A MARVEL INSIDER'S READING LIST
Marvel Insider Nicholas LiChard from Illinois breaks down his favorite Marvel comics! Become a Marvel Insider today, and earn points to redeem for exclusive rewards just for being a Marvel fan—including the chance to curate your own Reading List for thousands of fellow fans!
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In Spider-Man Unlimited (1993) #1
I started my first Spider-Man subscription in ‘91. Shortly after, Marvel unleashed the ruthless Carnage upon the Spider-Verse. I had never seen a villain quite like him. A couple of years later, the “Maximum Carnage” event was released and I was hooked! This is pure ‘90s fun! A blockbuster story full of epic team-ups, fearsome foes, and memorable covers. Check it out!
In Web of Spider-Man (1985) #117
This event is a bit controversial among Spider-Man fans. You either like it or you don’t. I happen to like it. Back then I only had some of these issues. Years later when Marvel released “The Complete Clone Saga” collections, I finally had the chance to read the entire storyline. Peter Parker goes through so much during this run—it leaves one’s head spinning. Plus we meet one of my all-time faves—Scarlet Spider!
In MARVEL HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2004 1 (2004) #1
I’m a sucker for anything holiday related. I love the original Marvel Holiday Specials from the early ‘90s. Out of the “newer” Holiday Specials, I like this one the best. You’ve got “A Christmas Carol” retelling featuring J. Jonah Jameson, a heartfelt X-Men tale, and a story about Franklin Richards in search of the true meaning of the season. This one will definitely warm your heart and put you in the holiday spirit!
In Civil War (2006) #1
Even though I always have been (and always will be) a “True Believer,” as I got older, I hadn’t read any comics in quite some time. My buddy told me I should check out CIVIL WAR. He said it’s unlike anything Marvel had ever put out before. I was intrigued and picked up a copy. I’m glad I did! The CIVIL WAR event rekindled my love affair with comic books and allowed me to really appreciate the art form as an adult.
In MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE 1 (2012) #1
The Marvel Cinematic Universe fueled my fandom to a fever pitch. First I resumed my Marvel subscription with A+X (2012)—then I picked up MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE. It was the perfect entry point into Marvel’s latest relaunch. There were great titles throughout the different “Now” waves, but my favorites were: CABLE AND X-FORCE (2012), WOLVERINE (2013), THE PUNISHER (2014), LEGENDARY STAR-LORD (2014), and DEATHLOK (2014).
In Age of Ultron (2013) #1
I was pumped to hear Marvel would be releasing a massive universe-spanning event called AGE OF ULTRON. When I got my first issue, I was not disappointed! Those first few books where we see the total devastation of Earth by Ultron and the remaining heroes taking refuge in the underground are my favorite. It’s a great time-traveling story that seamlessly leads into the AVENGERS A.I. series.
Vision: Little Worse Than a Man
In Vision (2015) #1
As soon as I laid my eyes on the cover of VISION #1, I knew I had to read it. Once you dive into this incredibly smart, dark, and captivating comic, it’s hard to put down! As you progress throughout, every page becomes a little more unsettling. The reader gets a glimpse into Vision’s unraveling, “normal” suburban life and you instantly feel like you’re watching events unfold that you really shouldn’t be seeing.