It’s always a good time to catch up on your reading, as March is National Reading Month, now feels like the perfect occasion. With so many new TV shows and films on the horizon, it’s not easy to stop streaming and open up a good book. But what if that good book happens to be a graphic novel about one of your favorite Marvel characters? Graphic novels are a mesmerizing genre within the literary cypher. The best of the bunch find the synergy in fusing exquisite stories with spellbinding illustrations for a double-sensory experience. Most (if not all) stories start on paper, and reading graphic novels means supporting a sometimes undervalued art form. While the pandemic has a lot of us staying home more than ever before, reading can be a way to relax, and maybe even switch up your routine. For the Marvel fans, we put together a list of graphic novels to add to your reading list featuring Captain Marvel, Hulk, Storm, Falcon and Winter Soldier, the Avengers, Iron Man, Blade, and more.
“Captain Marvel Vol. 2: Civil War II”
Carol Danvers is back for a new mission in Kris Anka’s “Captain Marvel Vol. 2: Civil War II.” With a second Civil War erupting, Captain Marvel finds herself right at the forefront of all the action, and even facing off with an old friend. This brilliant story will have you hooked.
“Avengers vs. X-Men”
A clash of the titans. Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Black Widow, Cyclops, Storm, Magneto, Gambit, Vison, Wanda, and more make appearances in the “Avengers vs. X-Men.” Written by Brian Michael Bendis and Ed Brubaker, and released in 2013, the book includes battle-royal style storylines, and vivid illustrations.
“Astonishing X-Men: Storm”
Find out Storm’s origin story in the “Astonishing X-Men: Storm” by late novelist Eric Jerome Dickey. The story chronicles Ororo Munroe’s childhood as an orphaned Kenyan who was forced to steal food to survive, all while struggling to develop and harness her mutant powers. The book also details Storm’s first time meeting Black Panther.
“Thor: The Trials of Loki”
“Loki the trickster. Loki the shape-shifter. Loki the cursed.” Before the Loki TV series debuts on Disney+ in June, here’s a great way to explore the enthralling story behind Thor’s adopted brother. “Thor: The Trials of Loki,” by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Sebastian Fiumara, digs up the roots of Lok’s disdain for Asgarians.
“The Umbrella Academy Volume 1”
This deluxe edition features the complete Eisner Award-winning series, plus the short stories ”Mon Dieu!” and ”But the Past Ain’t Through with You.” The set also includes a 50-page sketchbook section with art by Gerard Way, Gabriel Bá, James Jean, and designer Tony Ong. The 216-page oversized hardcover is bound in leatherette, with an appliqué of the iconic umbrella symbol, foil stamping, and a satin ribbon bookmark, alongside a lithograph featuring an exclusive art piece. The lithograph is enclosed in a leatherette portfolio, imprinted with the Umbrella Academy crest.
“World War Hulk”
Originally published in 2007, the “World War Hulk” limited series finds our favorite green superhero in defense mode. After being expelled from Earth and banished to the planet of Sakaar, Hulk returns to wreak havoc on Iron Man, Reed Richards, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt — and anyone else who gets in his way.
“Captain America Epic Collection: Monsters and Men”
To say there’s a lot happening in this comic book is putting it mildly, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The story starts with Captain America taking on Everyman just as Rogers’ childhood friend, Arnie Roth, resurfaces. Also, Hydra crashes a reunion of the Howling Commandos (you can pretty much guess how that goes over), and the Falcon struggles with reconciling his past and present. “Captain America Epic Collection: Monsters and Men,” is illustrated by Mike Zeck, Alan Kupperberg, Sal Buscema, and Ron Wilson.
“Falcon & Winter Soldier”
Whether you already started watching “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” series on Disney+, or plan to start stream it at some point, here’s a chance to read up on the superhero duo. In the “Falcon & Winter Solider” novel, an attempt on Bucky Barnes’ life reunites him with Sam Wilson. The duo gets wrapped up in a race to find the new Hydra leader, before time runs out.
“Avengers by Jonathan Hickman: The Complete Collection”
You’ll want to dive into this cross-planetary mission that takes the Avengers to Mars, where they set out on a dangerous journey unlike anything they have faced in the past. And that’s not the only catastrophe on the menu. A potential attack on the multiverse threatens all of reality, but Tony Stark (and his allies) are the only ones who can potentially save the multiverse.
“Blade by Marc Guggenheim: The Complete Collection”
If you’re looking for a Blade story to add to your collection, here’s a good option. Author Marc Guggenheim explores the beginning of Marvel’s human-vampire hybrid as he travels to England, but of course, trouble isn’t far behind. Guggenheim has penned several Blade comics, in addition to The Flash, and “The Amazing Spider-Man.”
“The Saga of Wanda and Vision”
This collection of older comic runs features Wanda and Vision getting married, moving to the suburbs, and having kids. Sound familiar? The comics in question come from the ’70s and ’80s.
“Avengers: Disassembled”
Brush up on the events that lead up to “House of M,” which — spoiler alert! — includes Wanda killing both Hawkeye and Ant-Man. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
