Marvel NOW! Reading Order: Complete Guide to Marvel’s Relaunch (2012–2015)

Marvel NOW! was a bold relaunch initiative that began in 2012 following the events of Avengers vs. X-Men. It reimagined the Marvel Universe without rebooting its continuity—offering new #1 issues, fresh creative teams, and bold new directions for classic characters. For new readers, the Marvel NOW! reading order is one of the most accessible ways to jump into Marvel comics.

Photo: Marvel Fandom

What Is Marvel NOW!?

Unlike DC’s New 52, Marvel NOW! didn’t restart the universe—it reorganized it. Long-running series got soft resets with new story arcs and visual identity updates. This era brought younger readers, new heroes, and set the tone for modern storytelling through to the 2020s.

The initiative was designed to modernize Marvel’s publishing line while keeping its rich continuity intact. It allowed new readers to start fresh with recognizable characters, while also giving longtime fans exciting narrative twists and artistic reinvention. Marvel NOW! led directly into later phases like All-New All-Different Marvel and Fresh Start, making it a crucial transition point in Marvel publishing history.

Key Titles in Marvel NOW!

Marvel NOW! included dozens of new and revamped series. Here are some standout entries grouped by character family:

• Avengers:Avengers & New Avengers by Jonathan Hickman, Uncanny Avengers (blending X-Men and Avengers into one team)
• X-Men:All-New X-Men (the original five X-Men brought to the present), Uncanny X-Men by Brian Michael Bendis (Cyclops’ renegade team)
• Spider-Man:Superior Spider-Man (Doctor Octopus switches bodies with Peter Parker and becomes a more ruthless Spider-Man)
• Solo heroes:Thor: God of Thunder by Jason Aaron (introducing Gorr the God Butcher), Iron Man by Kieron Gillen, Captain America by Rick Remender (Steve Rogers in Dimension Z)
• Cosmic:Guardians of the Galaxy by Brian Michael Bendis, Nova
• Young heroes:Young Avengers (Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s stylish run), Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan, 2014)

Major Events in Marvel NOW!

While Marvel NOW! wasn’t built solely around events, it did feature several key crossovers that expanded the universe:

• Infinity (2013) – Thanos’ invasion of Earth while Avengers are off-world; introduces the Black Order
• Original Sin (2014) – The Watcher is murdered; secrets across the Marvel Universe are exposed
• AXIS (2014) – Heroes and villains are “inverted,” leading to major personality shifts
• Time Runs Out (2015) – A compressed fast-forward arc that ends Marvel NOW! and leads directly into Secret Wars (2015)

These events tie together much of what Marvel NOW! was building and transition into a line-wide reset with Secret Wars.

Character Shifts and New Faces

One of the hallmarks of Marvel NOW! was its willingness to pass the torch to new characters and explore bold directions for classic ones:

• Sam Wilson becomes Captain America after Steve Rogers is depowered
• Jane Foster lifts Mjolnir to become the new Thor (revealed at the end of the run)
• Kamala Khan, a teenage Muslim Pakistani-American girl from Jersey City, debuts as Ms. Marvel and becomes a breakout success
• Superior Spider-Man explores what happens when Peter Parker’s mind is replaced by Otto Octavius
• Young Avengers becomes a cult hit for its vibrant art and LGBTQ+ representation

These character evolutions helped Marvel reach a wider and younger demographic, introducing themes of identity, legacy, and belonging.

Recommended Marvel NOW! Reading Order

Marvel NOW! was modular—you don’t need to read everything. Here’s a curated path for both new and seasoned readers:

• Start here:Avengers & New Avengers by Hickman (cosmic, longform)
• X-Men:All-New X-Men & Uncanny X-Men by Bendis
• Spider-Man:Superior Spider-Man full run (amazing twist on the character)
• Thor:Thor: God of Thunder by Jason Aaron (a must-read modern classic)
• Young heroes:Ms. Marvel, Young Avengers
• Cosmic scale:Infinity → Original Sin → AXIS → Time Runs Out

Where to Read Marvel NOW! Comics

You can read most of these titles via Marvel Unlimited. For curated timelines and reviews, Comic Book Herald offers in-depth guides by event and character.

What Comes After Marvel NOW?

• All-New All-Different Marvel (2015–2018)
• Marvel Fresh Start (2018–2021)
• Marvel Timeless (2021–Now)

Looking Back – Where It Started

• Marvel Disassembled Era
• Marvel Modern Age

Conclusion – A Fresh Take for a New Generation

Marvel NOW! succeeded in redefining the status quo while respecting the legacy of the Marvel Universe. With exciting new characters, deeper emotional arcs, and ambitious storytelling, it’s an ideal entry point for those looking to experience the best of modern Marvel without being overwhelmed by decades of continuity.