10 Best Avengers Stories of the ‘10s

During the 2010s, the Avengers reached their pinnacle of influence and popularity. Though comic enthusiasts had long admired the Avengers, it was the Marvel Cinematic Universe that brought them into the spotlight for a broader audience. Marvel seized this opportunity to elevate the team, featuring them prominently both in films and comics. The Avengers transitioned from a significant aspect of the Marvel Universe in the 2000s to becoming its primary focus in the following decade. In fact, for the first time in many years, the number of Avengers’ titles surpassed those of the X-Men. However, it’s debatable whether the 2010s were the golden age for the Avengers in terms of quality. Marvel’s output during this period was not consistently excellent, and many readers found some Avengers storylines lacking, especially towards the end of the decade.

Despite the fact that some fantastic Avengers tales from the ’10s have already been told, there’s still a rich selection of excellent Avengers comics to enjoy. Among these, I must give a special nod to the Secret Avengers, though it didn’t make the final list, it truly deserves an honorable mention. The top ten Avengers stories from this decade are the crème de la crème, offering readers tales that continue to captivate even after all these years.

10) Avengers (Vol. 5) #4-6

Jonathan Hickman’s tenure writing the Avengers is simply outstanding, and that’s putting it mildly. Most of this list will focus on his work on Avengers and New Avengers, as it’s truly exceptional. We begin with issues #4-6 of Avengers (Vol. 5), penned by Hickman and illustrated by Adam Kubert. Although not a self-contained story arc, these three issues serve as standalone tales for Hyperion, Smasher, and Captain Universe, while further developing plots introduced in the first three issues of Vol. 5. These three characters were among the most enigmatic in the initial storyline; they’re known to Marvel veterans, but their versions here are distinct. Each issue delves into one character’s backstory, providing readers with insights into their origins and identities. Adam Kubert’s artwork is captivating, adding stunning visuals to these issues.

9) Avengers (Vol. 5) #29-34

Original Sin, a Marvel event that didn’t initially win over everyone, proves to be more captivating than expected. The assassination of the Watcher uncovers numerous secrets within the superhero community, with accompanying books exploring the chaos that ensues when these secrets are exposed. In the Avengers (Vol. 5) issues 29-34, penned by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Leinil Yu, Captain America recalls his brief tenure as an Illuminati member – his utilization of the Infinity Gauntlet to halt an Inversion, his speech advocating for the Illuminati’s moral compass, and the subsequent mind wipe – and teams up with Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Thor, Starbrand, and Hyperion. However, the Time Gem, which vanished following Captain America’s breakage of the Gauntlet during the Incursion, propels him and his comrades through time. Each issue introduces them to various iterations of the Avengers, spanning from 50 to 50,000 years into the future. The narrative showcases future manifestations of the Avengers’ arch nemeses, delivering the science fiction-infused superhero excitement that only Hickman can provide. Yu’s somber, brooding artwork is a perfect match for this tale. This story may not be on everyone’s lips, but it’s nothing short of extraordinary.

8) Avengers (Vol. 5) #7-10

Seasoned Marvel enthusiasts may recall the New Universe, a period when Marvel endeavored to establish an entirely separate universe of superheroes and villains, unconnected to the primary Marvel Universe. Although it started promisingly, it ultimately didn’t succeed. Yet, Hickman manages to extract the best elements from this venture and integrate them into the 616 Universe. In “Avengers” (Vol. 5) #7-10, written by Hickman and illustrated by Dustin Weaver, the Avengers become entangled in a catastrophic event known as the “White Event,” which was the genesis of New Universe’s superpowers, resulting in the destruction of a college. However, there is one survivor, now the most potent being on Earth. This narrative not only rescues the remnants of Marvel’s first significant alternate universe but also offers readers an engaging, thrilling mini-epic filled with action. Moreover, it lays the groundwork for ideas that will serve as the foundation for Hickman’s book and lead to one of Marvel’s most monumental events (keep a lookout for that!).

7) Uncanny Avengers (Vol. 1) #1-4

The Marvel NOW! publishing project was launched following the “Avengers Vs. X-Men” saga, offering fans the Hickman series along with another exceptional Avengers title – “Uncanny Avengers”. This comic book focused on the formation of the Avengers Unity Squad, a unique team consisting of both Avengers and X-Men members aimed at bridging the divide between the two factions.

The newly assembled team, including Havok, Captain America, Wolverine, Thor, Scarlet Witch, Wasp, and Rogue, faced their first major challenge when Red Skull and the S-Men initiated an attack on mutantkind. However, they were equipped with a potent weapon – Red Skull had absorbed the telepathic part of the deceased Xavier’s brain, making him Earth’s most powerful telepath.

The Unity Squad was not only tasked with countering this threat but also managing internal conflicts between Rogue and Scarlet Witch. “Uncanny Avengers” (Vol. 1) issues #1-4, penned by Rick Remender and John Cassaday, is a gripping narrative that tends to be overlooked in discussions about the top Marvel comics of the 2010s.

6) New Avengers (Vol. 3) #1-6

The third volume of Brian Michael Bendis’ “New Avengers” stands out as one of the most intriguing superhero comic book series. In this installment, the Illuminati, a group initially formed by Xavier, is reassembled with Captain America and Beast taking over from Xavier. This time, they confront an unprecedented crisis – the Incursions, which threaten to destroy multiple Earths, starting with one that materializes in Wakanda’s sky. Black Panther summons the Illuminati for aid, eventually becoming a member himself.

This storyline is significant as it introduces Captain America’s mindwipe, which unfolds over the first four issues and shapes the direction of the group – their mission to protect Earth from the Incursions at any cost. Issues #5-6 of this series present the team facing a formidable enemy, Galactus (spelled as such in the comic), during another Incursion. Co-written by Bendis and illustrated by Steve Epting, this opening arc is sure to leave readers breathless. The story’s quality is exceptional, laying the groundwork for an incredible journey through “New Avengers.

5) “Time Runs Out”

The narrative arc penned by Hickman in both Avengers (Vol. 5) issues #35-44 and New Avengers (Vol. 3) issues #24-33, illustrated by artists including Jim Cheung, Paco Medina, Dustin Weaver, Nick Bradshaw, Stefano Caselli, Mike Deodato, Mike Mayhew, Kev Walker, Valerio Schiti, Szymon Kudranski, Mike Perkins, and Dalibor Tajalic, is collectively referred to as “Time Runs Out”. This tale centers around the Avengers and Illuminati grappling with the impending end of Incursions. The narrative in this run by Hickman can be regarded as epic, but “Time Runs Out” elevates that term. This story serves as a precursor to Secret Wars, establishing crucial elements for the conclusion and fulfilling most of what Hickman had set up in his Avengers series.

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

In the narrative, the Illuminati frequently benefit from the Incursions detailed in the book; however, this luck comes to an end in issues #16-21 of New Avengers (Vol. 3), penned by Hickman, Rags Morales, and Valerio Schiti. A novel technology called the Bridge emerges, enabling the Illuminati to observe Incursions on other Earths. Namor and Black Panther use it to witness a superhero group called the Great Society – another Marvel Justice League-like ensemble – resolve their Incursion without obliterating the other world. This discovery gives them hope that such an outcome can be achieved… until the Great Society’s Earth faces an Incursion with Earth-616. The Illuminati are then compelled to devise a solution: either stopping the Incursion completely, saving both worlds, or destroying the Great Society and their world. This pivotal moment marks a significant shift in New Avengers (Vol. 3) as the team grapples with their capabilities and the lengths they’re willing to go.

3) Uncanny Avengers (Vol. 1) #6-22

The comic series “Uncanny Avengers” continues the narrative initiated in Remender’s “Uncanny X-Force,” with the saga of the Apocalypse Twins. Written by Remender and featuring art by Daniel Acuna, Adam Kubert, and Steve McNiven, this tale pits the Unity Squad against Kang and the children of Apocalypse – Archangel’s infected offspring and Pestilence.

While the Unity Squad fights to protect the Avengers, the Apocalypse Twins have a different agenda: saving mutantkind at the expense of humanity. In the end, it appears that Kang and Immortus may be Earth’s only salvation. This story is packed with unexpected turns, intense battles, and thought-provoking themes that will keep you guessing. Essentially, this is a nearly flawless Avengers saga – a seventeen-issue tale that grips your mind from start to finish.

2) Avengers (Vol. 5) #1-3

The initial phase of Jason Hickman’s tenure on the Avengers series began with an extraordinary tale that elevated a familiar Avengers theme to unprecedented heights. In issues #1-3 of volume 5, penned by Hickman and Jerome Opena, the Earth is under siege by Martians, compelling the Avengers to embark on a mission to Mars. Upon arrival, they encounter two new antagonists – Ex Nihilo and Abyss – who effortlessly overpower the team, leading Captain America to flee to Earth and initiate the Avengers Machine. This brilliantly crafted trilogy showcases the epitome of Avengers storytelling as Hickman masterfully assembles the most formidable Avengers ever conceived. While everyone anticipated that Hickman would excel in his Avengers venture, this narrative demonstrated that he was poised to rank among the greatest Avengers creators in history.

1) Infinity

Infinity,” a notable comic book event by Marvel, marks a pivotal point in Hickman’s Avengers saga. Various galactic empires face an unrelenting enemy and seek help from the Avengers. Simultaneously, Thanos embarks on a brutal quest that eventually leads him and his Black Order to Earth, where only the Illuminati stand between them and chaos. The initial six issues of “Infinity,” penned by Hickman, Jerome Opena, Dustin Weaver, and Jimmy Cheung, offer an engaging blend of superhero and science fiction action. Although the Avengers have previously fought a space war, this one stands out as their finest, proving they are not just Earth’s Mightiest Heroes but also the Universe’s. To fully immerse yourself in this epic tale, I recommend obtaining the collected edition which includes tie-ins from ‘Avengers (Vol. 5)’ and ‘New Avengers (Vol. 3)’. This portrayal of the Avengers truly encapsulates what they should always represent.

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2025-08-30 15:46