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.
Now, narrowing 40 years of stories down to 25 essential collections is like trying to find an Ant-Man in a haystack (hint: he’s the nut talking to insects). I had a hard enough time picking 25 trades from 2000 to 2012, and even then I left out some instant classics like Uncanny X-Force and Venom.
Nonetheless… I kinda think I nailed it. These are the graphic novels and trade collections for the new Marvel fan. Without further ado, the 25 essential trades any new or old Marvel Comics fan has gotsta read before they die at Thanos’ hand (like there’s any other way to go).
That’s Jack Kirby art inside Jack Kirby artAmazing Spider-Man #1 – #38 + Amazing Fantasy #15
We’re only going to go all the way back to the start for a couple series, and you’re darn well right that Amazing Spider-Man is among them. Web-slinging out of the pages of Amazing Fantasy #15, Amazing Spider-Man is the comic book all other comics aspire to be. Steve Ditko and Stan Lee created an icon, and these first 38 issues (the issues Ditko plotted and drew before John Romita took over artistic duties) are shockingly fun and captivating all these years later.
These are the comics that reminded me I love comics, and there’s never a bad time, age, or era to enjoy the original Amazing Spider-Man. For the record, the John Romita years are just as impressive (with iconic Green Goblin stories really taking off with Romita on the pen), and I’d encourage you to keep going strong with AMS for as long as it feels right.
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As part of the My Marvelous Year 1960’s reading club, I put together an issue by issue Spidey reading order for the era. Check it out if you really want to dive in to Spider-Man!
Amazing Spider-Man on Marvel Unlimited
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus – Volume 1
Fantastic Four #31 – #60 + Annual #2-4
While you certainly wouldn’t be blamed for beginning with the first thirty issues of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee’s Fantastic Four, I’m diving straight for the meat. Kirby and Lee were never stronger than this period of Fantastic Four with the introduction of the Inhumans, Frightful Four, Silver Surfer, The Watcher, and of course, Galactus!
For the full ride up to this point, I recommend the order found during our My Marvelous Year Marvel 60’s binge: https://www.comicbookherald.com/best-1960s-marvel-comics/
Fantastic Four On Marvel Unlimited
The Fantastic Four Omnibus Volume 2
Silver Surfer #1 – #18
One of two late 60’s Marvel books that ingratiated Marvel Comics with the collegiate and counter-cultural communities.
Following his creation in the pages of Fantastic Four by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, the Silver Surfer would go on to really showcase what Marvel Comics might be capable of. In the hands of Stan Lee and John Buscema, Norrin Radd became Marvel’s greatest cosmic icon.
Silver Surfer On Marvel Unlimited
Strange Tales #110-111, #114 to #146 (Doctor Strange Stories!), & Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2
The psychedelic comic voted most likely to be likened to 60’s critical darlings like The Beatle’s “Revolver.” Also the Dr. Strange stories by which all Dr. Strange comics are measured, and in many ways the reason we were able to have Jim Starlin cosmic mind-bombs later in Marvel’s history (and on this list).
This is where the Dr. Strange stories actually begin, and feature some epic early Steve Ditko art and plotting. You’ll find plenty of cosmic exploration throughout.
Dr. Strange On Marvel Unlimited
Doctor Strange Epic Collection: Master Of The Mystic Arts
The Kree / Skrull War – Avengers #89 – #97
One of the single biggest Avengers stories of all time, and an event so epic it’s echoes can be seen reaching as far as 2007’s Secret Invasion.
The Death of Gwen Stacy – Amazing Spider-Man #90 to #92, #121 to #122
Kind of a bummer of a story title? Otherwise, the culmination of everything you’ve grown to love about Amazing Spider-Man, and one of the most memorable (and saddest) moments in Marvel history. Gwen is one of the few defining deaths in the Marvel Universe that have remained relatively unscathed (meaning, like Uncle Ben, she hasn’t just up and come back to life) granting additional heft to her impact.
Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys
Howard the Duck – #1 – #33
You could make an entirely reasonable case that Howard the Duck has no place on any essential Marvel list. You’d be wrong, but it would be an entirely reasonable case.
Howard the Duck does not impact greater Marvel continuity, but holy quack does Steve Gerber’s cranky, antagonized duck impact style and substance of Marvel comics. You know all those off-the-cuff solo series that are easily the best Marvel comics is offering as part of Marvel NOW? She-Hulk, Superior Foes of Spider-Man, Hawkeye… none of those exist without Howard the Duck. He’s an American Hero.
Howard the Duck On Marvel Unlimited
Uncanny X-Men – Giant-Size X-Men #1, Uncanny X-Men #94 to #124, Uncanny X-Men Annual #3, Uncanny X-Men #125 – #131
This might be the easiest selection on the list. Chris Claremont, John Byrne, and Dave Cockrum’s work on Uncanny X-Men turned the mutant also-rans into the biggest success in Marvel Comics. It’s astonishing how many all-time classic stories are included in this run, and fans of X-Men the Animated Series will be pleased to see the origins of many of their favorite episodes.
Uncanny X-Men On Marvel Unlimited
The Uncanny X-Men Omnibus Volume 1
Iron Man: Demon in a Bottle
Armor Wars
Daredevil – #158 – #191
Frank Miller is best known for his incredible work on Batman (The Dark Knight Returns
Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Omnibus
The Life and Death of Captain Marvel
Jim Starlin is the architect and mastermind of nearly all things Marvel Cosmic, and I could just as soon select his work on Warlock as highly recommended reading. Nonetheless, it’s Captain Marvel that grabs the headlines, with the oft-referenced Marvel original graphic novel “The Death of Captain Marvel” showing one of the Marvel U’s best heroes in the unshakeable grip of cancer.
The Death of Captain Marvel On Marvel Unlimited
The Life and Death of Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)
Uncanny X-Men #132 – #142
Continuing the Claremont and Byrne era to include the Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past. The lesson here, as always, is you really should read the Claremont era X-Men.
Uncanny X-Men On Marvel Unlimited
The Uncanny X-Men Omnibus Volume 2
Wolverine #1 – #4
The Wolverine background story from Chris Claremont and Frank Miller. These four issues give Wolverine so much of his essential character: the flawed Samurai, the cigars, the “I’m the best there is at what I do. And what I do isn’t very nice.”
Thor #337 – #382
One of the lengthier runs included on this essential guide, and a fairly tough decision given similarly excellent and long runs like John Byrne’s Fantastic Four
Thor by Walter Simonson – Volume 1
Secret Wars #1 – #12
The Contest of Champions
On top of all that, Secret Wars is Marvel’s enormous mega event of 2015. Naturally, I have for you a Secret Wars reading order all the way from this original run to present day.
Secret Wars On Marvel Unlimited
Squadron Supreme
Outside Earth-616 continuity, and arguably the best limited series Marvel has ever published. Squadron Supreme takes DC’s Justice League, warps them through a “we don’t want to get sued” new character transformer, and then asks the question: “What if the Justice League took control of the world? Wouldn’t things be better?”
While it’s not on Watchmen
Squadron Supreme On Marvel Unlimited
God Loves, Man Kills
Another of Marvel’s original graphic novels from the 80’s, with themes that define the X-Men and are sadly still relevant today. Iconic story that set the stage for much of the X-Men comics to come, as well as the foundation for X2 the movie.
God Loves, Man Kills On Marvel Unlimited
Daredevil: Born Again + Man Without Fear Miniseries
Collects: #226 – #223, MWF 5 issue mini
Frank Miller back at it, making Matt Murdock’s life even more of a living hell. Born Again would reverberate strongly across the Daredevil landscape, driving much of Kevin Smith’s “Guardian Devil” and Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev’s “Out” storylines.
Daredevil: Born Again + Man Without Fear
Elektra: Assassin
Probably the most avant-garde book on this list, and undoubtedly the one least tied to Marvel Earth-616 continuity. It’s also the most interesting Marvel comic I’ve ever read, with Frank Miller and Bill Sienciwiecz pouring The Dark Knight Returns through a newspaper shredder and haze of pyschedelia.
Not on Marvel Unlimited!
Elektra: Assassin
Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos + Thanos Quest
Infinity Gauntlet gets all the hype, but it’s actually the preceding Silver Surfer that is the stronger story. This is both Norrin Radd and Thanos at their absolute best, with Jim Starlin flexing his cosmic muscles at his peak.
Thanos Quest On Marvel Unlimited
Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos
Spider-Man: Kraven’s Last Hunt
One of the best Spider-Man stories of all time, and possibly the best. You never would have guessed it would be Kraven who gave us the greatest of Spider-Man, but he does it and then some. There were a lot of 80’s attempts to give the world a “dark” Spider-Man, and while many of them were absolute bombs, Kraven’s Last Hunt is one of the most strenuous gauntlets the webslinger’s ever seen.
You can also check out my Kraven’s Last Hunt reading order, since this series crosses over between three Spidey titles.
Kraven’s Last Hunt On Marvel Unlimited
Spider-Man: Kraven’s Last Hunt
Infinity Gauntlet
Hey, just because I said the Silver Surfer build-up is a better read doesn’t mean I don’t get the Infinity Gauntlet’s significance. This is the one cosmic story to rule them all, with Thanos finally gaining possession of the Infinity Gauntlet and doing more damage to the Marvel Universe than anyone ever had before. It’s a rare Marvel story where all the heroes working together are truly unable to defeat the threat at hand, and yet that’s exactly what we see with Thanos in his god-like form. It’s no surprise that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been building to an Infinity War – this story is nothing but the biggest Marvel has offered.
Infinity Gauntlet On Marvel Unlimited
Wolverine: Weapon X
Mind-bending look at Wolverine’s time in the Weapon X program, when he was being experimented on in order to create the ultimate killer.
It’s a shockingly thoughtful look at the crimes against humanity perpetrated against Wolverine, and is easily the comic most readily adaptable for an M. Night Shamalyan screenplay.
Marvels
Kurt Busiek teamed with legendary comic painter Alex Ross for a 4 issue miniseries looking back at the history of the Marvel Universe. The end result was one of the most humanizing and beautiful looks inside the Marvel U of all time.
Age of Apocalypse
One of my first favorite loves, and an idea so epic in scope even the bad comics are good.
What if Professor Charles Xavier was killed? What if his dream of peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans died with him?
Enter the Age of Apocalypse. Here’s the Age of Apocalypse reading order with Marvel Unlimited links.
X-Men: The Age of Apocalypse Omnibus
I was struggling to find out “Demon in the bottle” on Marvel Unlimited to find out it was Iron Man (1968) issue #120-128. If it can help anybody.
Is there a similar list to this but for DC?
Yep! https://www.comicbookherald.com/the-best-40-dc-comics-from-1942-to-2000/
Could you do one of these without limiting yourself to a certain number of trades? I feel like it would be a bit better if you included more reads that weren’t essential, but were still really fun reads. For example, you mentioned Peter David’s Hulk and John Byrne’s Fantastic Four. Why not just go ahead and add them to the list?
I agree, they should at the very least be honorable mentions for people who want the best of the 1961-2000 in addition to the most important stories of that era.
I wish one too, though I understand that it might be much like “My marvelous year”. Being a Marvel (actually superhero comic) newbie, I have been struggling where to start since I found out Marvel Unlimited few months ago.
I have been interested long superhero comics, but in my country they are so hard to get (I live in smaller town) and expensive so I have actually read few random issues here and there (I wish that DC´s version of MU would come also international). So MCU is actually my first contact point to Marvel
First I started to read some golden age, then FF from the beginning. I thought that couple of few first issues of FF was bit boring and tried Spiderman which I liked better. I dabbled around different characters from MCU (Thor, Iron Man, Avengers, Ant-man) and jumped around so that I get them up to same date 😀 (Somewhere in 1964 or so). I got little bit bored of 60’s comics (villain of the month etc.) though it seemed that in about 1965 there are some bigger and more continous storylines, and started with your 1998 reading order.
Now I am wondering that how much I miss character/universe development etc. and bigger stories if I continue from there
If you are still reading comics,or for the benefit of any marvel newbie that will find this list I’d like to share the best tip I had that helped me start reading years ago:
You won’t be able to read the entire Marvel comics or even the Marvel Unlimited comics, so don’t try. What’s important will be told you. If a particular character is interesting read more stuff about that specific character, or if a particular writer, artist or editor piques your interest, check other stuff they created.
Slowly, but surely you will get to know more and more stories and build a library of favorites.
In my case I started with Daredevil all the way back from issue #1 in the 60’s, then I moved to Spidey, and from there I decided to read X-Men.
I think in the last 4 years I’ve read more than 500 comics of multiple creators and characters and constantly trying new stuff to see if they work for me or not.
Is it necessary to read the silver surfer 1-18 to get understanding of later issues, the infinity gauntlet for example? Or can those issues be skipped?
It’s not important for continuity. It’s probably on the list cause it’s generally beloved. Read the first one, and if it’s not your thing you can skip it.
I tried to post earlier, but did not get a confirmation, so I thought I would try again. I apologize if I end up posted twice.
I love this list for me, and plan to start on it very soon. Is there a list of comics I should have my 9-year-old AVOID, such as Deadpool?
Thanks!
OK, NOW I see my original post. Sorry!
Avoid Deadpool lol. Silver Age stuff is probably pretty safe. Starting about 68 or so, you’ll want to at least skim through what they’re gonna read.
Hi!
I am new to Marvel Unlimited, and want to share my account with my 9-year-old, who has not really read comics before. I think I am going to take a crack at this list (because I only read a few titles when I was younger), but do you have suggestions of which series to suggest and which to tell my son to avoid (like Deadpool)?
Isn’t Days of Future Past, considered to be collected in Uncanny X-men 141 and 142. Why did you choose to end the recommendations in the middle of the arc?
Thanks again for all your work!
You should add the link to the Infinity Saga reading order under the Infinity Gauntlet title.
Please help me, I’m new to this, and want to know where to start so I understand fully.
Either go to the reading order part one, and read that stuff and then move on to Disassembled. Or start with the Amy Marvelous Year reading club. Don’t plan on reading everything you will die. I suggest starting in 98 and following one of Dave’s lists (either the main reading lists or the quick start guide). Eventually, you’ll know what’s going on.
I’m loving the list right now, but I have 1 problem: I feel like you’re missing some very good stories from this time period (#maximum carnage, birth of venom, etc.), but I think my marvelous year would be too much. Could you maybe make a 100 best stories from this time period? Thanks ????????????
Perhaps one day 🙂
Hey Dave, when you said that you suggest we read further into Amazing Spider-Man, how far would you suggest going?
Would you suggest going farther than omnibus 2?
IMHO the first 200 issues of ASM are like one big story. There are some weak periods in the late 100s but its all worth reading. Then pick u again with 229 through to 329 then come back with Volume 2 issue 30
Hey, issue numbers for daredevil born again + man without fear are really confusing) Could you clear them up a bit please, cause now it shows 226 – 223, while all the other sources claim, that born again is 227 – 233.
Anyway, love your project, keep it up!)
Same question here. Must be a typo. Could someone clarify?
Great work on this site!
I can clarify – 226 was included for story reasons when they made a published volume for Born Again, which included 226-233. The 223 in the article is a typo.
Hi, before I say anything I just have to say I love your work here 🙂 but I’m undecided as to how I should read the oldest Marvel Comics.
I’ve started reading My Marvelous Year but (even though I’m liking the good old commie villains and patriotism) I want to get to the 2000s as fast as possible but without missing anything (I’m kinda picky I guess). Also, I’m a complete newbie to Marvel and I have read absolutely nothing so I don’t really know if I should stick to My Marvelous Year or read the Fast Track and then follow THE GUIDE from the 2000s.
Any advice? Is My Marvelous Year complete enough story-wise?
Thanks in advance
Welcome! The fast track here will get you to the 2000’s more quickly than My Marvelous Year. MMY is extremely thorough – we definitely cover a broader scope of comics and storylines in the MMY club than the fast track.
So, if you’re in a hurry to get to the present day, I’d recommend the fast track, otherwise MMY is my rec for getting as much Marvel history as possible. Either way, I always encourage readers to stick with the books they’re enjoying the most! No point in forcing yourself through older comics if you’re not that into them, and vice versa.
Enjoy the comics!
Thanks! I continued reading MMY and even though I really want to get to present day I feel like every chapter I read will have some relevance later on! So I’m reading the best and the very good according to your 60’s recap and just the synopsis of the weaker ones so I don’t loose much time.
Reeally great work though, I’ve been wanting to get into Marvel for years (ever since I read the death of captain america at a library, a bit of a spoiler for me I guess -_-) but didn’t know where to start.
Thanks again and I’ll start voting when I catch up with you in MMY!
Should I,for example, read all of the avengers comics before the kree skrull war to understand what is going on
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH!
This list is really helping, just a quick question though (may seem stupid and I think I already know the answer)
Do I have to read everything here in order or can i jump to silver surfer or secret wars?
I’m guessing I can’t but I really can’t wait to read secret wars
Glad you enjoy!
A series like Silver Surfer (assuming you mean the more recent 2014 version ) is relatively accessible. You don’t need to read everything before that, although the surfers appearances in fantastic four will provide essential background.
For Secret Wars, there’s definitely a build up that will make the read better. Check out my secret wars guide in the complete marvel reading order, and head to the Hickman avengers lead in (at the least).
Enjoy the comics!
Personally, I’d replace Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus Vol. 1 with Vol. 2. Aside from Amazing Fantasy #15, pretty much all of Vol. 1 is filler. The stories that truly define Spidey’s legacy are in Vol. 2.
I think calling the entirety of Steve Ditko’s run on AMS filler is a step (or several million) too far, but I do agree that Vol. 2 is great as well.
Thanks for the list. Started this morning and I’m on issue 11 of spiderman it’s awesome. Quick question do u have a longer list cuz I would love to read more into spiderman with venom and carnage and all but if I do that I would be jumping back to the past reading fantastic four. Any tips?
What are you trying to pull here? (Just Jokes)
Noticing a theme so far…Your Spider-man run ends before Peter can Meet MJ
…Your Fantastic Four Run ends before Johnny Re-unites with Crystal
…The silver surfer never unites with Shalla-ball
Reading Dr. Strange now, hopefully he can unite with Clea
Thanks for the list
Hello, thank you for your guides! They are really helpful for a new reader to get into the marvel universe, as I always wanted.
One question about the strange tales. Should I read the entire issues or just the doctor strange parts?
Up to you, but I’m just referencing the Dr. Strange stories here. Enjoy!
Dear God. This is such a life saver.
I looked around for a solid half a day trying to figure out where to start in MCU, getting a million answers, picking a starting point then being confused, when I found your complete reading order and the essential trades collections. Those have been fantastic, but I still felt like I was missing a bunch of back story, and as a completionist with not a lot of free time on his hands, I was VERY conflicted as to what to do.
This is the best of both worlds. I like the older comics, but yeah, they’re dry sometimes. This list, though, is a tremendous help and I can’t wait to hop back on MU and start to make a dent. You, sir, deserve all the awards.
On the Daredevil: Born Again + Man Without Fear Miniseries entry,
you state it collects:
Collects: #226 – #223, MWF 5 issue mini
Did you mean #226 – #233 or # 223 – # 226 ?
Thanks
Or do I think you should read them backward?
No, it’s supposed to be #226 to #233. Thanks for the catch 🙂
So starting with “Amazing Spider-Man #1 – #38 + Amazing Fantasy #15” where exactly can I get these from? Do you have read them online? I would rather prefer physical copies. Where would I buy from?
Thanks for the list by the way, even though I’m a bit slow at catching on haha.
There are a few collected editions you can check out for these issues. There’s an Omnibus that collects all of them, but it’s more expensive. The black and white Marvel Essentials will run you less than $15, and you’ll need volumes 1 & 2 to cover all these Spidey issues. You can also check out the hardcover, color Masterworks, but again these are more expensive.
Enjoy the comics!
This list is great for someone who is just getting into the comic world.
What about Hulk though? Are any of his pre-2000 runs essential reading? The only stories I really know about are modern like Planet Hulk and World War Hulk.
That’s a good point. The first Hulk story that comes to mind is Future Imperfect. Check it out!
Another nigh-impeccable list. My only peck is that there needs to be some Steranko. Either the Nick Fury series–given the importance of SHIELD in 21st century Marvel–or his truly bizarre short run on Captain America, which was Brubaker’s acknowledged template for his Cap run.
And THANK YOU for the kudos for the Gerber Howard the Duck. Still one of the most subversive things Marvel’s ever done.
Glad you enjoy! I need to check out Steranko’s Cap, I’ve been meaning to do that for a while. For some reason his Nick Fury – while visually stunning – never really grabbed me. I think maybe I had too weird of a hacked-up Marvel Unlimited approach. Another one for the list 🙂
Lol venom and x-force are classics? Can’t stop laughing. 1998 to present? You might as well stick hot irons in your eyes in place of reason marvel or DC. At least there’s less damage to your psyche that way. Lol what a joke
Wrong list. But Remender’s Venom and Remender’s Uncanny X-Force runs are both great. Well written, smart and dealing with interesting subjects, like PTSD for one. But scoff and write badly phrased, poorly edited comments on the internet all you want. It does wonders for your credibility.
Another awesome list, Dave! Keep em coming. 😀
Long-time (and unrepentant) DC fan, this list is proving to be quite rewarding. I struggle to get through the 60s stuff (to be fair, that applies to DC as well) but the Claremont X-Men was a delight to read and I’m looking forward to reading the rest. I think the fact that you included the one Spiderman story that everyone recommends to me as a Spiderman hater means I have to read it. 🙂
Part of why I was so reluctant to get into Marvel was because without any clear starting point other than “the 60s” there was a ton of material, much of it quite old and overly wordy. This is proving to be a good way to hit all the notes without having to read the spaces in between.
Awesome, I’m glad it’s working for you.
And yes, you have GOT to read Kraven’s Last Hunt 🙂
Quick question about amazing spider-man you said go up to 38 but what about 39 and 40 as those have green goblin in it and thats when the memory is loss?
Issue #38 marks the last Steve Ditko issue, which is why the cut off is there. That said, you’re absolutely encouraged to keep reading Amazing Spider-Man as long as you see fit 🙂
Do you find it necessary to read all of the above comics before beginning on *Early 2000’s until Avengers disassembled*, or can I focus on the ones here that interests me the most? (For example by only reading Infinity Gauntlet, Secret Wars and Age of Apocalypse, just to mention a few)
I would definitely encourage jumping to the reads that interest you most. It’s certainly an option, but you don’t need to have read all these books to start 2000’s era Marvel.
I will follow this guide, thank you very much, i was searching for something like this c:
A very useful and detailed guide, Thank You! I subscribed to MU because of this site.
Just so I am clear, after finishing the reading list there, I should start with * Early 2000s Until Avengers Disassembled * and all the way down on “Complete Marvel Reading Order Guide”?
You got it!
These are the important ones right? I mean if I read all of them, there will be -almost- nothing I won’t understand in 2000s? If it’s like that, you saved me a lot of trouble (which is ~5000 comics).
These are the big guns, yes. You’ll have a very strong foundation in the Marvel Universe if you read. Enjoy!
Do you think you could make a full guide on this time period like you did for the modern era? I really want to read the old books to get a lot of background, but I cannot find any good orders online. So could you possibly make a full order for 1961-2000? That would be great. Thanks.
I’ll certainly consider.
One short term recommendation would be to make use of the publication date filter in Marvel Unlimited. You can read all comics published in 1962 by the month they were released, for example. Now this has some flaws (1963 starts with a bunch of annual issues that don’t actually make sense until mid-year), but it’s an option.
Well, I would do that, except many issues aren’t relevant. For example, many silver age comics have nothing to do with the marvel universe itself. But thank you for considering this. It would be great. The only thing I know is that the real marvel universe starts with Fantastic Four #1, so I’ll try what you said. But an Earth 616 reading order for before modern would be amazing.
Gwen’s alive!
Oh, thank heavens! 🙂
I haven’t read any of this stuff! I’m following some of your other guides, working through the ultimate lines SpiderMan/X-Men/F4/Ultimates using your issue order and also looking into the post 2000 events starting with Avengers Disassembled. I don’t mind admitting that the MCU movies have turned me on to this whole world, so I’m not really an ‘old school’ comics fan.
I’ll be sure to pick up these volumes where I can. For someone like me, just discovering the beauty of comics in their early 30s your website and knowledge are fantastic tools. Thanks for your efforts!
Awesome, glad you enjoy!
I don´t understand anything about any of this. Are you saying that my first ever comic book should be Amazing Spider-Man #1 with this post? please HELP!
You can follow the recommendations in this post in order, that’s correct.
“Uncanny X-Men #132 – #141
Continuing the Claremont and Byrne era to include the Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past. The lesson here, as always, is YOU REALLY SHOULD THE CLAREMONT ERA X-MEN.”
I can’t make sense of the part I typed in all caps there. Should skip? Should read? Should make a pile of and roll around in?
Also: this website is amazing and so are you. Thank you.
Why thank you!
I don’t even remember all-capsing that but you got it: definitely roll around in near mint issues.
I typed in all caps for clarification of the section, you only missed a word.
Oh 🙂 Thanks!
I agree with pretty much most of these. I think Spider-Man and Fantastic Four are easily the two most readable ’60s Marvels for new readers; I think they sum up pretty well the best the Silver Age has to offer.
Elektra and Squadron Supreme are the two I’ve never read, so I’ll have to make an effort to seek them out now.
My one gripe, and of course You Mileage May Vary, is Silver Surfer. The John Buscema art is excellent but this series has Stan at his most soapy and angsty. The stories, especially the later ones, really get kind of inconsistent/sloppy, and in general, are just hard to get through.
I’m a sucker for soapy Stan, so I can’t really argue 🙂
I think what I find most fascinating about this series (aside form the art, like you mentioned), is that it feels very much like the idiosyncratic offbeat solo character series that are so popular now.
Squadron Supreme is absolutely excellent, I highly recommend. Elektra sadly not on MU, but it’s one of the most ambitious Marvel limited series I’ve ever read. Few Marvel Comics take as many chances as that Elektra book.