Marvel Fresh Start Reading Order (2018–2021): A New Era Begins
Launched in 2018, Marvel Fresh Start marked a revitalization of the Marvel Universe without rebooting its continuity. This era was defined by new #1 issues, bold storytelling, and a renewed focus on accessibility. Whether you're returning to comics or diving in for the first time, the Marvel Fresh Start reading order offers a modern and coherent place to begin.
Photo: Marvel Fandom
What Is Marvel Fresh Start?
Following the events of Marvel Legacy, Fresh Start kicked off in May 2018. Marvel reassembled its biggest heroes, launched numerous new creative teams, and restructured its publishing strategy to make comics easier to jump into. Classic characters were put back in the spotlight—Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Spider-Man, the Avengers—while new voices shaped their direction for a new generation of readers.
Why This Era Matters
Fresh Start aimed to resolve continuity fatigue while maintaining narrative consistency. Each series began with a new #1 issue but acknowledged the past. It also brought in top-tier creative talent, including Donny Cates, Al Ewing, Jason Aaron, and Kelly Thompson, producing some of Marvel’s most acclaimed modern stories.
Key Titles and Creative Teams
- Avengers by Jason Aaron – Reunites the core team (Cap, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Ghost Rider)
- Thor by Jason Aaron → Donny Cates – Culminates the God of Thunder saga and then reinvents it
- Immortal Hulk by Al Ewing – A horror-infused take on Bruce Banner’s return
- Venom by Donny Cates – Launches a new symbiote mythology and builds toward King in Black
- Amazing Spider-Man by Nick Spencer – Returns Peter Parker to his roots
- Iron Man, Fantastic Four by Dan Slott
- X-Men – Ends with Uncanny X-Men and transitions into House of X / Powers of X in 2019
Major Events (2018–2021)
- War of the Realms (2019) – Thor-led event spanning all realms
- Absolute Carnage (2019) – Begins the symbiote saga
- House of X / Powers of X (2019) – Reinvents the X-Men mythos, leads into the Krakoa era
- Empyre (2020) – Fantastic Four and Avengers unite against cosmic threat
- King in Black (2020–2021) – Culmination of the Venom saga with Knull’s invasion of Earth
Suggested Marvel Fresh Start Reading Order
🛡️ Avengers Line
- Avengers (2018–)
- Thor by Jason Aaron → Donny Cates
- War of the Realms
🕷️ Spider-Man Line
- Amazing Spider-Man by Nick Spencer
- Absolute Carnage
- King in Black
🧬 Mutant Line
- House of X & Powers of X
- Dawn of X titles
👽 Cosmic & Horror
- Venom by Donny Cates
- Silver Surfer: Black
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2019–)
- Immortal Hulk by Al Ewing
Where to Read & Discuss
You can find most of these comics on Marvel Unlimited. If you're looking for organized reading lists or browse r/Marvel and r/comicbooks on Reddit. Discord servers like Marvel Comics HQ also offer great group reading experiences and discussions.
Legacy and Impact
Marvel Fresh Start set the foundation for Phase 4 of the MCU and established new long-term narrative arcs. It introduced or elevated talents like Donny Cates and Al Ewing while revitalizing franchises through deep character studies and dynamic world-building.
What Comes Next?
- Marvel Timeless Era (2021–Now)
- Dawn of X & Reign of X (X-Men only)
Related Eras
Conclusion – The Marvel Fresh Start Reading Order in Perspective
The Marvel Fresh Start reading order highlights a rich and accessible era of storytelling that bridged the legacy of Marvel’s past with bold new directions. Whether you're a longtime fan or just starting out, this period offers some of the best modern Marvel stories to explore and enjoy.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
