Comic Book Herald

A Comic Book Reading Order Guide For Beginners & Fans

Marvel Characters

Hulkling Reading Order!

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It’s a rare thing, getting to see a character go from a 2000s legacy teen hero to becoming a main player in the Marvel universe. That’s why it’s so great to see Teddy Altman—or “Hulkling”—become the King of Space, unifier of the Kree-Skrull Alliance, and central focus of the 2020 Empyre event.

Even more noteworthy is the fact that Hulkling—one of, if not the most important character in the cosmic side of Marvel—is not only a gay man but one in a loving relationship with fellow Young Avenger Wiccan (their recent space wedding being no doubt the best part of Empyre.) Moreover, his actions as King have repercussions all across the cosmic titles of Marvel, from Al Ewing’s SWORD to the royal couple’s recent appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy. [Read more…] about Hulkling Reading Order!

History of the Time Variance Authority & Time Keepers

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Marvel’s Time Variance Authority – now stars of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s TV series on Disney+ – is a combination of parody, inside editorial jokes, and somehow also tremendous power in the Marvel Comics universe. Operating in “null-time,” The TVA are literal continuity cops, sending their agents to disrupt anyone messing with the timestream, and returning them to the familiar banality of paperwork and office life that is maintaining all of time!

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Doctor Octopus (Otto Octavius) Reading Order!

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Spider-Man doesn’t lack iconic villains, from the Green Goblin to Venom and Carnage or even Kraven and Mysterio. But if there’s one representing the wall-crawler’s mirror image, his darker reflection, it’s Otto Octavius. From fighting Spider-Man as the supervillain and mad scientist Doctor Octopus to replacing him as the Superior Spider-Man, Otto might not have ruined Peter’s life quite as much as Norman Osborn has, but he has challenged our hero in a way no one else can, as a constant reminder of the worst-case scenario of who he could become.

In recent years, Otto has turned towards a possible redemption and tried his luck at being a superhero, but he still has a lot to make up for despite his efforts. Currently, it would seem Otto is back to his roots of supervillainy, but who knows what the future may hold for the eight-limbed scientist with the best bowl cut in the Marvel Universe.

Related:

Spider-Man

Green Goblin

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The Mandarin Reading Order!

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Throughout his history, the Mandarin has risen to become not only Iron Man’s true nemesis but a force to be reckoned with across the Marvel universe. He’s been a criminal mastermind, an evil businessman, a powerful martial artist… many talents that have all been, at many points in time, focused solely on destroying the Armored Avenger. So much so that, decades after his creation by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck in 1964, he was retconned into having played a part in Tony Stark’s origin story, tying the two enemies together for good.

The Mandarin is especially known for his superpowered rings (giving their name to the upcoming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, in which the Mandarin will be the main antagonist), each one granting a different power from freezing rays to mind control or electricity. He obtained the Ten Rings from a crashed ship belonging to an alien dragon species. Through various retcons and flashbacks, a lot more has been revealed about the rings throughout the years (from their ability to link with the Mandarin’s mind to the possibility that they might hold ancient souls). With the rings and the advanced science he stole from the alien ship, the Mandarin plots to conquer China and the entire world, which has put him at war with the Chinese army, Iron Man, other Marvel heroes, and even villains. [Read more…] about The Mandarin Reading Order!

Silk (Cindy Moon) Reading Order!

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Cindy Moon (aka “Silk”) first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (2014). Created by Dan Slott and Huberto Ramos, this Korean-American journalist is one of three members of the Spider-Women; she’s been a member of both the Protectors and Agents of Atlas; and is a co-founder of The Order of the Web.

In her recent appearances, Silk has really come into her own as a superhero by stepping out of Peter Parker’s shadow and learning to open up to others after ten years of isolation resulted in her developing anxiety and her family going missing.

Not only has Cindy Moon reunited with her family and saved the multiverse. All while finding time to  but she has also been:

  • An Agent of Atlas
  • A Protector
  • A co-founding member of The Order of The Web
  • In three solo series…
  • …And more than a few team-ups

Silk has woven her own excellent web of stories. Since it was recently announced that a Silk live-action television series is currently in development, Silk’s future seems very bright. [Read more…] about Silk (Cindy Moon) Reading Order!