The longest running “run” in Marvel Comics of the 2010’s escalates to a full out Marvel Universe event with 2019’s War of The Realms spiraling out of the pages of Thor.
Writer Jason Aaron began his time in Asgard with 2012’s Thor: God of Thunder, through the Jane Foster era of Thor, and now on into the War of the Realms.
Previously: Marvel Fresh Start
Comic Book Herald’s Road to War of the Realms
The War of the Realms event is a long time brewing. As a result, I’ve put together a guide of the essential reads that will get you up to speed with the state of the relevant Marvel Universe leading in to the full event guide below.
I’d call out here that those of you who want to binge the full Jason Aaron written Thor and Avengers comics that build to this moment can find a guide here:
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The Complete Jason Aaron Thor Reading Order!
Thor by Jason Aaron: The Complete Collection Vol. 1
Collects: Thor: God of Thunder #1 to #18
Thor Volume 1: Goddess of Thunder
Collects: Thor #1 to #5
Mighty Thor Vol. 1: Thunder in Her Veins
Collects: Mighty Thor #1 to #5
Honestly, from this point forward it becomes increasingly difficult to suggest skipping any portion of the run. The kickoff of Mighty Thor is more or less a straight line drive into The War of the Realms!
I’m not going to list out all the collections here (again, those of you interested will want to go to the Thor Reading Order!). That said, I do recommend reading all the way through.
Thor Vol. 1: God of Thunder Reborn
Collects: Thor (2018) #1 to #6
Avengers by Jason Aaron Vol. 1: The Final Host
Collects: Avengers (2018) #1 to #6, Marvel FCBD 2018
Jason Aaron’s Fresh Start title relaunches are the comics with the clearest tie-ins to the War of the Realms event.
Avengers by Jason Aaron Vol. 3: War of the Vampire
Collects: Avengers #13 to #17
Collects: Thor #7 to #11
The War of the Realms Collected Comics
Collects: Thor (1966) #344; Thor: God Of Thunder #13 & #17; Mighty Thor (2015) #1-2, #13-14 & #22, #25, Mighty Thor (2015) #4 & #700, and Mighty Thor: At The Gates Of Valhalla
This is Marvel’s version of a collected “fast track” leading up to War of the Realms. I tend to find these too slight for a real enjoyment of the event (for example, Marvel’s 2015 Secret Wars Prelude), but seeing as they know the contents of the event, these key issues are telling.
Long story short, if you’re really looking for the most concise path, try the Marvel Method! Obviously, if you followed the CBH background reading path above, you’ll have read all of these except the Walt Simonson era issue of Thor #344 (the first appearance of Malekith the Dark Elf!).
Collects: War of the Realms #1 to #6, War of the Realms: Omega #1
Collects: Thor (2018) #12-16
War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery
Collects: Journey into Mystery #1 to #5
War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas
Collects: War Of The Realms: New Agents Of Atlas 1-4
Collects: War Of The Realms: Giant-Man 1-3, War Of The Realms: War Scrolls
War Of The Realms: Amazing Spider-Man/Daredevil
Collects: War Of The Realms: Amazing Spider-Man 1-3, War Scrolls 1-3
Collects: Venom (2018) 13-16, Venom: Cult Of Carnage 1
Asgardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Collects: Asgardians Of The Galaxy 6-10
The War of the Realms Comics Checklist
Act 1: The World At War!
Tony Stark, Iron Man #12
Tony Stark, Iron Man #13
Recommended Tie-In? Inessential, Iron Man fans only.
Ready for some good old fashioned comics chronology madness? These issues of Tony Stark, Iron Man were released after War of the Realms #5 but actually take place before even the first event issue. That said, it’s a decidedly strange (and inessential) place to start the War of the Realms reading experience. So, chronologically the issues go here, but my personal preference would be to read after War of the Realms #1.
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #43
Recommended Tie-In? Yes!
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is an extremely charming comic, and the creative team of Ryan North, Derek Charm and company are able to integrate Doreen Green into the War of the Realms narrative pretty seamlessly. This issue does not seem particularly crucial to the larger event plot, but it’s a good comic that features a stealth Voltron made entirely of Spider-Man webbing.
War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery #1
Recommended Tie-In? Yes
Solid storytelling and weird team-building from the McIlroys, and a narrative thread that feels pretty important to War of the Realms.
Asgardians of the Galaxy #8
Recommended Tie-In? Mostly
As you’d expect, the eighth issue of Asgardians of the Galaxy is both an apparently relevant part of the War of the Realms story, and steeped in the previous 7 issues of the series. Asgardians does a decent job explaining what’s going on up front, but I do think that because this *odd* team lineup is a wild mixture of Marvel lore, it’s going to make a lot more sense if you’ve read the series up to this point.
War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1
War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #2
War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #3
Recommended Tie-In? Inessential, stands alone.
Although published after War of the Realms #3, issue includes a note that the events take place before and during War of the Realms #1. There are a lot of new players in this new incarnation of the Agents of Atlas, making it worth a read to get your head around who’s in this event.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #43
Recommended Tie-In? I say thee nay!
Flashback issue about Luna and Devil’s trip to Asgard.
Thor #12
Recommended Tie-In? Yes
Follows up on the end of War of the Realms #1, with all sorts of direct ties to Aaron’s lengthy Thor run. If you’ve been wondering if the “Future Thor” timeline would be playing a role in this event, Thor #12 delivers your answer!
Asgardians of the Galaxy #9
Recommended Tie-In? Mostly
Direct response to the fallout from War of the Realms #2. Likely to play a role moving forward!
War of the Realms: Punisher #1
War of the Realms: Punisher #2
War of the Realms: Punisher #3
Recommended Tie-In? Inessential, Punisher fans only.
Punisher’s left in New York to fight the invading hordes of Malekith, and seek vengeance on Frost Giants. It’s a good fit for Frank in the event, but pretty inconsequential.
Fantastic Four #10
Recommended Tie-In? Inessential, Only if you’re already reading FF.
Avengers #18
Recommended Tie-In? No, but it could become more meaningful as the event goes.
This is a very weird issue, as Jason Aaron and Ed McGuiness use the first Avengers tie-in to fully commit to the Squadron Supreme of America subplot that’s been playing out over the course of the series. As such, it’s an awaited development for Avengers readers, but one that has very little to contribute to War of the Realms. That said, with Aaron at the helm of the core event and this title, I’m expecting more of a payoff down the road.
Avengers #19
Recommended Tie-In? Very light rec.
I’ve been genuinely surprised how tangential Avengers has remained to War of the Realms. This will appeal to fans of the series to date because Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness concentrate way more heavily on the Agents of Wakanda and the stories that they’ve been building since Avengers #1 (2018).
Long story short, it’s a minor detail fill-in for the event as a whole.
Venom #13
Venom #14
Venom #15
Recommended Tie-In? Inessential, Cullen Bunn era Venom fans only.
It’s insulting, but the starting creative team (Cates and Stegman) is literally catching their breath on the bench during this crossover. As inessential as event tie-ins come.
War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #1
Recommended Tie-In? Light rec – mostly for those already reading this run of Uncanny.
Matthew Rosenberg and Pere Perez find a sensible road in for the X-Men, connecting to Dani Moonstar’s ties to Asgard from her New Mutants days.
Superior Spider-Man #7
Recommended Tie-In? Yes. Inessential but fun.
Good issue bringing Spider-Ock and West Coast Avengers into the fray.
Giant-Man #1
Giant-Man #2
Giant-Man #3
Recommended Tie-In? Yes.
Fun concept to bring the various Marvel Giant-Men together, and even more entertaining to send them on an assassination at the behest of Freyja.
Act 2: Reclaim the Realms!
War of the Realms: War Scrolls #1
Recommended Tie-In? Yes.
Includes four stories (Daredevil, Warriors Three, Wolverine & Punisher, and Howard the Duck), with the Daredevil chapters an ongoing story from Jason Aaron and Andrea Sorrentino.
Update after reading War of the Realms #3: As expected, the Daredevil portion of “War Scrolls” best follows the events of the third core event issue, even though it was released after issue #2.
War of the Realms: War Scrolls #2
Recommended Tie-In? Yes.
Includes three stories (Daredevil, Doctor Strange, and Wiccan, Hulkling, Loki!). The second two stories better follow War of the Realms #2, but obviously the second chapter of “The God of Fear” has to follow “War Scrolls” #1.
War of the Realms Strikeforce: The War Avengers #1
Recommended Tie-In? Yes.
Although published after War of the Realms #4, the majority of “The War Avengers” takes place prior to War of the Realms #3. Since there’s some light overlap that reveals events that take place in War of the Realms #3, I add the issue after the third event series. You could make a case for reading it between main event issue two and three, though.
War of the Realms Strikeforce: The Land of Giants #1
Recommended Tie-In? Yes!
“The Land of Giants” fills in Captain America, Wolverine, Spider-Man, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist’s mission that occurs during War of the Realms #3. This issue written by Tom Taylor actually adds to the event story in clear, strong ways!
Superior Spider-Man #8
Recommended Tie-In? Yes!
Otto and Gwenpool are a great event tie-in combo.
Champions #5
Champions #6
Recommended Tie-In? Absolutely not. Skip.
War of the Realms Strikeforce: The Dark Elf Realm #1
Recommended Tie-In? Light rec.
98% of this issue serves as prelude to the Strikeforce Lady Freyja assembles and leads in War of the Realms #3. The issue concludes in step with the core event issue, so I’d still read it after as fill-in. This series covers one of the core team-ups in the main event, meaning it definitely carries some weight. I didn’t love the issue, but it’s connected.
Thor #13
Recommended Tie-In? Yes.
The ballad of Cul Borson. Most of this Thor tie-in occurs prior to War of the Realms, but the issue finishes alongside War of the Realms #3 and Strikeforce: The Dark Elf Realm.
War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery #2
War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery #3
War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery #4
Recommended Tie-In? Only if you were into first issue.
The continuing adventures of Balder, Kate Bishop, Miles Morales, Wonder Man, Simon/Druid, Death Lockett, Thori, and a baby. Can be read any time after JiM #1.
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #44
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #45
Recommended Tie-In? Haha, no. Only if you’re into Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, in which case, of course.
Can be read any time after Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #43.
Spider-Man and the League of Realms #1
Spider-Man and the League of Realms #2
Recommended Tie-In? Yes.
Follows up directly on War of the Realms #4, with more explorations of the conquested Midgard.
War of the Realms: War Scrolls #3
Recommended Tie-In? Yes.
I’ve moved this apart from the previous “War Scrolls” issues due to the connection to the ensuing Spider-Man & The League of Realms issue.
Spider-Man & The League of Realms #3
Recommended Tie-In? Yes.
Final issue in the “League of Realms” spinoff.
War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #2
Recommended Tie-In? Yes.
More information about the X-Men’s role during War of the Realms, with a whole lot of New Mutants history sprinkled throughout. You could conceivably read this earlier, but I think it works well as published with the implication that time has passed.
War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #3
Recommended Tie-In? If you’ve enjoyed so far.
The event definitely has a bigger impact on the X-Men than I would have expected going in.
Deadpool #13
Deadpool #14
Recommended Tie-In? Inessential, fun if you like Deadpool.
Wade goes to a land down under to fight Troll armies.
Captain Marvel #6
Captain Marvel #7
Recommended Tie-In? Yes.
Leave it to Kelly Thompson to write one of the best tie-ins of the event.
Avengers #20
Recommended Tie-In? Minor.
Credit where it’s due, a lot of readers prefer when series aren’t overly disrupted by events. Avengers contributes next to nothing to War of the Realms, but if you’ve enjoyed the series to date, it uses the event to move the regular proceedings forward.
Asgardians of the Galaxy #10
Recommended Tie-In? Partially.
Final issue in the series if you’ve been following.
Act 3: Midgard’s Last Stand!
War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery #5
Recommended Tie-In? Inessential, continue if you’ve enjoyed series.
You could 99% read this in sequence with the other JiM issues, but the ending brings us closer to this point in the main event.
Thor #14
Recommended Tie-In? Verily.
This tie-in takes place during War of the Realms #6. True continuity maniacs should read WotR #6 until the Thor Corps approach Malekith, then read Thor #14, then return to WotR #6!
War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #4
Recommended Tie-In? If you’ve enjoyed so far.
A small part of the issue occurs after War of the Realms #6.
Epilogue:
Valkyrie #1
Loki #1
Punisher Kill Krew
Thor #15
King Thor
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I’m surprised you didn’t include Mighty Thor Vol. 5: The Death Of The Mighty Thor in your what to read before list. It leads directly into War of the Realms and the events in it are even discussed in the preamble/introduction to the War of the Realms trade.
Asguardians issue 8 actualy takes place at the same time as War of the Realms issue 2
and there are direct consequences in the Asguardians issue to events of War of the Realms 2 so i would read War of the Realms 2 before i read Asguardians issue 8 if i read it again later
sorry this was wrong from me i would delete the comment but cant see how
sorry again
You say War of the Realms: Omega #1 is collected in War of the Realms. That appears not to be the case, War of the Realms collects only War of the Realms #1-6. Valkyrie: Jane Foster Vol. 1 collects “material from War of the Realms: Omega (2019) #1”. Is the whole thing collected anywhere?
Does anybody know if there’s a paperback, collecting Jason Aarons Avengers #18 – #20?
Found it: ISBN 9781302914622 colllects Avengers (2018) #18-21 and material from Free Comic Book Day
Where would you recommend putting Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #46… seems to be missing!
Are most of the new ones available on the Marvel Unlimited subscription?
No – Marvel Unlimited releases new issues approximately 6 months after their release date. So I’d expect issues to start rolling in around September 2019.
What about Squirrel Girl #46?
When do we read this?
So i have been collecting the books and have pretty much everything up to act 3 but havent read anything except the prelude. I have been searching all over for an understandable read order list. It looks like u finally have more of it on here but i still dont understand. Are u saying all the venom tie ins (for example) should b read one after the other before moving to the next book? The same goes for the giant man set, is this the book by book reading order? Cuz i am getting real tired of having so many comics sitting around unread.
Some of the books u have listed before act 2 werent even released until closer to the later acts. In the in-book checklists they were put in much later as well. I havent grabbed any books in a few weeks but r some of those even out yet?
Comics are added to the reading order in the order that they should be read. I add books after 1) they’ve been published and 2) I’ve read them. If a book isn’t placed w/ my assessment (whether or not I recommend), then it either isn’t out yet, I haven’t read, or possibly I missed it.
I mention some of the release oddities in my notes – Marvel’s release order does *not* correspond with chronology. That’s why I make the lists more often than not 🙂
What is the recommended reading order for Thor 7-9 and Avengers 7-15, they are not on the list currently.
Just read em as is. Those two books are unrelated at that time.
Do you plan to do a “proper” reading order AFTER the whole event is out?
is original sin neccessary for war of the realms? plan on getting to it eventually but not yet if not required.
Original Sin is only important in telling how Thor lost his powers. Just look up how it happened I’d say. It also talks about the 10th realm which is also easy to look up.
sweet thanks for the reply!
If you want to understand why Thor believed himself unworthy then you have to read when Aaron started on Thor with Mighty Thor and then Original Sin is after that.
I was wondering if they ever gonna publish an omnibus with all the comic that you suggest.
I am find it very difficult to find them all and I don’t go to the easy way of the piracy.
Thanks in advance mate.
Marvel Unlimited & Comixology should get you there.
Just over curiosity, for the Prelude, is there an issue by issue reading order to follow?
If you’re referencing the Marvel Prelude edition, those issues are listed in order they should be read!
Sorry, I meant the ones you had listed.
Is that the best order to follow?
It’s probably best to just wait until the event starts before looking for a reading order.
but probably not here, Dave only lists most Issues either in order of release or in order of the trades that will be released later… His orders helped me get into some events but as I was reading more and more I found more and more inconsistencies in them. If you want the read by trade like he does, these orders are great. If you like Issue by Issue ordered correctly…search somewhere else. Sorry…