The galaxy has been taking a pounding (see our previous Marvel Cosmic Reading Order). First, the Annihilation Wave tore through, wiping out whole worlds and killing the entire Nova Corps. Then the attempt by the Phalanx to take control of the Kree Empire caused further harm. Now the Earth is about to be invaded by the Skrulls, the Inhumans will take control of their destiny in the stars, the Shi’ar Empire will spread aggressively and an intergalactic war will threaten to rend the very fabric of reality itself asunder!
While the heroes of Earth continue to deal with their own issues, the fate of the rest of the universe is on the hands of the newly-reformed Nova Corps and the new team of heroes, the Guardians of the Galaxy. When the cosmos faces its biggest threat yet, will these heroes be out of their depth?
Must Reads: Story arcs marked with a ✔ are must-read stories from this time period, along with any key related stories and often-forgotten tales that are worth a read.
Anthology Issues: When an issue contains multiple stories, the relevant story is denoted with square brackets. For example, [2/5] refers to the second story of the five stories in that issue, so you don’t need to read the other four.
See previous entries in the Marvel Cosmic reading orders:
Want to keep it simple? Here’s the core reading order without story descriptions, page-by-page breakdowns – just the stories:
- ✔ Secret Invasion (2008) #1
- Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #1
- Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust? #1[2/5]
- ✔ New Avengers (2005) #40
- ✔ Secret Invasion (2008) #2
- Secret Invasion: Thor #1
- Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #2
- Secret Invasion: Thor #2
- ✔ Secret Invasion (2008) #3
- Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #3
- Secret Invasion: Thor #3
- Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers #1-3
- ✔ Secret Invasion (2008) #4
- New Avengers (2005)#43
- ✔ Nova (2007) #16
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #4
- ✔ Secret Invasion (2008) #5
- New Avengers (2005)#44
- ✔ Nova (2007) #17
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #5
- She-Hulk (2005)#32
- ✔ Secret Invasion (2008) #6
- ✔ Secret Invasion: Inhumans #1
- ✔ New Avengers #45
- She-Hulk (2005)#33
- ✔ Secret Invasion: Inhumans #2
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #6
- ✔ Secret Invasion: Inhumans #3
- ✔ Secret Invasion (2008) #7
- ✔ Nova (2007) #18
- ✔ Secret Invasion (2008) #8
- ✔ Secret Invasion: Inhumans #4
- ✔ Secret Invasion: War of Kings #1
- ✔ Beta Ray Bill: The Green of Eden #1
- ✔ X-Men: Kingbreaker #1-4
- ✔ Beta Ray Bill: Godhunter #1-3
- She-Hulk: Cosmic Collision #1
- Skaar: Son of Hulk #1-3
- Skaar: Son of Hulk Presents: The Savage World of Sakaar #1
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #7-8
- ✔ War of Kings: Warriors #1 [1/2]
- ✔ War of Kings: Warriors #2 [1/2]
- ✔ Nova (2007) #19
- ✔ War of Kings: Darkhawk #1-2
- ✔ War of Kings: Warriors #2 [2/2]
- Skaar: Son of Hulk #4-7
- ✔ Nova (2007) #20-22
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #9-10
- ✔ War of Kings #1
- ✔ War of Kings: Warriors #1[2/2]
- War of Kings: Savage World of Sakaar #1
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #11-12
- ✔ Nova (2007) #23-25
- ✔ War of Kings #2
- ✔ War of Kings: Ascension #1-2
- Skaar: Son of Hulk #8-10, 12
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #13
- ✔ War of Kings #3
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #14
- ✔ War of Kings #4
- ✔ War of Kings: Ascension #3
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #15
- ✔ Nova (2007) #26
- ✔ War of Kings #5
- ✔ Nova (2007) #27
- ✔ War of Kings: Ascension #4
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #16
- ✔ War of Kings #6
- ✔ Nova (2007) #28
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #17-19
- ✔ Nova (2007) #29
- ✔ War of Kings: Who Will Rule? #1
- ✔ Nova (2007) #30
- Son of Hulk #13-15
- ✔ Realm of Kings #1
- ✔ Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #1-3
- ✔ Nova (2007) #31-35
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #20-22
- Amazing Spider-Man (2003)#590-591
- Cosmic Size Fantastic Four #1
- ✔ Avengers: The Initiative #27
- ✔ Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1-2
- Mighty Avengers (2007)#31-32
- ✔ Realm of Kings: Inhumans #3-5
- ✔ Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #4
- ✔ Realm of Kings: Inhumans #5
- ✔ Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #5
- Son of Hulk #16-17
- S.W.O.R.D. (2009)#1-5
- Fantastic Four (2003)#570-573
- 1 Month 2 Live #3
- Prelude to Deadpool Corps #1-5
- Deadpool Corps #1-12
- I am an Avenger #2 [2/4]
- I am an Avenger #3 [1/4]
- Secret Avengers (2010)#1-4
- Realm of Kings: Son of Hulk #1-4
- Heralds #1-5
- Incredible Hulks #609 [2/2]
- Incredible Hulks #610 [2/2]
- Incredible Hulks #611[2/2]
- Incredible Hulks #612
- Incredible Hulks #613 [1/2]
- Incredible Hulks: Enigma Force #1-3
- Incredible Hulks #613 [2/2]
- Incredible Hulks #614 [2/2]
- Incredible Hulks #614 [1/2]
- Incredible Hulks #615 [1/2]
- Incredible Hulks #616 [1/2]
- Incredible Hulks #617 [1/2]
- Chaos War #1
- Chaos War: Chaos King #1
- Chaos War #2-3
- Chaos War: Thor #1
- Chaos War #4
- Chaos War Thor #2
- Chaos War: God Squad #1
- Chaos War #5
- Fantastic Four (2003)#577-578
- Fantastic Four (2003)#583-588
- ✔ Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) #23-25
- ✔ Nova (2007) #36
- ✔ Thanos Imperative: Ignition #1
- ✔ Thanos Imperative #1-6
- Uncanny X-Men Annual (2006)#3
- Steve Rogers: Super Soldier Annual #1
- Namor: The First Mutant Annual #1
- ✔ Thanos Imperative: Devastation #1
- ✔ Annihilators #1-4
- Deadpool (2008)#33-35
- Silver Surfer (2011)#1-5
- Mighty Thor Annual (2012)#1
- Mighty Thor (2011)#1-6
- ✔ Annihilators: Earthfall #1-4
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Chronology: Every appearance of Marvel Cosmic from this period is included in chronological order, mapping out their timeline rather than just the order the issues were released.
Spoilers: The issue/story overviews may include spoilers, so be warned!
| Must Reads | Title, Synopsis & First Appearances | Event / Crossover |
| Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #1(pp.1-5) (2008) The Invisible Woman is replaced by a Skrull. | SECRET INVASION | |
| ✔ | Secret Invasion: Inhumans #1(pp.1-13) (2008) Secret Invasion #1(pp.1-31) (2008) Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #1(p.6) (2008) Secret Invasion #1(p.32) (2008) Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #1(p.7) (2008) Secret Invasion #1(p.33) (2008) Iron Man brings the body of the Skrull ‘Black Bolt’ to the Inhumans; the Baxter Building is transported to the Negative Zone to neutralize the Fantastic Four; SWORD’s Peak, Tony Stark’s tech and the Avengers themselves are taken out of action as the Skrulls’ invasion plan is put into action. | SECRET INVASION |
| Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #1(pp.8-22) (2008) The Human Torch and the Thing are stranded in the Negative Zone, protecting Franklin & Valeria Richards from Annihilus’ bugs and the familiar Skrull who brought them there. | SECRET INVASION | |
| ✔ | Secret Invasion #1(p.34-40) (2008) The Avengers face a number of heroes who’ve gone through major changes over the years; could they all be Skrulls or are they the real deal? | SECRET INVASION |
| Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust? #1 [2/5] (2008) The Skrull armada arrives; Abigail Brand recalls her origins as she finds a way to survive the destruction of the Peak. | SECRET INVASION | |
| ✔ | New Avengers #40 (2008) Secret Invasion #2 (2008) A flashback reveals the historical fall of the Skrulls since the Kree-Skrull War ended and the origin of Queen Veranke; the Imperial Super-Skrull Army invade Earth. 1st appearance: Dard’van Sect, New identity: Veranke (true appearance) | SECRET INVASION |
| Secret Invasion: Thor #1 (2008) Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #2 (2008) Secret Invasion: Thor #2 (2008) Beta Ray Bill crashes to Earth and joins the Asgardians on fighting off the Godkiller Super-Skrulls; the FF decide to escape the Negative Zone via Prison 42. | SECRET INVASION | |
| ✔ | Secret Invasion #3 (2008) New Avengers #42 (2008) The Skrull Armies attack Earth; Queen Veranke manipulates Iron Man; Nick Fury’s new Howling Commandos fight back against the invading forces; flashbacks reveal how the Skrull infiltration was impacted by the formation of the new Avengers. New identity: Caterpillars as Howling Commandos | SECRET INVASION |
| Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #3 (2008) Secret Invasion: Thor #3 (2008) Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers #1-3 (2008) The Thing and Human Torch return to Earth; Beta Ray Bill and Thor defend Asgard from the Godkillers; the Skrulls send a Super-Skrull to execute Hulkling for refusing to join them; Hulkling is defended by Xavin and his fellow Runaways. | SECRET INVASION |
| Must Reads | Title, Synopsis & First Appearances | Event / Crossover |
| ✔ | Secret Invasion #4 (2008) New Avengers #43 (2008) Nova #16 (2008) Guardians of the Galaxy #4 (2008) Secret Invasion #5 (2008) New Avengers #44 (2008) Nova #17 (2008) Guardians of the Galaxy #5 (2008) The war continues in New York City; Abigal Brand locates Mister Fantastic; the truth about the returned heroes is revealed; Nova clashes with his former-ally, the original Super-Skrull; on Knowhere, Drax the Destroyer sabotages the Guardians of the Galaxy’s teleport tech; Captain Marvel continues to side with humanity against the Skrulls; the Skrull technology that allowed them to avoid detection is explained; Nova and Darkhawk defend Project: PEGASUS from the Skrulls. 1st appearance: Cynosure/Lena Sendak, Chairperson Gorani, Project Director Gruenwald, Massdriver, Dr Evelyn Necker (Earth-616), Starhawk (Earth-669116) | SECRET INVASION |
| She-Hulk #32 (2008) The original Super-Skrull lands on Earth, looking to kill his own daughter, Jazinda. | SECRET INVASION | |
| ✔ | Secret Invasion #6(pp.1-10) (2008) Secret Invasion: Inhumans #1(pp.14-22) (2008) Secret Invasion #6(pp.11-22) (2008) New Avengers #45 (2008) The Skrulls launch a full-scale assault on Attilan, the home of the Inhumans on Earth’s moon; all of the American superhumans gather in Central Park to oppose Veranke and the Skrull army; flashbacks reveal how the Skrull infiltration was impacted by the formation of the new Avengers, the House of M and the Annihilation Wave. | SECRET INVASION |
| She-Hulk #33 (2008) The origin of Jazinda’s immortality and the extent of her betrayal to the Skrulls is revealed; the Super-Skrull makes a decision about how to deal with his daughter. | SECRET INVASION | |
| ✔ | Guardians of the Galaxy #6 (2008) Secret Invasion: Inhumans #2-3 (2008) Secret Invasion #7 (2008) Nova #18 (2008) Secret Invasion: Inhumans #4(pp.1-19) (2009) Secret Invasion #8(pp.1-21) (2009) Secret Invasion: Inhumans #4(pp.20-22) (2009) Drax the Destroyers’s attempt to locate Skrulls on Knowhere has devastating consequences for Star-Lord; the real Black Bolt is revealed to be alive, but the war with the Skrulls proves to be the last straw for the Inhumans; the original Quasar and the new Nova Corps join the fight against the Skrulls; the Skrulls are defeated, but the losses and consequences heavily impact Iron Man and the Avengers. 1st appearance: Manufactured Harmonites, Nova Corps (Fraktur, Morrow, Qubit, Irani Rael, Malik Tarcel), Barack Obama | SECRET INVASION |
| ✔ | Secret Invasion: War of Kings #1 (2009) Black Bolt transforms Attilan and launches it into space in pursuit of the fleeing Skrull armada; Black Bolt’s actions incite rage in Emperor Vulcan, supreme ruler of the Shiar Empire; the Inhumans stake their claim on the Kree Empire. | SECRET INVASION WAR OF KINGS |
| ✔ | Secret Invasion #8(pp.22-26) (2009) Earth continues to reel from the Skrulls’ invasion attempt; Norman Osborn turns things to his advantage. 1st appearance: Cabal | SECRET INVASION |
| Must Reads | Title, Synopsis & First Appearances | Event / Crossover |
| ✔ | Beta Ray Bill: The Green of Eden #1 (2009) Beta Ray Bill pursues the remaining Godkiller Skrulls; the fate of the Korbinites is revealed. 1st appearance: Voidian | GODHUNTER SECRET INVASION |
| ✔ | X-Men: Kingbreaker #1-4 (2009) Emperor Vulcan breaks past treaties across the galaxy in order to expand his empire; Vulcan is opposed by the Starjammers (including members of the X-Men) and Lilandra Neramani; Vulcan frees Strontian and charges her with leading his select kill-squad, the Praetorians; Black Bolt hears of Vulcan’s dishonourable actions. 1st appearance: Praetorians (God-Killer, Pn’zo, Zzxz/Zzzxz) Smasher/Salac Tuur | WAR OF KINGS |
| ✔ | Beta Ray Bill: Godhunter #1 [1/2] (2009) Beta Ray Bill: Godhunter #1 [1/2] (2009) Beta Ray Bill: Godhunter #3 [1/2] (2009) Beta Ray Bill sets a trap for Galactus in an effort to kill him and avenge his people. 1st appearance: Ti Asha Ra | GODHUNTER |
| She-Hulk: Cosmic Collision #1 (2009) She-Hulk recruits Gamora, Mantis, Quasar (Phyla-Vell) and Lyja into her Lady Liberators to oppose Enmity’s violent creation Unum when she threatens to kill every hero in the universe. | ||
| Skaar: Son of Hulk #1(pp.11-22) (2008) Skaar: Son of Hulk #2-3 (2008) Skaar: Son of Hulk Presents: The Savage World of Sakaar #1 (2008) On planet Sakaar, the fully-grown Skaar initiates his simple and violent revenge plot against Axeman Bone; the Red King’s daughter Princess Omaka allies with Skaar, believing he will save their world; a young slave is advised not to believe Skaar or any Hulks will save Sakaar; Skaar begins his quest to obtain the Old Power. 1st appearance: Axeman Bone, Hiro-Amin, Hiro-Kala, Kram, Old Sam, Princess Omaka, Yenrag | SON OF HULK | |
| ✔ | Guardians of the Galaxy #7-8 (2009) War of Kings: Warriors #1 [1/2] (2009) Rocket Raccoon’s new Guardians of the Galaxy battle the Badoon; Adam Warlock and Gamora investigate the Universal Church of Truth; Star-Lord is exiled to the Negative Zone; Gladiator’s loyalty to Vulcan is tested | WAR OF KINGS |
| War of Kings: Warriors #2 [1/2] (2009) On Hala, Crystal tries to stop Kree terrorists | WAR OF KINGS | |
| ✔ | Nova #19 (2009) On Earth, Nova trains the members of the new Nova Corps. New identity: Robbie Rider as Nova | WAR OF KINGS |
| Skaar: Son of Hulk #4 [1/2] (pp.1-10) (2008) The Sakaarans begin to think Skaar may not be the savior they thought he was. | SON OF HULK | |
| ✔ | War of Kings: Darkhawk #1-2 (2009) On Earth, Darkhawk meets Talon and learns of his armour’s connection of the Fraternity of Raptors. 1st appearance: Fraternity of Raptors (Talon/Shir Ydrn Talonis) | WAR OF KINGS |
| War of Kings: Warriors #2 [2/2] (2009) Lilandra recalls how she proved herself against the Brood as a child. | WAR OF KINGS | |
| Skaar: Son of Hulk #4 [1/2] (pp.11-14) (2008) Skaar: Son of Hulk #5 [1/2] (2009) Skaar: Son of Hulk #4 [2/2] (2009) Skaar: Son of Hulk #5 [2/2] (2009) Skaar: Son of Hulk #6-7 (2009) Axeman Bone employs Old Power priest Hiro-Amin to kill Skaar for him; the young slave is almost murdered by barbarians, but toughens up when he believes he has a chance to gain the Old Power, himself; Axeman Bone names the young slave Hiro-Kala; the Silver Surfer is drawn to the Great Portal near Sakaar, seeking the Old Power for Galactus to consume; Skaar’s Old Power gives him the advantage over the Surfer. 1st appearance: Lihla | WAR OF KINGS |
| Must Reads | Title, Synopsis & First Appearances | Event / Crossover |
| ✔ | Nova #20-22 (2009) Guardians of the Galaxy #9-10 (2009) War of Kings #1 (2009) War of Kings: Warriors #1[2/2] (2009) Nova’s repeated disagreements with the Xandarian Worldmind cost him his role as Nova Prime and endanger his life; Worldmind recruits Ego the Living Planet; Star-Lord summons the Guardians of the Galaxy to Prison 42 when Blastaar takes over; Jack Flag joins the Guardians; the Shi’ar Imperial Guard attack Hala during the wedding of Crystal and Ronan the Accuser; Blastaar looks to rule the Negative Zone. 1st appearance: Impulse, Lindy Nolan, Tre Owens | WAR OF KINGS |
| War of Kings: Savage World of Sakaar #1 (2009) Skaar’s journey across Sakaar is interrupted by Starbolt of the Shiar and Gorgon of the Inhumans when their emerge from the great portal, bringing the war with them. | SON OF HULK WAR OF KINGS | |
| ✔ | Guardians of the Galaxy #11 (2009) Nova #23(pp.1-4) (2009) Guardians of the Galaxy # 12 (2009) Nova #23(pp.5-22) (2009) Nova #24-25 (2009) War of Kings #2 (2009) War of Kings: Ascension #1-3(pp.1-15) (2009) War of Kings #3(pp.1-10) (2009) Drax and Quasar are stranded in Oblivion; Phyla-Vell takes on a new role; Richard Rider briefly becomes Quasar in order to prolong his life; Worldmind sends the untrained Nova Corps members to fight in the Kree-Shi’ar War; Quasar frees the Worldmind from Egos control and becomes Nova Prime again; the Inhumans retaliate against the Shi’ar; Darkhawk learns the true purpose of the Fraternity of Raptors. 1st appearance: Chorus Sentries, New Inhuman Elite, Razor, Tree of Shadows, Null Space New identity: Nova/Richard Rider as Quasar; Nova/Malik Tarcel as Nova Prime | WAR OF KINGS |
| Skaar: Son of Hulk #8-10 (2009) Skaar leads his forces against Axeman Bone; the out-of-control Skaar faces the ‘Hulk’; Caiera orders the Silver Surfer to take Skaar to be humbled Galactus, then hurls him through the Great Portal when he refuses to contain his aggression. | SON OF HULK | |
| Skaar: Son of Hulk #12 (2009) Son of Hulk #13(pp.1-16) (2009) The Great Portal took Skaar from Sakaar to Earth, but as he left he addicted Galactus to the Old Power; Galactus rejects the Silver Surfer and consumes Sakaar; Hiro-Kala reveals himself to be Caiera and Hulk’s second son and swears revenge on Galactus. | PLANET SKAAR | |
| ✔ | Guardians of the Galaxy #13-15(p.1-16) (2009) War of Kings #3(pp.11-23) (2009) War of Kings #4 (2009) War of Kings: Ascension #3(pp.17-22) (2009) War of Kings: Ascension #4(pp.1-8) (2009) Guardians of the Galaxy #15(pp.17-20) (2009) Nova #26 (2009) War of Kings #5(pp.1-3) (2009) Nova #27 (2009) War of Kings #5(pp.4-19) (2009) War of Kings: Ascension #4(pp.8) (2009) War of Kings #5(pp.20-22) (2009) War of Kings: Ascension #4(pp.9-22) (2009) War of Kings #6 (2009) Guardians of the Galaxy #15(pp.21-22) (2009) Guardians of the Galaxy #16 (2009) Nova #28 (2009) Guardians of the Galaxy #17-19 (2009) The Guardians of the Galaxy try to convince both Vulcan and Black Bolt to end the Kree-Shi’ar War, but their talks go horrendously wrong; Raptor sides with Vulcan and changes the course of the conflict; Darkhawk finds himself on the run; a darker side of Warlock emerges; Nova rescues as many Nova Corps members as he can when their mission in Shi’ar bring them in the firing line of both the Praetorians and Blasstaar; Black Bolt weaponises the Terrigen Crystals against Vulcan; a handful of Guardians are transported to the future while their teammates meet a horrifying fate at the hands of one of their own. 1st appearance: The Fault, Resolute Duty, Terrigen Bomb/T-Bomb, Starlin’s Bar New identity: Quasar/Phyla-Vell as Martyr; Adam Warlock as Adam Magus | WAR OF KINGS |
| ✔ | Nova #29 (2009) The pared-down Nova Corps investigate a ghost ship followed by a mysterious bounty hunter when they emerge from the Fault. 1st appearance: Zan Philo | REALM OF KINGS |
| Must Reads | Title, Synopsis & First Appearances | Event / Crossover |
| ✔ | War of Kings: Who Will Rule? #1 (2009) The Shi’ar and the Kree both find themselves under new rulers; a foe thought dead returns and prepares his own plans to rule the universe. 1st appearance: Smasher/Galin | WAR OF KINGS |
| ✔ | Nova #30 (2009) The Nova Corp find a clever way to deal with Ego the Living Planet. | REALM OF KINGS |
| Son of Hulk #13(pp.17-22) (2009) Hiro-Kala takes the Sakaaran survivors to Giausar and promises to make them worship him. | PLANET SKAAR | |
| Son of Hulk #14-15 (pp.1-17) (2009-2010) Hiro-Kala learns the truth about the Old Power and turns events on planet Giausar to his advantage; the Sakaarans begin to think Hiro-Kala isn’t their savior, either. | ||
| ✔ | Realm of Kings #1 (2009) Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #1-4(pp.1-3) (2010) Nova #31-35 (2010) Guardians of the Galaxy #20-22 (2010) Lacking a physical form, Quasar investigates the Fault and discovers the darkest reality in the multiverse – the Cancerverse – is planning to spread into Reality-616; the Imperial Guard and Starjammers investigate the Fault; Nova’s pursuit of Darkhawk takes him into the Fault where he faces his old foe, the Sphinx; Moondragon joins the Guardians of the Galaxy in time for the return of the Universal Church of Truth. 1st appearance: Gyre, Namorita Prentiss (alternate universe), Revengers of Earth-10011 (Captain America, Giant-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, Ms Marvel, Quasar, Scarlet Witch, Thor), Cancerverse/Earth-10011 | REALM OF KINGS |
| Amazing Spider-Man #590-591 (2009) The Fantastic Four and Spider-Man travel to the Macroverse to help stop a war they inadvertently started. | ||
| Cosmic Size Fantastic Four #1 [1/2] (2009) Exposure to a plant in a pocket turns the Fantastic Four against each other when they return to Earth. | ||
| ✔ | Avengers: The Initiative #27 (2009) The ‘elite’ Shadow Initative are sent into the Negative Zone to combat Blastaar’s army and reclaim Prison 42. | DARK REIGN |
| ✔ | Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1-2 (2010) The Inhumans come under attack from Blastaar’s forces; Medusa sends a team of Inhumans into the Fault to search for Black Bolt; a band of rebel Kree warriors plot against their new Inhuman rulers; the Mighty Avengers arrive on Hala and fight back against the rebels. | REALM OF KINGS |
| Mighty Avengers #31(p.22) (2010) Mighty Avengers #32(pp.1-3) (2010) Quicksilver explains that a Skrull disguised as him took the Terrigen Crystals, but Luna knows better. | DARK REIGN |
| Must Reads | Title, Synopsis & First Appearances | Event / Crossover |
| ✔ | Realm of Kings: Inhumans #3-4 (2010) Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #4(pp.4-22) (2010) Realm of Kings: Inhumans #5 (2010) Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #5 (2010) The Inhumans continue their search for Black Bolt; the true mastermind behind the Kree rebels is revealed; the Imperial Guard face enemies from the Cancerverse in the Fault; fate finally catches up with Talon; the Kree and Inhumans become closer allies in preparation for the coming threats from the Fault. 1st appearance: Neutron, Plutonia, Starbolt New identity: Mentor as Strel; Kyte/N’zyr as Kyte | REALM OF KINGS |
| Son of Hulk #15 (pp.18-22) (2009-2010) Son of Hulk #16-17 (2009-2010) Hiro-Kala sets things in motion that cause the Old Power to erupt from planet Giausar, attracting the attention of Galactus; Hiro-Kala poisons Galactus to teach him a lesson. | ||
| ✔ | S.W.O.R.D. #1-5 (2010) Henry Peter Gyrich is assigned as co-Director of SWORD following the Skrull invasion; Gyrich decides to extradite all aliens from planet Earth, only for chaos to break out aboard the new Peak. 1st appearance: Cecelia, Unit, Falchion One | |
| ✔ | Fantastic Four #570-573 (2009-2010) Mister Fantastic joins the Interdimensional Council of Reeds, made up of numerous Reed Richards from all across the multiverse; Mister Fantastic learns how they solve cosmic-level problems by banding together; the Mad Celestials of Earth-4280 attack the Council; the Thing and Human Torch visit Nu-World. 1st appearance: Interdimensional Council of Reeds (Alpha/Reed Richards of Warth-12498, Reed Richards of Earth-4280, Reed Richards of Earth-98570, Reed Richards of Earth-99107) | |
| 1 Month 2 Live #3 (2010) Following the accident that gave Dennis Sykes powers that a rapidly killing him, he assists the Fantastic Four in stopping Ego the Living Planet’s interstellar rampage. New identity: Dennis Sykes as Flux | THE HEROIC AGE | |
| ✔ | Prelude to Deadpool Corps #1-5 (2010) Deadpool Corps #1-12 The Contemplator hires Deadpool to kill the multiverse-devouring Awareness; Deadpool recruits alternate universe versions of himself to form the Deadpool Corps; the Deadpool Corps accept the Champion of the Universe as a member and clash with the Broken Blade and the Omega Confederation. 1st appearance: Broken Blade, Deadpool Corps, Dogpool./Wade Wilson of Earth-103173, Kidpool/Wade Wilson of Earth-10330, Krook, the Bea Arthur New identity: Champion/Tryco Slatterus as Championpool/ Blue Buccaneer | DEADPOOL CORPS |
| I am an Avenger #2 [2/4] (2010) Nova returns to Earth and hangs out with Justice and Speedball. | ||
| I am an Avenger #3 [1/4] (2011) Secret Avengers #1-4 (2010) While on Earth, Nova teams up with Spider-Man and is recruited into the Secret Avengers; Nova assists the Secret Avengers on a single mission – stopping Max Fury’s Shadow Council. | THE HEROIC AGE SECRET HISTORIES | |
| Realm of Kings: Son of Hulk #1-4 (2010) Via the Fault, Hiro-Kala is transported to K’ai in the Microverse; Hiro-Kala changes the nature of the Old Power and uses it to transform K’ai, despite the efforts of the Micronauts. 1st appearance: Carl/Death’s Head, Jentorra New identity: Micronauts as the Enigma Force | REALM OF KINGS | |
| Heralds #1-5 (2010) On Earth, Emma Frost, Hellcat, Photon, Valkyrie, Abigail Brand & She-Hulk investigate the apparent return of Galactus’ deceased herald, Nova. New identity: Nova/Frankie Raye as Frances Hyatt |
| Must Reads | Title, Synopsis & First Appearances | Event / Crossover |
| Incredible Hulks #609 [2/2] (2010) Incredible Hulks #610 [2/2] (2010) Incredible Hulks #611 [2/2] (2010) Incredible Hulks #612 (2010) Incredible Hulks #613 [1/2] (2010) Incredible Hulks: Enigma Force #1-3(pp.1-17) (2010-2011) Incredible Hulks #613 [2/2] (2010) Incredible Hulks #614 [2/2] (2010) Incredible Hulks #614 [1/2] (2010) Incredible Hulks #615 [1/2] (2010) Incredible Hulks #616 [1/2] (2011) Incredible Hulks #617 [1/2] (pp.1-19) (2011) Incredible Hulks: Enigma Force #3(pp.18-22) (2011) Incredible Hulks #617 [1/2] (pp.19-22) (2011) Hiro-Kala steers K’ai towards Earth, intent on killing the Hulk and Skaar; Jentorra and Psyklop join the Enigma Force (with Bug also briefly returning) as they stand against Hiro-Kala; Hulk and Hiro-Kala finally come face-to-face as he fate of K’ai is decided. 1st appearance: Hulk Family/Incredible Hulks | DARK SON | |
| Chaos War #1(pp.1-24) (2010) Chaos War: Chaos King #1 (2011) Chaos War #1(pp.1-24) (2010) Chaos War #2 (2010) Chaos War #3(pp.1-21) (2011) Chaos War: God Squad #1(pp.1-3) (2011) Chaos War #3(pp.21-22) (2011) Chaos War: Thor #1(pp.1-6) (2011) Chaos War #3(p.22) (2011) Chaos War: Thor #1(pp.6-22) (2011) Chaos War #4 (2011) Chaos War Thor #2 (2011) Chaos War: God Squad #1(pp.4-23) (2011) Chaos War #5 (2011) Amatsu-Mikaboshi has become the Chaos King and has conquered multiple pantheons in his quest to turn all of realty into nothingness; the Chaos King is opposed by Hercules, Thor, the God Squad, Galactus and others as Death falls and the dead rise. | CHAOS WAR | |
| ✔ | Fantastic Four #577-578 (2010) The Fantastic Four discover the Universal Inhumans – four groups of Inhumans from other worlds, experimented on by the Kree – who formed their own team of warriors, the Light Brigade, to combat the Annihilation Wave. 1st appearance: Cult of the Negative Zone (Anti-Priest), Light Brigade (unnamed – All-Knowing/Dara Ko Eke, Creeping Death/Hooud, Metallic Titan/Prax Ord, Midnight Blade/Kal Blackbane, Stonethrower/Els Udonta, Sun/Voorr), Universal Inhumans (Eldrac the Door) Universal Inhuman Court (Avoe, Aladi Ko Eke, Oola Udonta, Onomi Whitemane), Direst Wraiths, Incentaurans, Moord, White Room, Midnight Blade, Other Side of Zero | |
| ✔ | Fantastic Four #583-588 (2010-2011) The Fantastic Four fight back against an uprising in the Negative Zone; the Silver Surfer discovers the corpse of Galactus of Earth-807128; the Cult of the Negative Zone reveal their true purpose; Galactus threatens to devour Nu-World; a member of the Fantastic Four sacrifices themselves to save the team. | THREE |
| ✔ | Guardians of the Galaxy #23-24 (2010) Star-Lord launches a rescue mission to free his friends from Adam Magus; the cocoon held by the Universal Church of Truth finally hatches… | REALM OF KINGS |
| Must Reads | Title, Synopsis & First Appearances | Event / Crossover |
| ✔ | Guardians of the Galaxy #25 (2010) Nova #36 (2010) Thanos Imperative: Ignition #1 (2010) Thanos Imperative #1-6(pp.1-19) (2010-2011) The Council of the Guardians of All Galaxies observe from the future as Thanos kills his way across the homeworld of the Universal Church of Truth; Nova battles the Dark Quasar from the Cancerverse; Lord Mar-Vell leads the invasion of Reality-616 from the Cancerverse while the Inhumans, Shi’ar, Nova Corps, Galactus and others oppose it; the Guardians of the Galaxy learn Thanos is the focal point of the invasion and head into Earth-10011 and fight the Defenders of the Realm to find a way to end the war. 1st appearance: Lord Mar-Vell of Earth-10011 | THE THANOS IMPERATIVE |
| Uncanny X-Men Annual #3 (2011) Steve Rogers: Super Soldier Annual #1 (2011) Namor: The First Mutant Annual #1 (2011) SHIELD Director Steve Rogers heads into the Negative Zone to rescue the X-Men; the heroes fend of Blastaar as well as Namor who’s been driven mad by the Negative Zone’s bizarre physics. | ESCAPE FROM THE NEGATIVE ZONE | |
| ✔ | Thanos Imperative #6(pp.20-22) (2011) Those who fought against the Cancerverse mourn the fallen. | THE THANOS IMPERATIVE |
| ✔ | Thanos Imperative: Devastation #1 (2011) With no galactic heroes to oppose future threats, Cosmo recruits some of the most powerful cosmic heroes in the galaxy to become the Annihilators. 1st appearance: Annihilators, Ikon | THE THANOS IMPERATIVE ANNIHILATORS |
| ✔ | Annihilators #1-4 (2011) Ikon of the Spaceknights of Galador calls upon the Annihilators when the Dire Wraiths initiate a plan to merge the suns of the Dark Nebula and Galador. 1st appearance: Doctor Dredd/Klobok | ANNIHILATORS |
| Deadpool #33-35 (2011) Deadpool is hired to head into space and kill Id the Selfish Moon, an alleged relative of Ego the Living Planet. | ||
| ✔ | Silver Surfer #1-5 (2011) The High Evolutionary steals the Silver Surfer’s Power Cosmic and uses it to terraform the Chihuahuan Desert, only for the water to give people cosmic powers; his attempts to terraform Earth’s Moon are blocked by the Silver Surfer, Galactus and the Future Foundation. New identity: Suzi Endo as Seeker | |
| ✔ | Annihilators: Earthfall #1 [2/2] (2011-2012) Annihilators: Earthfall #2 [2/2] (2011-2012) Annihilators: Earthfall #3 [2/2] (2011-2012) Annihilators: Earthfall #4 [2/2] (2011-2012) A robot stand-in for Mojo decides to make a reality show focused on Rocket Raccoon and Groot. | |
| ✔ | Mighty Thor Annual #1 (2012) Thor is caught in a war between two cosmic beings – Scrier and the Other; Galactus and the Silver Surfer step in before Thor does anything rash. | |
| ✔ | Mighty Thor #1-6 (2011) The recent destruction of Asgard in Broxton on planet Earth split Yggdrasil the World Tree and released the Worldheart (aka the Galactus Seed); the Silver Surfer tries to claim the Wordheart for Galactus to sate his hunger. 1st appearance: Praetor/Pastor Mike, Galactus Seed/Worldheart | |
| ✔ | Annihilators: Earthfall #1 [1/2] (2011) Annihilators: Earthfall #2 [1/2] (2011) Annihilators: Earthfall #3 [1/2] (2012) Annihilators: Earthfall #4 [1/2] (2012) The Annihilators come to Earth to investigate the possible return of the Magus; the team are initially being opposed by the Avengers. |
The guide to the cosmic corners of the Marvel Universe will continue:
- MARVEL COSMIC: Everything Dies (2011-2016)
Notable divergent universes featuring alternate takes on Marvel’s cosmic events:
| Universe | Title, Issue Number & Synopsis | Event / Crossover |
| Earth-10021 | What If? Secret Invasion #1 [1/3] (2010) The Skrulls successfully invade Earth, seemingly for the better; but the invaders are opposed by the Avengers Alliance for Freedom. | |
| Earth-10219 | What If? Secret Invasion #1 [2/3] (2010) The Skrulls succeed in taking over Earth, with the heroes being replaced by Skrulls but believing themselves to be the real thing. | |
| Other Earths | What If? Secret Invasion #1 [3/3] (2010) A number of other bizarre Earth’s are explored on which Marvel’s Editors, the Hulk & Thing, J Jonah Jameson, Mister Fantastic and others are impacted by a successful Skrull invasion, with increasingly bizarre consequences. | |
| Unspecified Earth | Deadpool Team-Up ##884-883 (2011) Uatu the Watcher breaks his vow of interference when the son of the alien Krag comes to Earth looking to kill Deadpool; Deadpool becomes the latest Herald of Galactus. |
Notable collected edition featuring the above cosmic stories:
| Collected Edition Title | Includes… |
| Secret Invasion by Brian Michael Bendis Omnibus | Mighty Avengers #7, 12-20 New Avengers #31-32, 39-49 Secret Invasion #1-8 Secret Invasion Prologue #1 |
| Secret Invasion Secret Invasion: Deluxe Edition | Secret Invasion #1-8 Secret Invasion Prologue #1 |
| New Avengers by Brian Michael Bendis – The Complete Collection vol.4 | New Avengers #38-54 Secret Invasion: Dark Reign #1 |
| Mighty Avengers by Brian Michael Bendis – The Complete Collection | Mighty Avengers #1-20 |
| Secret Invasion: Thor | Secret Invasion: Thor Thor #142 |
| Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers | Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers #1-3 |
| War of Kings Prelude: Road to War of Kings Omnibus | Guardians of the Galaxy #1-12 Nova #13-22 Nova: The Origin of Richard Rider #1 Secret Invasion: Inhumans #1-4 Silent War #1-6 Son of M #1-6 War of Kings Saga #1 X-Men: Deadly Genesis #1-6 |
| Guardians of the Galaxy by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning Omnibus | Annihilators #1-4 Annihilators: Earthfall #1-4 Guardians of the Galaxy #1-25 Thanos Imperative #1-6 Thanos Imperative: Devastation #1 Thanos Imperative: Ignition #1 |
| Beta Ray Bill: Godhunter | Beta Ray Bill: Godhunter #1-3 Secret Invasion Aftermath: Beta Ray Bill – The Green of Eden #1 |
| War of Kings Omnibus | Guardians of the Galaxy #13-19 Marvel Spotlight: War of Kings Nova #23-28 Secret Invasion: War of Kings #1 Skaar: Son of Hulk – The Savage World of Sakaar #1 Uncanny X-Men #475-486 War of Kings #1-6 War of Kings: Ascension #1-4 War of Kings: Darkhawk #1-2 War of Kings: Warriors #1-2 X-Men: Divided We Stand #2 X-Men: Emperor Vulcan #1-6 X-Men: Kingbreaker #1-4 War of Kings: Who Will Rule? #1 |
| War of Kings | Marvel Spotlight: War of Kings Secret Invasion: War of Kings #1 War of Kings #1-6 War of Kings: Ascension #1-4 War of Kings: Darkhawk #1-2 War of Kings: Warriors #1-2 War of Kings: Who Will Rule? #1 |
| Collected Edition Title | Includes… |
| War of Kings Aftermath: Realm of Kings Omnibus | Annihilators #1-4 Annihilators: Earthfall #1-4 Guardians of the Galaxy #20-25 I am an Avengers #3 (part) Nova #29-36 Realm of Kings #1 Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #1-5 Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1-5 Realm of Kings: Son of Hulk #1-4 The Thanos Imperative #1-6 The Thanos Imperative: Devastation #1 The Thanos Imperative: Ignition #1 Thanos Sourcebook #1 |
| Skaar: Son of Hulk – The Complete Collection | Hulk Family: Green Genes #1 [part] Planet Skaar #1 Skaar: Son of Hulk #1-12 Skaar: Son of Hulk Presents: The Savage World of Sakaar #1 War of Kings: Savage World of Sakaar #1 |
| Realm of Kings | Realm of Kings #1 Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #1-5 Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1-5 Realm of Kings: Son of Hulk #1-4 |
| Nova by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning – The Complete Collection vol.2 | I am an Avengers #3 Nova #16-36 |
| Guardians of the Galaxy by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning – The Complete Collection vol.1 | Guardians of the Galaxy #1-12 |
| Guardians of the Galaxy by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning – The Complete Collection vol.2 | Guardians of the Galaxy #13-25 |
| Son of Hulk: Dark Son Rising | Son of Hulk #13-17 |
| S.W.O.R.D.: No Time to Breathe | S.W.O.R.D. #1-5 |
| X-Men/Steve Rogers: Escape From The Negative Zone | Uncanny X-Men Annual #3 Steve Rogers: Super Soldier Annual #1 Namor: The First Mutant Annual #1 |
| Annihilators | Annihilators #1-4 |
| Silver Surfer: Devolution | Silver Surfer #1-5 |
| Annihilators: Earthfall | Annihilators: Earthfall #1-4 |
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