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The Amazing Spider-Man by Dan Slott Reading Order

During the first Civil War event (full reading order), Peter Parker revealed his Spider-Man identity on live television. This leads to a tragedy and this knowledge was quickly erased from the world with the event of the story arc called “One More Day”.

This is when J. Michael Straczynski stopped being the main writer of The Amazing Spider-Man (see Spidey’s JMS reading order). When he left, Marvel decided to get Spider-Man back to basics. This means that Peter Parker and Mary Jane had never married, and he had no memory of being married to her. Also, Harry Osborn was alive again.

It was the beginning of “Brand New Day.” Marvel decided to alternate writers for The Amazing Spider-Man series. One of them was Dan Slott who became the sole writer at issue #648 (Jan. 2011), launching the Big Time storyline. It was the beginning of what became the longest run in Spidey’s history.

During that era, Slott created new characters, updated old ones, developed the Spider-Verse, gave us the Superior Spider-Man, and more. He only left the title in 2018, his final issue being #801. But he came back to write Spider-Man in 2022, introducing the Spider-Boy and developing a sequel to his Superior Spider-Man series.

What to read before Dan Slott’s Amazing Spider-Man?

Of course, you can check out our Spider-Man Reading Order that covers the adventures of Spidey from the start to today. But, as I was saying, Brand New Day marked the start of the rebooted Amazing Spider-Man, and Dan Slott was one of the writers, and you can start with that:

  • Spider-Man: Brand New Day Omnibus Vol. 1
    Collects Free Comic Book Day 2007 (Spider-Man), Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #546-583, Amazing Spider-Man Annual (2008) #1, Secret Invasion: Amazing Spider-Man #1-3, Presidents’ Day Celebration Digital Comic, Spider-Man: Fear Itself One-Shot (2009), Amazing Spider-Man: Extra! #2, Spider-Man: Swing Shift Director’s Cut One-Shot And Material From Amazing Spider-Man: Extra! #1.
  • Spider-Man: Brand New Day Omnibus Vol. 2 (coming soon)
    Collects TBA

The Previous Brand New Day Collection:

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World War Hulk Reading Order, a Smashing Marvel Event

Published by Marvel Comics in 2007, and written by Greg Pak at the end of his run on the character Hulk with art by John Romita, Jr., World War Hulk rapidly became one of the most famous crossover storylines about the green monster.

Here is the official synopsis: Hulk versus the world, in an epic story of anger unbound! Exiled by his so-called friends, the Hulk has raged, bled, and conquered on the alien planet Sakaar. Now, he returns to Earth to wreak terrible vengeance on Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, Doctor Strange, and Black Bolt—and anyone else who gets in the way! Madder than ever, stronger than ever, and accompanied by his monstrous Warbound allies, this time the Hulk may just tear this stupid planet in half!

What to read before World War Hulk?

When people talk about World War Hulk, they often include Planet Hulk in the package, but it’s a different storyline. Planet Hulk is where the story really begins. It’s not completely indispensable, but it’s still recommended to read it before going into World War Hulk. For more information, I refer you to our main Hulk Reading Order.

  • Hulk: Planet Hulk Omnibus
    Collects Fantastic Four (1998) #533-535, Incredible Hulk (2000) #88-105, Giant-Size Hulk (2006) #1, What If? Planet Hulk, Planet Hulk: Gladiator Guidebook And Material From New Avengers: Illuminati (2006) #1 And Amazing Fantasy (2004) #15.

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Wolverine by Jason Aaron Reading Order Guide

Created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita Sr., Wolverine is a fierce Canadian mutant known for his animal-like senses, enhanced physical abilities, a remarkable healing factor, and three retractable claws in each hand.

But I’m sure none of this is new to you. After all, Wolverine is one of the most iconic X-Men—one of the coolest characters in the franchise—who captivated readers and secured his place in pop culture with his unforgettable role in X-Men: The Animated Series and Hugh Jackman’s portrayal in the X-Men movie franchise. He’s also the only X-Men character to have maintained a solo comic series consistently since his debut in 1988.

Over the years, many writers have written celebrated stories for the character, from Claremont and Miller’s first mini-series to Barry Windsor-Smith’s Weapon X, Jenkins’ Origins, Millar’s Enemy of the State, and more. Today, we take a closer look at Jason Aaron’s run on the iconic mutant, written before his epic run on Thor. It’s hard to think of Jason Aaron’s time at Marvel without Wolverine, as his journey started after winning a writing contest, which helped launch his significant run on the character.

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Cosmic Ghost Rider Reading Order

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Created by Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw as recently as 2018, Cosmic Ghost Rider is such a wild concept that, despite being quite new, couldn’t do anything less than leave a big impression on the readers.

Who is Cosmic Ghost Rider, really? In an alternate future, he was known as The Punisher, before making a deal with the devil to become the Ghost Rider. An alliance with Galactus made him cosmic. And a dark bargain with Thanos made him … dead?! 

So yes, the Cosmic Version of Ghost Rider is a version of Frank Castle (from Earth-TRN666) and you can discover his complicated timeline and history of those cosmic stories!

What to read before Cosmic Ghost Rider?

There is no pre-required reading for Cosmic Ghost Rider, before his first appearance in Cates’ run on Thanos. We still recommend reading the entire Thanos volume, beginning with Jeff Lemire’s issues (because why not):

See also: Ghost Rider Reading Order, our guide to the famous Marvel character from which Cosmic Ghost Rider is an alternate version.

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Hulk Reading Order (Peter David, Immortal Hulk, and more…)

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In 1962, Marvel Comics made a pivot that would change pop culture forever. They ended the long-running series Teen-Age Romance with issue #86, replacing it with something far more volatile: The Incredible Hulk #1.

Created by the legendary duo Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Hulk was a direct commentary on the Cold War arms race. The story introduces us to Dr. Bruce Banner, a brilliant but reserved scientist who designed the devastating G-bomb (Gamma bomb). While Banner was cautious, the aggressive General “Thunderbolt” Ross pushed for immediate testing—a decision that would have permanent consequences.

During the experimental detonation, a teenager named Rick Jones wandered onto the test site. In a selfless act of heroism, Banner shoved the boy into a protective trench but was caught in the full force of the gamma blast. Instead of dying from the lethal dose of radiation, Banner’s biology was rewritten. He became the “Jekyll and Hyde” of the Marvel Universe: two distinct entities trapped in one body. Bruce Banner is the mild-mannered, bespectacled physicist. The Hulk is the gray-skinned (later green) behemoth fueled by rage and loss of control.

Bound by guilt and loyalty, Rick Jones became Banner’s closest confidant, helping him navigate his new life as a misunderstood monster-turned-superhero.

If you want to dive deeper into the Hulk’s origin story and his evolution through the decades, check out our comprehensive guide on the story of the Hulk, his creation, and a lot more. To understand the complex web of allies and enemies surrounding the Jade Giant, don’t miss our breakdown of The Hulk Family Tree.

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Iron Man 2020 Reading Order, a Robot Revolution by Marvel

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Iron Man 2020, a Marvel Event by Dan Slott

Named after the 1980’s comic of the same name, Iron Man 2020, is a six-issue event comic (and 12 tie-ins) by writers Dan Slott & Christos Gage and artist Pete Woods.

Now, Arno Stark is Iron Man—and has taken control of all Tony’s assets, including his company Stark Unlimited. As Iron Man 2020 steers humanity into a new, cutting-edge dawn, robots from around the world unite to stake their claim on a new Machine Age. Humanity vs. Artificial Intelligence—and only one will emerge victorious.

What to read before Iron Man 2020?

The Iron Man 2020 event is a continuation and conclusion of Dan Slott’s run on Iron Man. You can guess that, for a better experience, you’ll have to dive into this run. You can then read:

Wants to know more about Arno Stark?

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Secret Invasion Reading Order, a Marvel Event

Secret Invasion Reading Order

The reign of Brian Michael Bendis continues, one event after another. This one was published from April through December 2008. After Avengers Disassembled (reading order), House of M (reading order), Decimation (reading order), and Civil War (reading order) comes Secret Invasion. A story about trust that broke the superhero community, already shaken by the events of the Civil War. Dark times are ahead!

Here is the official synopsis: It begins with a brutal battle between the New Avengers and the Hand—one that claims the life of Elektra and reveals that she was a Skrull! What does this mean for Tony Stark and his Mighty Avengers? How about the Illuminati? Soon, the whole Marvel Universe will be asking: who do you trust? As the Secret Invasion stands revealed and the Skrulls attack Earth, which heroes will be exposed as alien impostors? Can the Secret Warriors turn the tide? And can anyone stop the Skrull queen Veranke?!

What to read before Secret Invasion?

Even if the Bendis’ Events were connected (see reading order), Secret Invasion is more self-contained than the other. But it was planned. You can start with Civil War (reading order), then read The New Avengers and The Mighty Avengers.

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The Punisher by Garth Ennis Reading Order (From Marvel Knights to Punisher Max)

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The Punisher by Garth Ennis Reading Order

Garth Ennis’s run on The Punisher Max is generally considered the definitive run on the character. The author used the freedom of the MAX imprint to write more realistic stories.

On a larger scale, The Punisher Max is in the continuity of Ennis’s run on the character that has begun under the Marvel Knights imprint, a period which helped revived Frank Castle’s popularity (and also worth reading).

Whatever the imprint, those series are known for their combining of crime-focused stories with a touch of black humor.

As for the story, here is the official synopsis of the first volume: The Punisher, aka Frank Castle, is a one-man army locked, loaded, and ready to take out anyone in his way. And Frank starts with Ma Gnucci and her entire crime family! Spacker Dave, Joan the Mouse, and Mr. Bumpo all await in one of the most celebrated Punisher stories ever told! And Frank’s war on crime continues as he targets disgraced General Kreigkopf, and has a very unique team-up with Spider-Man!

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Black Panther by Ta-Nehisi Coates Reading Order

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Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1966, Black Panther gained mainstream recognition with the release of the film Black Panther in 2018. As the king of the African nation of Wakanda, T’Challa is both a brilliant scientist and a skilled warrior, enhanced by the mystical herb that grants him extraordinary abilities.

Over the years, he has proven to be one of the most accomplished characters in the Marvel Universe, facing numerous challenges—including his leadership of the Avengers, his decisive stand against Klaw in The Black Panther (1977), and his pivotal role in the iconic Doomwar storyline.

A new era—and a new entry point for readers—began as part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel relaunch after the Secret Wars crossover, under the creative vision of Ta-Nehisi Coates, a MacArthur Genius Grant and National Book Award-winning author. His run, starting with A Nation Under Our Feet, revisits T’Challa’s role as both a hero and monarch, setting the stage for an new chapter in Wakanda’s story…

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X-Men Decimation Reading Order, the aftermath of House of M

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Before Civil War and right after House of M, Marvel offered us another event, a smaller one. In fact, the goal of Decimation was to deal with the aftermath of House of M for the X-Men.

Here is the official synopsis of the event: It was the worst day in X-Men history. Now it’s the day after. The House of M is over, but the effects will be felt for the rest of their lives. How do the X-Men pick up the pieces in a world that has completely changed?

Plus: Something’s amiss at the House of Xavier! A sneak attack forces the X-Men to re-evaluate just who their friends are, and to align themselves with former enemies!

What to read before X-Men Decimation?

Being a direct follow-up to “House of M,” I recommend starting with that. You can find the full reading order of this event here. Also, for more X-Men, you can take a look at our X-Men Reading Order. Here for the bare minimum:

  • House of M Omnibus 
    Collects House of M #1-8, Spider-Man: House of M #1-5, Fantastic Four: House of M #1-3, Iron Man: House of M #1-3, New Thunderbolts (2004) #11, Black Panther (2005) #7, Uncanny X-Men (1981) #462-465, Wolverine (2003) #33-35, Captain America (2004) #10, Pulse (2004) #10, Cable & Deadpool #17, Incredible Hulk (2000) #83-87, New X-Men (2004) #16-19, Exiles (2001) #69-71, Mutopia X #1-5, Decimation: House of M – The Day After, Giant-Size Ms. Marvel (2006) #1, Secrets of the House of M, Pulse: House of M Special, House of M 1 Director’s Cut, House of M Sketchbook, material from Hulk: Broken Worlds Book One.

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