Comic Book Herald

A Comic Book Reading Order Guide For Beginners & Fans

Marvel Comics

The Best 100 Marvel Stories Told From 1998 to 2015!

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It’s been my goal since starting Comic Book Herald to help readers and new (or lapsed) comic fans navigate the modern Marvel Universe. In my estimate, that has always been since just before the turn of the century, as Marvel Knights, the Ultimate Universe, and the editorial reign of Joe Quesada rose from the ashes of Heroes Reborn.

I never really thought about what it might look like if this modern Marvel era ended. With Secret Wars set to launch the Marvel Universe into a new state of being (however dramatic that may be), it’s suddenly a fantastic time to look back on the era as a whole. What were the best Marvel stories told from 1998 through 2015? These are my picks: [Read more…] about The Best 100 Marvel Stories Told From 1998 to 2015!

Study: What’s the Impact of Marvel Unlimited on Comic Book Trade Sales?

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It’s no secret that I’m a proponent of Marvel Unlimited, as both the best way to catch up on Marvel Comics, and as a forward-thinking business model for comic book publishers.

In my very first review of the subscription service (2012!) I couldn’t help but note how much money I was saving. At the time, Marvel Unlimited annual subscriptions were $59.99, meaning a subscription was the equivalent of 6 trade collections at $9.99 a pop (which would be a great value for TPB’s!). [Read more…] about Study: What’s the Impact of Marvel Unlimited on Comic Book Trade Sales?

The 25 Essential Trades to Marvel Comics From 1961 to 2000

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For the life of Comic Book Herald, I’ve concentrated most heavily on what I consider the modern Marvel era, 1998 to present day. This is all well and good for catching up with the Marvel comics scene, and there are plenty of great comics from this time period, but obviously it overlooks the fantastically varied and full library of Marvel comics from 1961 (the publication of Fantastic Four #1) to the new millennium. [Read more…] about The 25 Essential Trades to Marvel Comics From 1961 to 2000

Marvel Chess Collection Review!

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As much as I love the world of comic books, I haven’t been very into collectibles as an adult. This probably has more to do with complacency than any latent “toys are for kids!” feelings I may be harboring. I mean, I have a Mr. Crabs figure on my book shelf and my wife genuinely asks what toy I want any time she orders from the kids menu at a fast food joint. Toys are fun, collectibles make for great office/home décor, and being an “adult” is extremely overrated. [Read more…] about Marvel Chess Collection Review!

So what were the Secret Wars?

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In May 1984, Marvel released what can only be described as a classic series – one that they’re now revisiting.  Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars – commonly referred to just as ‘Secret Wars’ – was easily the first major ‘event comic’, a 12-issue epic that had unusual origins.  Next year, Jonathan Hickman is going to helm a new iteration of this event, and so it seems appropriate to help catch readers up on the original!

Ed Note: You can now also check out the Comic Book Herald Secret Wars reading order, from the original event to present day! [Read more…] about So what were the Secret Wars?