Marvel and the event cycle have gone hand in hand throughout the 21st century, but the publisher’s history with event books started before that. 1982’s Marvel Super Hero Contest Of Champions is widely considered the first event book, making Marvel the originator. Marvel does not give up on the event book cycle, even though it has been called event fatigue.
There are a lot of Marvel events which didn’t live to their potential, some right away and others that were better with time. There have been many event books that lived up to their hype and stood the test of the time.
10 Secret War Was Brian Michael Bendis’ First Event Book
2004’s Secret War, by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Gabriele Dell’Otto, is a forgotten Marvel event. C-list villains based on tech attack Nick Fury with greater vigor. Nick Fury must deal with his guilt in the events as the secret battle he waged with a group Marvel heroes begins to emerge.
Bendis was a big deal but not yet a huge star in 2004, and this was Marvel’s first big push for the writer. Although the book’s reception was hampered by the delayed publication of Dell’Otto’s illustrated art, the comic is still top-notch and ranks above most Bendis’ event books.
9 Infinity Was A Great Midpoint Event In Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers Epic
Jonathan Hickman has been the mastermind behind the new Marvel event book. His first venture was Infinity with Jim Cheung and Jerome Opena. It’s epic sci-fi superhero goodness.
While one’s enjoyment depends on their Avengers and New Avengers -, the tie-ins are published in Hickman’s Infinity collected Edition for context. It’s an amazing story. Hickman knows how to create an event book, while Cheung, Opena and Weaver excel at their craft.
8 Infinity Gauntlet Is A Classic
Most often, Infinity Gauntlet by Ron Marz, George Perez, and Ron Lim is at the top of all Marvel event book lists. It’s difficult to gauge how hyped the book was. 1991 was a pre-Internet age, and Starlin hadn’t been a big name at Marvel in years. As hard as it is to imagine now, Thanos was not a big deal in 1991.
The hype surrounding the story is irrelevant because Infinity Gauntlet is a great book that exceeded all expectations. This is the ultimate Marvel event, and it still makes for a great read three decades later.
7 Siege Closed Out The Dark Reign
The “Dark Reign”, changed how fans saw the Marvel Universe. Marvel’s greatest heroes were in their lowest moments with Norman Osborn, the Dark Avengers and Olivier Coipel at the helm. All of this was over with Siege by Brian Michael Bendis, and Olivier Coipel as the artist. At the request of Loki Norman Osborn attacks Asgard and Marvel’s heroes join forces to stop him.
“Dark Reign was hugely popular with readers, and it delivered all that was needed. The ending closed the plotlines perfectly. Bendis didn’t have to overdo it, which prevented it from becoming as dull as his other event books. Coipel’s artwork brought the story to life.
6 World War Hulk Is An Action Masterpiece
Hulk, the most powerful of all beings, is a force to be reckoned with. He comes after everyone who has wronged his, and it is a huge deal. Hulk and the Warbound attacked the Earth as part of a revenge strike against the Illuminati. Spinning from Planet Hulk by writer Greg Pak Jr. This story was true to its original premise.
Planet Hulk was the ideal start, but World War Hulk took it to the next level. This was the first event after –Civil War. and Romita Jr. made it a memorable story. This is the most important event book in history and it never goes out of style.
5 Inferno Closed Out The Hickman Era Of The X-Men
Jonathan Hickman was the one who redefined the X-Men but his time with them ended too quickly. Inferno with artists Valerio Schiti. R.B. Silva and Stefano Caselli were his last stories with the mutants. But it was one that will be remembered for a long time. Inferno is a great read for X-Men lovers. It closes out the plots Hickman had set up, and moves things forward.
Ending “Reign Of X”, the “Reign Of X” phase of the X-Men book series, it accomplished what great event books do. The book made a significant change in Krakoa’s status quo and it did this with Hickman’s brilliant writing. This amazing event is portrayed by Caselli, Silva and Schiti.
4 Civil War Brought Change That Lasted For Years
Civil War is the most important Marvel event book of the ’00s. Written by Mark Millar with art by Steve McNiven, the comic’s premise is well-known now, with the heroes choosing between Captain America and Iron Man in an ideological battle over the Superhero Registration Act. Although one could debate the merits, it is impossible to deny that the story lived up to its hype.
Marvel’s PR team created the ideal ad campaign and it succeeded. The anticipation for the story reached fever pitch before the first issue was even published. It did something so few other events would achieve, changing the Marvel Universe’s landscape for many years.
3 Infinity War Is A Perfect Sequel
Infinity Gauntlet wow audiences so there was much for a sequel. , Infinity War, by writer Jim Starlin, and artist Ron Lim delivered. The heroes have to work together in order to stop an enemy from Adam Warlock’s past coming out of the woodwork and launching a multi-pronged assault on the universe.
Starlin, Lim and their team made an impressive book. They presented the epic battle between heroes and Magus in a stunning fashion. Starlin used this story to advance Thanos’ characters, giving depth to the Titan. It was a highly successful story, and Marvel’s best-selling event book.
2 Secret Wars (2015) Is A Masterpiece
Secret Wars (2015) stands above most Marvel events books. It was written by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Esad Ribic. The book focuses on the destruction of the Incursions as well as how Doom saved creations, and his struggle to take control of all of life. Although the book was huge in scope, its heart focused more on Doctor Doom as a character and his battle with Reed Richards.
Very few events can be multiple things at the same time. It was a huge event with incredible set pieces and flawless action. Hickman and Ribic provided a unique reading experience that fans will never forget.
1 House Of X/Powers Of X Changed The X-Men Forever
Great events can have lasting repercussions that change things for the positive. This is just one reason House Of X/Powers Of X has written and illustrated by Jonathan Hickman, with artwork by Pepe Larraza and R.B. Silva is so amazing. In 2019, X-Men fans were ready for a change of pace, and Hickman and company gave it to them, setting up the Krakoan status quo.
Hickman was a huge deal when he returned to Marvel. The hype was insane and both the books were a huge success. Although Hickman was not able to spend much time with the X-Men, these 12 issues represent a highlight of a series that was too short.
