10 Must-Read Avengers Comics Every MCU Fan Needs Now

In a remarkable turn of events, the Marvel Cinematic Universe catapulted the Avengers into popular culture’s limelight, earning them an astounding sum of billions globally. The fervor surrounding the MCU is not unfounded; the Avengers embody the crème de la crème of Marvel’s superheroes, banding together to tackle perils that would make lesser heroes quiver. On the silver screen, these thrilling Avengers escapades have been beautifully translated, allowing millions worldwide to experience what comic enthusiasts have cherished for years. The essence of the Avengers lies in their epic superhero journeys, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe has breathed life into these tales.

For those Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts who solely enjoy the movies, you’re overlooking an abundance of thrilling Avengers tales found in the comics. The comic books are brimming with extraordinary adventures that MCU fans should absolutely explore. Here are ten essential Avengers stories that MCU fans ought to delve into, providing a more profound appreciation of the sheer epicness of the Avengers.

If you’re an MCU fan who only watches movies, you’re missing out on some amazing Avengers stories in the comics! Check out these ten essential tales that will give you a better sense of just how awesome the Avengers can be.

New Avengers (Vol. 1), “Breakout”

For Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts looking to delve into Avengers comics, a recommended starting point is the series titled “New Avengers.” Debuting in 2005, this comic was a significant title for Marvel for quite some time. It’s not always beneficial to begin with the earliest issues of superhero comics – they’re more like graphic novels than manga – and you won’t find many early Avengers tales on recommended lists. However, to truly appreciate “New Avengers,” it’s best to start at the beginning, particularly with the arc named “Breakout,” penned by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch. The narrative commences with a team of heroes visiting the infamous supervillain prison known as the Raft. When Electro manages an escape, it’s these heroes who must band together to prevent further chaos. As they delve into the cause of the breakout, they uncover a complex web of secrets in the Savage Land.

In the comic book series titled “New Avengers“, you’ll find some classic Avengers members like Captain America and Iron Man joined by heavyweights such as Spider-Man and Wolverine. Additionally, there are lesser-known characters like Luke Cage, Spider-Woman, and the Sentry. This new phase for the Avengers is reflected in the book’s name, and it promises to captivate readers who decide to dive in. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will find it particularly enjoyable; the dialogue and witty humor mimic those found in the MCU, and the art and thrilling action sequences deliver on the promise. The story “Breakout” serves as a gateway for MCU-only fans to explore numerous future Marvel tales. With a reprint of “New Avengers” on the horizon, it will become easier for MCU enthusiasts to get their hands on this captivating narrative.

Avengers (Vol. 1) #4

For MCU fans looking for exceptional Avengers tales from an unusual source, the Silver Age Marvel comic “Avengers” (Vol. 1) #4, penned by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, is worth exploring. This particular issue marks Captain America’s return to the Marvel Universe after a lengthy absence. Discovered frozen in a block of ice during the Avengers’ ongoing conflict with Namor, Cap subsequently joins the team, effectively shaping them into the Avengers as we know them today.

This problem showcases Lee and Kirby at their peak creativity. Notably, Kirby was instrumental in creating Captain America during the 1940s, and he consistently injects the character with an invigorating spirit whenever he graces the pages. The scene depicting Cap outmaneuvering the Avengers within Iron Man’s submersible is awe-inspiring, demonstrating a virtuoso’s ability to manipulate the comic medium. Lee’s dialogue flawlessly encapsulates the epic quality of this issue and its key moments, making this single issue an ideal read for fans eagerly anticipating the MCU.

Dark Avengers, “Assemble”

The New Avengers series paves the way for significant event comics such as “Secret Invasion”, where a Skrull invasion concludes with Norman Osborn taking center stage as the hero. Since the events of “Civil War”, the government has been controlling the superhero community, and they grant Osborn ultimate authority which leads to “Dark Avengers”. The initial storyline of this series is titled “Assemble”, written by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato Jr. In an intriguing twist, Osborn assembles a band of villains – Moonstone, Daken, Venom, and Bullseye – and gives them the identities of heroes like Ms. Marvel, Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hawkeye. To his team, he adds Noh-Varr, a Kree hero who becomes Captain Marvel, and keeps key members from the previous Avengers team like Ares and the Sentry.

This band of characters remains relatively idle until Morgan Le Fay, traveling from the past, confronts Osborn’s associate Doctor Doom. The “Assemble” comic book is unlike any other MCU adventure, offering a unique twist where villains take on heroic roles. The narrative skillfully portrays their complex nature, demonstrating both virtues and vices. Given that the upcoming Thunderbolts movie seems to be following a similar path, reading this could offer a sneak peek into what the MCU might look like in the future. It’s filled with amusing dialogues and stunning visuals that will undoubtedly captivate MCU enthusiasts.

“Ultron Unlimited”

As a movie enthusiast who’s got a soft spot for the Avengers, it’s a pity that Avengers: Age of Ultron isn’t as cherished as other films in the series. For comics fans like me, Ultron stands among the greatest Avengers antagonists, and the movie failed to convey why he’s so captivating. If you’re an MCU fan yearning for a compelling Ultron storyline, there’s one source that delivers – the classic “Ultron Unlimited,” penned by Kurt Busiek and the late, great George Perez. This 1999 comic saw the return of this mechanical menace, accompanied by an army of Ultron drones. Ultron brought destruction to the country of Slorenia, prompting the Avengers, together with Black Panther, to rush into the wreckage and halt Ultron’s global rampage.

In the comic series titled ‘Ultron Unlimited’, we witness why Ultron stands among the most fearsome villains the Avengers have ever faced. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Ultron had a comedic touch, his comic counterpart is downright chilling – a stark contrast that this story highlights perfectly. The creative duo of Busiek and Perez showcase their exceptional storytelling skills in this series, with many fans considering them the ideal Avengers writing team for good reason. ‘Ultron Unlimited’ offers what many believe ‘Age of Ultron’ could have been, making it an essential read for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Avengers Forever

In 1998, the intriguing maxiseries titled “Avengers Forever,” penned by Kurt Busiek, Roger Stern, and Carlos Pacheco, unfolded over twelve issues. This tale, while a touch complex, is one of its endearing qualities. The narrative revolves around an assemblage of Avengers drawn from different epochs, who band together to prevent humanity’s erasure from the timeline at the hands of Immortus and the Time Keepers. As a result, these heroes forge some unconventional partnerships—the Kree Supreme Intelligence, the villain Libra, and their longtime adversary Kang all extend assistance as they confront the most dire threat humanity has ever known.

From the get-go, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts will spot characters like Kang and the Time Keepers in this book. It serves as an illuminating portrayal of these figures and effectively functions as a comprehensive guide on Avengers and Marvel lore for novices. Delving deep into the annals of Avengers history, it ensures readers stay well-informed without feeling bewildered. This epic cosmic journey is tailored for MCU fans yearning for thrilling Avengers escapades while expanding their understanding of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ history. Avengers Forever offers top-notch art, engrossing narrative, and is newcomer-friendly – making it an ideal read for MCU fans.

Avengers (Vol. 5), “Avengers World”

Fans of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) got a taste of the cosmic adventures that define the Avengers in “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame”, but according to comic book lore, these heroes are renowned across the universe. The most captivating Avengers tales always keep this fact in mind. This leads us to the work of writer Jonathan Hickman, who delivered a remarkable extended run on Fantastic Four before taking charge of the Avengers. Hickman’s debut Avengers story – “Avengers World” with artist Jerome Opena – set universal stakes for the team. An incident on Mars results in a group of Avengers being captured, prompting Iron Man to activate what he refers to as “The Avengers Machine”, bringing together the most extensive and powerful roster the team has ever seen.

In a nutshell, the comic book series “Avengers World” presents an almost flawless tale that places the team against a formidable new adversary. This epic tale assembles a colossal group of heroes, delivering thrilling action sequences, and leaves readers spellbound with its intelligent blend of superhero science fiction. Debuting shortly after 2012’s blockbuster film “The Avengers“, this series was designed to draw movie fans into the world of comics, making it easier for Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the story. Essentially, “Avengers World” offers MCU fans an entirely fresh Avengers adventure – one they didn’t even realize they were craving!

“Kang Dynasty”

Among the most formidable antagonists of the Avengers, Kang the Conqueror stands out as one who rivals Ultron for supremacy. Across various tales, Kang showcases his brilliance, but a must-read for Marvel Cinematic Universe enthusiasts is “Kang Dynasty,” penned by Kurt Busiek, Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer, Ivan Reis, and Manuel Garcia. In this epic saga, Kang travels back in time accompanied by his son Marcus, determined to assert dominion over the world. The malevolent force manages to seize control, leaving the Avengers as the last hope to reclaim the world from their time-traveling adversary.

Kang Dynasty” is the longest narrative on our list, offering excitement at every turn. The character Kang serves as a captivating antagonist, leaving Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts craving more, given his limited screen time so far. This tale represents a unique instance in the primary Marvel Universe where a villain physically conquered the world, an impressive achievement for Kang.

With the MCU likely heading towards this narrative before the issues with Jonathan Major halted any prospects of Kang’s return, “Kang Dynasty” offers fans a glimpse into what could have transpired.

Uncanny Avengers, “The Red Shadow”

The Uncanny Avengers, unlike other Avengers series, emerged following the conflict between the two teams known as Avengers Vs. X-Men, a war instigated by the Phoenix Force. The aftermath of this battle led to a decision for increased collaboration between the teams, resulting in the creation of the Avengers Unity Squad in “The Red Shadow,” written by Rick Remender and the late John Cassaday. Initially, they join forces to combat mutant villain Avalanche, but this is just the start. They soon find themselves up against one of the planet’s most formidable adversaries: a unique version of Red Skull. This particular Red Skull poses a challenge that will test the strength of the Avengers Unity Squad’s unity, as it may prove to be their greatest asset or their biggest vulnerability.

The lineup of The Uncanny Avengers encompasses characters both familiar to MCU enthusiasts and newcomers, yet their dynamic as a collective is consistently engaging. Moreover, it presents one of the finest Red Skull tales from recent years, making it an ideal choice for an MCU fan eager to comprehend why Red Skull holds such significance in the Marvel Universe. Essentially, this rendition of the Avengers offers a fresh perspective, revealing aspects of the team that have remained unseen by many MCU fans.

“The Kree-Skrull War”

The comic book series ‘The Kree-Skrull War,’ penned by Roy Thomas, Neal Adams, Sal Buscema, and John Buscema, marked the Avengers’ first significant cosmic storyline. Even after more than half a century, it continues to be highly regarded. The Kree and Skrull empires had been engaged in an age-old interstellar conflict that occasionally impacts Earth. Each race seeks to advance their evolution using humans as tools to overcome their sworn enemies. The Avengers find themselves caught in the middle of this alien conflict, facing a scenario unlike any they’ve encountered before.

The Kree-Skrull War” showcases the peak of Avengers quality, boasting three top-tier Marvel illustrators – the Buscemas and Neal Adams. Roy Thomas, who was Stan Lee’s protégé, is an exceptional writer, particularly in crafting stories for the Avengers. This adds great value to this tale, especially for fans of the MCU who are familiar with the conflict between the Kree and the Skrull. Watching the Avengers tackle this war will be a delightful experience for them.

“Under Siege”

In “Under Siege,” penned by Roger Stern and John Buscema, we witness the Avengers at their most vulnerable. Baron Zemo assembles an unprecedented team of villains, known as the Masters of Evil, and orchestrates a massive assault on the Avengers. This powerful group of malevolent forces overpowers the Avengers’ headquarters, the Avengers Mansion, and consistently outwits them in every encounter. As a result, Earth’s most powerful heroes must tap into their deepest reserves to overcome their adversaries.

As a devoted follower, I must say that the Avengers are formidable indeed, yet they’re not without their flaws, and it’s this very imperfection that makes “Under Siege” a captivating spectacle. The Masters of Evil outsmarted and overpowered the Avengers in their own game, employing an impeccable strategy coupled with brute force to utterly crush the Avengers. This tale is pure gold for MCU enthusiasts yearning to witness the team at their zenith and their nadir. It’s thrilling to watch them grapple but ultimately emerge victorious. Post “Under Siege,” MCU fans will view the team in a whole new, enlightening perspective.

2025-02-05 05:42