10 Best Avengers Stories in Marvel Comics History

I’ve always been captivated by the Avengers. While they weren’t the very first superhero team Marvel created back in the Silver Age, they quickly became the most beloved, and eventually took the world by storm with the MCU! What I love most is seeing all of Marvel’s biggest heroes team up to face unbelievably dangerous villains. It’s created some truly unforgettable stories, cementing their place as one of the most iconic groups in pop culture, as far as I’m concerned.

For over six decades, the Avengers have been a cornerstone of Marvel Comics, showcasing the work of legendary creators. These stories have delivered some of the most epic battles and featured the most iconic heroes ever imagined. Here are ten essential Avengers tales – if you’re a fan, don’t miss them!

10) “Avengers World”

Jonathan Hickman’s work on The Avengers was truly exceptional, and many highlights from his run will appear on this list. It started strong with issues #1-3 of Avengers (Vol. 5), illustrated by Jerome Opena, which introduced the “Avengers World” storyline. When Earth is attacked by living missiles from Mars, the Avengers investigate, but a fight with Ex Nihilo and Abyss leaves only Captain America returning. He then assembles an incredibly powerful team to confront these mysterious enemies, and the resulting story showcases everything that makes the Avengers so great – iconic heroes facing massive threats – and it’s an unforgettable experience.

9) “The Kang Dynasty”

Kurt Busiek’s run writing the Avengers was truly exceptional, and like Jonathan Hickman, he appears multiple times on this list. His stories for the team are fantastic, and “The Kang Dynasty” is considered his best work with them. This epic storyline, spanning Avengers (Vol. 3) #41-55 with art by Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer, Ivan Reis, and Manuel Garcia, features Kang the Conqueror successfully taking over Earth, leaving only the Avengers to oppose him. Busiek masterfully blends the classic feel of older Avengers comics with modern storytelling techniques, and the artwork beautifully complements the narrative.

8) “The Korvac Saga”

The Avengers have fought many overlooked villains, but one particular conflict resulted in a truly exceptional story: “The Korvac Saga.” This epic storyline, spanning issues #167-177 of the original Avengers series, was created by a team of writers and artists including Jim Shooter, David Michielinie, Bill Mantlo, George Perez, Sal Buscema, and David Wenzel. It featured a battle against Michael Korvac, a being from the 30th century who obtained godlike powers and was pursued to the present day by the future Guardians of the Galaxy. The resulting conflict was a classic Avengers adventure, full of suspense and excitement.

7) Avengers (Vol. 1) #4

Many consider Avengers (Vol. 1) #4, by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, to be the most important single issue in the team’s history. This story reintroduced Captain America – frozen in Arctic ice after a battle with the Hulk and Namor – to the present day. It perfectly showcases the magic of the Lee-Kirby partnership: captivating, fast-paced dialogue paired with Kirby’s energetic art and explosive action. The unforgettable scene of Captain America battling the Avengers inside a submarine, brought to life by Kirby’s dynamic pencils, is a prime example. This issue is a true classic and stands among the greatest Avengers stories ever told.

6) “The Kree-Skrull War”

Roy Thomas is widely considered the most significant writer for the Avengers, and a prime example of his skill is “The Kree-Skrull War.” This storyline, spanning issues #89-97 of Avengers (Vol. 1) with art by Neal Adams, Sal Buscema, and John Buscema, thrust Earth into a long-running conflict between the Kree and Skrull empires. The Avengers, alongside Captain Marvel, fought to defend humanity, creating the team’s first truly large-scale epic. Before this story, the Avengers were simply known as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes; “The Kree-Skrull War” elevated them to the status of the Marvel Universe’s Mightiest Heroes. It’s a fantastic example of classic Marvel storytelling, featuring incredible art, memorable characters, snappy dialogue, and thrilling action.

5) “Under Siege”

The 1980s were a great time for Marvel’s Avengers, especially with writer Roger Stern and artist John Buscema at the helm. While their entire run is excellent, the story arc “Under Siege” (from Avengers Vol. 1 #270-277) truly shines. Driven by a desire to avenge his father, Baron Helmut Zemo assembles a massive and powerful team of Masters of Evil to attack the Avengers, capturing Captain America and Jarvis and even taking over Avengers Mansion. This story represents the Avengers at their lowest point, but it ultimately sets the stage for one of their most impressive triumphs. “Under Siege” perfectly showcases the incredible talent of Stern and Buscema working together.

4) New Avengers (Vol. 3) #16-21

As a huge comic fan, I was completely hooked by Jonathan Hickman’s New Avengers run (Volume 3). It brought back the Illuminati, and the stakes were incredibly high – they were trying to stop these massive, universe-destroying events called Incursions. Issues #16-21, with art by Rags Morales, Valerio Schiti, and Salvador Larocca, introduced this amazing alternate Earth with its own team of heroes, the Great Society, who’d actually figured out how to deal with the Incursions – something our heroes hadn’t managed. But things quickly went south, and the two teams clashed, forcing the Illuminati to really confront what kind of heroes they wanted to be. It’s a brilliant story that really makes you think about the tough choices superheroes face when trying to save the world, and the artwork is absolutely stunning – it truly elevates the whole experience.

3) Avengers Forever (Vol. 1) #1-12

Published during Kurt Busiek’s run on Avengers, Avengers Forever (Vol. 1) began as a continuation of events from Avengers (Vol. 3). The 12-issue series, created by Busiek, Roger Stern, and Carlos Pacheco, centers around Immortus and Those Who Remain, who attempt to erase humanity after witnessing its dominance in all possible futures. To prevent this, a unique team of Avengers is assembled from different points in time – including lost versions of Captain America, Yellowjacket, Hawkeye, Captain Marvel III, and Songbird – alongside Wasp, Giant-Man, Rick Jones, Libra, the Supreme Intelligence, and Kang. This story is a complex exploration of Avengers history, aiming to resolve long-standing continuity issues, and delivers thrilling superhero action thanks to the talents of three comic book masters. It’s a truly worthwhile read.

2) “Time Runs Out”

Jonathan Hickman’s acclaimed run on Avengers (Vol. 5) and New Avengers (Vol. 3) culminated in the “Time Runs Out” storyline, spanning issues #35-44 of Avengers and #24-33 of New Avengers. Illustrated by a team of artists including Mike Deodato and Jim Cheung, the story features the Avengers and the Illuminati struggling to prevent devastating Incursions while also clashing with each other. Simultaneously, two other groups pursue their own solution to the Incursion crisis, willing to sacrifice anyone to achieve their goals, all as the clock ticks down. “Time Runs Out” provides answers to all the mysteries built up throughout Hickman’s run and delivers the large-scale, sci-fi superhero action that defines his work on the Avengers.

1) “Ultron Unlimited”

The third volume of Avengers began with a strong start thanks to writer Kurt Busiek and acclaimed artist George Perez. Their run produced many great issues, but the highlight – and arguably the best Avengers story ever – is “Ultron Unlimited,” found in issues #19-22. This story sees the villainous android Ultron return with a massive army of incredibly strong drones, determined to wipe out humankind, and the Avengers are the only ones who can stop him. It’s a defining moment for the team, pitting them against their most dangerous enemy in a truly unique and intense battle. This story is a classic superhero comic – visually stunning, action-packed, and completely captivating.

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2025-12-17 00:14