When it comes to choosing the very best of the best Marvel graphic novels, it’s hard to know where to start. The fact is that there are countless amazing runs and series to choose from spanning almost one hundred years of history and inspiring the many films and television series that now make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Below are our picks for the top 10 best Marvel graphic novels ever made.
#10: Secret Wars
The Marvel Universe’s greatest villains and heroes are called together by the mysterious and powerful Beyonder, with the winner promised the ultimate prize. The end result is one of the best Marvel graphic novels ever created and the introduction of the legendary black suit Spider-Man (which eventually became the Venom symbiote).
#9: The Infinity Gauntlet
Thanos plans to gather the six Infinity Gems from across the galaxy and assemble them into the most powerful weapon in the universe: the Infinity Gauntlet. Unfortunately for the Mad Titan, a host of heroes gather to oppose him. This fan-favorite remains one of the best Marvel graphic novel series, with its story influencing the very foundations of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
#8: Hawkeye Omnibus Vol 1
Clint Barton (aka Hawkeye) continues his fight for justice…and good rooftop BBQs! With Young Avenger Kate Bishop by his side, he soon runs into an army criminals and super-villains (not to mention pizza-loving dogs), resulting in action, comedy and mayhem. The series is also what inspired the Disney+ TV show of the same name, making it easily one of the best Marvel graphic novels ever.
#7: Captain America: Winter Solider Omnibus
Eisner Award-nominated wrtier Ed Brubaker’s Captain America run breathed new life into the character, not to mention introducing the legendary Winter Soldier. With incredible art by Steve Epting, the series redefined Steve Rogers and was the primary inspiration for the storyline and characters used in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
#6: Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1
Launched back in 2000, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man was designed to breathe new life into the character and reboot the web slinger. Writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mark Bagley’s run however, redefined Peter Parker and eventually went on to introduce the fan-favorite Miles Morales.
#5: The War of the Realms Omnibus
In writer Jason Aaron’s epic Marvel event, the Ten Realms have all fallen to the evil dark elf Malekith and his army and Earth now in the crosshairs. With Thor trapped in the land of the Frost Giants it’s up to the world’s mightiest heroes to save the day in this action-packaged series that proves Marvel still knows how to deliver the goods.
#4: Marvels: Remastered Edition
Written by Kurt Busiek and masterfully illustrated by Alex Ross, Marvels presents a richly painted historical overview of the entire Marvel Universe, spanning from the 1939 debut of the Human Torch to the fearsome coming of the world-devouring Galactus. It’s a beautiful Marvel graphic novel epic that encapsulates the very best of the beloved comic book universe.
#3: Marvel Civil War Box Set
One of the biggest epics in Marvel history saw the vast array of comic book superheroes facing their biggest threat yet: themselves. With hero vs. hero in a no-holds barred battle for survival. The storyline was again used extensively within the Marvel Cinematic Universe making this series an absolute must-have for Marvel graphic novel collectors.
#2: Punisher Max Omnibus (Vol. 1)
In this blood-spattered (and extremely mature) graphic novel collection, legendary Marvel comics writer Garth Ennis manages to show real depth and emotion to the seemingly stone-faced killer known as the Punisher. The end result is not only one of the best Marvel graphic novels of all time, but a bullet-riddled crime epic.
#1: X-Men: Dark Phoenix Saga Omnibus
Largely considered one of the greatest Marvel comic story arcs of all time, Dark Phoenix showed a level of sophistication and drama that had never really been seen in comics until that time. Following the tragic transformation X-Men Jean Grey from hero to the cosmic entity known as the Dark Phoenix, it remains hands down a true masterpiece of sequential art.
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