Many fans consider the 1960s or 2000s to be Marvel’s peak, but the 1980s deserve consideration as the company’s greatest decade. The 80s were a transformative time for comics overall, bringing a new level of sophistication to the industry. While DC Comics is often praised for leading this change, Marvel also contributed significantly. A fresh wave of talented creators injected new life into Marvel’s characters, and the results were fantastic.
The 1980s were a golden age for Marvel Comics, delivering truly memorable stories that still resonate with fans today. These ten comics from that decade are considered some of the very best Marvel has ever published, and are essential reading for any true fan.
10) Wolverine (Vol. 1) #1-4
As a huge Wolverine fan, I always tell people his very first solo series is still the best. It’s called Wolverine (Vol. 1) #1-4, and it was a game-changer. The story, by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, sends Logan to Japan, hoping to be with his fiancé, Mariko. But things go wrong fast – her father, a Yakuza boss, has forced her into another marriage! It’s a brutal story; Wolverine gets seriously beaten, which forces him to train with a wild ninja named Yukio and really confront who he is inside. Honestly, it’s a perfect story. Claremont’s writing sets everything up brilliantly, and Miller’s artwork is just stunning – the action flows so well. Even after 43 years, it’s still one of my favorites, and it’s what kicked off all the amazing solo Wolverine stories we’ve gotten since.
9) Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #262
John Byrne’s run on Fantastic Four is considered one of the best ever, filled with truly memorable issues. If you want to understand why it’s so highly regarded, look no further than Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #262, “The Trial of Reed Richards.” This story features Mister Fantastic being put on trial by alien forces for saving Galactus’s life – a decision that angered those who suffered from Galactus’s destructive path. The issue is a fantastic character study, showing Reed Richards defending his actions and proving why he made the choices he did. It’s a truly exceptional comic that showcases Byrne at his best. Issue #258 is also excellent and well worth reading!
8) Captain America: War and Remembrance
Roger Stern and John Byrne teamed up on Captain America (Vol. 1), starting with issue #247 and continuing for eight issues. During their run, they focused on self-contained stories that reshaped Steve Rogers’ life, including him becoming a comic artist and even considering a run for president. Highlights included a fight with Dragon Man and a memorable two-part story featuring Baron Blood. Their work is compiled in Captain America: War and Remembrance, and it’s widely considered one of the best Captain America collections available. Stern and Byrne were both incredibly talented creators for Marvel, and fans often wish they’d stayed on the title longer. Thankfully, the stories they did produce are fantastic and well worth reading.
7) “Under Siege”
The Avengers have consistently been a top-tier team, and the 1980s run by writer Roger Stern is considered a golden age. Paired with legendary artist John Buscema, Stern created incredibly exciting stories with memorable characters and almost-perfect superhero narratives. The highlight of their collaboration is undoubtedly “Under Siege.” This iconic story features Baron Helmut Zemo assembling the most powerful version of the Masters of Evil, executing a meticulously crafted plan to defeat the Avengers. Beyond its thrilling action, “Under Siege” is a compelling story that explores the heroes at their strongest and most vulnerable, revealing their personal depths. It’s a true Avengers epic – a flawless team story that continues to resonate with fans.
6) “Kraven’s Last Hunt”
For many fans, including myself, “Kraven’s Last Hunt” is the greatest Spider-Man story ever told. It centers around Kraven the Hunter’s obsession with proving he’s better than Spider-Man. He succeeds in defeating the web-slinger, shockingly burying him alive and stealing his costume. This story, created by J.M. DeMatteis and Mike Zeck, is a masterpiece that truly establishes Kraven as one of Spider-Man’s most dangerous and compelling foes. While most know how the story ultimately unfolds, its dark and impactful ending perfectly caps off a truly unforgettable narrative. DeMatteis and Zeck worked together seamlessly, crafting a story that remains powerful and memorable.
5) Doctor Strange/Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment
Doctor Strange is a well-known Marvel hero, but surprisingly, he doesn’t have many truly classic stories. Most fans agree that one stands out: Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment. Written by Roger Stern and illustrated by Mike Mignola, this comic features Doctor Doom seeking Doctor Strange’s help to save his mother’s soul. It’s considered a high point for both characters – not only one of the best Doctor Strange stories ever told, but also a landmark tale in Doctor Doom’s history. Stern and Mignola were a fantastic creative team, and they delivered a story that every Marvel fan should read.
4) “Born Again”
Daredevil is now a Marvel icon, largely thanks to writer Frank Miller. Before Miller started working on the comic, it wasn’t very popular with fans. His run elevated Daredevil to legendary status, creating stories that became a benchmark for future issues. The peak of this was “Born Again,” a collaboration with artist David Mazzucchelli. This story features Matt Murdock’s ex-girlfriend, Karen Page, falling on hard times and tragically selling Daredevil’s secret identity to the Kingpin in exchange for drugs. The Kingpin systematically ruined Daredevil’s life, but ultimately learned a harsh lesson: a person who has lost everything truly knows no fear. Miller and Mazzucchelli’s work together on this book is widely considered a masterpiece and one of the greatest comic books of all time.
3) “The Dark Phoenix Saga”
“The Dark Phoenix Saga” is considered a masterpiece of Marvel storytelling. Created by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, this X-Men story follows Jean Grey as she’s corrupted by the Hellfire Club and transforms into the Dark Phoenix. As things spiral out of control, the X-Men desperately try to save their friend, culminating in a heartbreaking confrontation on the moon. While often remembered for its epic cosmic battle, the true strength of this story lies in its emotional depth. It explores the lengths people will go to for those they love, and it’s a truly moving read. Claremont and Byrne were already a fantastic duo, but this story represents their best work, with both creators at the peak of their powers. If you haven’t experienced it, it’s a must-read.
2) Squadron Supreme
Marvel’s Squadron Supreme is a truly exceptional, yet often overlooked, story that deserves to be mentioned alongside classics like Watchmen. This 12-part series, created by Mark Gruenwald and artists John Buscema, Bob Hall, and Paul Ryan, introduces a team of heroes originally designed as a counterpart to the Justice League. After successfully defending Earth from another crisis, the Squadron Supreme decides the best path forward is to take control of the world – a decision that sparks conflict within the team and a fight for the planet’s future. Published before Watchmen, this series brought a level of maturity to superhero comics that was groundbreaking for its time. It’s a fantastic work, and I’m dedicated to sharing it with as many readers as possible.
1) God Loves, Man Kills
While the X-Men comics of the 1980s featured many excellent stories, God Loves, Man Kills stands out as the definitive X-Men tale. Written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by Brent Anderson, this story introduces Reverend Stryker and his group, the Purifiers, who wage war against mutants. This forces the X-Men and their longtime rivals, the Magneto and his Brotherhood, to unite against a common enemy seeking to eradicate mutantkind. Published in the early 80s, the story powerfully explores how religious extremism and rigid conservatism can fuel prejudice, and it feels remarkably relevant today. It’s a truly exceptional work that every X-Men fan should own.
Read More
- Hazbin Hotel season 3 release date speculation and latest news
- Where Winds Meet: Best Weapon Combinations
- Red Dead Redemption Remaster Error Prevents Xbox Players from Free Upgrade
- Where Winds Meet: How To Defeat Shadow Puppeteer (Boss Guide)
- Is There a Smiling Friends Season 3 Episode 9 Release Date or Part 2?
- Zootopia 2 Reactions Raise Eyebrows as Early Viewers Note “Timely Social Commentary”
- The Death of Bunny Munro soundtrack: Every song in Nick Cave drama
- Meet the cast of Mighty Nein: Every Critical Role character explained
- Victoria Beckham Addresses David Beckham Affair Speculation
- Stellar Edges Lower 0.4% to $0.3123 as Partnership News Surfaces
2025-11-12 04:41