all that is, it’s a fantastic run. Especially when Norman lets the Green Goblin out.
46. All New Wolverine
Writer: Tom Taylor
Marvel Comics started making it a point to make more generational heroes. Among them is Laura Kinney becoming Wolverine. She isn’t “female” or “she” Wolverine. Just, Wolverine. Tom Taylor’s series started Laura on this journey.
The stories before this were good, but this is where Laura became a new and improved character. This writer’s favorite part proved that. It happened in All-New Wolverine No. 1. Laura said, “I want them to see the Wolverine coming.” It was her way of showing the world and readers that she embraced her name. This is the perfect place to start reading Laura as Wolverine. You’ll understand why she’s continued to have the mantle close to a decade later.
45. Immortal Iron Fist
Writer: Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction
This writer didn’t know much about Iron Fist going into this series. After reading this series, it’s obvious that no one knew much about them. That’s including Danny Rand who was actually Iron Fist. Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction show major skills showing how creative the power of the Iron Fist truly is.
This story doesn’t just follow the current Iron Fist. Readers learn stories about the ones who held the title in the past. For example, Orson Randell shot bullets of chi from a gun and Wu Ao-Shi (The Pirate Queen of Pinghai Bay) propelled it from a bow. We also learn that the fighters could do more than use their powers as weapons. They used it to heal themselves quicker than normal, enhance their intelligence, and more.
Warning, reading this may make you wonder how Netflix got Iron Fist even more wrong than you realized. Especially since the blueprint is right there. Hopefully, the next show will highlight these things.
44. New Mutants
Writer: Vita Ayala
The new age of mutants started off with a bang with House of X and Powers of X. Now the real work had to be done. The next run of X-Books had to keep up the pace. The main X-Men series wouldn’t have a problem. It’s going to sell regardless. Without popular characters, New Mutants could have gone either way. Thankfully, Vita Ayala was writing the beginning of the series.
Beyond the series being fantastic, it helped new fans learn about the characters. Some of them you’d never know about unless this series existed. This was a masterclass on how to introduce fans to heroes. Vita Ayala told two stories at once, developed around a dozen characters, and made it work.
43. X-Factor
Writer: Leah Williams
This is easily the most underrated comic book of the past two decades. Writer Leah Williams took the idea of X-Factor Investigations and brought it to Krakoa with a new cast. Akihiro, Northstar Polaris, Aurora, Rachel Summers, Prodigy, and Eye-Boy were the roster. On paper, this shouldn’t have worked. Who cares about Eye-Boy? This series made this writer care. X-Factor became the most fun this writer had reading an X-Book in 2020.
Not only was this comic book funny, but it was also full of heartwarming personal connections. The relationship between Akihiro and Aurora was well done. It showed how two people can love each other and accept their faults. Eye-Boy and Prodigy’s sibling-like love was adorable. Prodigy was the big brother that he always wanted and maybe needed. It’s things like this that made the cancellation disappointing.
42. Captain Marvel
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Not everyone can write Captain Marvel. Some writers don’t get the character and what she stands for. Kelly Thompson understands Carol Danvers, what she represents, and the struggles she goes through. That was clear from the very first issue. Four years later and Captain Marvel is still reaching new heights.
In this series, Captain Marvel time-traveled and fought the son of Namor and the Enchantress. Battled a misogynistic powerhouse named Mahkizmo in a pocket dimension. She’s also found new and creative ways to use her powers. Kelly Thompson proved that there will always be more to the Carol Danvers character. She just needs the right writer.
41. Adam: Legend of the Blue Marvel
Writer: Kevin Grevioux
Adam Brashear was a world-saving hero back when JFK was president. He was someone that everyone loved and looked up to. Then, his mask came off during a fight. The public turned against him because he was Black. This leads to JFK asking him to retire. Adam Brashear quit. Decades later, fate called Adam back into the superhero business and Blue Marvel was reborn.
Writer Kevin Grevioux did a brilliant job telling two stories. First, the part where a world wasn’t ready for a Black superhero. A look into America’s history shows that this could have been true. Then, readers see how Blue Marvel puts the past behind him and helps save the world. We also see how America kept tabs on him even though he retired. It’s a complicated but well-told story of racism, heroism, and love.
Before Adam Brashear joins the MCU, this should be read. You’ll get a better understanding of who he is and what his powers are.
40. Planet Hulk/World War Hulk
Writer: Greg Pak
Reed Richards, Black Bolt, Tony Stark, and Doctor Strange deemed that the Hulk too dangerous to stay on Earth so they tricked the Hulk and shot him into space. Instead of a peaceful planet, he lands on a hostile one. While there (Planet Hulk), Hulk fell in love and helped save the world. Before he could enjoy his new life, an explosion killed his wife and unborn son (so he thought). Hulk went back to Earth looking for revenge. He got exactly what he wanted. With his Warbound, Hulk defeated every hero they came up against.
You have to read both Planet Hulk and World War Hulk to get the full story. They connect to a larger tale. This isn’t just Hulk on a rampage. This is him being a leader and a lover. Of course, there’s a lot of smashing, but it’s the smaller part of what’s going on.
39. Exiles (issues 1-65)
Writer: Judd Winick, Chuck Austen, Tony Bedard
The Exiles went through more horrible things than any other team. First, they were snatched from their homes and thrown on a team with people they didn’t know. Then, one of their teammates is killed and immediately replaced, they have to kill someone who resembles someone they love, and move on like nothing happened. That happens in the first four issues. Things continue to get worse as the series progresses.
Exiles is essentially a book of What if…? However, the team fixes the problems. Unfortunately, sometimes that means letting bad things happen. Like issue No. 32 when Mimic had to cut Captain America’s head off. Or 14 and 15 when they had to help Doctor Doom stay in charge.
38. Captain America: Castaway in Dimension Z
Writer: Rick Remender
Whether it’s S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers, or the dozens of heroes who trust him, there’s always someone Steve Rogers can count on. All of that was taken away in Castaway in Dimension Z. In this series, you get to see what Steve Rogers is really made of.
We know Steve can fight and survive. The difference is this is a plane of existence he’s not used to. On top of being in a world he doesn’t know and being hunted by Arnim Zola, Steve is protecting a child. You don’t have to be a fan of Captain America or Steve Rogers to enjoy this run. It will give you a little bit of everything to satiate all of your reading needs.
37. Black Panther
Writer: Reginald Hudlin
If you’re looking for a way to get into Black Panther comics and understand who T’Challa is, this is the place to start. Reginald Hudlin’s series started with Who is the Black Panther. A series that showed how great of a fighter and scientist he is, the story of previous kings and queens of Wakanda, and more.
Another great part is how Reginald Hudlin introduced Shuri. She’s more than a scientist. If it wasn’t for an unfortunate event, she may have become the Black Panther. In fact, he wrote a series where she earned the title (Black Panther: Shuri: The Deadliest of the Species). Without him, we wouldn’t have Letitia Wright in the MCU.
36. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Doctor Aphra may be the greatest new Star Wars character since Mace Windu or Ahsoka Tano. The best part is she debuted outside the movies and shows. Her first appearance came in Marvel Comics Darth Vader No. 3. Kieron Gillen created her and continued her evolution into a series of her own.
In her self-titled comic book, Doctor Aphra becomes one the smartest and most devious characters in Star Wars. Considering the people in that universe, that’s saying a lot. She also has the help of two death and torture-proficient robots 0-0-0 and BT-1 who add comic relief and violence to the story.
35. Wolverine Enemy of the State
Writer: Mark Millar
Wolverine has been controlled and manipulated by Weapon X, Beast (recently), and Charles Xavier. However, what the hand did was something special. Xavier and Romulus may have had a bigger impact, but the Hand put fear in the entire world.
Logan was in complete control of the Hand and Hydra. He killed and stole whatever they wanted. No one was safe. Even the superpowered community was in danger. So much so that S.H.I.E.L.D. suggested that anyone with powers not walk around by themselves. They knew that if they were caught, Wolverine would kill them and they’d be resurrected as weapons for the Hand.
Wolverine: Enemy of the State showed why Logan is the scariest superhuman in Marvel Comics. It took the X-Men, S.H.I.E.L.D., and Captain America to finally take him down. This is one of the definitive Wolverine stories.
34. Deadpool
Writers: Gerry Duggan
Deadpool was taken to new heights in the series Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn wrote. Wade became a better character while maintaining his humor and unorthodox personality. It was mostly due to meeting Emily Preston. She became the motherly figure he’s always needed. Someone who would tell Wade the truth about the horrible things he’s doing, but also give him a hug when needed.
Deadpool: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly was the best part of their run. Wade showed a level of depth that hadn’t been seen since the Deadpool run by Joe Kelly. Seeing the mother of your child dead and thinking it’s your fault will do that. It didn’t help that he didn’t know if his daughter was dead or alive. There have been more than a few Deadpool runs, but Gerry Duggan’s was the best.
33. Wolverine Origins
Writer: Daniel Way
The mystery behind Wolverine’s past was finally revealed in detail. Logan did some pretty deplorable things. However, it wasn’t his fault. He was being controlled by an evil being named Romulus. Someone who was pulling more than just Logan’s strings. Romulus was influencing crucial moments throughout history. A lot of the time Logan was used to set those things in motion.
Sometimes, having a person’s mysterious origin revealed hurts the character. This isn’t the case. Fans finally saw the terrible things that happened to Wolverine. That’s including how Charles Xavier was the one who erased his memory.
32. Dark Avengers
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
If there’s one villain who should never be in charge of the Avengers it’s Norman Osborn. Beyond being a murderous psychopath who’s the Green Goblin, he doesn’t really care about people. What’s worse are the moments where he looks like a capable leader. Nevertheless, all that gets thrown out of the window. He put known villains and killers Bullseye, Moonstone, and Mac Gargan on the roster. With that being said, it was sixteen issues of some of the most fun you’ll have reading a comic. You’ll also notice that Bullseye was a better Hawkeye than Clint Barton.
31. Supreme Power
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Welcome to a world where the stories of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are different. These characters are more ruthless and darker than their DC Comics counterparts. Hyperion (Superman) was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Government and trained to be what they wanted and needed.
Darkhawk (Batman) watched as his parents were killed by racists. Power Princess (Wonder Woman) was a sleeping god until she was woken up. She immediately took the life of the guys who woke her up. This may seem like a pretty base story, but there are a lot of twists that make this great. This was also years before Injustice: Gods Among Us and The Boys.
30. New X-Men
Writer: Grant Morrison
This series created one of the darkest moments in comic books. Cassandra Nova took Sentinels and ordered them to attack the island nation of Genosha. Millions of mutants were wiped out in minutes. This wasn’t just a grim, this is how the series begins. Things may not get worse in comparison, but they certainly don’t get better.
If you haven’t read the series, this writer won’t spoil much for you. But, be prepared. A lot of awful things go on. Marriages are ruined, mutant kids are killed, and one of the premiere mutants is murdered by a villain posing as someone everyone thought was dead. An X-Men must-read.
29. The Daredevil: Devil in Cell-Block D
Writer: Ed Brubaker
This is the series where the world almost saw Daredevil broken. It’s happened many times before and after this run. The difference here is Matt was so desperate that he worked with Wilson Fisk and Bullseye.
Being in jail was bad enough. What really sent him over the edge was hearing his best friend (Foggy Nelson) killed and there was nothing he could do about it (he was actually alive and in witness protection). Matt wanted revenge. If not for the Punisher reminding him who he was, Daredevil may have gone too far and killed a prison full of people.
Daredevil: The Devil in Cell-Block D was a fantastic beginning to Ed Brubaker’s run of the Man Without Fear.
28. The Punisher: Welcome Back, Frank
Writer: Garth Ennis
Frank Castle returned to New York after working with literal Angels and telling them where to take their orders and his chance for redemption. He wasn’t just back in the Big Apple. The Punisher kicked off his comeback tour by reminding every criminal in New York that they weren’t safe. Then, he got to Ma Gnucci’s crime family. That’s where the fun really begins.
During their war, there’s a fight in a zoo with Ma Gnucci’s crew. While there, Frank Castle punches a polar bear to attack a mobster and a criminal gets choked out by a snake. If that isn’t enough, find out what happens when three horrible people emulate what Punisher does and tries to join his cause. Spoiler alert, it doesn’t end well for them.
27. Annihilation
Writer: Keith Giffen
This is the ultimate cosmic and intergalactic battle. Nova, the Silver Surfer, Drax, Gamora, Kl’rt, and so many more were involved in the fight against the Annihilation wave. If Annihilus wasn’t stopped, he would have taken over the entire universe.
This is one of those comics where there aren’t a lot of jokes. Just non-stop fighting, brutality, and a look at the casualties of fighting a seemingly unstoppable force. What puts it so high on this list is that it never got boring. As fun as fighting in comics is, it can’t be the only thing. The vast amount of characters with different personalities helped make this a must-read. Keith Giffen did an amazing job giving everyone time to shine.
26. Hawkeye
Writer: Matt Fraction
Clint Barton is the unlikeliest of the Avengers. That’s part of what makes him great. Nevertheless, he’s still just a man who could be the greatest archer ever. This writer says he could be because he’s admitted that Kate Bishop is better than him.
Hawkeye by Matt Fraction shows all of the things Clint Barton gets into the outside of the Avengers. He’s a man of the people, someone whose legacy (Kate Bishop) is more responsible than he, and how heroes can really be hurt. This is about more than Clint as well. Kate Bishop steals the show more than a few times throughout this run. She could be the best person to ever be called Hawkeye.
25. Madrox/X-Factor
Writer: Peter David
Peter David started his iconic run with Madrox. A story that detailed the way Multiple Man’s (Jamie Madrox) powers worked while telling a fun detective story. Instead of just creating more versions of himself, each duplicate had a different personality at random. This was incredibly important going into X-Factor.
Madrox leads right into X-Factor. This roster is like the New Avengers team, but with mutants. They were the outcasts of the X-Men. Despite what the roster may look like, they overachieved because they all filled a much-needed void. They even helped stop the apocalypse. Not the mutant, the actual end of days.
24. Ms. Marvel: No Normal
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Kamala Khan may end up being the most important new character of the 2000s. She came in and embodied all of the wholesomeness that’s rarely seen in comics. She loved superheroes, the culture, and was lucky enough to become part of something she adores.
This is the beginning of Kamala’s journey. You get to see all of the ups and downs when she discovers she’s an Inhuman. Among those downs is Kamala accidentally turning into her hero (Captain Marvel) and learning how to hide her abilities from her parents. If you enjoyed Ms. Marvel on Disney Plus, then you’ll love the comic. Don’t be shocked if you start the series and don’t put it down.
23. New Avengers
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
The Avengers roster normally recycled the same kind of heroes. After Avengers: Disassembled, fate brought a different kind of team together. One that was better equipped for the new world. Iron Man and Captain America may have started with the team, but what came after is what made this run special.
Luke Cage, Wolverine, Jessica Drew, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and Iron Fist aren’t your typical Avengers. Cap once told Logan he’d never be an Avenger. Spider-Man didn’t like being on teams. And Luke Cage was an afterthought of a hero. Bendis changed all of that. In fact, if not for Bendis, Luke Cage wouldn’t be as popular as he is.
21. Uncanny X-Force
Writers: Craig Kyle & Chris Yost
On the surface, Uncanny X-Force seems like nothing but blood, claws, and guns. Then you read it and see that Rick Remender created a fantastic story with tons of character development. Wolverine may have been the leader, but it wasn’t about him. Deadpool, Fantomex, and Psylocke shined throughout the series.
Eventually, one of their own became the villain and things went to Hell. It doesn’t stop there. Sabretooth’s Brotherhood attacks. It forces one of their teammates to make the toughest decision of his life. Overall, this is a series that has violence, love, friendship, and so much more.
21. Punisher Max
Writer: Garth Ennis
WARNING! NOT FOR ALL AUDIENCES
This comic book series doesn’t exist in a world of superpowered beings. This is a universe where Frank Castle’s war isn’t interrupted by Captain America, Spider-Man, or Daredevil. The Punisher ran around doing what he does best. Taking out criminals. The reason this is ranked so high is because this is the best version of The Punisher.
No one before or after has ever captured Frank Castle like Garth Ennis. He plans so meticulously so innocent people don’t get hurt. He thoroughly checks everything to the last second to make sure he’s efficient. And you also see the side of Frank Castle that cares. That could be more impressive than anything. Watching him fall in love or care for a child is unlike the Punisher.
20. Captain America: Out of time, Winter Soldier
Writer: Ed Brubaker
There were rules that certain comic book characters wouldn’t come back from the dead. Among them was Bucky Barnes. Ed Brubaker didn’t just bring Bucky back to life. He changed everything about him. He was no longer Captain America’s scrappy young sidekick. Bucky was the Winter Soldier. A deadly assassin that even S.H.I.E.L.D. thought was an urban legend.
The entire Captain America run by Ed Brubaker was great, but this was top-tier. Red Skull was gone, but Steve Rogers knew that he was still around despite seeing the dead body. On top of that, Rogers had to come to terms with his friend being a killer and working for his enemies. It’s a wild fourteen issues, but it’s done close to perfection.
19. Wolverine: Old Man Logan
Writer: Mark Millar
What would happen if the villains of the world united and put the right villains against the right heroes? Mark Millar shows us. Most of Earth is inhabitable and the United States is mostly a wasteland ruled by the Red Skull, his generals, and a Hulk that’s gone insane and his literal inbred kids. There are a few heroes left, but they’re either too old or defeated to try and help. Now, enter Old Man Logan and a blind Hawkeye.
The story of Old Man Logan is deep. Finding out why he stopped fighting was one of the most devious things a villain has done. It made sense that he vowed to never pop his claws again. While seeing what happened to the world is intriguing, the best part is the journey of Logan becoming Wolverine again.
18. Star Wars: Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith
Writer: Charles Soule
Darth Vader‘s Marvel comic is better than anything that’s been done in the movies. He shows a vicious side of himself that fans of the movies didn’t know existed. Even the scene in Rogue One doesn’t compare to what he does in this series.
The most shocking thing could be his total disregard for life. Everything that happened after episode 3 and in between the original trilogy is on display. This will show readers how Vader became ok with ordering the destruction of an entire planet. It seemed like he became hardened by what Palpatine put him through. This series will give everyone a better appreciation of the Star Wars universe.
17. Thor
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
There’s a lot that makes this run of Thor special. Of course, there’s the action. Artist Olivier Coipel truly brings it to life. Especially the fight between Iron Man and the God of Thunder. Tony Stark finds out that he’s nothing to a god. No one has beaten Thor this badly.
The heart of this series is the interactions between the people of Broxton (where Asgard is) and the Asgardians. They learn to live among one another and it’s fun to watch. Sometimes it’s sweet. Maybe the best is the love between Bill and Kelda. It shows a lesson that people from different walks of life can be together. All they need is understanding.
16. Moon Knight: The Bottom
Writer: Charlie Huston
Moon Knight was floating in obscurity for years. When he returned, he was beaten (physically and emotionally), alone, and hooked on pain pills. He would have stayed gone forever if someone didn’t remind him that he was better than this. A mistake that left a lot of people dead and others terrified. To this day, Taskmaster is scared to fight him.
Marc Spector isn’t the only star in this series. Khonshu is the goofiest and pettiest god you’ll ever meet. It’s beyond entertaining. Just when you think it’s all in his head, you find out that Khonshu is very real. This makes things even funnier when Marc defies him knowing there are consequences to disobeying someone that can kill you.
Writer Charlie Huston puts on a clinic on how to breathe life into an old character. This series begins the journey of Moon Knight becoming one of Marvel Comics’ more popular characters. Without this series, there wouldn’t be a show.
15. Thor to War of the Realms
Writer: Jason Aaron
Jason Aaron’s run of Thor lasted over six years and involves multiple stories. It started with Gorr the God Butcher where Thor became the greatest god in Marvel. It continued with Original Sin where the Odinson becomes unworthy. After that, Jane Foster became Thor. This run concludes with The War of the Realms. A series that ends with Odin naming him the All-Father.
Jason Aaron’s run was masterful. Thor’s powers have been limited and other people have used Mjolnir, but he’s never been broken down like this. While he was wallowing, Jane Foster took Thor to new heights. She was a different Thor and made it look good. All of the books involved with this run are must-reads. You’ll have a better idea of Thor and Jane Foster as people and heroes.
14. Civil War
Writer: Mark Millar
Marvel’s Civil War was a crossover that was beyond anything comic book fans had seen in this universe. Heroes have fought each other before, but not to this extent. They were warring over the future of their lives. Some heroes said they wouldn’t use their powers and were still attacked by S.H.I.E.L.D.’s cape killer unit. This is why a lot of heroes didn’t trust S.H.I.E.L.D. or Iron Man.
Not only did S.H.I.E.L.D. create a unit called Cape Killers, but they also enlisted thieves and killers to take down Captain America and his resistance. How was anyone supposed to trust S.H.I.E.L.D. when they sent Lady Deathstrike and Bullseye after the heroes? What made things worse was when people on Tony Stark’s side left after he betrayed them. It ruined relationships that still haven’t been mended.
13. Ultimate Spider-Man/Miles Morales Spider-Man
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
What would it be like if Peter Parker became Spider-Man in the year 2000? He’d be dealing with a different set of problems as a teenager, a superhero, and a boyfriend. It’s a new world and it required a different Spider-Man. Peter stepped up to the challenge and did an amazing job. This included fighting classic Spider-Man villains with new attitudes and looks.
Years later, tragedy struck and Peter was killed. After a quick conversation with Gwen Stacy, Miles Morales steps up to become Spider-Man. Not only was he new at the job, people thought it was in poor taste that he used the name. Little did they know Miles had the blessing of Aunt May and Gwen Stacy.
12. Astonishing X-Men
Writer: Joss Whedon
In this writer’s opinion, there isn’t a better X-Men series than this. In twenty-five issues, each of the characters stand out in different ways. Cyclops proves why he’s one of the best leaders and strategists of all time. Kitty Pryde displays a level of power and control that saves the world. Colossus reminds everyone why he’s one of the great strong guys. Beast is forced to confront his insecurities and sacrifices his humanity for the cause. Emma Frost is dealing with survivor’s guilt (the Genosha massacre) so bad she almost cost people their lives. And then there’s Wolverine who shines as the teammate who cares more than anyone.
11. X-Men Second Coming/Messiah War/X-Men Messiah Complex
Writer: Ed Brubaker, Mike Carey, Peter David, Craig Kyle Christopher Yost, Matt Fraction, Zeb Wells
With the mutant population dwindling by 99% (M-Day), hope for mutant-kind seemed lost. The funny thing is Hope is exactly who came into the world and changed everything. Hope Summers was the first mutant born since M-Day. She was so important that people wanted her dead or to control her fate. Even after she left into the future with Cable, Hope was still being chased throughout time. One hero went as far as to destroy the world in order to kill her.
Messiah Complex, Messiah War, and Second Coming combined for the deepest, darkest, and most depressing story in X-Men history. If you know the history of mutants, you know that’s a bold statement. Nevertheless, it’s true. Heroes died protecting Hope and had no regrets as they breathed their last breaths.
This was a collaborative effort full of creators who took the X-Men, broke them down, and built them back up. This was easily one of the three biggest moments in the history of mutants.
10. Daredevil
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
The world “knows” that Matt Murdock is Daredevil. Reporters camp outside of his house waiting for any cracks in his armor so they can get the story. But Matt never cracks. He continued to deny being the protector of Hell’s Kitchen. Unfortunately, no one believes him. His professional and personal life is close to being ruined and puts everyone close to him in danger. But, Matt keeps fighting.
This series showed the toughness and mental fortitude of the Man Without Fear. Everyone is coming after Matt Murdock and Daredevil. The law wants to put him in prison. Wilson Fisk wants him embarrassed. And there are other supervillains and criminals that come out of nowhere to make him pay for what he’s done. Yet, he never quits. However, he has a bit of a mental breakdown and declared himself the Kingpin of New York.
9. Runaways
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Imagine thinking your parents were just rich and boring only to find out they’re evil. Now, add the idea that you’re supposed to eventually take over them. You’ll be handed down powers, abilities, and a dinosaur from the future. How would you react to that? That’s what happens to the kids in Runaways.
Get ready to be hit emotionally throughout this series. Brian K. Vaughn’s stories are known to have moments that will make readers angry, sad, and possibly cry. You’ll get all of that here. Warning, don’t get attached to anyone. As soon as you do, they could die. It’s worse than Game of Thrones. Over twenty years later and there are still tough moments to read.
8. Alias: Jessica Jones
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
There’s never been a woman like Jessica Jones in Marvel Comics and Alias lets readers read about her journey. You get to see what her life before, during, and after getting her powers was like. It wasn’t the typical origin story. It actually seems like the beginning of a supervillain.
The death of her parents and enslavement at the hands of Purple Man leads to depression and alcoholism. As unfortunate as that is, Jessica comes out on top. Watching her continuously fight for herself is inspiring. Especially since she does it while helping people in need. She doesn’t just avoid a life of evil, she eventually becomes an Avenger.
7. House of M
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
House of M is where Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) became the most powerful character in Marvel Comics. Some people can alter things in the area they’re in. Wanda altered the entire reality. No one had ever done anything like that. What Dr. Doom did in Secret Wars was similar, but even he needed help. Wanda did it on her own.
Over a decade later mutants are still affected by what Wanda did. She erased the mutant gene from the world with three words. Some mutants relied on their powers to live. The Resurrection Protocols still have millions of mutants from Genosha to get to. There are probably even more that are dead or haven’t got their powers back. All because Wanda said, “No more mutants.”
6. Black Panther
Writer: Ta-Nehisi Coates
T’Challa is known for being a hero who has a plan for everything and unbreakable confidence. The great Ta-Nehisi Coates gives fans a Black Panther story that challenges both T’Challa’s confidence and skills as a planner. He also ushered in a new era of Wakanda. One where the country becomes a democracy and an intergalactic empire.
Ta-Nehisi Coates was the perfect person to write a Black Panther. He took T’Challa and brought him all over the world and into space. Readers see sides of him that we never knew existed. Some of them are awful and still affect him years later. One thing that didn’t change is that there are few people who can lead like T’Challa.
5. House of X/Powers of X
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Could it be early to make these titles in the top five? Maybe, but there’s a good reason it’s here. Like Messiah Complex to Second Coming was a depressing time for mutants, the Dawn of X is the best of times. Mutants created a home for themselves (Krakoa) and told the world that they no longer needed them. It was the beginning of an era no one would have thought could happen.
Seeing how Charles Xavier, Magneto, and Moira MacTaggert created this new era was exciting. The best part was how it finally came together. Every mutant was allowed access. Including former enemies and rivals. Xavier shook hands with Apocalypse. Wolverine shared a beer with Tomi Shishido. Even Exodus, Mystique, and Sebastian Shaw are on the Quiet Council. In the end, it was the birth of what could go down as the greatest era in mutant history.
4. Amazing Spider-Man: Coming Home
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
There are certain standards when it comes to Spider-Man. One of them is how Peter Parker got his powers. Being bit by a radioactive spider is an origin story that everyone knows. The comic book world was thrown for a loop when Ezekiel proposed a question that no one considered. What if it wasn’t the radioactivity that gave Peter his powers and it was the spider itself?
There was more to Amazing Spider-Man: Coming Home, but this is the most important part. The Spider-Totem changed the way anyone with spider powers would be written. It wasn’t just Peter. Jessica Drew, Miles Morales, and even Peter’s clones are connected to the Great Web. If you want to get into Spider-Man comics, start with this series.
3. Vision
Writer: Tom King
Leave it to Tom King to take a character that’s known for lacking personality (Vision) and make his series a must-read. All Vision wanted was the same love that he had with Wanda Maximoff. Since he couldn’t have kids biologically, he created them. He also built a wife and home to complete the perfect suburban life. Unfortunately, Vision discovers that creating a family doesn’t equal a perfect life.
This writer started Vision and couldn’t believe how dark the story was. There are discussions on what it means to be human, feelings of inadequacy, and self-harm. All things could be triggering. Hopefully, a reader will start this series and come out with a positive outlook on life or realize it’s ok to seek help.
2. Immortal Hulk
Writer: Al Ewing
This is the Hulk like you’ve never seen him before or after. He was cunning in a way that tricked the smartest people in the world and more ruthless than anything we’ve seen. Some of the things he was capable of could only come from Hell. It made his name Devil Hulk appropriate. The funny thing is it’s where gamma-powered beings go when they die and are resurrected.
Immortal Hulk isn’t just a story about Bruce Banner and his multiple personalities. You get a glimpse into his past. You’ll also discover that there was more to Bruce before the gamma bomb. Read this series and enjoy a lot of thought-provoking conversations within a horror-esc comic book.
1. The Hickman books
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
What do Secret Warriors, S.H.I.E.L.D., The Ultimates, Avengers, Fantastic Four, and New Avengers all have in common? They’re all the epitome of perfection that was written by Jonathan Hickman. All of the stories he wrote focused on events that led to Secret Wars. A crossover event that showed the end of the Marvel Comics multiverse
It’s difficult to really accurately say what Hickman did in a restricted amount of time. But this writer can make it up like this. His run will go down as the foremost Marvel Comic book run of all time. It’s as important as Dark Phoenix Saga, Iron Man: Demon in a Bottle, and The Infinity Gauntlet. It changed the way the multiverse works, where certain characters appeared after, and even how stories are written. He wrote multiple titles at one time and connected them all. Very few people are this talented.
What do you think, readers? What Marvel Comic books should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below.