A MARVEL INSIDER'S READING LIST
Marvel Insider Michael V. of California breaks down his Marvel Favorites, from classic tales like X-MEN: GOD LOVES, MAN KILLS (1982) to the debut of Kamala Khan in MS. MARVEL (2014) #1! Become a Marvel Insider today, and earn points to redeem for exclusive rewards just for being a Marvel fan—including the chance to curate your own Reading List for thousands of fellow fans!
Read Michael's Picks!
The Rise of an Icon
In The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #1
My grandmother collected this series when it was reprinted in the local newspaper. They were the first comics I ever owned. Starting with AMAZING FANTASY (1962) #15 and continuing for literally hundreds of issues, it only takes a dozen to get a good picture of who Peter Parker is and what makes Spider-Man such an iconic character. Read as many as you want. You can't go wrong with the classics.
Familiar Characters in an Unfamiliar World
In Spider-Gwen (2015) #1
Ghost-Spider comes from a universe where super-powers are unheard of. She's the first new hero in a generation to go up against Earth-65's first villains. When she bounces between worlds, she is thrown into the legacies of Gwen Stacy and Spider-Woman. What makes her one of my favorites is that she turns the tables on a lot of the standard lore while still maintaining the core values of being a Spider.
The Wolverine Legacy
In X-23 (2010) #1
Although she first appeared in NYX (2003), Laura Kinney's past was pretty much known from the beginning. The result of a genetic project that sought to clone Wolverine, she struggles just like her father, but she doesn't have the advantage of wisdom that Logan does. Starting with "The Killing Dream," we see her come to terms with her nature. This continues in ALL-NEW WOLVERINE (2016), where she becomes a big sister.
Community Hero
In Ms. Marvel (2014) #1
One thing that sets Ms. Marvel apart from people like Peter Parker is that she grew up in a world already filled with heroes. And while Peter only has Aunt May, Kamala Khan has a community to rely on. She takes the responsibility of her powers seriously, often more worried about others than herself. She struggles to be the hero Jersey City needs while still growing as a person.
A Day in the Life
In Hawkeye (2012) #1
"My Life as a Weapon" is a really fun story with the kind of art that makes me love comics. I'm not that big on super hero teams, so having Clint be just some guy fighting for his neighborhood is refreshing. This series should not be mistaken for Kate Bishop's HAWKEYE (2016), which is another amazing comic about an archer with the same name. Be on the safe side and read both.
Marvel Zombies: The Beginning
In MARVEL ZOMBIES: DEAD DAYS 1 (2007) #1
My sister is a huge horror movie fan, so a universe where the heroes are zombified is just made for her. And it's not just the good guys, because even the villains are thrown into the fight as everyone tries to survive. It's dark, creepy, and always exciting. Though all of the volumes are good, this is an origin story and sometimes you just have to start at the beginning.
Echo's Debut
In Daredevil (1998) #9
Everyone has a favorite character, and for one of my friends, that's Echo. Starting in DAREDEVIL (1998) #9, the saga of Maya Lopez is one of revenge and deceit. The art style is eclectic and the plot is high stakes. Even when she acts a villain, you understand who she is and what motivates her. She overcomes every obstacle, and that's why she is his favorite—though he does love Sun-Spider too.