A MARVEL INSIDER'S READING LIST
Marvel Insider Mitch V. of Illinois breaks down his Marvel Favorites, from classic tales like PATSY AND HEDY (1952) #79 to the dawn of the Krakoan Era in HOUSE OF X (2019) #1!
Read Mitch's Picks!
It Comes Back To You In The End
In Hawkeye (2012) #1
My all-time favorite Marvel characters, Hawkeye (Kate and Clint). With stories from the point of view of Pizza Dog and an issue told through sign language, there is so much love and creativity in this series. A grounded story filled with heart, humor, action, and pizza. Just like Clint’s boomerang arrow, this series always comes back to you in the end.
In House of X (2019) #1
This is the series that made me an X-Men fan. I lost track of how many times my jaw hit the floor after reading issue one. Setting a bold new status quo, the Krakoan Era cemented itself as an instant classic and a must-read for past, present, and future X-Men fans. From grand world-building, mutant politics, sci-fi, fantasy, and everything in between and beyond, this series has it all.
In Silver Surfer (2014) #1
If you are a fan of fantastic cosmic adventures into the strange and bizarre, then this is the series for you! Dan Slott, Michael Allred, and Laura Allred are an all-star team that deliver beautiful art; they'll make you fall in love with characters you just met. Every issue brings a bolder and crazier new adventure that makes me feel like a kid again, smiling like a fool page after page.
In X-Men Legacy (2012) #1
I knew little to nothing about David Haller, AKA Legion, before this series, but after just a few pages, he instantly became a new favorite. This series shines a light on mental health, self-discovery, and identity. This mind-bending story will make you question reality and the cost of super-powers.
In Patsy and Hedy (1952) #79
This list could be entirely dedicated to Patsy Walker and many of Marvel's other romance series, but I have such a soft spot for Patsy and Hedy. This series is a beautiful time capsule of 1950s comics and storytelling. This is a timeless dive into relationships, female empowerment, and amazing fashion.
In Mighty Thor (2015) #1
I could sing praises for this series all day long. Russell Dauterman's beautiful art makes every panel feel cinematic. MIGHTY THOR is a love letter to Marvel fantasy. From cosmic threats to internal battles, this epic journey packs so much hope and inspiration. This series reminds us that we can all be worthy and that we are stronger than we think.
In West Coast Avengers (2018) #1
This list wouldn’t be complete without this series. It has two of my favorite things in Marvel Comics: both Hawkeyes and Jeff the Land Shark. If you’re a fan of misfit characters teaming up, reality TV, land sharks, and witty banter, then West Coast Avengers is perfect for you! Every issue left a huge smile on my face and made me eager for the next misfit adventure.
In Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man (2017) #310
I encourage everyone to read all the series in this list, but if you could only read a single issue, it should be this one. This issue is a beautiful, heartfelt, and heartbreaking tribute to what makes Spider-Man one of the greatest heroes in the Marvel Universe. This is not only a must-read for Spider-Man fans, but for all comic book fans. It's a reminder of how important even the smallest stories can be.