Some Essential Marvel Graphic Novels

For the past 40 years or so, Marvel comics has been selling more comic books than anyone else. Almost all of their classic stories have been reprinted into the graphic novel form allowing new generations of readers to discover them. Some of the essentials:



Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys by Gerry Conway, Stan Lee and Gil Kane.
(Marvel Comics, 2007). This graphic novel reprints one of the most important stories in Spider-Man lore. The Green Goblin kidnaps Spider-Man’s girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. Will Spidey be able to save her? The title sort of gives away the ending.



X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga by Chris Claremont and John Byrne. (Marvel Comics, 2006). This was the most epic X-Men story ever and cemented their position as the most popular comic book of the past 25 years. Jean Grey of the X-Men inherits new cosmic powers which start to consume her. Will the X-Men be able to stop one of their own when she becomes evil and all powerful?





Iron Man: Demon in a Bottle by David Michelinie, Bob Layton and John Romita Jr. (Marvel Comics, 2008). Iron Man’s problems start getting to him and Tony Stark starts drinking just a little too much. Will alcoholism be Iron Man’s biggest foe?






Civil War by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven (Marvel Comics, 2007). After some inept superheroes cause a school to be destroyed, the US government forces all superheroes to register and reveal their secret identities. Some heroes register immediately. Their first mission is to hunt down the heroes that haven’t registered. Which side do you root for?






Wolverine: Origin by Paul Jenkins and Andy Kubert (Marvel Comics, 2006). Wolverine’s origin is finally revealed. Set in the 1800’s young Wolverine discovers his mutant powers and makes some choices that shape the kind of hero he will eventually become.





Marvel Zombies by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips (Marvel Comics, 2008). What if the Marvel superheroes all became zombies? Find out here in this funny story set in an alternate universe.






Thor Visionaries- Walt Simonson, Vol. 3 (Marvel Comics, 2004). Thor’s nemesis and half-brother Loki casts a spell on him. The effect? Thor is transformed into a frog. Will Thor still be able to defeat Loki while he is a frog?



World War Hulk by Greg Pak and John Romita Jr. (Marvel Comics, 2008). Some of Marvel’s “smarter” heroes decide to ship the Hulk off of Earth so he’ll stop causing so much damage. Of course the Hulk finds his way back home and he wants revenge!