For the first time since Avengers: Endgame we know what the outline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will look like through 2021. In a blend of unmitigated excitement and reaction to 8 million requests for related reading orders (which I have for every Phase 4 movie outlined! Planning!), I’ve put together a reading companion for all of Phase 4.
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Below you’ll find a complete guide to Marvel Studios’ Phase 4 film and television lineup, including recommended reading for every movie and show. This reading companion will give you one essential read, one single issue to read, and one dark horse pick that I think will be both entertaining and connect to the thematic elements of the MCU story.
May 1, 2020: Black Widow (Movie)
Black Widow reading order: https://www.comicbookherald.com/black-widow-reading-order/
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Essential:
Black Widow: The Name of the Rose
Issues: #1 to #5
“The Name of the Rose” from Marjorie Liu and Daniel Acuna is not only my favorite Black Widow comic of the 2000’s, but it’s one of my favorite Marvel Comics since 1998.
Single Issue:
– Ok, Black Widow, Wolverine, and Captain America walk into a bar…
Since this issue flashes back to Natasha’s earliest days, it has both “prequel” and broader “Marvel Universe” vibes. Normally my favorite single issue pick for Black Widow would be Secret Avengers #16, written by Warren Ellis, but this iconic Chris Claremont and Jim Lee issue of Uncanny X-Men feels more appropriate for the film.
Dave’s Dark Horse Pick:
Keep in mind that this is a modern take on what the Black Widow’s origin looks like – it didn’t really look like this until the 2000’s.
Fall, 2020: The Falcon and Winter Soldier (TV)
Falcon reading order: https://www.comicbookherald.com/falcon-sam-wilson-captain-america-reading-order/
Essential:
All-New Captain America Vol. 1: Hydra Ascendant
Collects: All-New Captain America 1-6
Rick Remender set the stage for Sam-Cap, and writes one full arc with Sam, Steve, and the new Nomad taking down Hydra. Although this arc picks up from the Remender written Captain America series that started with Marvel NOW!, it’s the best starting place for Sam as Cap stories, and easy enough to understand through references and contextual clues.
I’d argue Sam Wilson never got his due as Captain America, but hopefully The Falcon and Winter Soldier corrects that.
Single Issue:
The Winter Soldier: Winter Kills One-Shot
Dave’s Dark Horse Pick:
Captain America: The Death of Captain America Vol. 1
Collects: Captain America (2004) #25-30
While the Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting era of Captain America is far from an unusual choice (it’s the go to Captain America series of the 2000’s), these issues actually connect more appropriately with the passing of the shield in the absence of Steve Rogers, and the vacuum that creates.
Nov. 6, 2020: The Eternals
Eternals reading order: https://www.comicbookherald.com/marvels-eternals-reading-order/
Essential:
Collects: Eternals (1976) #1-11
Collects: Eternals #1 To #6
For all intents and purposes there are really only two sensible starting places for readers new to the Eternals. The first is the late 70’s Kirby written and drawn beginnings, and the second is the Neil Gaiman written modernization from the mid 2000’s.
If you ask me (and thanks for asking!), despite the creative pedigree associated, eternals is the first Marvel Cinematic Universe property that lacks a clear go-to comic story. A lot of outlets will probably compare the franchise to guardians of the Galaxy and the MCU’s ability to turn anything into a hit, but the Guardians had the Abnett, Lanning, and Paul Pelletier run from 2008 to 2010. The Eternals best days are yet to come.
Feb. 12, 2021: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang Chi reading order: https://www.comicbookherald.com/shang-chi-master-of-kung-fu-reading-order/
Essential:
Master of Kung Fu Epic Collection: Fight Without Pity
Collects: Master Of Kung Fu (1974) 29-53 & Annual 1
The Doug Moench and Paul Gulacy era of 70’s Shang-Chi stories takes off in earnest. One of the most underrated gems from Marvel’s Bronze Age.
Single Issue:
Collects: Shang-Chi: Master Of Kung Fu (2009) #1
A Jonathan Hickman written short story in which Shang-Chi and Deadpool faceoff in a deadly motorcycle race, and eventually share hot dogs. It’s brilliantly fun.
Dave’s Dark Horse Pick
Master of Kung Fu: Battleworld (Secret Wars)
Collects: Master Of Kung Fu 1-4, 5 Ronin 2
A part of the larger, excellent Secret Wars (2015) crossover event, but you won’t need to read any Secret Wars to enjoy this excellent Shang-Chi miniseries.
Spring, 2021: WandaVision Disney Plus series
Scarlet Witch reading order: https://www.comicbookherald.com/scarlet-witch-reading-order/
Essential:
Avengers West Coast: Vision Quest
Collects: Avengers West Coast 42-50
How does Scarlet Witch react when she loses the Vision? This is one of the major questions asked during this time period of West Coast Avengers. Although I hope the answers in WandaVision are discernibly different, the topics may not be too far off.
May 7, 2021: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Doctor Strange reading order: https://www.comicbookherald.com/doctor-strange-reading-order/
Essential:
More light-hearted, more humorous, and more concise, “The Oath” is just about everybody’s favorite Doctor Strange comic during the 2000’s. Leave it to Brian K. Vaughn (Saga, Y: The Last Man) and Marcos Martin (Private Eye) to craft a gorgeous murder mystery with Strange as Sherlock Holmes, Wong as Watson, and the Night Nurse as… the sexy yet equally skilled Night Nurse.
This is a must-read, and one of my favorite 100 Marvel Comics from 1998 to 2015.
Single Issue:
Dr. Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment
I don’t want to play favorites, but there’s a reason “Triumph and Torment” is one of my 100 favorite comics of all time. If you can read only one Doctor Strange comic published before 2000, make it Triumph and Torment.
Roger Stern and an early Mike Mignola (Hellboy
Dave’s Dark Horse Pick:
In the grand tradition of Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2, we have another Doctor Strange story masquerading as a Spider-Man title.
Spring, 2021: Loki Disney Plus series
Loki reading order: https://www.comicbookherald.com/loki-reading-order/
Essential:
Journey into Mystery by Kieron Gillen: The Complete Collection Volume 1
Collects: Journey Into Mystery 622-636, 626.1 (April 2011 – April 2012)
The game-changing series starring Loki that sets the stage for everything we know about the god of lies in 2019.
Single Issue:
Amazing Spider-Man #503 to #504
One of the earlier portions of the J. Michael Straczynski Amazing Spider-Man era features a two-part Spider-Man and Loki story.
Dave’s Dark Horse Pick:
Collects: Loki #1-4, Journey Into Mystery #85, Journey Into Mystery #112
Tells an out of continuity fantasy of Loki’s in which he rules Asgard! Brilliant art by Esad Ribic and a great narrative from Rob Rodi.
Summer, 2021: WHAT IF…?
You basically can’t go wrong with the fun of any WHAT IF…? concepts throughout Marvel, so I’ll just leave you with this:
What if Wolverine was Lord of the Vampires?
What If Dazzler Became a Herald of Galactus?
Fall, 2021: Hawkeye
Hawkeye reading order: https://www.comicbookherald.com/hawkeye-reading-order/
Essential:
Hawkeye, Vol. 1: My Life as a Weapon
Collects: Young Avengers Presents 6, Hawkeye #1 to #5
Start of the Matt Fraction and David Aja run, redefining both Hawkeye and Marvel Comics during the Marvel NOW! era. Highlights the relationship between Clint and Kate Bishop more than any previous series.
Dave’s Dark Horse Pick:
Collects: Hawkeye 1-6
By Kelly Thompson and Leonardo Romero. Kate gets sixteen issues to prove her meddle as a solo Hawkeye, and it’s one of the best All-New All-Different Marvel era comics.
Nov. 5, 2021: Thor 4: Love and Thunder
Thor reading order: https://www.comicbookherald.com/thor-reading-order/
Essential:
Thor Volume 1: Goddess of Thunder
Collects: Thor #1 to #5
Jason Aaron’s Thor run continues here with a new Thor #1 (listed as Thor 2014 in Marvel Unlimited), and the biggest changes in the world of Asgard since Loki was but a lad!
Single Issue:
Generations: The Unworthy Thor & The Mighty Thor (2017) #1
Uh, the Odinson (classic Thor) and Jane Foster fight Apocalypse?!
Dave’s Dark Horse Pick:
Thor by Walter Simonson – Volume 1
Collects: Thor 337-345
While reading the Simonson run on Thor is just mandatory advice for any fan of Asgard, this pick is predicated on the possible introduction of Beta Ray Bill, the horse-y brother-in-arms introduced in these comics, and teased in Thor: Ragnarok.
Even if Beta Ray Bill doesn’t make an appearance, there’s a thematic resonance to Bill’s story, as he’s one of the most memorable characters worthy of Mjolnir.