A MARVEL INSIDER'S READING LIST
Marvel Insider Patrick D. of Michigan breaks down his Marvel Favorites, from classic tales like IRON MAN (1968) #150 to Storm's showcase of power in X-MEN RED (2022) #1!
Read Patrick's Picks!
Jean Grey
In New X-Men (2001) #150
This is the first Marvel comic I ever owned. I used to pour over this issue and the following arc. Jean Grey's drive to make things right, even when that isn't the kindest choice, draws me to her. She can show such compassion and be incredibly cruel at the same time. That, along with her history of amazing stories, makes her the greatest Marvel character ever.
Iron Man
In Iron Man (1968) #150
Before 2008, my only experience with Iron Man was his unlockable character in 'X-Men Legends 2.' However, I became obsessed with him after the movie. One of my favorite Iron Man stories pits him against my favorite villain: Doctor Doom! In the double-sized IRON MAN (1968) #150, both Iron Man and Doom are sent back in time to the days of Camelot and must find their way home.
Moon Knight
In Moon Knight (2021) #1
Moon Knight has fascinated me ever since his time on West Coast Avengers, but it was Jed MacKay and Alessandro Cappuccio’s MOON KNIGHT (2021) series that cemented him as one of the peak Marvel characters for me. Between the gorgeous art and the compelling story, I was enraptured during this run and will admit I cried over several issues.
Iceman
In Iceman (2017) #1
I've always felt drawn to Iceman, as he had a little brother quality that I saw in myself. With he came out as gay, I felt even more of a connection, since I'm gay myself and grew up in a conservative area. I read every issue of Sina Grace's ICEMAN (2017) series as it was published, as it felt like one of the first times a gay super hero got a solo comic and was able to discuss gay issues.
Storm
In X-Men Red (2022) #1
Ever since I watched 'X-Men: The Animated Series,' Storm’s monologues have been burnt into my brain. She was always the most powerful character and she looked amazing wiping the floor with her enemies. Later on, I read through her history, which really helped me understand how complex a character she is. Al Ewing’s X-MEN RED (2022) really shows what a powerhouse she can be when given the space to express it.
Jessica Jones
In Pulse (2004) #14
My adoration for Jessica Jones really stems from her being so similar to one of my close friends. I think we all have a friend who is a loner and gruff, but deeply cares for their friends (and if you don’t, you should find one). That’s who Jessica Jones is to me and it makes her a unique character, especially since she gets to have those characteristics as a complex woman.