How to Dive into the Marvel Universe for MCU Fans

After binge-watching all the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films and reading a bit of comic books, you might be overwhelmed by the vast array of comic series. But don't worry too much; let's guide you through the process of diving into the rich and diverse Marvel Comics universe.

Start with a Comic Book Store

For those who are feeling the weight of the decision, the best way to start reading comics is to visit a local comic book store. Browse through the shelves, find what catches your interest, and read it. Even if a particular story doesn't resonate with you, you might find a character compelling enough to pursue more of their adventures. This hands-on approach allows you to make more informed choices based on your preferences and interests.

Choose Your Starting Point

Buying every comic book immediately is not feasible. Most people don't have the budget to spend a million dollars on every issue. If you're looking for a solid starting point, start with the Avengers. The first issues of the Avengers are a fantastic way to dive into the modern Marvel universe. However, depending on your preference, you might want to explore a different era or find a specific decade that interests you.

Modern Marvel Universe (Post-2000)

New Avengers: This is often considered the best starting point for new readers. The series introduces you to the modern Marvel universe without requiring prior knowledge. It connects you to important events like Civil War and Secret Invasion. For a detailed reading order, check out the Avengers Reading Order - The Bendis Years 2004 - 2012 - Crushing Krisis. It is highly recommended to read Avengers Disassembled before starting this series, as it deals with the Avengers' fall and foreshadows House of M. Hickman's Avengers: This run picks up after the Bendis era during the Heroic Age and skips the Avengers vs. X-Men conflict. This series continues through to Secret Wars, which relaunches the Marvel universe into the All New All Different (ANA) era and current continuity. While it's a very popular choice, I personally don't think it's the best starting point for beginners. Busiek's Avengers: If you're looking for a truly classic Avengers run, this series starts before the Bendis era and is a fresh start. It's a great series that you can read from cover to cover, and you can pick up with Avengers Disassembled if you want. It's the last true classic Avengers story, as Bendis altered the status quo significantly.

Explore Different Decades or Eras

If you prefer to explore comics from different decades, you can start with an origin story or a specific era. For instance, if you want to understand the foundation of superhero teams, you might want to start with an origin story. On the other hand, if you prefer more recent comics, you can start with a popular run from that era.

Recommended Reads for MCU Fans

Starting with the Avengers is a solid choice for those who are curious about the modern Marvel universe. However, if you want to explore different characters, you might want to check out:

Avengers Disassembled

This series is a turning point in the Avengers' history, focusing on the Avengers falling out and foreshadowing House of M. It's a must-read for those who want to understand the aftermath of significant events in the Marvel universe.

House of MHouse of M is a pivotal series that changes the landscape of the Marvel universe. It's important for those who want to fully grasp the events that led to the Secret Wars and the All New All Different (ANA) era.

Marvel Zombies

If you're looking for something entirely different, Marvel Zombies offers a unique and gruesome take on the Marvel universe. While you don't need to have read any of the main Marvel series, it might be a fun diversion for those who are interested in a darker, more paranoid take on the world's superheroes.

Overall, the key to starting your journey into the Marvel Comics universe is to choose a starting point that resonates with you. Whether you're an MCU fan or a comic book enthusiast, there's a rich and diverse world of stories waiting for you to discover.