With the New Year comes new resolutions and goals—like reading more comic books! If you’ve already explored how to start reading DC Comics, you might now find yourself curious about the Marvel Universe. Or perhaps Marvel’s heroes and stories are the ones you’ve always been drawn to, thanks to blockbuster movies, TV shows, or video games.
From the debut of the Fantastic Four in 1961 to epic events like Secret Wars and Civil War, the Marvel Universe offers decades of interconnected stories and alternate realities. Whether you want to explore the Spider-Verse, get to know the X-Men, or assemble with the Avengers, the sheer number of series, relaunches, and crossovers can feel overwhelming. You’re bound to face the classic question: where do I even start?
We’re here today to ensure your start reading Marvel Comics is as exciting and enjoyable as it should be, filled with great stories, and the start of what we hope will be a lifelong love for comics!
Where to Get Your Marvel Comics
You have decided to explore the Marvel Universe. Now, you need to get some comics into your hands! Following is a little guide to several (legal) options to find some good comics:
Visit a (comic) bookstore (in person or online!)
It’s always nice to see in person the object we intend to buy, especially when it’s a first purchase! For this reason, a little excursion to your local bookstore or specialized comic book store (if you have one) is a good place to start. You’ll discover that comic books can be bought in different sizes and prices, from the classic paperback trades to a big Omnibus! Here’s a simple presentation of what you can find for DC Comics and the main lines:
- Single Issue – A standalone comic book released individually, typically part of an ongoing series that look like a magazine. You can find them in a comic book shop.
- A Trade Paperback (TPB) – A collection of comic book issues bound in a softcover format, often compiling a complete story arc or run. This is what makes up most of our reading guides!
- Marvel Complete/Ultimate Collections – The Complete Collection/Ultimate Collection collect entire runs of one title, or related titles by one creator.
- Marvel Omnibus – A large, comprehensive collection of comic books, typically in hardcover format, gathering multiple issues, entire series or runs into one (or more) volume.
- Marvel oversized hardcovers – Oversized hardcover collection that runs next to the Omnibus format. Generally for smaller runs or stories, though some choices made by Marvel create confusion on that subject.
- Marvel Masterworks – A collection of hardcover and trade paperback of classic Marvel storylines with restored artwork (exists also in softcover)
- Mighty Marvel Masterworks – A variant of the Marvel Masterworks. This line also reprints classic Marvel storylines with new covers and in a smaller format.
- Marvel Epic Collection – Epic Collections reprint large quantities of comics in trade paperback form, typically containing 300–500 pages. The Collection aim to compile entire story arcs or a comprehensive collection of issues from a Marvel comic book series or character. Although the goal is to provide a complete and chronological overview, including crossovers spanning several titles, these collections are not always released in chronological order.
- Marvel Premier Collection – Marvel answer to DC Compact, this new collection launched this year collects Marvel’s most celebrated and prestigious storylines and creators. Perfect for new readers!
- Marvel Gallery Editions – A premium hardback format, typically measuring around 9.3 x 13.25 inches which is bigger than any other editions put out by Marvel, to showcase the artwork’s fine details and to look at the pencil and ink work in the best possible condition. Not for new readers!
You can also find Essential Marvel, a defunct line that reprinted classic Marvel titles in black and white.
Want to know if you have a Comic Shop or Bookstore near you? Check out Comic Shop Locator and Indie Bound.
Not everybody has a bookstore near him. Or a bookstore with the comic book you want (in the language you want). For that, you can buy on online stores, such as Amazon, Blackwell’s, Ebay, Abebooks — if you live in Europe like me! MyComicShop or Midtown Comics are also generally recommended in US.
The Rules of Reading Marvel Comics
You are quite ready to be part of the Marvel Comics Club! But don’t forget some rules:
- With great powers come many superheroes—and even more supervillains!
- You don’t need to start at the beginning—pick up where you like.
- You don’t have to read everything.
- Expect some hero-on-hero battles!
- Heroes can be corrupted and Villains can be redeemed.
- Be ready for endless crossovers, team-ups, and a few secret wars!
- Go on space adventures and experience Multiverse Madness—often at the same time!
- If this is your first time reading Marvel Comics, pick a comic that excites you (or start with Spider-Man!).
At Last… Where to Start Reading Marvel Comics?
It’s time to read some Marvel Comics! You’ll find many types of stories and genres, so there is a story for everybody! The following selection highlights the incredible diversity and richness of this universe. It’s also the best time to indicate that, while Star Wars is published by Marvel, this part is not covered here and we are focusing on the Superheroes!
But first, here are a few lists containing a selection of entry points and influential comic book stories, covering many characters and genres:
- I want to start reading Marvel Comics Superheroes, an Option For Every Reader
- Best Spider-Man Stories to Read
- 25 Best and Essential Marvel Comics to Read
Also, we invite you to check out and follow the future releases of the Marvel Premier Collection, focused on publishing self-contained and celebrated stories for new readers, as well as the Marvel-verse, a collection of trade paperbacks that offer an introduction to a specific character.
Start reading by picking a short stand-alone story
Here’s a selection of great stand-alone classics, perfect for new readers and highlighting the diverse flavors, tones, and styles of Marvel Comics.
- History of the Marvel Universe, by Mark Waid and Javier Rodríguez – A perfect introduction to the Marvel Universe, spanning 80 years of history from the dawn of the Marvel Universe all the way to its end.
- X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills, by Chris Claremont and Brent Anderson – The quintessential X-Men story, tackling the many themes associated with the mutants such as prejudice, morality, and the fight for acceptance.
- Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s “Colors” Series – Heartfelt stories retelling the early days of several Marvel Superheroes. Consists of: Daredevil: Yellow, Spider-Man: Blue, Hulk: Gray, and Captain America: White.
- Doctor Strange: The Oath, by Brian K. Vaughan and Marcos Martín – Discover the mystical side of Marvel as Doctor Strange and Wong battle to save the Sorcerer Supreme’s life.
- Punisher: Born, by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson – A dark, gritty origin story from Marvel’s mature MAX line, exploring Frank Castle’s descent into the Punisher.
- Silver Surfer: Requiem, by J. Michael Straczynski and Esad Ribić – It’s the end of Silver Surfer’s life, a poetic contemplation on loss and regret, as well as a bittersweet celebration on a life well lived.
- Ghost Rider: The Road to Damnation, by Garth Ennis and Clayton Crain – A fight heaven and hell off Ghost Rider’s soul, exploring Marvel’s horror and mysticism side.
Start reading a comic book run
Let’s go bigger with some epic, dark, fun, and adventurous runs! We continue to explore the many corners of the Marvel Universe, from the streets of New York to magical places and deep space!
- Avengers, by Kurt Busiek, George Pérez & Alan Davis – Meet the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in this classic Avengers run, bringing the team together for some fun and epic battle.
- The Amazing Spider-Man, by J. Michael Straczynski & John Romita Jr. – Spider-Man’s life and mythology are redefined in this impactful and emotional run, also known for its controversial ending pushed by Marvel editorial. Those things are also part of reading comics!
- Black Panther, by Don McGregor – A classic adventure that takes you across the savannah, into deep jungles, and up snow-capped mountains.
- Modern Cosmic Saga with Guardians of the Galaxy, by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and al. – A captivating and epic story bringing a new dimension to the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe featuring lesser-known heroes.
- New X-Men, by Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely – The world of the X-Men is redefined with bold ideas and a new direction for the team.
- Thor: God of Thunder, by Jason Aaron & Esad Ribić – A mythic exploration of Thor’s past, present, and future, with cosmic stakes.
- Captain America, by Ed Brubaker & Steve Epting – The perfect mix between political thriller and the superhero genre.
- Fantastic Four, by Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo – Have some fun adventures with Marvel’s First Family!
- Daredevil, by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev – The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen is put through the wringer in this atmospheric, noir-inspired run.
Read Some Events!
Reading crossover stories and big events are part of the adventure! The advice for new readers is to focus on the main story and pick up the tie-ins only for characters that interest you! Or read those tie-ins after! There are no rules! Just don’t let the sheer amount of tie-ins that some events have be an obstacle. Most of the time, those are completely optional.
- Infinity Gauntlet by Jim Starlin, George Pérez, and Ron Lim – Who can stop The Mad Titan Thanos? All of Marvel’s top heroes star in this epic of cosmic proportions!
- Planet Hulk & World War Hulk, by Greg Pak, John Romita Jr. – Your long Hulk Saga, from the savage world of Sakaar to his revenge on Earth against Marvel’s heroes!
- Spider-Verse, by Dan Slott, Olivier Coipel, and al – Spider-Man in the Multiverse of Madness! The Spider-People are being killed, and Peter Parker must unite with all the other versions to fight back!
- Secret Wars, by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribić – the entire Multiverse reaches its end in this
Discovering some less famous parts of the Marvel Universe
- Exiles, by Judd Winick & Mike McKone – A noughties cult classic about a team that is initially formed to fix broken realities, with each member coming from different universes.
- Captain Marvel, by Peter David & Chris Cross – A cosmic adventure filled with sharp humor, featuring Genis-Vell as he takes on his father’s legacy with the help of fan-favorite sidekick Rick Jones.
- The Unbelievable Gwenpool, by Christopher Hastings & Gurihiru – A meta, fourth-wall-breaking adventure as Gwen Poole navigates the Marvel Universe with humor and chaos.
- Rocket: The Blue River Score, by Al Ewing & Adam Gorham – A noir crime caper starring Rocket Raccoon.
- Web Warriors, by Mike Costa and David Baldeon – Crazy but still emotional adventures in the Spider-Verse!
- Tomb of Dracula, by Gerry Conway, Roy Thomas, Gene Colan – For some ’70s horror comics.
Simply jump into the Marvel pool right now!
The best way to start reading is to jump into the current story arc and pick up the pieces as you go! That’s how a lot of people get started (myself included). You might not catch everything at first, but if you like the story, you’ll want to keep reading and learn more.
Right now, Marvel has recently relaunched the X-Men line of comic books with From the Ashes, which can serve as jump-in points for new readers, with many new series being released starring various mutants. You can jump into an ongoing run, such as Ryan North’s Fantastic Four, or take up a new title like Sam Wilson: Captain America #1. There’s also a new Ultimate Universe to explore!
You can complement your readings with information articles and books to learn more about the characters and the Marvel Universe. You can, for example, explore our Comic Book Index which includes topics such as the origins stories of several Marvel Characters, the presentation of the Spider Family and the Hulk Family, and more. Learn with a few chapters the essentials you need for many Marvel figures, organizations and events with the Marvel Comics Encyclopedia. Last, but not least, All of the Marvels is a book delivering a comprehensive history of Marvel, written by pop culture critic Douglas Wolk who read 27 000 comics.
Discover More Marvel Comics to read!