cap_ironman | Part One of an MCU Fan's Introduction to Comics

Part One: Format and the Avengers
Part Two: Captain America and Iron Man
Part Three: Black Widow and Hawkeye
Part Four: Hulk, Bruce Banner, Thor, Donald Blake and Loki

I want to first off clarify, that I myself am new to the comics and a lot of this information is stuff people have told me. Be sure to read the comments as well, I'm certain people will have their own opinions and suggestions. Also, I'm going to cover stuff in perhaps more detail than you are interested in. I'll put the explanations under spoiler cuts so you can skip them easily if you desire.

What Should I Buy?

The first thing to decide is what format to buy it in. This will determine a lot in what you have access to. As I see it, there are really three choices to consider at this point when getting into comic reading -- issues, TPB(Trade Paperback) and digital.

By issues, I mean the actual comics that were released in paper format. I don't recommend this for people starting out with comics. First off jumping into a current title might end up in disappointment as well as confusion. Also, there is the problem of finding a comic shop in some areas. But, the big reason is that this is about learning about comic canon and to do that with issues you'd need to track down and buy said issues. I don't recommend this for someone just starting out. Buying issues should not be totally discounted, but I'll come back to that later. The short of it is this is my least recommended route if you are just getting into comics.

Which brings us to Trade Paperbacks, there are where the publisher has collected together issues and published in one volume. These are very accessible for the average consumer. Most of the Trades can be found online, on sites like amazon if you can't find them in any local stores. They also have the bonus of generally(not always) having a complete story line collected together. So there isn't a need to rush out and buy the next one. They aren't cheap though. They can range for fifteen dollars all the way up to thirty(generally though this is cheaper than if you had bought each issue when it was new). The one big disadvantage to them is they take up space and believe me they add up. This is where I recommend you start if you want to see if you are going to be interested in the comic universe. Pick up one or two of the ones people recommend to see if you like them.

Digital covers a lot, I'm covering legal digital versions of the comics though. There are two major companies to buy digital comics from Comixology and Marvel itself. They both have regular sales and sell current and older issues. You can also purchase collections which are the digital version of a trade paperback. The big advantage of digital comics is they only take up data space and both Marvel and Comixology have apps so you can read them on mobile devices(the quality of those is whole 'nother post.) The downside is you are limited to your screen and the software you are viewing them in and you can't touch them, smell them or feel them. I'm mostly going to going to talk about Marvel Unlimited though.

Marvel Unlimited has a huge catalog of back issues available for reading. While you can't read current issues you have access to most the current stuff about six months after it comes out. That's a lot of comics available to read. The downsides are that it isn't everything and sometimes you'll come across a random issue that isn't available or is bug. It can also be rather intimidating actually, but we'll cover how to handle that later. If you have ready access to a computer and internet this is the route I recommend you start off with.

For those who want to check out if they are interested or not and don't want to purchase some trades, I recommend grabbing a months subscription of Marvel Unlimited for $9.99(remember to cancel so you don't get charged for another month) and reading some of the recommend stuff below. That will give you an idea if you want to continue or not.

For those that are sure you want to get into comics or at least want to read a large chunk, start saving your money now. A yearly subscription to Marvel Unlimited is $69.99, but during the holiday season at the beginning of the year they offer it for 30% off. Well worth the money. So, start saving now.

If you don't want to spend any money,

garrideb had the excellent suggestion of checking out the library. I have listed the trades for the various recommendations below, so it is quite likely you might be able to pick some up at your library or through inter-library loan and then you won't have to fork out any money at all at first. It will depend on the library system in your area.

What Should I Read?
So, now you know how you are going to read it, it is time to start reading right? Well, there is one more thing I think I should cover and that is issue numbers. Marvel, like many comic companies freely changes their issue numbers. That's why when people refer to an issue they normally list the title year and issue number. To make things easier for us(or more confusing take your pick) Marvel has split things up into Volumes. So when someone refers to a volume of a series they are referring to one of these time frames. But, the volume numbers from one series might not necessarily cover the same frame as time as a volume from another series. So, I'll stick with dates.

I'm sure that there is a section of you who have already been given the recommendation to read the Civil War or Ultimates. If you are new to comics and trying to decide if you like it, DO NOT start there. While the Civil War is fodder for many Stony fics and well Ultimates is well Ultimates. I don't recommend starting there.

The Civil War has some issues with characterization. How bad that is depends on who you talk to. Since it is an event it also means that there are multiple titles to read to know what is going on. The big reason though is if you don't know the characters and understand their relationships and histories, you won't understand why something is important or should make you have feels. I recommend starting somewhere else, deciding if you like the comics and getting to know the characters and universe before you read about it getting torn apart and having your heart ripped out and stomped on.

Ultimates, well Ultimates is a different thing entirely. Quite literally actually. Marvel has this concept called the multiverse. The different verses have different numbers. MCU(Earth-199999) even is included this. The comic universe people are most likely referring to if they talk about Marvel comics is 616. The other two universes referenced often is Ultimate Marvel(Earth-1610) and Marvel Adventures(Earth-20051). Marvel Adventures in many way is just a happy less dark version of 616. Ultimate Marvel is whole a different universe. The back stories, motivations of the characters and who is good or bad is different. Even the name of the team is different. They are called the Ultimates instead of the Avengers.

A lot of people recommend Ultimates to MCU fans because it is supposedly more accessible. I really don't see it, but more than anything you shouldn't read it because the history it covers is probably not what you are wanting to know. Also from a personal perspective, Ultimates is a universe where angst thrives and bad things happen on top of bad things and well, it just isn't a happy place. For those that do want to read Ultimates and wallow in angst, hopefully someone in the comments can give advice where to start and what to read.

Okay finally what you actually are reading this for. What you should read. I'm going to start off with the base assumption that you are interested in Stony, Avengers, Captain America and Iron Man. So, I'm going to stick with them for now. The thing to remember is, you don't have to read everything. It is important to read what you enjoy. There are links at the bottom of each summary to where to find it on the Marvel site, the Comixology site and Amazon in the various formats.

First up are the Avengers. Here are the various avenger story arcs and trades, I have had recommended to me and enjoyed. There are also some team ups in here as well.

New Avengers - First Issue: New Avengers(2004) #1, First Trade: New Avengers, Vol. 1: Break Out
This is set post Disassembled, the only important thing to know about that arc is that the Avengers decided to split up and there wasn't an Avenger team anymore. New Avengers opens up with Captain America, Iron Man and other heroes showing up to help handle a super villain breakout. This is a great place to start because the team itself is getting to know each other. It also leads into the Civil War.
Personally if you start here, I'd recommend stopping when you get to the Civil War and reading a few other titles first, but feel free to continue on into the Civil War itself if you so desire. Stony pluses:Steve's enthusiasm over meeting Tony and taking it as a sign they need to form a group again. Yes, Tony, Steve really missed you.
Series at Marvel~Series at Comixology~First Trade Paperback at Amazon

Avengers Prime - Issues: Avengers: Prime(2010) #1-5, Trade: Avengers Prime
This is a short mini-series set post-Seige. It is basically Thor, Tony and Steve go on an adventure and forgiving Tony for all the bad stuff he doesn't remember. Knowing the previous events is not necessary. This is great read because it is a happy romp and has lots of Tony and Steve moments. Stony pluses: Steve saving a naked Tony, hugs and well naked Tony.
Series at Marvel~Collection at Comixology~Trade Paperback at Amazon

Avengers: Red Zone - Issues: Avengers(1998) #65-70, Trade: Avengers: Red Zone
This takes place in Avengers Volume 3(1998-2004). A deadly biological attack is released over Mount Rushmore and it is up to the Avenges to contain it. This is the story arc where the panels with Tony kissing Steve laying on his lap comes from. Stony pluses: Tony giving Steve mouth to mouth, Tony thinking Steve's life is more important than his own. Also, Carol and Sam being awesome!
Avenger(1998) #65 at Marvel~Collection at Comixology~Trade Paperback at Amazon

Captain America and Iron Man: One Night in Madripoor - Issues: Captain America and Iron Man(2012) #633-#635, Trade: Captain America and Iron Man
Tony is helping Steve searching for Kashmir Vennema at a technology expo in Madripoor. Of course things can't be easy and they end up having to deal with villains stealing a weapon that can take out technology and bring back how to make it. This is part of a three part series, the first part has him teaming up with Hawkeye and the third with Black Widow. Despite this it stands on its own and doesn't require reading the rest of the story arc. Stony Pluses: This is basically a Stony adventure with them worrying about each other. There is lots of touching. Lots of touching with some banter thrown in too.
Note: Searching for the individual issues of this run can be tricky. Marvel has it under Captain America and ...(2012) At comixology it is listed under Captain America Volume one. The trades appear to be broken up by who he is teaming with.
Captain America and Iron Man(2012) #633 at Marvel~Captain America and Iron Man(2012) #633 at Comixology~Trade Paperback at Amazon

Iron Man Captain America - this is the trade title, see bottom for list of issues and trade ISBN
This is basically a collection of various issues covering highlights in their history together. I like to call it a brief overview of Tony and Steve fighting and making up. While, it certainly doesn't cover them all, I found the selection was pretty good and I wasn't confused about what was going on. It is particularly helpful because it covers some of the stuff 616 fics refer back to. It does not cover the Civil War. Stony Pluses: It includes the azure eyes comic. There is bromance in pretty much every issue.
Note:Searching for this trade by title is an exercise in frustration. Here is the ISBN-13: 978-0-7851-4451-9. Trade Paperback at Amazon
Issues: Tales of Suspense(1959) #58 ~ Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty(1999) #5-6 ~ Iron Man(1983) #172 ~ Iron Man(1988) #228 ~ Captain America(1988) #341 ~ Captain America Annual(1990) #9 ~ Tales of Suspense #1(1995) ~ Invincible Iron Man and Captain America Annual 1998

Avengers Assemble - First Issue: Avengers Assemble(2012) #1, First Trade: Avengers Assemble
While this is set in the 616 universe, it started in its own little quasi bubble. The Avengers team line up starts with the 616 versions of the movie characters and introduces others from there. While this has been recommended to me numerous times, I've not gotten around to reading this myself yet(it is towards the top on my to read list) so, I can't list any specific stony pluses in this. I'm sure someone in the comments can though.
Series at Marvel~First Collection at Comixology~First Trade Paperback at Amazon

Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes and Avengers:Earth's Mightiest Heroes II - First Issue: Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes(2004) #1, Trade: Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Ultimate Collectio
This is basically two comic series that cover the general history of the Avengers. I was a bit torn on recommending this one on one hand it give a nice over view of the Avengers, on the other it is rather bland. Also, from what I understand it changes how some of the events happened. In some places it can be confusing because the characters all change without reason. It isn't something I find myself rereading, but I will occasionally pull it out as a reference.
Note: Don't confuse this with the more recent title. The more recent title is set in a different universe.
First and Second Series at Marvel~First Series at Comixology~Trade Paperback at Amazon

Marvel Adventures the Avengers - First Issue: Marvel Adventures the Avengers(2006) #1 First Trade: Marvel Adventures The Avengers Vol. 1: Heroes Assembled
This doesn't take place in 616. It is in a different universe and is one of the comic titles aimed at younger audiences. It is generally fluffy. Some of the characters backstory and history is the same some isn't. There are a lot of Marvel Adventure fics out there though and it has some great Steve and Tony interactions. Stony Pluses: Playing Basket Ball together. Having a Picnic together. Doing lots of stuff together and being happy.
Series at Marvel~First Trade Paperback at Amazon

I will continue with Captain America, Iron Man, Events and other resources in further posts. Hopefully I'll have one up next week. I'll put links here at the bottom as I do them. Feel free to ask questions, if I can't answer them, I'm sure someone else in the com can. If I'm missing something, please share it in the comments.

Part Two: Captain America and Iron Man

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I really appreciate this post as someone with no comic background. I go to the comic store and have no idea what to look at. So as soon as I get the time I'll try Marvel Unlimited out. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

I'm glad this was help for you and I definitely think Marvel Unlimited is a good place to start. I'm glad the people in this community clued me into it.

I'm someone who started with Civil War *hohoho*; before buying I found a complete Civil War collection which included all the seperate titles as well as the main event. However I found myself dropped into in the middle of something I have no clue and found myself with question marks regarding to some characters (like Spider man).

I wish I found this sooner, it would have been easier for me. Thanks for the work and as a noob in comics, I appreciate this.

I'm glad this is helpful for you. Perhaps in the future I can ask some of the more comic savvy people which comics they think are good to read for specific back history for the Civil War. I've not read it yet myself.

This is a great overview for a confusing topic. I'd like to add another option for people just getting into comics: check out your local library. I know not everyone has a convenient local library (or book mobile) and not every library has a good comics collection, but it's worth checking out. My library system (the 53 libraries of the South Central Library System in Wisconsin) has a fantastic comics collection. Last time I visited my local comic shop, I found out from the owner that he personally helped the librarians pick out which comics to buy for the library, which is probably one reason they have such a great collection.

I love all your recommendations. I can't remember quite where I started, but I know Iron Man: Extremes and Iron Man: Execute Program were some of the first trades I read. Extremis doesn't have Cap in it, but Execute Program does, and then one can go right into Iron Man: Civil War with enough background information for maximum angst. ;-) So I'll throw that out there, especially for those fans who are also starting the 2004 New Avengers series.

I can't believe I didn't think about the Library!. I'm going to edit that in, right after I post this. Thanks also for the other recs for people. I'm certainly no expert. In fact I spent a bit of time this weekend talking to people in the com chat to put together my next part.

It is going to cover Individual titles of Captain America and Iron Man. Extremis is the first one I thought of for that, so we are definitely on the same track there. :P

Oh, now I see the part where you say you'll cover Iron Man and Cap later. I must have skimmed over that paragraph before ;-) Looking forward to you next post! Especially since I've read relatively little Captain America. In fact, I've probably read more Cap books where Bucky was Cap than Steve Rogers. I'm curious to see what you recommend/what the chat recommended.

It is all good. The next post is up. :)

I just saw this today (how did I miss it?)

I wish this had existed when I first started comics. I kind of jumped in buying the issues and ended up all over though I do now have issues for the entire run of the current lot of Hawkeye so that was a good call at least XD And I'm kind of getting a hang on them now but it's taken over a year.

For TPBs Marvel Platinum The definitive Avengers is actually quite good to. It was one of the first TPB that I read, a friend bought it for me. It has the original avengers comics and kind of gives a quick run-through of some key points. It focuses more on Scarlet Witche's story but she's kind of important to know about for a lot of the stories I've come across anyway and she's awesome so there is that.

Part One of an MCU Fan's Introduction to Comics

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