Comic Book Treasury

Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers Reading Order

by Fabien
Updated on February 26, 2026

After completing his acclaimed run on Fantastic Four and several years before becoming the mastermind behind the famous Krakoa era of The X-Men, Jonathan Hickman was the main writer of Marvel’s Avengers line during the Marvel NOW! initiative, following Brian Michael Bendis’s departure in 2012.

In Avengers (vol. 5), Hickman introduced a series of escalating threats while significantly expanding the team’s roster and operational scope, shifting the Avengers from a primarily Earth-based defense force to one operating on a global, cosmic, and interplanetary scale. This approach laid the groundwork for a reality- and cosmos-threatening conflict that would define his run.

In the companion series New Avengers (vol. 3), Hickman focused on the Illuminati—Black Panther, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt, Mister Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and Beast—depicting their clandestine efforts to confront the phenomenon of “Incursions,” in which parallel Earths collide across the multiverse. Armed with the Infinity Gems, the group attempts to prevent the collapse of all realities while grappling with profound moral and political consequences.

All of Hickman’s work on the two series ultimately culminated in Secret Wars (2015), the famous line-wide crossover event that depicted the collapse of the Marvel multiverse and its subsequent reconstruction. This miniseries concluded his long-running story by effectively redefining the structure and history of the Marvel Universe going forward.

Batman All In Reading Order

by Fabien
Updated on February 23, 2026

During the Absolute Power event, Amanda Waller tried and ultimately failed to neutralize the superhero community and the wider metahuman population. In fact, this prompted the formation of a new and improved Justice League, featuring the largest roster ever. The heroes are All In the JL, while the Absolute Universe, a parallel reality shaped by Darkseid that redefines familiar characters and power structures across the DC multiverse, is created.

With the Batman titles, the transition from the Dawn of DC era to All In is not marked by a big break. With delays in the publication of Hush 2, the direct sequel to the classic Hush story, written by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, Chip Zdarsky’s run on Batman was slightly extended, and, eventually, Matt Fraction took over Batman (Jorge Jiménez is still the artist on the book). Detective Comics is now written by Tom Taylor with art by Pete Woods. And while Batman is not dominating the DC Universe as he once did, Superman has been pushed forward recently, there are still a lot of Bat-Family adventures to read.

Of course, there is also the popular Absolute Batman by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, which reinvented Bruce Wayne’s life, creating a working-class version of the character who confronts crime with limited resources. This universe has a dedicated reading guide.

The Question Reading Order (Vic Sage, Renee Montoya)

by Fabien
Updated on February 20, 2026

Like the Peacemaker, the Question was not a DC Comics character as he originated at Charlton Comics, making his first appearance in Blue Beetle #1 (1967), in a backup feature. Created by writer-artist Steve Ditko, the Question is Vic Sage, a television investigative journalist who wages a private war on crime. He conceals his identity behind a featureless mask made of “Pseudoderm,” an artificial skin invented by his former professor, the scientist Aristotle Rodor. When applied, the mask renders Sage a man without a face. He possesses no superhuman abilities, relying instead on physical conditioning, investigative skills, and an absolute, black-and-white moral code.

The Question was closely related to Ditko’s independently created character “Mr. A,” who embodied the creator’s Objectivist moral philosophy. While Mr. A was an uncompromising, overtly ideological figure, the Question was conceived as a more accessible, if still unusually severe, superhero for a mainstream comics audience.

His first run was short. After a handful of appearances in Blue Beetle, he disappeared, only to reappear briefly in the anthology Charlton Bullseye years later, before joining DC Comics in the 1980s. He officially joined the DC Universe during Crisis on Infinite Earths, before joining the new Blue Beetle solo series. The Question gained a clear identity within DC continuity in 1987, when he received an ongoing solo title written by Dennis O’Neil and primarily illustrated by Denys Cowan. This series fundamentally redefined Vic Sage.

As it happened with other crimefighters in the world of comics, there will be more than one person wearing the costume of The Question. Notably, Gotham City cop Renee Montoya will eventually take on the role, and while Vic died and came back, she still fights crime, hidden under the faceless mask today. But let’s explore the long history of The Question, in order, naturally.

Adventure Time Comics Reading Order

by Fabien
February 18, 2026

The world of Adventure Time is still expanding on television with the spin-off Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake on HBO Max, and more spin-offs to come. The popular franchise started with a short film created by Pendleton Ward that aired on Nicktoons in 2007, which led to the long-running series on Cartoon Network (10 seasons, 283 episodes).

Set in the Land of Ooo, a fantastical world shaped by the remnants of a long-past catastrophe known as the Mushroom War, the fantasy series follows the adventures of Finn, a human boy, and his close companion Jake, a magical dog with the ability to stretch and change shape, as they navigate a landscape populated by candy people, wizards, monsters, and ancient entities.

Adventure Time‘s influence extends beyond television into comics (obviously), but also video games, and other media, expanding the world of Ooo through original stories, alternate continuities, and explorations of secondary characters. The first comic book series came from Boom! Studios and was launched with Ryan North as a writer, with art by Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb. It was a success and led to its own spin-offs.

Today, however, Boom! Studios have lost the license to produce new comics, and it’s Oni Press that publishes new ones. But there’s a lot to read for fans.

Daredevil Rogues Gallery: A Guide to the Villains of Hell’s Kitchen

by Carole
February 16, 2026

Spider-Man has one of the most iconic rogues’ galleries in the Marvel Universe. That’s no secret. When Frank Miller arrived on Daredevil, he, inker Klaus Janson, and writer Roger McKenzie set out to rebuild the character and his supporting cast. In Miller’s own words, they conspired ‘to steal as many Spider-Man villains as possible’.

Although the two heroes shared a few common enemies, over time Daredevil built one of Marvel’s strongest rogue galleries: an eclectic mix of criminals drawn from every level of society and bound together by power, obsession and proximity.

Daredevil’s enemies often appear more grounded and ruthless. They are crime lords, assassins and obsessive enemies who thrive in the shadows of Hell’s Kitchen and don’t require superpowers to ruin lives. This doesn’t mean that magic, madness or strange inventions are off the table, as some of his most iconic villains rely on these very things. But Daredevil’s rogues are dangerous because they’re close, persistent and perfectly suited to breaking a man who’s already stretched to his limits.

To help you discover more of Daredevil’s universe, what better way to start than by learning about his enemies? Follow our guide as we introduce you to Daredevil’s greatest foes!

Steven Universe Comics Reading Order

by Carole
Updated on February 13, 2026

You know he’ll always save the day! We’re talking about Steven Universe, a human-gem hybrid and the star of his own American animated television series. Created by Rebecca Sugar for Cartoon Network, Steven Universe began life as a short in 2012 before evolving into a television series launched the following year and lasted 5 seasons. Since then, the Steven Universe franchise has expanded to include a follow-up movie, a sequel/epilogue limited series subtitled Future, video games, tabletop games, books and, of course, comic books!

Steven Universe is the youngest member of the Crystal Gems, who are magical, mineral-based aliens. He is the only known Gem–human hybrid and is easily recognisable by his iconic star T-shirt (inspired by Hellboy creator, Mike Mignola). Steven lives in the fictional town of Beach City where he has adventures with his friends and helps the Gems protect the world from their own kind.

Several limited comic book series based on Steven Universe have been published by Boom! Studios during the course of the television series. They are generally considered not totally canon… meaning they are part of the canon as long as the series does not contradict them.

Let’s take a closer look at the Steven Universe comics, which offer fans of the series the chance to spend more time in this colourful universe!

Mockingbird Reading Order, Bobbi Morse’s Adventures from the Savage Land to the Avengers

by Fabien
February 11, 2026

Not all Avengers start with a cool codename. Dr. Barbara “Bobbi” Morse was first introduced under her civilian identity in Astonishing Tales #6 (June 1971), created by writer Len Wein and artist Neal Adams.

Bobbi started as a brunette seeking Ka-Zar. By the time she reached the Savage Land (two issues later), she was blonde, and her first name was revealed. Her story is quickly entangled with Man Thing’s, but also with S.H.I.E.L.D., as she was recruited and trained to become one of their undercover agents because she’s a highly accomplished biologist.

Bobbi Morse stayed for a while with Ka-Zar. Eventually, she transitioned into her role as a costumed superheroine in Marvel Super Action #1 (1976), but only became known as Mockingbird in Marvel Team-Up #95 in 1980. She soon became associated with Hawkeye, joined the Avengers, became a founding member of the West Coast Avengers, died, came back to life, was abducted, got married, then divorced, teamed up with Spider-Man, fought invasions of all kinds, and so on.

As an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. or an Avenger, Mockingbird is a force to be reckoned with.

Best Batman and Catwoman Comics, Your Essential BatCat Reading Order

by Carole
February 9, 2026

With Valentine’s Day upon us, romance is in the air! To celebrate, Comic Book Treasury has chosen to focus on one of the most iconic relationships in comic book history: Batman and Catwoman. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the Bat and the Cat first met in Batman #1 in spring 1940. Introduced as a mysterious burglar and jewel thief, Catwoman was conceived to appeal to female readers and add sex appeal. She was introduced as a friendly foe, a member of his rogue’s gallery, and a potential love interest.

This was the start of what would become a complex love-hate relationship that has been explored and put through many challenges, including deaths and other perils such as the end of the DC Universe!

Today, the spotlight is on the couple as the stars of our Essential Reading Order. This selection of comics is the perfect way to understand their cat-and-mouse relationship, which is filled with attraction and conflict, flirtation and moral ambiguity.

Where to Start Reading Deadpool Comics? A Beginner’s Guide to the Merc with a mouth

by Carole
Updated on February 6, 2026

Deadpool (Vol. 5) #7 - Textless Cover by Tony Moore

So, you want to read some Deadpool comics? The Merc with a Mouth made his first appearance in 1990 and was an instant success! As such, he’s established himself as one of the most famous Marvel Characters, a reputation he cemented with his Hollywood career, in which he is played by Ryan Reynolds.

This wise-cracking, insufferable, lethal mercenary can’t shut up and has gone on to enjoy a rich and complicated career in the pages of Marvel Comics. He started out as a villain and parody of Deathstroke before earning his own story, personality, and becoming the anti-hero we know today, making jokes and breaking the fourth wall.

While Deadpool’s comic history is not as long as, say, Spider-Man or Wolverine, he has headlined, co-starred in, and guest-starred in many, many, many comics since his debut! From his solo adventures to classic team-ups, there are all sort of ways to discover Deadpool’s charming personality.

So, where should you start? Here’s a curated beginner’s guide with several suggestions to help you find the perfect place to start reading about the Merc with a Mouth and Spider-Man’s best friend, the infamous Deadpool!

BLAME! Reading order

by Carole
February 4, 2026

Part of the Japanese cyberpunk subgenre, Blame! was also Tsutomu Nihei’s first work. The mangaka left his work in construction to study at the Parsons School of Design in New York. The manga was first published in 1997 in the seinen magazine Monthly Afternoon, before being collected in ten tankōbon volumes.

Although the main manga ended in 2003, the Blame! Universe expanded with several one-shots and a six-part original net animation (ONA) also released in 2003. Most importantly, Blame! found a new audience with the anime film adaptation by Polygon Pictures, released on Netflix in May 2017.

Blame! is set in a future version of Earth where a city has grown so chaotically that its inhabitants no longer remember what ‘land’ is. Within this megastructure, the silent and stoic Kyrii is on a mission to find the Net Terminal Gene, a genetic mutation that once enabled humans to access the cybernetic NetSphere. Armed with a powerful gravitation beam emitter, Kyrii fends off attacks from humans, cyborgs, and silicon-based lifeforms. Along the way, he meets a highly skilled scientist whose body has deteriorated from lengthy imprisonment. She promises to help him find the Net Terminal Gene once she has settled a personal score.