Comics
Published February 28, 2019

25 Marvel Staffers List Their Must-Read Marvel Comics

Celebrate Marvel Unlimited's milestone 25,000 digital comics with some staff favorites!

Marvel Unlimited, Marvel’s digital comic subscription service, has officially reached over 25,000 comics!

With new and classic issues added every single week, our ever-growing library is chock full of titles that cover the entire range of Marvel’s 80 years in the biz! And this fully curated, à la carte service is still expanding!

To celebrate this 25K milestone, we've gathered 25 recommended reads from 25 True Believers at Marvel HQ! Check out these staff favorites, alongside their explanations for why these stories are so good, straight from the Bullpen for your reading pleasure!

Lauren Amaro, Assistant Editor

All-New Ghost Rider (2014) #1

All-New Ghost Rider (2014) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"Not only is Robbie Reyes one of my favorite characters to be introduced to the Marvel Universe in recent years, but Tradd Moore and Val Staples do an amazing job of bringing Felipe Smith’s story to life. With art that’s consistently like a high-octane punch to the face, this book is one a hell of a ride!"

Robyn Belt, Digital Sales Assistant Manager

Uncanny X-Men (1963) #407

Uncanny X-Men (1963) #407

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"I’m a fan of all things with “X” in the title, but Nightcrawler’s a hands down favorite. This is the first issue I bought at my local comic shop, just based on cover alone. Here, Kurt grapples with his faith. I love revisiting this digitally."

Mark Buckweitz, Product Marketing Sr. Manager, Marvel Unlimited

Hawkeye (2012) #1

Hawkeye (2012) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"The start of one of my favorite Hawkeye runs, plus we get the first appearance of Lucky! Really, this is just an excuse for me to say how much I love Pizza Dog. I mean he’s a dog that loves Pizza, look no further for things that would bring me joy."

CJ Cervantes, Business Development Associate Manager

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (2011) #1

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (2011) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"Who doesn’t want to learn more about the star of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"? Besides, everyone could use a best friend like Ganke."

Les Chao, Digital Comics Product Manager

The Punisher War Zone (1992) #1

The Punisher War Zone (1992) #1

    • publishedMar 2, 1992
    • added to marvel unlimitedNov 14, 2007
What is Marvel Unlimited?

"This was the very first comic that I remember buying with my own hard-earned allowance. I still have it at my parent's house in the original plastic sleeve!"

Annie Cheng, Digital Compositor

Runaways (2017) #1

Runaways (2017) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"Sometimes family means a bunch of Super Hero misfits, a disembodied head, and a girl brought back to life. Runaways by Rainbow Rowell and Kris Anka is a heartwarming and fun as hell story of a family reconnecting."

Ashley Choy, Designer, Merchandising & Promotions

Winter Soldier (2012) #1

Winter Soldier (2012) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"WINTER SOLDIER by Ed Brubaker! I loved getting to read about Bucky and understanding his character more."

Michael Chuang, Software Engineer, Android

Iron Man: Hong Kong Heroes (2018) #1

Iron Man: Hong Kong Heroes (2018) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"Iron Man is my favorite Marvel character and I’m also a huge fan of the Disney parks (it's where I go on vacations). In the spirit of corporate synergy and to promote Asian Super Heroes, this happens to be the one comic I always use for testing and internal demo videos!"

Gene Freeman, Product Manager, Digital Media Platform

Uncanny X-Men (1963) #173

Uncanny X-Men (1963) #173

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"The X-Men have always been about finding redemption and acceptance in a world that doesn’t want you. This issue is really powerful because Rogue–in a moment of sacrifice–earns both of those with Wolverine."

Kevin Galvez, Publishing Operations Coordinator

Champions (2016) #11

Champions (2016) #11

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"The brightest, most hopeful team in the Marvel Universe is at their lowest in this issue, as they desperately look for survivors after the Hydra-controlled government destroys Las Vegas. It’s my favorite for highlighting how comics can reflect real world issues with depth."

Eun Jeong, Business Development Coordinator

Black Bolt (2017) #1

Black Bolt (2017) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"Christian Ward (one of my favorite artists!) and Saladin Ahmed’s BLACK BOLT is like an intergalactic “Groundhog Day” story in Ward’s classic, rainbow technicolor goodness. Plus, it won an Eisner Award last year!"

Salena Johnson, Digital Compositor

Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows (2015) #1

Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows (2015) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"I’ve always loved Peter and Mary Jane’s relationship. Sure, their relationship has had its ups and downs, but getting to see them raise a daughter and fight crime as a family is especially satisfying for me; it just feels right!"

Javen Lalla, Software Engineering Senior Manager

Carnage (2010) #1

Carnage (2010) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"Carnage pits Spider-Man and Iron Man against Carnage and a family of symbiotes, making for an action-packed series. As if that wasn’t enough to make this my favorite run, the non-stop mayhem is also brought to life with amazing art."

Lori Lombert, Software Engineering Director

Astonishing X-Men (2004) #1

Astonishing X-Men (2004) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"This book was my introduction to comics and it was such a perfect run written by Joss Whedon with art by John Cassaday. This is an accessible series away from crossovers and events that allowed me to enjoy iconic X-Men characters."

Jim Nausedas, Publishing Sales Director

Spider-Man Unlimited (1993) #1

Spider-Man Unlimited (1993) #1

    • publishedMay 2, 1993
    • added to marvel unlimitedJun 3, 2011
What is Marvel Unlimited?

"As a child of the 1990s, it didn’t get better than Spider-Man, Venom, Captain America, and other heroes all trying to stop Carnage. Plus, it was illustrated by the legendary Ron Lim of INFINITY GAUNTLET fame!"

Olivia Nitti, Digital Marketing Coordinator

Spider-Gwen (2015) #1

Spider-Gwen (2015) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"Who doesn’t love a Spider-Verse story? A spider-powered Gwen Stacy balances being a regular teen, hiding her Super Hero identity from her dad, and evading Frank Castle (who’s now an NYPD officer). Oh, and she’s a drummer in a super cool band and has an awesome sense of style."

Chris Robinson, Assistant Editor

Irredeemable Ant-Man (2006) #1

Irredeemable Ant-Man (2006) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"Being bad never felt so good! If you’re in the mood for a truly scummy feel…Eric O’Grady is your man!"

Tim Smith, Digital Comics Production Manager

X-Factor (1986) #71

X-Factor (1986) #71

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"This was the series that helped me realize that you can have a strong sense of style in the layout of a book to go with the style of the art itself. Larry Stroman does the most amazing job here with his art. And Peter David’s writing was a breath of fresh air for comics at that time. So exciting!"

Kate Sobolewski, Program Manager, Publishing Online Digital Tech

Elektra (2014) #1

Elektra (2014) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"Read through issue #5! ELEKTRA: BLOODLINES is a beautifully grotesque dance of action, memory and identity. The art curls around the story like smoke, eddying in fantastical spreads that hypnotize; you can feel yourself sinking down through the ocean and into the darker places of Elektra’s mind as she battles for her soul."

Lionel Sotomayor, Sr. Manager, Insight Analysis, Digital Media Engagement

Iron Man (2012) #6

Iron Man (2012) #6

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"This series is an explosive journey for Tony Stark. His passion to explore the universe challenges his resourcefulness and puts him on a path to discover his true origin. Which means he has to come to terms with some demons he’s been trying to forget."

Alex Staunton, Digital Marketing Director

Hulk (1999) #92

Hulk (1999) #92

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"PLANET HULK! It’s action-packed from beginning to end and is a great, standalone story to recommend to a new reader. Plus, all Hulk, no Bruce Banner...what’s not to like?"

Jeff Suter, Senior Art Director

Star Wars (2015) #1

Star Wars (2015) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"In July of 1977, after seeing Star Wars in the theater with my dad at the tender age of 9, I purchased my first comic book…it was MARVEL SPECIAL EDITION STAR WARS #1 (which I still have to this day). That comic was probably read 50 times over the course of that magical summer and I was forever hooked! I was able to rediscover the magic of one of my favorite fantasy stories when Marvel relaunched STAR WARS in 2015, and it's still a favorite today!"

Valerie Titus-Glover, Digital Media Marketing Manager

Nextwave: Agents of H.a.T.E. (2006) #1

Nextwave: Agents of H.a.T.E. (2006) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"I’m going with the NEXTWAVE series from Warren Ellis and Stuart Immonen. It features Monica Rambeau as the leader of a ragtag group of heroes who constantly reminds you that she once led the Avengers...just like I remind folks at the Marvel office that Monica is the second Captain Marvel."

Andrea Towers, Sales & Communications Administrator

Black Widow (2010) #1

Black Widow (2010) #1

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"Natasha’s my girl, and my favorite stories about Black Widow are the ones that dig deep into her past. Marjorie Liu does such a wonderful job of dissecting Natasha’s psyche, plus, there’s sharp storytelling, tons of feelings, awesome spy action–what more could you ask for?"

Noelle Webster, Direct Market Sales Coordinator

Silver Surfer (1987) #35

Silver Surfer (1987) #35

What is Marvel Unlimited?

"My first introduction to Thanos finds the Mad Titan taking Silver Surfer on a cosmic road trip that’s doomed from the start. Thanos’ calm demeanor makes him an instantly terrifying villain, and I’ll never forget the crying Salarian who Silver Surfer finds after realizing too late that he’s been tricked."

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