Categories
The Essential List
The complete list of Graphic Novels.
Watchmen
Story
Alan Moore
Art
Dave Gibbons
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Watchmen deserves all the critical acclaim it has received, but aside from the prestige and cultural significance there is a lot of cool stuff to enjoy about it, such as the easter eggs, from criminal dossiers, a tell-all superhero autobiography and a pulp comic, adding to the layers of plots to fully immerse us into the world.
We're treated to a scene where we see time from the perspective of an omniscient being is masterful storytelling. The illustrations are... perfect. Every line, pose and detail exemplify both classic and modern age comic art.
Maybe not a FIRST read, but definitely a "MUST READ" for any fan.
Kingdom Come
Story
Mark Wade
Art
Alex Ross
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The Spectre leads a Pastor through a not so distant future, where the next generation of heroes has lost their moral compass, becoming just as reckless and violent as the villains they fight. Superman comes out of retirement to steer them right and runs into opposition from Batman and Lex Luthor. The balance between leadership and dictatorship blurs for Superman's camp leading to an armageddon level event.
Marvels
Story
Kurt Busiek
Art
Alex Ross
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Revisit some of Marvel Comics groundbreaking events from the perspective of a photographer that experienced them first hand. From Captain Americas debut in WWII, the emergence of mutant hysteria, and the coming of Galactus, we get a view on how the people are affected by the changing world around them. Kurt Busiek's narrative examines the terror and wonder of the Marvel universe. The art by Alex Ross brings a realism and life into Kurt Busiek's story rarely before seen, which elevated the comic art medium to new heights.
Transmetropolitan
Story
Warren Ellis
Art
Darick Robertson
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
There are so many reasons this is essential. Created by a dream team, it's written by Warren Ellis with Art by Darick Robertson. So that's like putting chocolate and peanut butter together. Next, as you read you'll realize the story is set in an insane future. After that, you'll realize the most insane parts of the future parallel today's craziness. Then we have our protagonist, a drug-using, outlaw-journalist, Spider Jerusalem, out to take down a sitting president! It's 60 issues of fast-paced black humor, social commentary, sci-fi and amazing art.
Preacher
Story
Garth Ennis
Art
Steve Dillion
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Jesse, a small-town preacher obtains the word of God, and that sends the Almighty into hiding. Garth Ennis and Steve Dillion craft a masterful story of interesting characters, over-the-top violence, and the blackest of humor. Enjoy the road trip of Jesse, Cassidy, a junkie vampire and Tulip, Jesse's outlaw lover, as they journey to literally find God... and make him pay for abandoning all creation.
Be warned, the complete series is 60 issues and it's hard to put down even between arcs. Be sure you don't have anything important to do in the next few days.
The Boys
Story
Garth Ennis
Art
Darick Robertson, Et al
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Recommended for Mature Readers... No seriously. The Boys is so insane and full of violence, sex, drugs and profanity it was cancelled by it's original publisher cuz it was too much to handle. It was also an overnight success so it was picked up and completed by another publisher just a few months later. What's it about? Superheroes are irresponsible assholes.
V for Vendetta
Story
Alan Moore
Art
David Lloyd
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
He's a cold-blooded anarchist. He's a freedom fighter for the people. Join V as he takes down a fascist, totalitarian England. As he commits treasonous acts, the ripples effect the common people and the heads of government.
From Hell
Story
Alan Moore
Art
Eddie Cambell
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Two master storytellers. Five unsolved murders. A hundred years of mystery. One sprawling conspiracy, one metropolis on the brink of the twentieth century, one bloody-minded Ripper ushering London into the modern age of terror, and one comics masterpiece. From Hell is now available in a handsome hardcover edition, with a brand new cover.
Sandman
Story
Neil Gaiman
Art
Sam Keith
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
One of the most popular and critically acclaimed graphic novels of all time, Neil Gaiman's award-winning masterpiece The Sandman set the standard for mature, lyrical fantasy in the modern comics era. Illustrated by an exemplary selection of the medium's most gifted artists, the series is a rich blend of modern and ancient mythology in which contemporary fiction, historical drama, and legend are seamlessly interwoven.
Road to Perdition
Story
Max Allan Collins
Art
Richard Piers Rayner
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Michael O'Sullivan is a deeply religious family man who works as the chief enforcer for an Irish mob family. But after O'Sullivan's eldest son witnesses one of his father's hits, the godfather orders the death of his entire family. Barely surviving an encounter that takes his wife and youngest son, O'Sullivan and his only remaining child embark on a dark and violent mission of retribution against his former boss. Featuring accurate portrayals of Al Capone, Frank Nitti, and Eliot Ness, this book offers a poignant look at the relationship between a morally conflicted father and his adolescent son who both fears and worships him.
I Am Legend
Story
Steve Niles
Art
Elman Brown
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Richard Matheson's classic novel of fear and vampirism is that inspired a major motion picture starring Will Smith. The tale of the last human on an Earth overrun by the undead while trying to maintain his sanity. By day, he's a hunter. By night he struggles for survival. This is some real good horror with amazing ink work.
Mouse Guard
Story
David Peterson
Art
David Peterson
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
In the world of Mouse Guard, mice struggle to live safely and prosper amongst harsh conditions and a host of predators. Thus the Mouse Guard was formed: more than just soldiers that fight off intruders, they are guides for common mice looking to journey without confrontation from one hidden village to another. The open scene is the guard fending off an owl, but it reads as knights battling a dragon. It's epic storytelling and refined illustration.
Y: The Last Man
Story
Brain K. Vaughan
Art
Pia Guerra and Jose Marzan Jr.
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
This is the saga of Yorick Brown—the only human survivor of a planet-wide plague that instantly kills every mammal possessing a Y chromosome. Accompanied by a mysterious government agent, a brilliant young geneticist and his pet monkey, Ampersand, Yorick travels the world in search of his lost love and the answer to why he's the last man on earth.
Lone Wolf and Cub
Story
Kazuo Koike
Art
Goseki Kojima
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
A samurai epic of staggering proportions, the acclaimed Lone Wolf and Cub begins its second life at Dark Horse Manga with new, larger editions of over 700 pages, value priced. Serialized stories accompany epic art. The details to the edo period add such a rich accent this story of violence, family, dishonor and revenge.
StormWatch
Story
Warren Ellis
Art
Tom Raney
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Stormwatch, the United Nations Special Crisis Intervention Team, was formed as a global police force. But Weatherman Henry Bendix, controller of the superheroes, decided a leaner team and new world order approach was needed. Recruiting the electric Jenny Sparks, the lethal assassin Rose Tattoo, and the city-symbiote Jack Hawksmoor, the Weatherman transforms the once-reactive troupe into a proactive, take-no-prisoners strike team, making the reader question the way that superhero teams are perceived.
The Authority
Story
Warren Ellis
Art
Bryan Hitch
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
After witnessing the demise of most of her StormWatch teammates, Jenny Sparks wants to create a new super hero team dedicated to protecting Earth against threats of a global scale. Joined by former StormWatch members Jack Hawksmoor and Shen Li-Min, Jenny recruits four new members, the Doctor, the Engineer, Apollo, and the Midnighter forming the ultra-powerful Authority. Collected in this edition are their first two missions, battling a nation of super-powered terrorists and stopping an invasion from a parallel world.
The Walking Dead
Story
Robert Kirkman
Art
Tony Moore
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Rick Grimes is not prepared for this. A couple months ago he was a small town cop who had never fired a shot and only ever saw one dead body. Separated from his family he must now sort through the death and confusion to try and find his wife and son.
All-Star Superman
Story
Grant Morrison
Art
Frank Quitely
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
One of the Best Superman stories of all time. The Man of Steel goes toe-to-toe with Bizarro, his oddball twin, and the new character Zibarro, also from the Bizarro planet. And Superman faces the final revenge of Lex Luthor in the form of his own death! All-Star Superman is a spectacular reimagining of the Superman mythos, from the Man of Steel's origin to his greatest foes and beyond.
Superman: Secret Origin
Story
Geoff Johns
Art
Gary Frank
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The superstar team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank redefine the origin of Superman for the 21st century. This explosive story spells out the definitive origin of Superman, chronicling Clark Kent’s journey from the cornfields of Smallville to the skyscrapers of Metropolis. Witness a whole new look at the beginnings of Lex Luthor, The Legion of Super-Heroes, Lois Lane, Metallo, Jimmy Olsen, The Parasite and more of your favorite characters from the Superman family. It’s a look at the mythic past of the Man of Steel with an eye toward the future.
Batman: Year One
Story
Frank Miller
Art
David Mazzucchelli
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
A new edition of one of the most important and critically acclaimed Batman adventures ever, written by Frank Miller, author of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS! In 1986, Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli produced this groundbreaking reinterpretation of the origin of Batman--who he is and how he came to be.
Dark Knight Returns
Story
Frank Miller
Art
Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, Lynn Varley
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Writer/artist Frank Miller completely reinvents the legend of Batman in this saga of a near-future Gotham City gone to rot, 10 years after the Dark Knight's retirement. Forced to take action, the Dark Knight returns in a blaze of fury, taking on a whole new generation of criminals and matching their level of violence. He is soon joined by a new Robin--a girl named Carrie Kelley--who proves to be just as invaluable as her predecessors.
JLA: New World Order
Story
Grant Morrison
Art
Howard Porter
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The big seven unite! Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter--the quintessential Justice League--are back, but have they already been replaced? A new super-team has arrived on Earth, seemingly to save humanity. But nothing is quite as it seems with the Hyperclan!
JLA: Infinite Crisis
Story
Geoff Johns
Art
Phil Jimenez
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
OMAC robots are rampaging, magic is dying, villains are uniting, and a war is raging in space. And in the middle of it all, a critical moment has divided Earth's three greatest heroes: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. It's the DCU's darkest day, and long-lost heroes from the past have returned to make things right in the universe...at any cost. Heroes will live, heroes will die, and the DCU will never be the same again!
JLA: Earth 2
Story
Grant Morrison
Art
Frank Quitely
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
They are the world's gravest super-villains: Ultraman, Owlman, Superwoman, Power Ring and Johnny Quick--the legendary Crime Syndicate of Amerika. Nothing has ever seriously threatened the global corruption they proudly enforce, but now a twisted mirror image of the CSA has arrived from the flip side of reality. Can anything stop this so-called "JUSTICE LEAGUE," or will the stable, perfect evil of the Earth 2 fall victim to the tyranny of law, righteousness and freedom?
Avengers Disassembled
Story
Brian Michael Bendis
Art
David Finch
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The powerhouse team of Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch take on Earth's Mightest Heroes! It begins with the return of a team member thought dead - and by the time it's over, everything you know about the Avengers will have changed! The event that rocked the entirety of the Marvel Universe and set the stage for New Avengers is presented here for the first time as a deluxe, oversize hardcover with all-new extras! Collects Avengers #500-503 and Avengers Finale.
Thor Disassembled
Story
Michael Avon Oeming
Art
Andrea Di Vito
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Loki finds the mold that created Mjolnir. His siege on Asgard begins Ragnarok. With Thor's hammer damaged, and secret histories revealed, Thor must do the unthinkable to defeat Loki.
New Avengers
Story
Brian Michael Bendis
Art
David Finch
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
In the wake of the systematic destruction of the original Avengers, just what sort of threat to the world could persuade Captain America to assemble an all-new team? And following the events of AVENGERS DISASSEMBLED, who could possibly be on this team? How does Cap, Iron Man, Spider-Man and Wolverine sound?
House of M
Story
Brian Michael Bendis
Art
Olivier Coipel
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The Marvel event of the decade is here! The Avengers and the X-Men are faced with a common foe that becomes their greatest threat: Wanda Maximoff! The Scarlet Witch is out of control, and the fate of the entire world is in her hands. Will Magneto help his daughter or use her powers to his own benefit? Starring the Astonishing X-Men and the New Avengers! You know how sometimes you hear the phrase: and nothing will ever be the same again? Well, this time believe it, buster! Nothing will ever be the same again! Collects House of M #1-8.
Captain America: Winter Soldier
Story
Ed Brubaker
Art
Steve Epting, Mike Perkins, John Paul Leon, and Frank D' Armata
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
A midnight call to duty brings Captain America aboard the S.H.I.E.L.D Heli-carrier to identify the corpse of his most feared adversary: the Red Skull! The shocking murder of Cap's oldest enemy may not be the end of the Skull's plans, however, because whoever shot the Skull has stolen his final project: an unfinished Cosmic Cube with the potential power to alter reality itself. Adding to the imminent danger, a cadre of the Skull's followers has already set in motion a plan to ignite bombs in the hearts of Paris, London and Manhattan - causing untold death and destruction. Racing against these bombs' rapidly ticking clocks, the Star-Spangled Avenger must not only solve the mystery of his nemesis' murder, but find the Cube before it can be used in the Red Skull's malevolent plot against the United States! Then, the questions plaguing Captain America's dreams and memories have been answered in the most brutal way possible. And in the wake of this brutality, General Lukin makes his first all-out assault - tearing open old wounds and threatening to make new scars that will never heal!
Civil War
Story
Mark Millar
Art
Steve McNiven
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The landscape of the Marvel Universe is changing, and it's time to choose: Whose side are you on? A conflict has been brewing from more than a year, threatening to pit friend against friend, brother against brother - and all it will take is a single misstep to cost thousands their lives and ignite the fuse.
Death of Captain America
Story
Ed Brubaker
Art
Mike Perkins, Steve Epting , Jackson Butch Guice, Roberto de la Torre , Lee Weeks
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Steve Rogers is dead! Long live Captain America! He was a hero to millions, an inspiration to America's armed services and the representative of his nation's greatest ideals. He lived for his country - and now, he has given his last final measure for the nation he loved. In the aftermath of the superhuman Civil War, Captain America was shot down in cold blood. In the aftermath of his death, Cap's longtime partner the Falcon makes revenge his first order of business. Sharon Carter finds herself spiraling out of control, a captive of the Red Skull's minions. And Bucky Barnes, a.k.a. the Winter Soldier, must reconcile his own sordid past with the calling to become...the new Captain America!
Thunderbolts: Faith in Monsters
Story
Warren Ellis
Art
Mike Deodato
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
They're America's newest celebrities, ready to take to the skies at a moment's notice in pursuit of those secret, unregistered superhumans hiding among us! They're the All-New, All-Deadly Thunderbolts!
Dark Avengers
Story
Brian Michael Bendis
Art
Mike Deodato
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Dark times call for Dark Avengers! And as Norman Osborn's reign begins, he assembles a terrifying team in his own image! Who are his handpicked Hawkeye, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Ms. Marvel and more? The answers will shock you! Donning the armor of Iron Patriot, stormin' Norman leads his Avengers into action - but soon they will face a foe they cannot defeat: the deadly, deranged Molecule Man! Meanwhile, Marvel Boy joins the new regime, but he has no idea how sinister a gang they actually are. How will he react? And with Ares off being an Avenger, does he know where his son is?
Siege
Story
Brian Michael Bendis
Art
Olivier Coipel
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
At Loki's instigation, Norman Osborn launches an invasion of Asgard, and Steve Rogers tries to rally various superhero teams in order to stop Osborn's forces.
Age of Ultron
Story
Brian Michael Bendis
Art
Bryan Hitch
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
For years, the Marvel Universe has lived in fear that the artificial intelligence known as Ultron would one day evolve to fulfill its greatest desire: to wipe out all organic life and take over the Earth. That day has arrived! The impossible has happened and Ultron rules the planet! And as the few super hero survivors that remain try desperately to stay alive, Luke Cage learns the staggering secret of Ultron's victory. As a near-broken Captain America leads a ragtag counterattack, Wolverine makes a controversial and desperate decision - that creates an all-new Marvel Universe! But can even this rash act defeat Ultron? The event of the year has arrived!
X-Men: Dark Phoenix Saga
Story
Chris Claremont
Art
Jo Duffy, Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, John Bolton, and Mike Collins
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The greatest comic book saga ever told, in one cosmic-sized Omnibus! It begins with a shocking story in which Marvel Girl sacrifices herself...only to be reborn as Phoenix! But when a galaxy-spanning adventure reveals that Jean Grey has somehow attained power beyond conception, Cyclops and the X-Men can only watch as Phoenix is corrupted absolutely. As the team faces the Shi'ar Empire, Hellfi re Club and more, can Jean Grey be redeemed? Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum and John Byrne weave an epic tale of triumph and tragedy that changed everything for the X-Men - and all of comics! It's the full Dark Phoenix Saga, with bonus tales illuminating Jean Grey's defining story!
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Story
Chris Claremont
Art
John Byrne
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times: Relive the legendary first journey into the dystopian future of 2013 - where Sentinels stalk the Earth, and the X-Men are humanity's only hope...until they die! Also featuring the first appearance of Alpha Flight, the return of the Wendigo, the history of the X-Men from Cyclops himself...and a demon for Christmas!? Collecting UNCANNY X-MEN (1963) #138-143 and X-MEN ANNUAL #4.
X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
Story
Chris Claremont
Art
Brent Anderson
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The Uncanny X-Men. Magneto, master of magnetism. The bitterest of enemies for years. But now they must join forces against a new adversary who threatens them all and the entire world besides in the name of God.
X-Men: Mutant Genesis
Story
Claremont Lee, John Byrne, Jim Lee, and Scott Lobdell
Art
Jim Lee
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Collects X-Men (1991) #1-7. The mutant terrorist Magneto again threatens the world, and only the X-Men can stop him! And should they survive this confrontation, the villainous Omega Red is waiting in the wings!
X-Men: Fatal Attractions
Story
Peter David , J.M. DeMatteis , Larry Hama
Art
Joe Quesada, Brandon Peterson , John Romita , Chris Bachalo
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The thrilling saga that commemorated the X-Men's 30th anniversary! As Magneto's Acolytes amp up their attacks on Homo sapiens everywhere, the X-teams join forces to put an end to the villainous zealots' mad crusade against humanity once and for all. But has their leader, messianic madman Magneto, returned from the dead? And as a mysterious disease begins creeping through the mutant community, claiming the lives of hated foe and dear friend alike, which X-Man will buckle under the strain? Matters come to a head in the most shocking way possible, culminating in a devastating attack on Wolverine — and a showdown between Professor X and Magneto that must be seen to be believed!
X-Men: Phalanx Coveant
Story
Scott Lobdell, Chris Cooper, Fabian Nicieza, Todd Dezago, and Larry Hama
Art
John Romita, Joe Madureira, Lee Weeks, John Royle, Adam Kubert, and Andy Kubert
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The techno-organic nightmare known as the Phalanx has risen! Powerful anti -mutant bigots have created the ultimate weapon from the ashes of the deceased alien Warlock: a cold, vicious and unstoppable foe that absorbs all in its path. But these Phalanx are far more than their creators bargained for - and they plan to summon their parent race to overtake Earth! When the Phalanx take out the X-Men, the remaining mutants must split into three teams: to save young mutants from the Phalanx's clutches, to prevent their foes from contacting their homeworld, and to rescue the X-Men! But even with the aid of the rogue Phalanx unit Douglock, can these ragtag groups succeed? COLLECTING: UNCANNY X-MEN (1963) 306, 311-314, 316-317; EXCALIBUR (1988) 78-82; X-MEN (1991) 36-37; X-FACTOR (1986) 106; X-FORCE (1991) 38; WOLVERINE (1988) 85; CABLE (1993) 16
X-Men: Age of Apocalypse Prelude
Story
Jeph Loeb , Mark Waid , Scott Lobdell , John Francis , Steve Epting
Art
Roger Cruz , Terry Dodson , Andy Kubert
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Legion, the supremely powerful son of Charles Xavier, wants to change the world - and he's traveled back in time to kill Magneto to do it! Can the X-Men stop him, or will the world as we know it cease to exist? Featuring the last day of Cable's life; Gambit vs. Sabretooth; the beginning of Archangel and Psylocke's relationship; and Mystique, bent on revenge! Witness the final moments in the lives of the X-Men before their world changes forever!
X-Men: Age of Apocalypse
Story
Various
Art
Andy Kubert, Ian Churchill, and Steve Epting
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Book 2 of 4. Collects X-Men: Alpha, Generation Next #1, Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1 #1, X-Calibre #1, Gambit and the X-Ternals #1-2, Weapon X #1-2, Amazing X-Men #1-2, Factor X #1-2, X-Man #1. Apocalypse has conquered half of humankind and is ready to destroy them all! Magneto and his Amazing X-Men fight to protect humans and mutants alike, only to learn from Bishop that his world might need to be unmade!
X-Men: Messiah Complex
Story
Ed Brubaker, Mike Carey , Craig Kyle, Chris Yost, Peter David
Art
Marc Silvestri, Billy Tan, Chris Bachalo, Humberto Ramos, Scot Eaton
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The first mutant birth since the day the Scarlet Witch virtually destroyed the X-gene ignites a clash over who will control the child's future.
X-Force/Cable: Messiah War
Story
Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost, and Duane Swierczynski
Art
Ariel Olivetti, Clayton Crain, and Mike Choi
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Collects X-Force/Cable: Messiah War, X-Force #14-16, Cable #11-15. It's the exciting sequel to Messiah CompleX! Cyclops has complete faith that his son, Cable, will do everything he can to protect the so-called mutant messiah - who he believes will save mutantkind. But he also knows what havoc former X-Man Lucas Bishop has wreaked in the nightmarish future. So now he's sent his black ops team, the X-Force, on a risky, time-traveling mission to save Cable and the child, completely unaware that there's something else waiting for them in the future. Something not even Bishop was counting on...
X-Men: Second Coming
Story
Christopher Yost , Craig Kyle , Mike Carey , Matt Fraction , Zeb Wells
Art
David Finch , Mike Choi , Terry Dodson, Ibraim Roberson , Greg Land
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
As the mutant population declines, Cable returns from the future with Hope, the first mutant child in years, whom many believe to be a messiah, provoking the most formidable attack the X-Men have ever faced.
Marvel Knights: 4
Story
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa , Bruce Jones
Art
Steve McNiven , Jim Muniz , Jae Lee
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The far-out Fantastic Four join the hard-hitting Marvel Knights imprint! The FF must regroup to overcome the one threat their incredible powers cannot defeat — bankruptcy! And when Reed, Sue and Ben take Franklin on a camping trip to the Pine Barrens, what they find is a strange creature that may well be the Jersey Devil! While New York freezes in the icy grip of winter, an old foe resurfaces with a grudge: Namor! But soon the team’s deepest fears and doubts are spreading from their dreams to the waking world. Their old villain Psycho-Man may hold the key, but he’s…dying?! And blind sculptress Alicia Masters has her sight restored — but at what cost? Plus: Witness the ultimate Thing/Hulk battle — it’s a knock-down, drag-out slobberknocker that will rattle your molars!
Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman
Story
Jonathan Hickman
Art
Sean Chen, Adi Granov, Dale Eaglesham, and Neil Edwards
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Legendary writer Jonathan Hickman's sprawling, landmark run begins here! Dark Reign strikes Marvel's first family in an explosive way - with H.A.M.M.E.R. agents attacking the Baxter Building! But as Reed Richards builds a bridge across the Multiverse to learn how to solve everything, he finds more than he bargained for. What is the Council? The FF deal with the Wizard and the Mole Man; a familiar visitor arrives from the future with a mysterious message; and the team journeys deep beneath the Earth, under the sea and to the moon - where they learn a startling secret about the history of the Inhumans. It's superior super-hero storytelling as only Jonathan Hickman can deliver it!
Punisher Max Vol. 1
Story
Garth Ennis
Art
Darick Robertson, Lewis Larosa, and Leandro Fernandez
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Experience the gritty and uncompromising PUNISHER MAX from the very beginning! When a mob hit killed his beloved wife and children, Frank Castle became the Punisher — an unstoppable one-man army waging war on every piece of criminal scum plaguing New York's streets. But do the Punisher's origins trace back even further? In 1971 Vietnam, Captain Castle's platoon faces a Viet Cong attack — and to survive, he must make a grim choice. Then, Punisher's old partner, Microchip, long thought to be a casualty of Castle's war, resurfaces with a startling offer! Will the Punisher play patsy for the CIA? If not, will they let him walk away? And in a story ripped from the headlines, Castle must take on rival Irish gangs when a bomb goes off in Hell's Kitchen!
Punisher Max
Story
Jason Aaron
Art
Steve Dillon
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
The Mob has set a trap for Frank Castle, turning low-level enforcer Wilson Fisk into a fictional "Kingpin of Crime" for Frank to target. But Fisk decides he quite likes his new position...enough to kill his bosses to keep it. Suddenly, the Punisher finds himself in a one-on-one war with a deadly threat...and he must decide how far he is willing to go to take the Kingpin down! Contending with dirty cops, battling the Kingpin's henchmen Bullseye and Elektra, and suffering through a stint in prison, Frank Castle is brought lower than he has ever been. But as the Kingpin of Crime will soon find out - all that means is that Frank has nothing left to lose!
Thor
Story
J. Michael Straczynski
Art
Olivier Coipel
Self-Contained
Why it's essential?
Thor is back! And in a story only J. Michael Straczynski could tell! Returned to the pantheon of great Marvel heroes, the Asgardian God of Thunder is reunited with the mortal form of Dr. Don Blake. Together, they must reckon with the legacy of the mythic Norse kingdom and the awakening of its immortal heroes - but in a world that may not want them back!