The Red Skull’s Onslaught Begins
Marvel has been building up to Axis for a while now, as readers of Rick Remender’s Uncanny Avengers well know. When the Red Skull augmented himself with the brain of the recently deceased Professor Charles Xavier, it was only a matter of time before his immense power meant a genocidal onslaught for the Marvel Universe.
I’ll be updating the Axis reading order weekly as new issues in the March to Axis and ultimately Axis itself are released. The March to Axis began in September 2014 with Uncanny Avengers #24.
Before you begin, I would also highly recommend Remender’s Uncanny Avengers
Previously: Original Sin
Axis Trade Reading Order
Uncanny Avengers: Axis Prelude
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Includes Uncanny Avengers 23-25, Magneto 9-10, Uncanny Avengers Annual 1. Note that Uncanny Avengers Annual #1 is pretty fun, but has less than zero to do with Axis.
Captain America: The Tomorrow Soldier
Loki: Agent of Asgard – I Cannot Tell a Lie
Note that only issue #6 comes prior to the events of Axis. The rest are post-inversion.
Axis (Main Series)
Collects Axis #1 to #9, and, well, nothing else. Unfortunately, after the stellar and largely complete Original Sin companion collections, Axis got the short end of the stick, meaning you need to dig and dive for a full trade run.
Amazing X-Men: Once & Future Juggernaut
Captain America & The Mighty Avengers
The March to Axis Reading Order
Magneto #10
Captain America #22 – #24
Technically, only Captain America #24 is marked as “March to Axis,” but it’s the third issue in the “Tomorrow Soldier” story arc, so I’d argue it makes more sense to just read the full arc. Particularly because of the involvement of Arnim Zola and the Red Skull.
Loki: Agent of Asgard #6
Uncanny Avengers #25
Captain America #25
Avengers & X-Men Axis
Axis: Revolutions #1
Revolutions is actually published after Avengers & X-Men: Axis #3, but based on Dr. Strange’s involvement in New York City this issue can be read after Axis #1. As tie-ins go, there isn’t a lot of relevant plot or informational value added here. Instead you get short stories involving Spider-Man and Dr. Strange reacting to World War Hate in New York City. It’s a similar approach to Original Sins during the Original Sin event. Not essential if you just want the story of Axis, but occasionally fun, light-hearted one-off short stories.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 3.5 out of 10
Loki: Agent of Asgard #7
There’s a fair amount of Loki backstory embroiled in this issue, which may be confusing if you aren’t up to speed on Loki: Agent of Asgard (and also Young Avengers… he’s kind of a teenager now?). Nonetheless, the issue establishes Dr. Doom and Loki’s place in the Red Skull’s Onslaught as the Skull’s hate wave hits Latveria. Sets up the next issue in our reading order…
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 7.0 out of 10
Magneto #11
Technically the bulk of Magneto #11 occurs about 3/4 of the way through Axis #2. So if you’re a true continuity believer, put down your issue of Axis #2 when Magneto stoically refuses Iron Man aid, and pick up Magneto #11. For everyone else, this issue explains Magneto’s (essential) role in the Axis conflict, and also explains how we get to the conclusion of Axis #2.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 9.0 out of 10
Magneto #12
Although this issue is published after Axis #6, it can be read most appropriately after issue #3. Magneto #12 details the role of Magneto’s army during the events of Axis #3 as well as history between Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto. So far Magneto has been one of the most essential tie-ins during the entire Axis event, and issue #12 is no exception.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 9.0 out of 10
Deadpool #36
Deadpool is shockingly relevant within the pages of Axis, and his first tie-in issue is both funny, entertaining, and adds value to the overall Axis event. It’s everything Deadpool’s turn in Original Sin wasn’t. Amazingly, too, I think Deadpool most clearly explains what is actually happening to heroes and villains at the end of Axis #3, better even than the issue itself. Highly recommend this one.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 9.0 out of 10
All-New X-Factor #15
Like Deadpool #36, All-New X-Factor #15 showcases the impact of the Red Skull’s World War Hate on America as a whole. The new X-Factor team has to manage hate infecting the president of the United States as well as the rest of Washington D.C. It’s a useful tie-in to elaborate on the impact of the Axis event, but if you’re not up to speed with All-New X-Factor this one’s not quite as easy to just pick up and dive into.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 6.5 out of 10
All-New X-Factor #16
Issue #16 was released after Axis #5, but it can be read immediately following the cliff-hanger in X-Factor #15.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 6.5 out of 10
Inhuman #9
This read will be a lot better if you’ve been reading Inhuman since the events of Infinity. As is, it’s very lightly tied in, although I suspect Medusa’s time on Genosha will have a greater impact on Axis moving forward.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 4.0 out of 10
Inhuman #10
I had initially placed these Inhumans issues in line with their publication (after Axis #6), but the read makes the most sense in the aftermath of the battle on Genosha. So far (through Axis #8) the Inhumans are like the F plot of the event, so not hugely relevant tie-ins.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 4.0 out of 10
Avengers & X-Men: Axis #4
Superior Iron Man #1
Pretty enormous impact on Tony Stark spiraling out of Axis, including an all-new Superior series!
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 8.0 out of 10
One part weird X-Statix homage, and one part Superior Spider-Man epilogue, Axis: Hobgoblin #1 is pretty much all bewildering. I’m still largely unclear what Marvel is looking to achieve with this book, although it appears intended to showcase Hobgoblin’s new place in the Marvel Universe renting out unused Hero identities to willing civilians. It’s an interesting concept so hopefully we see it grow from here.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 5.0 out of 10
Axis: Hobgoblin #2
Technically published after Axis #5, but I’d go ahead and just continue with the batty, rampant consumerism of Hobgoblin here.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 5.0 out of 10
Axis: Hobgoblin #3
Published after Axis #8, and could be read as late as after Axis #5, but works just fine here.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 5.0 out of 10
Axis: Carnage #1
The “Villains acting as heroes” tie-ins continue with Carnage. This first issue plays a lot more like an intriguing new concept and story than Hobgoblin and actually sets up a continuing Carnage series. Carnage attempting to be Spider-Man is actually pretty funny, and although this issue doesn’t add much to the overall Axis storyline it sets up an intriguing series moving forward.
Both Hobgoblin and Carnage were published prior to Axis #4. Nonetheless I’d place these issues after the start of “Inversion,” as the “villains acting like heroes” component of the story doesn’t really start until Axis #4.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 6.5 out of 10
Axis: Carnage #2
Issue #2 of Carnage’s heroics is published after Axis #6, but I don’t see any reason you can’t just stick with the series here (in fact, it makes more sense if you do). The second issue doesn’t drive much of any Axis plot, so for Carnage fanatics only.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 5.0 out of 10
Axis: Carnage #3
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 5.0 out of 10
Captain America & The Mighty Avengers #1
Captain America & The Mighty Avengers #2
Must occur before Cap/Falcon’s involvement in Axis #5.
How Essential a Tie In Is This? 4.5 out of 10
Captain America & The Mighty Avengers #3
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 5.5 out of 10
Deadpool #37
All-New X-Factor #17
You could also likely read this immediately after All-New X-Factor #16, but the cliffhanger ending applies a little more closely here.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 6.5 out of 10
Amazing X-Men #14
This one’s a little trickier to place, as you could essentially read Mystique tracking Nightcrawler down to Germany at any point after Axis #4. Complicating things, the issue is actually published after Axis #7. You could read it there and be fine, but I actually prefer the story in the immediate aftermath of the inversion. Their surprise with one another just makes more sense. A good read from Yost and co.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 6.5 out of 10
Axis #5
Nova #23
Flows directly out of the pages of Axis #5.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 7.5 out of 10
Nova #24
Published after Axis #6 but you can just continue with Nova’s involvement in the events here.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 7.5 out of 10
Avengers World #15
Occurs before Dr. Doom’s appearance in Axis #6.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 7.o out of 10
Avengers World #16
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 7.o out of 10
Axis: Revolutions #2
Axis: Revolutions #3
You could really read this issue at any point after Axis #4. Short Kitty Pryde and Sandman stories with no real impact on Axis world at large.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 2.0 out of 10
Axis: Revolutions #4
I like the idea of Axis: Revolutions (one-shot stories isolated from the “event” spectacle focusing on singular characters), but man alive these issues are falling flat. Original Sins (Original Sin’s similar counterpart) was a surprise standout during Marvel’s last event, but no such luck here.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 1.0 out of 10
Loki: Agent of Axis #8
Axis #6
Superior Iron Man #2
Slight overlap with some events in Axis #6, and then continues with the fallout. One of the more interesting Axis tie-ins to date.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 8.0 out of 10
Superior Iron Man #3
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 8.0 out of 10
Wolverine & The X-Men #12
Not a particularly time sensitive (or essential) Axis tie-in. You can read really any time after Axis #4, but this is where it’s published.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 3.0 out of 10
Deadpool #38
Deadpool somehow remains surprisingly relevant to Axis, although here it’s not until the very conclusion of the issue.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 7.0 out of 10
Axis #7
I’d just note here that reading the Deadpool tie-ins becomes very relevant for this issue.
Also a note that twice now I’ve seen Guardians of the Galaxy listed as Axis tie-ins, for issue #21 and for annual #1. These comics have nothing to do with Axis. I personally enjoy GoTG more often than not, but don’t get tricked into thinking those are relevant issues for Axis.
Axis #8
Axis #9
Deadpool #39
Resolves Deadpool and Apocalypse following the events of Axis #9.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 8.0 out of 10
Loki: Agent of Asgard #9
Editor’s notes for the issue state Loki takes place during Axis #9, and before Thor #1 (not an Axis tie-in, but clearly related to the aftermath).
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 7.o out of 10
Nova #25
More of an epilogue than an Axis tie-in. Read only if you’re invested in Nova as a regular series.
How Essential a Tie-In Is This? 5.0 out of 10
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Dude, I love your website. I previously used it in conjunction with ComicBookDB.com (but now that’s dead). So you are my go-to source for all things continuity, and are much appreciated.
**Can you speak to, or have you?, the continuity difficulties in the Uncanny Avengers > Axis and Hickman’s Avengers > Secret Wars…
both Avenger titles launched and ran together, but with what is happening in Hickman’s run, it doesn’t seem as if there is time for both runs to happen in the same space. Also, they don’t often, or at all, mention each other. I struggle to fit in the Uncanny Avengers and Axis with Hickman’s masterclass… any help is appreciated.
Yeah, you definitely have a Hickman-verse and a Remender-verse at Marvel during this time. The biggest connection is that Hickman will eventually pull from Remender’s big status quo shifts in Captain America, and a bit from Axis/Superior Iron Man.
I think I cover as much in my Secret Wars guide with a little more detail! https://www.comicbookherald.com/the-complete-marvel-reading-order-guide/secret-wars-reading-order/
Another big thanks from me as well. I am a Marvel Unlimited subscriber and these lists have helped me catch up on the recent and distant Marvel comics. Marvel U is OK at putting the comics in one place, while your site gets them in the best order. I appreciate your hard work.
Awesome, very glad to hear it!
Just wanted to give you a quick shout out and say THANK YOU. You’ve made reading way more enjoyable than I could possibly imagine. The child in me wants to give you the biggest high five, and the adult in me owes you a good beer. Keep it up Dave!!
– Fan
Who says it can’t be both?
Glad you like the guides and look forward to seeing you around CBH!
what uncanny x force issues are really essential for the build-up to Axis
I love the whole series, but you’ll want at least through the end of the Dark Angel Saga, which I believe is issue #18.
None. There are two volumes of Uncanny X-force. Volume One which ran from 2010-2013, 35 issues has the Dark Angel Saga (issue 10-18).
Volume Two ran from 2013-2014, 17 unremarkable issues.
Volume One is must read because of its great story telling and effects on the X-Men in years to come(Top 20 X-Men story). You can skip Volume Two. Neither was being published at the time of the AXIS event so there are no crossovers.
Since no one any of the X-Force teams were inverted is it possible you mean Uncanny Avengers? If so then the required issues are in the article above.
There was also Cable and the X-Force but that book also ended before AXIS and no one on that team was inverted either.
no i don`t mean Uncanny Avengers for the description at the top said this ” then I’d also recommend Remender’s run on Uncanny X-Force. They’re fantastic reads and heavily referenced in the build-up to Axis.”
I’m curious about why “Young” Jean Grey showed up in a few of the issues. She’s on panel I think just once, but she makes the opening page “who’s who” list a few times. I figured the “All New X-Men” cast were in the Ultimates Universe hanging out with Miles Morales at this point and that’s why they weren’t involved, but if that’s the case, why Jean Grey??!! My guess is artist/editor mistake?
That’s a nice catch. To my recollection, she doesn’t play much of a role in the events at all. I wonder if they intended to feature the All-New X-Men lineup more, and then just never made it into the story?
Well, I have yet to read the series, (still collecting all of the comics for it first), but on your list here, you have Superior Iron Man #2 & 3 on here twice. (Once after Axis #6, then Superior Iron Man #1-3 after Nova #25.) So where do these issues occur that make the most since with the Axis event? Also, Superior Iron Man #4 is out now, so how many more issues of Marvel comics are going to be related to Axis?
I’ve moved the Superior Iron Man issues back to Superior Iron Man #1 right after Axis #4, and the next issues after Axis #6. This placement makes the most sense.
We now know that everyone does not change back until Axis #9. According to the information on the first page of Superior Iron Man #1; the story starts after everyone except Tony, Sabertooth and Havoc were changed back. So Superior Iron Man is post Axis not an Axis tie-in. I suppose that’s why it does not have the Axis heading on the cover.
Spot on, good catch!
seems to be right, but what about the fight of daredevil against sup iron man at the stark tower? It’s the same as in Axis 6, placing it around there. But maybe thats just a flashback, who knows.
Captain America and the Might Avengers 3 should be just after issues 1 & 2. The editors note toward the end sets it still before Axis 5.
Loki 9 the first part with Enchantress and Lorelei flashes just back to before “Axis of Evil” film their video. The rest of the issue takes plays during the Loki vs Thor battle in Axis 9. It also occurs before the new Thor series #1.
Deadpool 39 is immediately after Axis 9.
Superior Iron Man 3 continues directly from the end of the 2nd issue.
Nova 25 is set long enough after Axis 9 and Thor 1 that the Avengers are (mostly) together again, and Thor already has already has his new arm. The ending is also a result of Nova’s involvement in the Axis event.
All New X-factor 18 was originally listed as an Axis tie-in, but it is set after the event.
Magneto 13 isn’t a tie-in either.
Hey, man. Great list. Looking forward to reading them! But, whatever happened to the latest tie-ins? None of the wednesday releases are present here. Still waiting for those ones. (i.e. Loki #9, Superior Iron Man #3 etc.)
I’m curious which issue is truly the end of this epic storyline too. Thanks again for the list!
Hey man- this list is great, and I am using it every week as a great resource for what books to pick up, which are “essential reading” and what order to read them. Nice job with this! Just wanted to give you a heads-up that you had Axis Revolutions #3 listed twice and no entry yet for Axis Revolutions #4. Thanks for doing this, and I look forward to the next update!
Nice, thanks for catching that. I was so distraught with the issue I couldn’t even count 🙂
Glad you’re enjoying the guide!
Thanks so much for your wonderful services. What would we do without you?
Glad you enjoy!
You da real MVP! Thanks for paving my path through everything Marvel!
You’re very welcome 🙂 Glad you dig the site!
I really needed this list, so I appreciate you taking the time to organize this series (fine-tuned with excellent comments, of course)! I am doing the same as Tristan and waiting to read Axis until it finishes, collecting all the related comics so this list is great!
Thank you, enjoy the comics!
Are you waiting for more context before placing Loki #8 and Axis: Revolutions #2? Not complaining, just trying to get things straight, as I’m (probably rather foolishly) attempting to save up the main series and tie-ins I’m interested in for one massive binge read when it’s all over, and using your reading order to get ready.
Just needed to find time to get through ’em 🙂 All books are added and will continue to be as they are released. You’ll definitely be good for a binge read once all Axis is said and done!
I love this site and this reading order (especially since so many titles are involved it can get confusing)
Only got one note, and it is fairly picky – Shouldn’t Superior Iron Man #1 come before Nova 23? As in Nova the opening panels describe how IM is developing Extremis once again and drinking his way through places – and that’s the first few bits of Superior Iron Man.
As I said, very picky haha, but felt it worth mentioning.
Thanks agian!
Glad you dig the site! Interesting point about Nova and Superior Iron Man. My take originally was that the Superior Iron Man details were revealed in Axis #5, and Nova flows more closely out of those events. I can see the argument though… I’m open to persuasion 🙂
Awesome list! I’ll be checking back throughout the AXIS series. Thanks so much.
Glad you enjoy, look forward to seeing you around the site!
Hi Dave great points about Superior Iron Man details already being revealed so your placement of SIM is spot on correct. (Not to nit pick but I have to correct your response to the poster, it’s AXIS #4 not #5 that shows Iron Man giving away the Extremis App in the baseball stadium.
I’m curious to see where you put Magneto #12. Just like Infinity this crossover tells the same event from different perspectives in different books. So Magneto #12 and AXIS #3 are telling the same story with different details. One doesn’t necessarily follow the other, so I’m curious whats your take on placement.
Thanks for the great reading orders!
Loki #7 as stated on the cover is part of “March to Axis” not Axis. It cannot be after Avengers & X-Men: Axis #2 as you have listed here because at the end of Avengers & X-Men: Axis #2 Magneto shows up with Doom and Loki. In Loki is freed at the end of Loki #7 so he can appear in Avengers & X-Men: Axis #2.
Magento #9 needs to come earlier in the order. In Avengers #24 Wanda, Rogue and Havoc wake up in Genosha, free themselves and goes and rescues Magneto. Magenta #9 is all about about he ends up in Genosha. In fact all of Magento #10 except the last page also takes place before Avengers #24. You could coin clip whether to place Megneto #10 before Avengers #24 but there is no doubt Magento #9 should be before Avengers #24.
Thank you for the feedback, I agree with your assessment here and have updated the guide!
This is awesome, thank you very much.
This is exactly what i needed! Thank you!
Awesome, enjoy the comics!