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10 Marvel Comics to Recharge Your Fanatic Soul

BBG News

For nearly two decades, I’ve been a dedicated fan of Marvel Studios as they’ve meticulously crafted their universe. There have been instances where they knocked it out of the park, but let’s face it, there have also been times when the storyline fell short. The buzzwords these days are “superhero fatigue” and “Marvel oversaturation” in media, which has caused some fans to take a step back from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t continue to appreciate Marvel, particularly in its original comic book form.

For avid Marvel enthusiasts who’ve had enough of the TV shows and movies, comics could be an appealing alternative. Whether they offer fresh, unique narratives distinct from the Marvel Cinematic Universe or serve as a refreshing break after disappointing adaptations, these stories are ideal for fans who have decided to part ways with Marvel Studios permanently.

By Jason Aaron, Esad Ribić, Dean White, and Joe Sabino

If you’re dissatisfied with Thor’s journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you might find solace and intrigue in the comic book series titled “Thor: God of Thunder“. In this narrative, Thor confronts Gorr the Godslayer, a chilling antagonist on a mission to eliminate all gods across the universe. This battle compels Thor to grapple with his deepest fear: self-doubt and unworthiness. This struggle leads him to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about himself.

God of Thunder” offers captivating battles, a menacing antagonist, stunning illustrations by Esad Ribić, and above all, well-crafted character growth – elements that were lacking in “Thor: Love and Thunder.” If you’re among those who abandoned the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to Thor’s portrayal and found Gorr underwhelming on screen, this series is likely to win you back.

By Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Terry Austin, Glynis Wein, and Tom Orzechowski

After an extraordinary space voyage, Jean Grey is exposed to a potent solar flare, enhancing her psychic and kinetic powers, transforming her into the Phoenix. When Cyclops perishes while trying to rescue her from Mastermind, his demise unleashes a hidden power within her, resulting in Dark Phoenix. This cosmic being (originally rewritten as the Phoenix Force seeking a host) eventually poses a danger to Earth, forcing the X-Men into battle against it.

For individuals who began reading comics due to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and are unfamiliar with the X-Men franchise, let me tell you that it’s an absolute must-read! The Dark Phoenix Saga stands out as a pivotal moment in X-Men history. It introduces the powerful entity known as the Phoenix Force, and it’s brimming with thrilling action and heartfelt emotions. In essence, it’s an ideal choice for those who feel that the cosmic aspect of the later MCU hasn’t quite lived up to its potential.

By Allan Heinberg, Jim Cheung, Mark Morales, Justin Ponsor, and Cory Petit

After the occurrences depicted in “Avengers Disassembled“, where the Scarlet Witch devastated a significant portion of the team, Wiccan and Speed embark on a mission to locate their mother, defying Avengers instructions along the way. Joined by their fellow Young Avengers and Magneto, who also seeks his daughter, they initiate this quest together.

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe who are feeling let down by Scarlet Witch’s storyline on the big screen, especially since it’s rumored that Elizabeth Olsen won’t reprise her role in Avengers: Doomsday, might want to explore Avengers: The Children’s Crusade. This comic provides a satisfying resolution for the character and her children, and also introduces secondary conflicts that enrich the action.

By Mark Millar, Steve McNiven, Dexter Vines, Chris Eliopoulos, and Morry Hollowell

Prior to the onset of the Civil War, the superhero community had consistently fought alongside each other. However, the enactment of the Superhero Registration Act sparked a new demand from the government for individuals with extraordinary powers to register, in order to maintain control over them. As a result, two distinct groups emerged: those advocating for mandatory registration and those championing freedom above all else. The only means to resolve this conflict was through a monumental battle.

The film Captain America: Civil War aimed to depict a similar struggle; nevertheless, being constrained by fewer than a dozen superheroes, the climactic battle seemed less impactful. Fans of superhero concepts but who find the Marvel Cinematic Universe somewhat restrictive should explore . This series boasts hundreds of heroes, intricate moral dilemmas, and several pivotal moments in Marvel’s history.

By John Byrne, Kim DeMulder, Petra Scotese, and Janice Chiang

Between 1989 and 1994, John Byrne penned “The Sensational She-Hulk”. Over these 50 issues, some of She-Hulk’s most memorable moments are depicted, her unique ability to interact with the reader (breaking the fourth wall) is introduced, and we witness her evolving into a fully-realized character.

The television series titled “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” has received relatively low ratings within the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far. Yet, it continues to maintain a dedicated fanbase. If you’re among those who departed from the MCU due to feelings that Jennifer Walters wasn’t being adequately portrayed, then “The Spectacular She-Hulk” is sure to captivate you. This series offers plenty of humor, each villain is increasingly peculiar, and the protagonist’s frequent breaking of the fourth wall provides engaging insights into comic books.

By Steve Englehart, Jorge Santamaria, and Scott Hanna

In “Avengers: Cosmic Pursuit,” it’s revealed that the Mad Titan is a duplicate with an intention to eliminate Mantis, also known as the Celestial Maiden. To thwart this threat, the Avengers – Thor, Scarlet Witch, Vision, and Silverclaw – unite for this interstellar journey to rescue Mantis and her son, Quoi.

Avengers: Cosmic Pursuit”

This series is not a repetition of the Infinity Saga Avengers vs. Thanos battle, instead it introduces fresh interactions unseen within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The team in this storyline consists of characters who are not typically in the limelight, making it an exciting change for fans who feel the superhero genre has become too predictable due to the repeated appearances of familiar faces.

By Kieron Gillen, Esad Ribić, Matthew Wilson, and Clayton Cowles

Kieron Gillen’s Eternals series is now its fifth installment, but it delves deeper into the team than ever before. The narrative unfolds as a gripping murder mystery among an immortal race, with Thanos himself being involved, promising unexpected turns of events for readers. Yet, the author takes care to flesh out this race, exploring their rich history that spans millions of years. This allows fans to immerse themselves in a well-established backstory for this epic high-fantasy series.

It’s fair to conclude that the Eternals movie underperformed significantly, yet opinions within the fanbase remain split. On one hand, there are fans who adored the film and feel disheartened about the prospect of a sequel. On the other, there are those who didn’t enjoy the movie. For both groups, it’s worth noting that the Eternals comic books offer a much more satisfying experience, particularly during Kieron Gillen’s run, which serves as an excellent way to reacquaint oneself with these characters.

By Brian Michael Bendis, Leinil Francis Yu, Mark Morales, and Laura Martin

After the Civil War, it’s revealed that Elektra didn’t die in battle as we thought; instead, she transformed into a Skrull on the spot, implying she wasn’t Elektra at all. This shocking twist was just the start of many revelations on Earth, particularly within the superhero community. The events of Secret Invasion had a profound impact on the Marvel universe up to that point, as it was discovered that the Skrulls had been present for a long time. This raised doubts among readers about whether everything their beloved heroes had done was truly them or not.

Among many MCU projects, “Secret Invasion” stands out as one that left viewers feeling frustrated and ready to give up on watching. Not only did the series fall short in adapting the original storyline, but it also struggled to make sense on its own. Given that the comic event is far more compelling than this miniseries, it might be worth exploring the source material instead of focusing on Marvel Studios’ missteps.

By Tom King, Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles

Eager to transform his existence following Ultron’s actions, Vision establishes a family unit for himself. He manufactures his spouse, Virginia, and children, Viv and Vin. Vision, along with the synthezoids, attempts to lead a normal life in the suburbs, experiencing human customs such as greeting neighbors in the morning and developing interests like literature or mental health. However, their lives prove to be more complex than anticipated.

Similar to Tom King’s other works, Vision delves deeply into various themes. It examines life, death, joy, and other profound subjects that readers will appreciate contemplating. This comic is ideal for viewers who found the Marvel Cinematic Universe action-packed but craved a deeper narrative.

By Jonathan Hickman, Esad Ribić, and Ive Svorcina

Doctor Doom metamorphosed into an actual deity by exploiting the Beyonders, thereby crafting Battleworld – a mosaic landscape of distinct realities brimming with variations of fans’ cherished superheroes. The narrative of the “Secret Wars” unfolds as these heroes strive to vanquish Doctor Doom.

While some devoted Marvel enthusiasts may feel tired of the direction Marvel Studios have taken with their universe, it’s clear that they don’t expect much from the upcoming film. A more satisfying choice might be to delve into Hickman’s comic series instead, sparing yourself any possible letdown from the movie.

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2025-04-20 00:40

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