10 Best Marvel Comics Reviewed & Rated in 2024
Lately all the best Marvel comic book stories have been hitting the box office and it is leaving the best part behind. Comic books have been a classic way of reading about superheroes and their adventures for many years. The industry is still pumping out new versions all of the time and it is time to bring this classic way back. With so many comic books on the market, it is hard to know where to start. It can seem very overwhelming and you may feel lost. We have come up with of the Best Marvel Comics to make this process easier. So start your new obsession of right here with these ones.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 13 hrs of research
National Book Award Winning writer
Amazing storyline with awesome graphics
Storyline appeals too many
Great addition to Marvel series
Improves brain ability to process a series of events
10 Best Marvel Comics Reviewed
1. Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet Book 1
National Book Award Winning writer
Amazing storyline with awesome graphics
Storyline appeals too many
Great addition to Marvel series
Improves brain ability to process a series of events
The dialog can be bland with poorly developed characters
With the start of a new era for the raising Black Panther, this book takes the wheel. It tells the story of how the character leads the African Nation like no other. They will make the nation tougher than ever before, but not before a terrorist group tries to bring them down. The violent series of events that occur throw the people into turmoil.
Read moreEducational Value
Often people forget about how hard it is to remember a sequence of events, but reading comic books is a great way to keep that part of your brain active. Comic books tell stories that are all based on events that occur one after another and before you know it ten other things happen because of that one starting event. Remembering the sequence of how and why they occurred is easy because of the action-packed stories. So keep your mind sequencing with comic books.
Entertainment Value
These warriors have created an incredible nation full of proud people who will be placed in a world of defeat. Will the people survive? Will the nation take over? Who will take over? You will never know until you pick this book up.
Materials
This is a classic Marvel storyline that has been told and retold for years. Each version has something different. This version brings together how the rise of the nation came together and why heroes in life are so important.
2. Infinity War: Collected Edition
Incorporates nearly every Marvel character
No need to buy more books in the series and is a stand-alone comic
Teaches important lessons about teamwork
Follows Avengers movie series which will appeal to movie watchers
Is suitable for younger kids with adult read-alongs
Too many characters may get confusing for some readers
Very long read
What happens when superheroes from all the Marvel comics band together and combine all their powers for good? Thus Infinity Wars was born, with the potential to be the most exciting and epic graphics telling of a plethora of abilities all coming together to take down one common enemy, Thanos.
Read moreEducational Value
The ultimate battle is about to take place, and with the Collected Edition of Infinity War, your child can have access to every exciting page and piece of the story. The best thing that comes from the pages of this comic is the teamwork that goes into it, and that is something that’s relatable for children of all ages.
Entertainment Value
Anyone who follows the Marvel movie series or comics knows the name Thanos can strike fear into the hearts of devoted fans, many kids among them. This compelling comic is sure to have kids of all ages sitting on the edge of their seat to find out whether Thanos can, in fact, be defeated!
Materials
No matter where you are in life, it is necessary to work with others. It’s funny to think of learning about this through a comic book, but the basis of this graphic story lies on the very foundation of coming together as a team for the greater good -- and that is something we can get behind for kids all over.
3. Captain Marvel Vol. 1
Strong female character
A great introduction for readers who are unfamiliar with Captain Marvel.
Vibrant artwork and easy-to-understand story
Available as a paperback or for the Kindle
Guest appearance from Guardians of the Galaxy
Some readers suggest the ending is predictable
As you started this list, you were quickly introduced to Ms. Marvel. If you’re looking for another strong female superhero look no further. Captain Marvel, who goes by Carol Danvers when she is not in her superhero form, is one of Marvel’s most famous Avengers. In fact, remember how we stated that Ms. Marvel was gifted her powers? Captain Marvel was the person who gifted those powers to Kamala.
Read moreEducational Value
Not only does the story center around a strong female superhero but the comic was also written by a female. Volume one does a great job introducing the reader to Captain Marvel, which is great for those who are unfamiliar with her.
Entertainment Value
In volume one, Carol is on a mission to return an alien girl to her home planet and save the aliens rebelling against the Galactic Alliance. As the story progresses, your child will even be surprised by a guest appearance from the Guardians of the Galaxy. Your little one can enjoy reading this on their Kindle or as a paperback.
Materials
David Lopez, the illustrator, and Kelly Sue DeConnick, the author, did a great job portraying Captain Marvel as a strong woman who is determined and passionate about saving others. If your child has never heard of Captain Marvel, this is a great book to start with as the storyline provides an introduction to her and her team. The artwork is vibrantly colored and will have your child excited to read the story.
4. Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1
Familiar, movie-inspired comic
Appropriate for family time reading
Opening page starts out exactly like the movie to draw kids in and get them engaged
Easy reading
Offers a chance to learn new vocabulary if reading with an adult
Only appeals to Star Wars fans who know the main character
The wording may be too mature for kids until the age of ten
The masked man doesn’t just steal the spotlight in movies, he now has his own comic series! Darth Vader Vol. 1 showcases classic Vader in his true form, telling the story of the Empire’s war as only he can: from the Dark side.
Read moreEducational Value
This comic focuses on telling the untold story of Darth Vader and his journey to be victorious and take down the Rebel Alliance, and may even make mention of a few other formidable opponents and lovable characters from the major motion pictures. Kids and adults alike will have a newfound appreciation for reading from a villain’s point of view.
Entertainment Value
In this relatively short comic, kids will find exactly what they see in the movies: a tale of brilliance, dark forces at work to overthrow the rest of the world, but most importantly, a classic story that engages and hooks you from the very words, “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” From that one sentence, any child familiar with the otherworldly Jedis will be delighted and happy to read. Thus, rather than sit on the couch watching the movie for the tenth time, they can improve their reading skills and vocabulary, all while having fun reading something familiar!
Materials
With this kid-friendly comic book, children of all ages will not only enjoy the plot but also improve their language skills. True Star Wars fan will be super-excited to read the book as soon as they read the opening line, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.”
5. Infinity Gauntlet
Action packed featured comic book with joining forces
Force joined from many teams; the X-Men, the New Warriors, the Avengers, and more
Full featured comic book in bright colors
Characters join to fight the evil Thanos
Inspire us to learn to think differently
Climax of the comic book is in the middle of the story
Text is smashed together on some pages
Here it comes from Marvel comics the awesome adventure series; The Infinity Gauntlet. The featured comic book brings together to all the major superhero groups. Joining together in this comic book are; the X-Men, the New Warriors, the Avengers, and more. They all join forces to fight against the evil force known as, Thanos. He is the Mad Titan that has become one of the most powerful characters in the universe.
Read moreEducational Value
Comic books are an excellent way to help expand our way of thinking. Many people often don’t realize all the components of a successful comic book series. When reading a comic book it has to spark your interest and then it is able to allow your brain to enter more complex processing, unlike watching TV or playing a video game the ‘spark’ has neurological benefits that are far better than any watch can do.
Entertainment Value
Thanos has caused destruction and chaos, but the teams joining forces have come together to stop the madness. Either destroying him or enslaving him is their only answer because he gives them no other choice. The comic book tracks the success of the team and shakes the forces of all time against one evil force.
Materials
The excitement in this comic book just keeps you reading until the end. When all the superhero teams have to come together to fight one evil force you know the story is going to be epic.
6. Civil War
Captain America serves as a good character influence
Non-fiction history scattered throughout in addition to the fiction story
Broken up into volumes so as to not overwhelm the reader
Action-packed with hand-to-hand combat creates riveting panels
Classic good friend vs. bad friend teaches a good lesson
Martial-arts style violence may not be in favor of some parents
Not being set in a modern setting may bore some kids
Follow along with Captain America while he struggles to find the line between saving his best friend, but also saving the world!
Read moreEducational Value
Children learn many lessons while they grow up, one significant one is learning good behavior vs. bad. Although Civil War takes things to the extreme in a superhero setting with outrageous otherworldly powers, the lesson still stands: regardless of whether your friend is doing something bad, does that deem it right for you to do the same? Kids will have a solid chance to consider this question when working their way through the comic, as the picture board will reveal the ultimate fight between friends so close they’re almost brothers.
Entertainment Value
Civil War tells the story of Captain America and his best friend, Bucky Barnes. The two are caught up unintentional on opposing sides and have no choice but to go to war with each other -- resulting in the age-old tale of good vs. evil. However, in this case, the “evil” is completely out Bucky’s hands. The comic incorporates the government as well as fellow Avengers to bring about an epic duel in which one of the sides will reign supreme.
Materials
As your child reads through the pages, they will not only be enjoying an action-packed storyline, but they will also be learning positive moral values.
7. Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal
Strong female lead
Short comic leaves less room for boredom
Unusual story peaks interest
Relatable on many levels to many kids
Superhero main character is not “perfect”
Unfamiliarity with the character may not be interesting to some
Not as popular as the other Marvel comics
Wait, there’s a Marvel character named after the Marvel comic? That’s right, there most certainly is! Ms. Marvel is a lesser known, fairly new superhero named Kamala who fights crime after being gifted with surprising powers.
Read moreEducational Value
It’s girl power at its best, and we love the lesson this comic teaches about gender equality no matter what the circumstance. Strength lies in how you overcome a situation, not what kind of superhero you are, and that’s something we’d happily read to kids.
Entertainment Value
The comic takes place right in the Big Apple, New York, and follows Kamala as she goes through her (new) life as a heroine. She’s not perfect by any means, and it makes for an endearing character that will tug at heartstrings and keep you reading to find out what she’ll get herself into next and more importantly, how she’ll get out of it!
Materials
So many times in the nature of comics, superheroes are men or boys who are either born with or learn extraordinary powers in order to save the world. Ms. Marvel has a different spin on things and provides a glimpse of the superhero life through the eyes of a teenage girl on the outskirts, who finds her place fitting in fighting evil and being just as big and important as the rest of the Avengers. Having a female idol is important to little girls everywhere, and gives them an alternative to the same Disney princesses and Barbies. With Ms. Marvel, they have a fictional character that’s inspiring in other ways: demonstrating strength, determination, skill, and just downright learning how to be human while using her powers for good. It’s a unique story that shows how strong girls can be!
8. Thanos Rising
Brightly colored and detailed graphics
The storyline is easy to read and understand
Available for the Kindle or as a hardcover book
Provides the reader with the information on Thanos’ past
Some readers suggest that the twist is predictable
Avenger fans were first introduced to Thanos during the credits of Age of Ultron. Not only were fans introduced, but they were left with their jaws gaping open and their minds were blown. Three years later the villainous Thanos appeared in Avengers Age of Ultron.
Read moreEducational Value
As your little one reads, they will be improving their language skills. Both the storyline and the graphics will stimulate your child’s imagination and unleash their creativity. The brightly colored and highly detailed graphics are not only amazing but will also stimulate your child’s sensory development. This comic is available for the Kindle and as a hardcover book.
Entertainment Value
If the movies left your little one curious about Thanos’ past, then they should read the Marvel comic book Thanos Rising by Jason Aaron. As your child reads the comic, they will learn the complete history of Thanos' life starting with his birth. They will read about his pre-teen years and understand how this villain came to be.
Materials
Younger children will be able to enjoy this comic as the storyline is easy to read and understand. Both the graphics and story are very detailed and will provide the reader with a better understanding on how Thanos came to be the villain he is.
9. Avengers: Heroes Welcome #1
Superhero team joins forces with one more
Introduces a character, Sam Alexander a.k.a. Nova
Full sized comic book
Full color graphics
Boosts knowledge of art education
Story feels more like a novel than action packed comic
Lacks the ability to catch readers attention, lacks crime fighting
The superhero team gets a new hero in this comic book. The story brings to the life of how the team got a new hero on their side. Nova, the all-star hero learns of the new powers he knows he needs to put them to the best use possible. So what does he do? He joins forces with one of the most powerful teams of superheroes of all time.
Read moreEducational Value
Graphic novels such a comic books bring art education to kids in a profound way. Art is almost endangered in the classroom today and it is very important to keep this form of education alive. Comic books display a form of drawing and storytelling that barely needs any words. This form of art is inspiring to kids around the world.
Entertainment Value
The character, Sam Alexander by day and Nova by case gets great advice from the team and is welcomed as one of the newest members. This comic book is a full sized book with full bright colored artistic drawn pages. Joining the force is one of the best opportunities of a lifetime; don’t let the story pass you by.
Materials
The art in this comic book is very well done. It creates the story on the pages and sometimes you feel like you don’t even have to read the words. A well done comic book that is great for the kids and has little violent content.
10. Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe
Features tail turn of events with popular comic character
Includes twist with a character from other Marvel series
Horror comic with a descriptive action-packed storyline
Easy read with the great storyline
Improve the higher level of thinking
Lots of violence included in the story plot
Does not include any humor that is usually found with this character’s storylines
Deadpool is one of those characters that many often find funny, but what it everything you thought was hilarious about this character actually was really disturbing? That is where this comic comes into play.
Read moreEducational Value
Reading comics is a great way to develop a higher level of thinking. When kids read comics they are reading the action-packed storyline and wondering what will happen next. Just like in this horror comic the thought process will be intensified while creating a higher level of thinking with predicting what will happen next.
Entertainment Value
Deadpool is the featured character in this comic where his mission is to kill everyone and everything that is a part of what makes up the Marvel Universe. The best part of this horror comic is where Merc and the Mouth help put a twist to the storyline that no one sees coming. Wondering if he is able to pull this dreadful task off? You will have to read to find out.
Materials
What a different type of comic for the usually very humorous character. The comic is very well done and is action packed with a twist of events.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Educational Value
Most of these comics are simple to read and easy to follow along with and promote the healthy growth of reading and literacy skills needed to progress at a younger age (toddler to pre-teen). While your child is working their way through a comic book, they will also be learning new vocabulary which will put them light years ahead, while also repeatedly seeing common words that they’ll have no problem spelling or pronouncing. This is all done through heroic tales that are both familiar to them as well as fun to read, and can get them excited for book time. Make a game out of it: For each comic read, have a fun family movie night and watch your favorite Marvel movie as a reward as well as an incentive!
Entertainment Value
No one wants to read a boring book, let alone open a comic book and have little to zero interest in the contents, especially if you’re a kid looking for an adventure. Whether it’s X-Men, Avengers, Spider-Man, or Ms. Marvel, your child is sure to connect with one of them and be just as happy to go on a crazy superpower-filled adventure as we are to tell you about them!
Materials
There are so many comic books out there that rival the Marvel series, but could never pass for an authentic Marvel comic book. Any true comic fans know that just as there’s a massive difference between DC and Marvel, there’s also a difference between Marvel and all the comics that claim to be just as exciting and dramatic. On our list, we’ve included not only the best Marvel-produced comics but the most authentic ones, as well. Whether they echo the big screen like Civil War or take you back to your grade school days with bright, flashy panels like The Amazing Spider-Man, only the best made the cut for your tiny superhero.
We want to ensure that your child is both happy and entertained while reading these comic books, and not bored and unenthused–therefore we’ve comprised a list of criteria used to carefully evaluate each comic on its level of educational bonuses, as a fun factor, and, of course, the authenticity of all comics with that classic Marvel logo across the corner.
Marvel first started in 1939 and reached the first peak of its success when it published The Fantastic Four. The company was first known as Timely Comics.
Other Factors to Consider
Age Range
Reading comic books is mostly all fun, but here we also evaluate the level of education and appropriate reading material for each age group. The Marvel comics encompass a wide range of life lessons that can be taken from the pages, all of which can be easily applied to a growing child’s life and taught by the parents of the readers, with a little help from the stories of superheroes.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are all the comic books listed on this page appropriate for my 5 year old?
The comic books that are listed on this page are not all appropriate for a 5 year old. The content of each of the comic books varies. It is always a great idea for any parent to review what their kids are reading before handing over the comic book. We would suggest that you review the comic book beforehand and then make a choice of what you see fit as appropriate for your child.
q: What if my child has had no prior introduction to The Avengers?
The stories told in the comics are easy enough to follow that kids will enjoy them just from a story standpoint–and they may become attached to the characters in the process too!
q: I’m not sure my child would enjoy a comic about a female superhero having never heard of her before. What would make this comic appealing to them?
Fear not! Ms. Marvel is among the ranks of Jean Grey and Black Widow when it comes to her superior superpowers and her story is just as exciting. The unique and different twist on this Marvel comic will keep kids, boys and girls, entertained.
q: How is the artistic quality of the pages?
Marvel is known for being one of a kind, and their comics are held to the same standards as their storytelling; the artwork is unparalleled and descriptive and flows flawlessly with each story told.
q: Does the Star Wars Vader series conflict with the Lucas Films movies?
The Vader comics tell the backstory of Darth Vader, and fit in chronologically with the movies–they tie in well, and we think any child would be happy with this storytelling of their favorite villain.
Sources
- Marvel's Civil War in comics, explained, Informative Article ,
- Raising Super Readers: The Benefits of Comic Books and Graphic Novels, Blog Article ,
- Using Comics and Graphic Novels in the Classroom, Online Article ,
- Comic books are good for children's learning, Online News Article ,
- Captain America , Online Article ,