Beyond the MCU: The 10 Best Marvel Comics of the Last Two Decades
Despite the monumental success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which began with Jon Favreau’s Iron Man in 2008, Marvel Comics has continued to deliver exceptional storylines. While many consider the pre-2008 era to be a golden age, the last eighteen years have seen a wealth of masterful comic book releases, proving the company’s enduring ability to craft compelling narratives. Here are ten of the best Marvel comics published since the dawn of the MCU.
Avengers: Twilight – A Dystopian Vision of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
Set in a grim future where the Avengers have disbanded and Steve Rogers has lost his enhanced abilities, Avengers: Twilight by Chip Zdarsky and Daniel Acuña stands out as a standout standalone story. As one source noted, the comic is “a daring, politically outspoken, and socially relevant superhero tale,” perfectly suited for today’s cultural landscape. It offers a compelling characterization of Captain America, rivaling even Ed Brubaker’s acclaimed run, and is widely considered one of the best Marvel books in decades.
Moon Knight: A Run of Unforgettable Stories
The Moon Knight series has consistently delivered some of the most emotionally resonant and engaging superhero stories in recent memory, solidifying the character’s popularity among comic book fans. Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey’s 2014 run is often cited as a game-changer, with subsequent creative teams continuing to raise the bar. Jeff Lemire and Greg Smallwood’s work on the title is particularly entrancing, offering complex character development and stunning artwork.
Spider-Man: Life Story – A Decades-Spanning Chronicle
While the mainline Amazing Spider-Man series has faced criticism in recent years, Chip Zdarsky’s Spider-Man: Life Story offered a refreshing take on the iconic web-slinger. This real-time miniseries chronicles Peter Parker’s life across six decades, showcasing the character’s depth and importance within the Marvel Universe and broader pop culture. It’s a true love letter to Spider-Man and arguably his best solo book in years.
Thor: God of Thunder – Introducing Gorr the God Butcher
Jason Aaron’s run on Thor: God of Thunder elevated the Asgardian hero to new heights, and the introduction of Gorr the God Butcher remains a highlight. Though the MCU’s adaptation of the storyline in Thor: Love and Thunder was considered lackluster, the original source material boasts lavish artwork, excellent world-building, and a fantastic portrayal of the Thunder God. It’s a must-read for any Marvel enthusiast and a testament to Thor’s status as one of the company’s premier heroes.
Daredevil: A Consistent Beacon of Quality
Matt Murdock, the Man Without Fear, has consistently been featured in some of Marvel’s best ongoing series since 2000. Excluding a few exceptions, Daredevil has consistently been a top-tier title, with legendary runs from Mark Waid and Chip Zdarsky leading the charge. Waid’s run is lauded for its fresh perspective and stunning artwork, while Zdarsky’s blended bombastic fantasy with gritty street-level crime-fighting to great effect.
Uncanny X-Force: A Morally Ambiguous Masterpiece
From writer Rick Remender, Uncanny X-Force is arguably Marvel’s darkest and most morally complex series in years. Focusing on a team of mutant anti-heroes tackling missions the mainline X-Men avoid, the series explores themes of utilitarianism, the corrupting influence of violence, and the devastating consequences of conflict. The series is known for its shocking moments, including the killing of a child clone of Apocalypse and a compelling arc for Warren Worthington, and features one of the most emotionally resonant Magneto stories ever told.
The Ultimates: A Politically Charged Alternate Universe
Deniz Camp’s The Ultimates has consistently surprised readers since its launch two years ago, quickly becoming one of the best series in the current Ultimate Universe. A politically charged and socially radical superhero tale, it features alternate versions of iconic heroes confronting the forces controlling their world. The battle against the Maker, an evil counterpart of Reed Richards, is considered one of the best stories in Marvel history.
Secret Wars: Marvel’s Definitive Crossover Event
Pulling off a successful large-scale crossover event is a challenge in modern comic book storytelling, but Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 Secret Wars succeeded spectacularly. One analyst stated it was “one of the single greatest comic book events ever written,” culminating years of storytelling and serving as the definitive showdown between Reed Richards and Doctor Doom. The event is celebrated for its awe-inspiring artwork, characterization, and world-building, and is soon to be adapted by the MCU.
House of X and Powers of X: Revolutionizing the X-Men
Also penned by Jonathan Hickman, the dual miniseries House of X and Powers of X represent the best X-Men stories in decades. These game-changing titles launched the iconic Krakoa era, introducing canon-altering revelations, shifting character dynamics, and breathtaking action sequences. They remain foundational texts for understanding the modern X-Men landscape.
The Immortal Hulk: A Defining Superhero Comic of the 21st Century
Al Ewing’s The Immortal Hulk is unlike anything else Marvel has released in recent decades. A character-focused supernatural horror epic spanning continents and centuries, it’s widely considered the defining superhero comic of the last twenty-five years. The series cemented Bruce Banner as one of Marvel’s most compelling characters and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible within the Marvel Universe, offering bold imagery and a unique take on the Hulk mythos. It is, according to many, the best Marvel series of the century.
