The epic build-up to THE INFINITY GAUNTLET! The universe gave a sigh of relief when Thanos died. He'd already tried to become the universe itself once, then tried to destroy it before the Avengers, Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock shut him down. But if your girlfriend is the human personification of Death and she needs... Continue Reading →
Showdown (1983) Reading Order
Lex Luthor and Brainiac had been long-standing foes of the Man of Steel for some time. But Action Comics #544 would mark a change of pace them both, upgrading them and making them even more formidable to mark Superman’s 45th anniversary. SCROLL DOWN to the bottom for the KEY COLLECTED EDITIONS for this event! Minor... Continue Reading →
Devil’s Reign (1997) Reading Order
Unlike most intercompany crossovers, 'Devil's Reign' actually takes place within the respective mainstream Marvel Universe and Top Cow Universe continuities. Mephisto is dead. Murdered by his son Blackheart (as witnessed by Wolverine, Ghost Rider and the Punisher) who then claimed the throne of Hell. But you can't keep a good devil down for long! Hiding... Continue Reading →
Hulk No More! (2009) Reading Order
Who is the Red Hulk? And is the fixation on his identity distracting everyone from an even bigger mystery? Ben Urich and Peter Parker join the sensational She-Hulk on a mission to discover the truth. They may not get the answers they're looking for, but they will witness a drastic change in the original Hulk...... Continue Reading →
Forever Evil (2013-2014) Reading Order
ARGUS formed the Justice League of America to take down the Justice League if they ever stepped over the line. But little did they realise, another version of the League was trying to break through from Earth 3! The Crime Syndicate have fled their reality and taken over the Prime Earth. In fact, they’ve been... Continue Reading →
Son Of Hulk (2008-2009) Reading Order
The Illuminati sent the Hulk on a mission to space to destroy a sentient satellite, but the mission was also a trick to relocate him to an uninhabited world where he could find peace. Instead, he went off-course and landed on the savage world of Sakaar which challenged even his immense strength and invulnerability. Despite... Continue Reading →
Infestation (2011) Reading Order
While the appeal of a zombie plague impacting the worlds of the Transformers, G.I.Joe, Ghostbusters and Stark Trek may be the draw for this event, Infestation seems more intent on setting up a shared universe for some of IDW Publishing’s creator-owned properties, including CVO: Covert Vampiric Operations, Groom Lake and Zombies vs Robots. In fact,... Continue Reading →
Death Of A Monster (1974) Reading Order
Still reeling from his clash with Taboo, Jack Russell journeys to Transylvania with his new companion, the sorceress Topaz. Despite Topaz gaining a level of control over Jack’s Werewolf side, he seeks a cure for his curse. But the vampire Dracula is also about to make his return to his home turf to stock up... Continue Reading →
Rise Of The Midnight Sons (1992) Reading Order
Due to the unexpected popularity of 1990's relaunched Ghost Rider relaunch, Marvel Comics saw fit to tap in to the renewed interest in the darkest corners of the their universe. Bringing Johnny Blaze (the previous Ghost Rider), Morbius the 'living vampire', some supporting characters from Tomb of Dracula and a handful of new characters into... Continue Reading →
Dead Days (2007) Reading Order
The Marvel Zombies were a surprise hit when they made their debut, initially invading the Ultimate Universe, then getting their teeth into a mini-series of their own as written by Robert Kirkman of 'The Walking Dead' fame. Earth-2149 was an world infected by a zombie virus that turned its inhabitants (or the super-human population, at... Continue Reading →
Heartbeaten (1989) Reading Order
Tony Stark is about to face his most crippling defeat ever. But it won't be at the hands of the Mandarin. Instead, Stark's philandering is about to catch up with him in the worst possible way. If that wasn't enough, Iron Man's about to discover a war between two of Marvel's biggest criminal organisations while... Continue Reading →
Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? (1986) Reading Order
He’s the greatest hero on the planet! But a gift from the Legion of Super-Heroes will hint at the coming of the ‘Last Days of Superman’. How does the legend of the Man of Tomorrow end? Alan More, Kurt Swan, Murphy Anderson, George Pérez and more tell the ‘imaginary story’ of the fate of Superman.... Continue Reading →
Contagion (1996) Reading Order
While Bruce Wayne has been back in the Batman costume for a few weeks, now, but his relationship with Commissioner Jim Gordon is still in tatters. Following Azrael’s stint as Batman (during KNIGHTQUEST (1993-1994) and KNIGHTSEND (1994)) followed by Nightwing’s time under the cowl (during PRODIGAL (1994-1995)), Gordon is no longer sure if he’s ever... Continue Reading →
Wraith War (1984-1985) Reading Order
Countless years ago, the Celestials manipulated the Skrull gene pool and, among other things, created an offshoot of Deviant Skrulls called Dire Wraiths. These warped and murderous magic-users were chased from their birth world and found a new home in the Dark Nebula, naming their planet Wraithworld. Two hundred years ago, the Dire Wraiths invaded... Continue Reading →
The United (2014-2015) Reading Order
The world now knows the super-team Unity exist following their actions against the Armour Hunters (during ARMOR HUNTERS). But they’ll have to do some serious PR work before the public will fully accept X-O Manowar as a member due to his attempt to take over Romania (during AT WAR WITH UNITY). What they need is... Continue Reading →
Green Hulk/Red Hulk (2008) Reading Order
WORLD WAR HULK is over and Bruce Banner has been detained. But there's a new Hulk in town (or 'Rulk' as he was often referred to at the time). So who the hell is he? And what happens when the real Hulk comes back, dumber than ever? Let the murder, mystery and tongue-in-cheek silliness begin...!... Continue Reading →
World War Hulk: Aftersmash! (2008) Reading Order
WORLD WAR HULK is over, but New York still lies in ruins and there are people (some of them aliens) who still have a lot to answer for. WWH doesn't have an aftermath, it has an aftersmash... SCROLL DOWN to the bottom for the KEY COLLECTED EDITIONS for this event! Minor Crossover: The one-shot introduces... Continue Reading →
The Sinestro Corps War (2007-2008) Reading Order
Following the return of Hal Jordan as the Green Lantern (during GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH), and the rebirth of the multiverse itself (during INFINITE CRISIS), the Green Lantern Corps have also been reformed and the Guardians of the Universe - given life, once more – are running the show. Hal has already seen the emergence of... Continue Reading →
Reverse (2013) Reading Order
Having recently been suspended from the Central City Police Department, Barry Allen has been working at the Keystone Saloon. Iris West, Floyd Gomez, Marissa Rennie & Albert Lim were all trapped in the Speed Force for several months. Since their return (during GORILLA WARFARE), there are hints that they may not be able to tap... Continue Reading →
World War Hulk (2007-2008) Reading Order
Tony Stark and his Illuminati tricked the Hulk and blasted him off into space (during PLANET HULK). And although the Green Goliath fought for his freedom when he crashed on Sakaar, he almost died in the process. But that which didn’t kill him made him stronger… and angrier! He became the King of Sakaar until... Continue Reading →
Secret Wars (1984-1985) Reading Order
The first major Marvel crossover. When Mattel decided to create a toy line based on Marvel characters, they found the two most popular words with boys at the time were 'secret' and 'war'. So, we got Secret Wars. Marvel released a twelve-issue limited series to tie-in with the launch of the figures. What they ended... Continue Reading →
Villains Month (2013) Reading Order
To mark the launch of their villain-centric event FOREVER EVIL, DC Comics put their ongoing New 52 titles on hold for a month and ran 52 one-shots starring their biggest bad guys. To encourage readers to pick these issues up, they were numbered as decimal versions of the ongoing titles with each villains’ name adorning... Continue Reading →
Trinity War (2013) Reading Order
The burgeoning relationship between Superman and Wonder Woman is making the US Government nervous. Amanda Waller and Steve Trevor formed their own Justice League of America (during WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS) to counter the true Justice League shold they ever cross the line. And that time is about to arrive. And with Zatanna now assisting the... Continue Reading →
World’s Most Dangerous (2013) Reading Order
The Advanced Research Group Uniting Super-Humans (ARGUS) wasn’t created just to liase with the Justice League. It was created to monitor them. But now that Superman and Wonder Woman are an item, the US Government are concerned that there may be a more sinister agenda at work. Amanda Waller is about to create a new... Continue Reading →
Armor Hunters (2014) Reading Order
Aric of Dacia has been through more than any man on Earth. The sole surviving man of his time and place, Aric has bonded with the alien X-O Manowar armor and settled with the descendents of his people in Nebraska under the protection of MERO (Military Extraterrestrial Recon Outpost). Aric carries out missions for MERO... Continue Reading →
The Quest For Neptune’s Trident (1965) Reading Order
Another flashback to the ‘60s Marvel overview from our friend Marvelman901! Following a classic clash with Daredevil, Namor the Sub-Mariner finally lands his own regular spotlight feature in the pages of Tales to Astonish (sharing the series with the Hulk). And the first arc meets the theme of… well, pretty much every Namor stories that... Continue Reading →
Hunt And Be Hunted (2013) Reading Order
Robin and Supergirl of Earth 2 were catapulted from their reality (during THE GATHERING) and became stranded on Prime Earth. Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) took on the identity of ‘Karen Starr’ and spent the last five years amassing a fortune to pay for the research that might enable their return home. Robin (Helena Wayne) focused on... Continue Reading →
Planet Hulk (2006-2007) Reading Order
When the Hulk has one rampage too many, the Illuminati decide it's time to put a stop to his devastating tantrums once and for all. The plan might be logical and humane, but things never go smoothly for the Green Goliath and he soon finds himself fighting for his life! And when all's said and... Continue Reading →
Unicron (2018) Reading Order
Optimus Prime was recently cast into Infraspace during a confrontation with Shockwave. There, he was reunited with Bumblebee. Returning to the land of the living using the Matrix - with Pyra Magna acting as a host body - another face-off with Shockwave ended with the revelation that the Primes were never ‘gods’. Now Rom returns... Continue Reading →
The Gathering (2012 – 2013) Reading Order
As part of the second wave of DC Comics’ New 52 relaunch of the entire DC Universe, two new series – Earth 2 and Worlds’ Finest – would hark back to the pre-Crisis version of the Justice Society of America characters. Utilising the concept of Earth 2 but with a modern spin, these stories featured... Continue Reading →
Secret Invasion (2008-2009) Reading Order
The shape-shifting alien Skrulls have infiltrated every government-sponsored super-team in America (see SECRET INVASION: THE INFILTRATION (2007-2008)). But it's not just the 50-State Initiative who are effected. The Skrulls have placed themselves among the outlaw heroes, the villains, the trusted members of society and even politicians. Is it possible to stop an invasion that's already... Continue Reading →
Secret Invasion: The Infiltration (2007-2008) Reading Order
The CIVIL WAR has spilt the costumed heroes of America into two factions: those who'll sign the Superhuman Registration Act and those who won't. Even the Avengers are split in two with the SHRA-approved Mighty Avengers led by Ms Marvel & Iron Man hunting Luke Cage's outlaw New Avengers. But, on a mission in Japan,... Continue Reading →
Sins Of Youth (2000) Reading Order
The formation of Young Justice – initially made up of Robin, Superboy and Impulse – caused a bit of a stir among the Justice League of America. Since then, their numbers have grown, along with the concerns of the JLA. Arrowette, the Secret and the new Wonder Girl have joined their ranks. Even under the... Continue Reading →
Kal-El Returns (2022-2023) Reading Order
Despite the injuries he suffered defending Earth from the Breach (during THE GOLDEN AGE), Clark Kent passed the mantle of Superman to his son, Jon Kent, and left Earth with the Authority to liberate Warworld from the tyrannical Mongul. Meanwhile, the freshed-faced young Superman would free the island nation Gamorra from its own cruel master... Continue Reading →
When Attuma Strikes! (1964-1965) Reading Order
The barbaric Atantean called Attuma makes his debut, making his intentions to rule the undersea kingdom of Atlantis abundantly clear! Don’t let those bunny ears fool you – this warlord is more that capable of stealing the throne from Namor Sub-Mariner and of going go toe-to-webbed-toe with the Fantastic Four. And even if luck isn’t... Continue Reading →
The Warworld Saga (2021-2022) Reading Order
A vision of Superman’s dark destiny on Warworld was revealed in the FUTURE STATE event. And it seems that future is now! The weakened Clark Kent still reels from the injuries he suffered in space during THE GOLDEN AGE, so it’s hardly the most convenient time to learn of the existence of a number of... Continue Reading →
Their Darkest Hour (1964) Reading Order
The Enchantress and the Executioner are introduced to the Marvel Universe and quickly ally themselves with Baron Zemo – the man responsible for the death of Bucky Barnes. Having already defeated his Masters of Evil, Captain America is keen to face the foe who cost the life of his best friend and his time on... Continue Reading →
The Passenger (2021) Reading Order
In the possible future of the DC Universe known as FUTURE STATE, Superman’s mission to Warworld with the Authority goes horrifically wrong and the entire team are stranded there for decades. The only surviving member to avoid capture is Midnighter. And he’s about to receive help from an unknown benefactor who could turn the tide... Continue Reading →
The Golden Age (2021) Reading Order
Still impacted by his Anti-Life Equation infection (during DARK NIGHTS: DEATH METAL), Superman’s life is about to be placed in further jeopardy. Is it time for Jon Kent to accept that the Golden Age of childhood is over and he may need to become the next Superman? This event is also part of INFINITE FRONTIER... Continue Reading →
Mission: Improbable (2014) Reading Order
Obadiah Archer was raised by the Dominion cult to assassinate their worst enemy, the man called Armstrong. Instead, Archer befriended Armstrong and the duo took down Dominion and a number of related cults known overall as the Sect. Now that he’s in charge of the most powerful and dangerous groups in American history, Project Rising... Continue Reading →
Final Orbit (1998) Reading Order
When writer Warren Ellis took over WildStorm’s StormWatch series after the FIRE FROM HEAVEN crossover event, he reduced the team’s roster and added a few new characters (including the obligatory hard-drinking, constantly smoking English character with an attitude towards authority) and new concepts. Then, out of the blue… it all ends. And I’m not sure... Continue Reading →
Day of Judgment (1999) Reading Order
When Etrigan the Demon manipulates the fallen angel Asmodel into becoming the Spectre’s newest host, all Hell literally freezes over. As the dead begin to rise and chaos takes hold of the world of the living, it’s up some the Justice League and the magic-using heroes of the DC Universe to gather together and find... Continue Reading →
The Thanos Imperative (2010-2011) Reading Order
They fought off the Annihilation Wave. They freed Hala from Ultron and the Phalanx. But then, the war between the Shi’ar Empire and the Kree/Inhuman alliance tore a hole in the fabric of space and time – the Fault – which threatens to spew forth the undying invaders from the Cancerverse. Can the Guardians of... Continue Reading →
Realm of Kings (2009-2010) Reading Order
The WAR OF KINGS is over, but the universe itself is literally scarred. Black Bolt’s plan to weaponise the Terrigen Mists against Vulcan and the Shi’ar failed, but the detonation of the Terrigen Bomb has torn a colossal rift in the fabric in time and space. Both the Shi’ar and the Kree-ruled Inhumans have chosen... Continue Reading →
The Kree-Skrull War II (1989) Reading Order
The centuries-spanning enmity between the Kree and the Skrulls may have come to an end, at least temporarily during THE KREE-SKRULL WAR (1971-1972), but these two galactic empires will always be at odds with one another. Since that time, the Skrulls have lost their throneworld to the planet-devouring Galactus during THE TRIAL OF REED RICHARDS... Continue Reading →
The Kree-Skrull War (1971-1972) Reading Order
The Earth finds itself slap-bang in the middle of the war between two alien races - the empirical Kree and the shapeshifting Skrulls. It’s a war that's gone on for millennia, give or take. Whoever claims the Earth first will likely win the war. The Kree - being the master tacticians they are - figure it's... Continue Reading →
Heck’s Angels (1999) Reading Order
While Young Justice put an end to the Acolyte’s attempt to throw the Presence from his thrown in Heaven and replace him with Kali, the effects of the Acolyte’s plan hit Red Tornado right where he lives. Kali’s spell took hold Red Tornado’s adopted daughter Traya Sutton, prompting her to attack her mother. Kathy Sutton... Continue Reading →
Y2K (2000) Reading Order
It’s the dawn of a new Millennium! And one of Superman’s deadliest foes is about to get an all-new, all-powerful makeover. Who could pose enough of a threat to Metopolis that it would encourage Lex Luthor to side with the Man of Steel? And when it’s all over, what will become of the City of... Continue Reading →
The Last Days of Magic (2016) Reading Order
As Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange acts as the magical protector of the Earthly dimension and the primary practioner of the mystic arts. But when the Empirikal’s slaughter of all magic users across the dimensions reaches Earth, Strange may discover that magic can’t save him, this time. Doctor Strange may have Doctor Voodoo, Daimon Hellstorm, Magik,... Continue Reading →
Joe Golem and the Drowning City (2018-2019) Reading Order
Joe Golem made his debut in the illustrated novel ‘Joe Golem and the Drowning City’ by Mike Mignola & Christopher Golden. But the duo decided to build on Joe’s history in four comic book mini-series published by Dark Horse Comics, with the latter two - The Drowning City and The Conjurors - interpreting the novel... Continue Reading →
JLApe: Gorilla Warfare (1999) Reading Order
The Justice League go ape when a mysterious foe from Gorilla City blasts them with a morphogenic that turns most of the team into gorillas. Will the JLApe give in to their animalistic side and join their shadowy nemesis or can their fight their base instincts and save humanity from the same fate? Crossover: This eight-part crossover events... Continue Reading →
Harbinger Wars (2013) Reading Order
Both Toyo Harada's Harbinger Foundation and the US Government's Project Rising Spirit have been competing with each other to locate psiots - children with developing superhuman abilities - for decades. The fight to claim these kids is about to come to a head when Generation Zero break loose and take over Las Vegas. Both additional... Continue Reading →
Annihilation (2006-2007) Reading Order
Some of the major cosmic powers in the Marvel Universe are about to butt heads in a big way. A rift has opened form the Negative Zone into the positive matter universe and Annihilus plans to take full advantage. With the heroes busy fighting amongst themselves (during CIVIL WAR, 2006-2007), the fate of everything is in the hands of some unlikely heroes. ... Continue Reading →
Legends (1986-1987) Reading Order
Following the CRISIS OF INFINITE EARTHS (1985-1986), the DC Universe has started afresh! At least, for the most part. It's been about five years since the introduction of Superman and, in that time, other heroes have risen with some even forming the Justice League of America. But the League is about to face a crisis of its own when Professor Ivo's bizarre... Continue Reading →
I Die Like The Stars (1988-1989) Reading Order
The Silver Surfer has returned to the stars! After narrowly thwarting the assassination attempt on Galactus by the Elders of the Universe, the Surfer and Nova banished some of the Elders and their Soul Gems through a black hole. The 'Devourer of Worlds' then consumed the rest. Seeking a distraction after losing his beloved Mantis, the Surfer has agreed to accompany Nova on... Continue Reading →
War of Kings (2009) Reading Order
The alien Kree were once a proud empire and a warrior race, but they recently suffered terrible losses (during ANNIHILATION and ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST). Thousands of years earlier, they experimented on early homo-sapiens to create the Inhumans as living weapons. Despite the Supreme Intelligence granting them their freedom many of years ago, the Inhuman king Black... Continue Reading →
War of the Elders of the Universe (1987-1988) Reading Order
The Collector referred to himself as one of the Elders of the Universe not long before his death during THE KORVAC SAGA (1977-1978), but we wouldn't learn much more about the identities of the other Elders until 1982’s 'Marvel Super Hero: Contest of Champions' mini-series revealed the Grandmaster to be among their number when made... Continue Reading →
At War With Unity (2013-2014) Reading Order
Aric of Dacia has returned to Earth having used the X-O Manowar armour to liberate the Visigoths from the alien Vine. He lands his ship in Bucharest Park in Romania and claims the area for the Visigoths. But claiming a country isn’t going to be received well in the modern world. And a super-powered problem... Continue Reading →
Annihilation: Conquest (2007-2008) Reading Order
The Annihilation Wave led to the Annihilation War (which, of course, all happened during ANNIHILATION). Once it was all over, the universe learned it needed to be prepared in the highly unlikely event that it could all happen again someday. But no one was banking on the Phalanx... 'Annihilation: Conquest' steps things up a notch... Continue Reading →
Event Leviathan (2019-2020) Reading Order
Brian Michael Bendis introduces a new mystery to the DC Universe as part of his run on the Superman titles as the heroes are left wondering... who is Leviathan? Is it a person? A group? Both? What are their intentions? For all his power, even Superman finds he's not going to be able to confront... Continue Reading →