Every comic book fan is guaranteed to have their favorites, but when it comes to the acclaimed level of writing and artistry, and how a single story changed the way we think about comics, these are the best Marvel Comics to have ever been published.
10
Spider-Man: The Death of Gwen Stacy
The Amazing Spider-Man #121–122 (1973) by Gerry Conway, Gil Kane, John Romita Sr., Tony Mortellaro
As one of the most iconic faces of the entire company, there is no question Spider-Man’s best comic stories rank among the best in the publisher’s history. Loathe as we are to shine the spotlight on the greatest tragedy that ever befell Peter Parker, there is simply no denying the potency, the polish, and the sheer power of this crucial chapter in his story.
The “Death of Gwen Stacy” arc showed Spider-Man at his absolute most vulnerable and pushed him the closest he ever came to breaking his no-kill rule after vowing revenge on Green Goblin. Plus, it’s one of the most hard-hitting deaths in Marvel Comics history.
9
The Amazing Spider-Man: Kraven’s Last Hunt
Spider-Man #31–32, The Amazing Spider-Man #293–294, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #131–132 (1987) by J. M. DeMatteis, Mike Zeck, Bob McLeod, Bob Sharen, Janet Jackson
Determined to prove himself as a hunter and earn the right to die on his own terms, Kraven the Hunter seeks two objectives in this epic mission: defeat Spider-Man, and become a better Spider-Man in the process. In execution, it’s an uncharacteristically eerie tale for one starring the wholesome, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, as well as refreshingly dark.
At its core, “Kraven’s Last Hunt” gets at the root of what makes Spider-Man who he truly is, and why not just anyone can call themselves Spider-Man simply by putting on his mask. The grim story is utterly gripping from start to finish, whilst being complex on the darkest level possible.
8
X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga
The Uncanny X-Men #129–138 (1980) by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Terry Austin, Glynis Wein
The Dark Phoenix Saga remains the X-Men’s most famous storyline for more reasons than fans can count. Claremont, Byrne, and company weave an interstellar tapestry that is as heartbreakingly human as it is breathtakingly beautiful – and its ramifications still echo throughout X-Men history and the Marvel Universe to this day.
7
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Captain America #8-14 (2005) by Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting, Michael Lark, Mike Perkins, Frank D’Armata
Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting accomplished the impossible with this story, not only resurrecting the long-dead Bucky Barnes, but making him cool again. The story reads like a great spy novel, with the creative team packing in moving character drama along with the blockbuster action, resulting in perhaps the greatest Captain America story ever.
6
Marvels
Marvels #1-4 (1994) by Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross
While he had been in the industry for a hot minute, Marvels was truly the coming-out party for Alex Ross. Coupled with a nostalgic story from Kurt Busiek that reframed the Marvel Universe with real history, Alex Ross’ incredible painted artwork set a new standard in comic book storytelling.
5
Civil War
Civil War #1-7 (2007) by Mark Millar, Steve McNiven, Dexter Vines, Morry Hollowell
Written by Mark Millar and featuring stunning art by Steve McNiven, Civil War is the ultimate Marvel Comics event. Comics have always toyed with the idea of superheroes battling against one another – it’s frankly a tradition that any first encounters start with a brawl – but this took the idea to the next level, actually making it the core plot.
In Civil War, politics tears the superhero community apart, with catastrophic consequences. There are several key character moments of massive impact – including Spider-Man’s unmasking and a tragic character death.
“Civil War is a trailblazer in comic book history, an early attempt at a summer event that set the pattern for everything that followed. It’s rather better structured than any of its successors, though, with a carefully thought-through timeline that makes it easy to put the massive number of tie-ins into place.
What’s more, the events of Civil War would continue to have an impact for almost a decade’s worth of comics, reinforcing the sense this event really mattered. It’s no surprise the comic book event found its way into the MCU as one of Marvel Studios’ most popular movies.” – Tom Bacon, ScreenRant Editor
4
Wolverine: Old Man Logan
Wolverine (Vol 3) #66–72 (2008) by Mark Millar, Steve McNiven
In Old Man Logan, Mark Millar and Steve McNiven drop Wolverine into the heart of a revisionist Western. The story follows a tragic version of Logan as he navigates the aftermath of an apocalypse, reimagining key 616 heroes and villains as the archetypes associated with the Old West. Featuring Millar’s signature style of adapting characters to darker settings, the story is a must-read for fans of Westerns and superheroes alike.
3
Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil #226–233 (1986) by Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli, Christie “Max” Scheele
Daredevil: Born Again is one of Hornhead’s most iconic storylines and arguably Marvel’s greatest street-level saga. Featuring stellar characterization by Frank Miller, and some of the strongest work of David Mazzuchelli’s career, Born Again brings Matt Murdock to his knees while revealing the true measure of a Man Without Fear.
2
Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man #1-7 (2000) by Brian Michael Bendis, Bill Jemas, Mark Bagley, Art Thibert, Steve Buccellato
Ultimate Spider-Man is the definitive ‘superhero as coming-of-age’ story. It’s rare that a comic run this long keeps a single writer, but in doing so, Ultimate Spider-Man delivers an epic story about the transition from childhood to adulthood, and the evolving understanding of ‘responsibility’ in a world that will overlook your sins if you have enough power.
1
Fantastic Four (Hickman)
FF #1-5 (2011) by Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting, Paul Mounts, Rick Magyar
The dirty secret Marvel doesn’t want you to know about the Fantastic Four is that they don’t work as superheroes – they’re adventurers. Hickman’s Fantastic Four run understands that the job of Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, the Thing and Human Torch is to introduce bold new ideas to the Marvel Universe, and it doesn’t pause once in delivering exactly that.
