This phase will have some stuff in that includes particularly important exposition for other comics or good starting points that weren’t included in the main reading list for a number of reasons (e.g having taken place much earlier than the reading list starts). I’ll added notes to show what phase each title is important for:
*Watch this space because I plan to edit this one as I go through each main phase*
- The must reads
- Character Starting Points
- The Ultimate and Other Alternate Universes
- Marvel Large Scale Events
- Must read section
I’ll try to keep the ‘Must reads’ to a minimum since I understand that the blog probably looks like big amount to get through already.
If I could choose just one from this section, this would be it:
One of the biggest comic books I read to begin with was one titled ‘Marvels’ (1994). This was very unique for two main reasons: firstly, the art by Alex Ross is wonderful because his use of paints for the entire piece gives it a photo-realistic style not seen anywhere else. Secondly, because the comic itself delves into telling a huge number of Marvels biggest storylines to 1994 within a single graphic novel.
The only prior knowledge I had of marvel characters to this point was through a couple of Fox animated series. They did manage to portray Spider-Man and the X-Men accurately but didn’t explore the tapestry of the interconnected storylines that the comics are so well known for. If your trying to find the perfect starting point- this comic somehow manages to sum up the best of the last 60 years of Marvel as a whole. Perfect for new readers and more veterans alike.
2. Character Starting Points:
Spider-Man
Spider-Man: Blue (’02-3)
This covers all the essential backstory before vol. 1 of Amazing Spider-Man in Phase 1. This gives a solid overview of most of Spider-Man’s history thus far and it’s done by one of Marvel & DC’s best creative duo. I highly recommend this one.
(The Original) Secret Wars (1984-85)
This comic book is the initial introduction of Spidey’s black suit- something he uses across the next three stories below. This one is technically more of an ‘event’ type story since all of the marvel characters starred in it. I’ve put it here as well as in the events because it does also work well right before the next 3 mentioned below which have him donning the famous black outfit. Plus, it was the biggest thing of its scale at the time:
1) Spider-Man: The Death of Jean DeWolff (1985-8)
This collection of storylines was published across a number of titles and it takes place in two main arcs. That’s why it looks like a really long storyline by its publishing years. It’s a seminal storyline, a difficult read and always ranked as one of the best comics Spider-Man has stared in.
2) Spider-Man: Kraven’s Last Hunt (’87)
This one’s a bit of a strange read as it is probably as much about the hero as it is the villain. It’s important for Kraven’s character exposition before being re-introduced to Spider-Man many years later.
3) Spider-Man: Birth of Venom (1984-8)
The Introduction to and probably the best story to feature Venom.
3. The Ultimate and Other Alternate Universes
4. Marvel Large Scale Events
Marvel 616 Reading Order 