Comic Book Herald

Reading Order Guide For Beginners & Fans

Comic Book Herald Reading Orders

Click the following link if you're looking for the CBH Marvel Reading Order. Otherwise, enjoy a smattering of comic book reading orders below!

DC Compact Comics Reading List (2026)!

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Does the world need a DC Compact Classics reading order? Some would say no. Many would say absolutely not. And yet… here I am! Welcome to the world’s only guide to read all the DC Compact Comics editions chronologically!

What are Compact Classics? These savvy collected editions, measuring a convenient 5.5″ x 8.5″, pack major storylines into a more manageable, reader-friendly format, making them a uniquely popular draw for new fans looking for clear entry points or seasoned veterans wanting to revisit classics without breaking the bank (in America, the books go for $9.99). For years, superhero comics audiences have wondered how DC and Marvel could mirror the success of manga. Turns out affordable wee collections of famous stories was the answer!

For reasons I can’t fully explain, I pulled together a comprehensive reading order for all the DC Compact Comics, laid out chronologically so you can journey through decades of incredible storytelling. From the gritty streets of Gotham to the cosmic reaches of the DC Multiverse, this list is your streamlined guide to experiencing some of the best of DC Comics history, all presented in an order that takes you from 1986 to present day. The books certainly won’t need to be read in order to be enjoyed (for that, there’s Comic Book Herald’s full DC Comics Reading Order), but it’s kind of interesting to see the progression of the publisher and characters like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman over the decades. [Read more…] about DC Compact Comics Reading List (2026)!

Energon Universe Reading Order (Transformers & G.I. Joe)

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When I first visit a comic shop, I like to ask the staff what sort of comics they enjoy and recommend. This helps me to understand shop culture and owner interests while learning more about other readers in my community. When visiting a shop a few years ago, the owner recommended I check out a recent book from modern comics legend Robert Kirkman. This book, Void Rivals, was to be the start of a new connected comic book universe. I distinctly remember him pointing to a variant cover with a giant robot (shown below) on it and exclaiming, “I mean it’s Transformers AND G.I. Joe in one Universe. Like Saturday morning cartoons!”

As these series push on towards their fifth anniversary, there isn’t a better pitch for The Energon Universe (which derives its name from the fictional energy source “Energon” that ties together every corner of the universe). If you want high-octane comics that are as good as the cartoons you remember from your childhood, or if you’re looking to dip your toe into Transformers, G.I. Joe, and related science fiction or military action goodness, this reading guide will tell you everything you need to get started reading The Energon Universe. [Read more…] about Energon Universe Reading Order (Transformers & G.I. Joe)

The Maker (Earth-1610 Reed Richards) Reading Order

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In a world obsessed with asking the question, “What if Superman was, like, evil?” only Marvel’s Ultimate Universe dared ask the same of Reed Richards!

If you’re thinking “Woah, spoiler!” I see you, but I promise, it’s impossible to talk about The Maker without acknowledging he’s an alternate universe Reed Richards. This development occurs a near decade into Marvel’s original Ultimate Universe, though, meaning there’s a whole lot of classic (well, teen) Reed in Ultimate Fantastic Four prior to this point. If you’re an absolute maniac, you can start your journey into Reed’s descent with all the Ultimate Fantastic Four comics, but I assure you, that won’t be necessary.

Instead, I’m going to focus on the origins of The Maker, and their build up as one of the most interesting and significant villains in Marvel Comics of the 2010s and beyond, including in the New Ultimate Universe 2! You’ll find that complete reading order below. [Read more…] about The Maker (Earth-1610 Reed Richards) Reading Order

Top 10 Essential Krakoa X-Men Comics (Collected)

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Ever since House of X and Powers of X rejuvenated X-Men fandom in 2019, one of the most consistent questions I’ve heard has been “What are the essential comics of the Krakoa era?” Admittedly, my initial reaction was “Read it all, you cowards!,” but even I can acknowledge that after a near 5-year journey, that’s a lot of comics, and not everything is vital to enjoying and understanding this fascinating era of X-Men.

So, I’ve set myself the task of selecting the 10 collected works that best summarize the Krakoa / Hickman era of X-Men, and provide the most invaluable contributions to the grand metanarrative and overarching plot. This would have been much easier if I could have made a list of 12, but unfortunately, the X-Office’s insistence that Powers of X is pronounced “Powers of Ten” and X of Swords is pronounced “ten of swords” leaves me no choice but to take the Roman numeral way too seriously. This means the list will truly concentrate on contributions to the larger story, and some of my picks for best comics of the era will get left out as honorable mentions.

If you feel jumping around through the essential works is skipping too many comics, that’s why I have the complete Krakoa era X-Men reading orders on Comic Book Herald. This guide is for those who want a relative fast track that captures the era’s essence. To those who say even this fast track is too much: “Read more comics, you cowards!” [Read more…] about Top 10 Essential Krakoa X-Men Comics (Collected)

Angela Reading Order

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Angela has a complicated history, this time not because of convoluted plots or time-travel shenanigans. She started as an Image Comics character, but Neil Gaiman sued Todd McFarlane for some of his characters’ ownership and won the battle for Angela’s rights. After that, Neil Gaiman sold her to Marvel.

In Image, she was part of Spawn and was an Angel that started as an enemy of the titular character. She gained a lot of popularity, receiving many solo series and crossovers with other characters from the universe. She also became an ally of Spawn, appearing in a lot of his issues. Her last appearance was in a fight against Malebolgia, one of Spawn’s greatest enemies and his creator, in Spawn #100.

Later, in 2013, she was reintroduced in the Marvel Universe. Despite receiving a new origin, she still has many similarities. Her name is still Angela, her costume is pretty much the same (although it has seen a few more changes throughout the years), and she is an angel created to hunt evil creatures. Her new origin also makes her part of Thor’s family, so they have a few adventures together. Here’s hoping Al Ewing makes great use of her in Immortal Thor. [Read more…] about Angela Reading Order