10 Marvel Comics To Check Out If You Miss The Early MCU

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As the epic Infinity Saga nears its conclusion, many fans are feeling nostalgic about the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first three phases of the MCU were truly groundbreaking, but after nearly two decades, the universe has evolved significantly. For those who fondly remember this earlier era, revisiting the films or exploring the original comic books can be a great way to relive those moments.

The Infinity Saga wasn’t based on one specific comic book series, but many great Marvel comics from that era capture the same spirit as the early Marvel Cinematic Universe. Comics like Ed Brubaker’s Captain America, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Infinity Gauntlet feel very similar to those first MCU movies and will likely appeal to fans.

Phil Coulson Shines on S.H.I.E.L.D.

Even five years after it finished, it’s still debated whether the events of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. are officially part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Both fans and Marvel Studios itself haven’t reached a consensus. What is clear is that the show remains incredibly popular, largely due to the character of Phil Coulson and his widespread appeal.

Coulson, surprisingly, made his way into comic books! He became the star of a series called S.H.I.E.L.D., written by Mark Waid. While inspired by the TV show, it’s a fun continuation of the story, and even has a sequel. If you enjoyed the more secretive, behind-the-scenes aspects of the early Marvel Cinematic Universe films, and miss characters like Coulson, this comic is definitely for you.

Civil War Is A Bigger Event, But This Makes It Perfect

While Captain America: Civil War isn’t a particularly faithful adaptation of the comic book storyline by Mark Millar, it’s still a strong film, especially for fans who’ve been following the Marvel Cinematic Universe from the start. It’s a lengthy and realistic story that explores the complex political issues that arise when superheroes exist.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is increasingly exploring stories set in outer space and dealing with cosmic forces, which fits well with the current ‘Multiverse Saga’. While previous phases hinted at these themes with characters like gods and sorcerers, the main focus was on how the world reacted to the emergence of the Avengers. The upcoming adaptation of Mark Millar’s Civil War will be a more grounded story, focusing on real-world consequences rather than fantastical elements. With over 100 related comics and media, it promises a lot of content for fans to enjoy.

Ed Brubaker’s Captain America Features Great Moments

I’ve been a Captain America fan for years, and while he’s been around since 1941, I think Ed Brubaker’s run on the comics – from 2004 to 2011 – is just incredible. It’s really shaped how Captain America is portrayed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe too! A perfect example is the introduction of the Winter Soldier – that whole storyline first appeared in Brubaker’s comics and it was amazing to see it brought to life on screen.

Ed Brubaker’s run on Captain America includes stories like “The Man with No Name,” “Red Menace,” and “The Man Who Bought America.” These plots are packed with political intrigue and classic noir themes, offering a similar feel to early MCU Captain America stories, particularly The Winter Soldier and its conflict with the Red Skull.

“Enemy of the State” Introduces A Great Version of Black Panther

Many fans consider Christopher Priest’s work on Black Panther to be a highlight of the series. His “Enemy of the State” storyline is particularly well-regarded for tackling a believable problem: Wakanda’s independence and the trouble it causes when they keep their advanced technology secret from the rest of the world, including the United States. Meanwhile, a villainous mastermind named Achebe is plotting a takeover of Wakanda.

The “Enemy of the State” comic explores the challenges T’Challa faces as king of Wakanda, both within the nation and from outside threats. Like the Black Panther seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this story delves deeper than just his superheroics, emphasizing his responsibilities as Wakanda’s leader. This version of T’Challa is depicted as calm and collected, yet undeniably strong, mirroring Chadwick Boseman’s memorable performance.

The All-New Guardians of the Galaxy Will Remind Fans of Gunn’s Team

James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy films were a huge success, largely thanks to their humor. As a result, many elements from those movies started appearing in the comics published afterward. A prime example of this is The All-New Guardians of the Galaxy written by Gerry Duggan.

This 12-part comic series follows the Guardians of the Galaxy—Star-Lord, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, Gamora, and Groot—on a variety of space adventures. While different artists contribute, including Mike Hawthorne, Ive Svorcina, and Aaron Kuder, the series consistently delivers a vibrant, colorful style and the signature quirky humor fans associate with the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie.

Age of Ultron Inspires This MCU Villain

In 2013, writer Brian Michael Bendis spearheaded a major Marvel event called Age of Ultron. The story depicts a world where Ultron has achieved victory, and the Avengers are forced into hiding. They work to build a resistance movement while Ultron’s robotic sentinels control everything. This comic book series served as the primary inspiration for the movie Avengers: Age of Ultron.

The movie and the comic book version of Age of Ultron are definitely different. But Brian Michael Bendis’ comic is still a great read for Marvel Cinematic Universe fans who want a nostalgic experience. It’s a thrilling story that also explores what it means to be human and the moral questions raised by a character like Ultron. Plus, the comic’s version of Ultron is just as frightening as the one you see in the films.

Peter David’s Hulk Is Super Savage

The Hulk hasn’t felt truly frightening in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for a while. After Avengers: Infinity War, the character became Professor Hulk, and lost the unpredictable, dangerous edge he had in earlier movies. Many fans miss that version of the Hulk, but thankfully, there are some fantastic Hulk comic books available. A particularly good series to check out is the one written by Peter David.

Most fans would say he truly made the Hulk his own. Over 130 issues, he delivered some of the character’s most memorable stories, including fan favorites like the Joe Fixit storyline, “Ground Zero,” and the introduction of Maestro in “Future Imperfect.” These stories capture a period when the Hulk felt genuinely frightening, something many MCU fans long for.

Invincible Iron Man Offers A Fresh Take On The Character

I remember when Iron Man was a much more stoic character before Robert Downey Jr. brought his amazing personality to the role! It’s cool that the comics have started to reflect the fun we see in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though. If you’re looking for a good Iron Man read, I’d definitely recommend checking out stuff from 2013 onward. Gerry Duggan’s Invincible Iron Man is a great place to start – it really feels like the Iron Man we know and love from the movies!

The Invincible Iron Man comic is a thrilling read filled with humor, exciting action, and surprisingly emotional moments. Similar to the early Iron Man movies, it delves into Tony Stark’s personal struggles while still showcasing his heroic adventures. It’s a fantastic series for Marvel Cinematic Universe fans, capturing the core of Tony’s character without directly influencing the films.

The Ultimates Inspired The MCU Avengers

The breakup of the original Avengers team was a major turning point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The chemistry between those first six heroes was special, and while their impact continues to be felt, they’ve all moved on – some have passed away, others have retired, and the rest are facing new challenges. For fans who really miss seeing them together, a great comic to check out is The Ultimates by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch.

This series reimagines how the Avengers first came together, showing Nick Fury as the one who brought the team together. The story focuses on their battle against the Chitauri while also navigating the challenges of being public figures. Many elements from this version – including plot points and character looks – were later incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering fans a satisfying connection to the original team they might have missed.

The Comics Have Their Own Infinity Saga

If you enjoyed the first ten years of Marvel movies (the Infinity Saga), you should read the comics that started it all! Begin with Jim Starlin’s The Infinity Gauntlet, then continue with The Infinity War and Infinity Crusade. These stories, like the movies, center around Thanos’s journey to collect the Infinity Gems and gain ultimate power.

While these stories aren’t exactly the same, they capture the heart of the original. Thanos’s journey across the universe is extensive, and the Avengers’ fight to stop him is both dramatic and large in scope. This is a fantastic storyline with huge, universe-altering stakes, reminiscent of the overarching plotlines from the early Marvel Cinematic Universe. Readers will quickly understand why Marvel Studios built so much of their franchise around this particular story.

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2025-11-10 22:49