The Best Way to Dive into Marvel’s Earth-616 Universe

If you've ever had the desire to explore the rich and expansive world of Marvel’s Earth-616 comics but just don’t know where to begin, you're not alone. Comics are a treasure trove of stories, and getting started can be overwhelming. However, by following a well-crafted reading order, you can start enjoying the best of Marvel's stories right from the beginning. Here’s a detailed guide to help you jump into the Marvel Universe, complete with suggestions from Douglas Wolk's All of the Marvels.

Why Start with Certain Comics?

The Earth-616 universe is vast, filled with iconic characters and complex storylines. By starting with certain key comics, you can gain a solid understanding of the core characters and ongoing narrative threads. This makes it easier to follow and appreciate more complex storylines later on.

Iconic Crossovers and Events

One of the best ways to start is with crossover events or large-scale storylines that explore the core conflicts and characters of the Marvel Universe. These events often serve as a natural jumping-on point and provide a place to start without needing prior knowledge of the entire history.

Avengers vs. X-Men (2012): This crossover event is a great starting point as it touches on the fundamental conflicts and characters of the Marvel Universe. It's a high-energy, action-packed read that will immerse you in the world of Marvel. Marvel NOW! (2012-2015): This line-wide relaunch introduced new creative teams and new story directions for many Marvel characters. It's an ideal starting point for those who want to explore the more recent iterations of the characters and storylines. Guardians of the Galaxy (2013): Written by Brian Michael Bendis, this series helped redefine the Guardians of the Galaxy and brought them to mainstream popularity before the film adaptations. A must-read for any fan of the Guardians. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014): By Ed Brubaker, this storyline is considered one of the best modern arcs for Captain America. It ties into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe and offers a deep dive into the character's psyche. Avengers: Infinity (2013) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2015): These major crossover events helped shape the direction of the Marvel Universe, leading into the modern era. They set the stage for much of the Marvel Universe we know today. All-New All-Different Marvel (2015-2016): This initiative relaunched many Marvel titles with new creative teams, providing yet another natural jumping-on point. It brings a fresh perspective to the familiar characters and teams. Marvel Legacy (2017-2018): This line-wide relaunch celebrated Marvel's rich history while introducing new developments for key characters and teams. It’s a great way to explore both classic and new stories. Marvel Fresh Start (2018-2019): The most recent major relaunch, it featured acclaimed new runs on many classic Marvel heroes and teams. It’s a great way to dive into the latest iterations of these beloved characters.

Additional Resources

If you want a more comprehensive understanding of the vast world of Marvel comics, you might enjoy reading Douglas Wolk’s book, All of the Marvels. Wolk’s book delves into the entire Marvel story, spanning over 500,000 pages, providing a comprehensive overview of the universe.

Explore and Enjoy!

Now that you have a better idea of the order to start with, feel free to explore additional titles and eras that interest you. As you become more familiar with the rich tapestry of Marvel comics, you'll find your own preferences and favorite stories.