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Marvel Fresh Start Reading Order

Part 1: Avengers, Defenders, and Guardians

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Part 1.1: Infinity Countdown

At long last, the Infinity Gems have returned after being destroyed—along with the entire multiverse—during the events of Secret Wars. Discover the often surprising and unusual hands they end up in during this prelude to the coming Infinity Wars.

Reading Order:

  • Doctor Strange (2018) #1 – #2

  • Infinity Countdown: Adam Warlock #1

  • Infinity Countdown Prime #1

  • Infinity Countdown: Captain Marvel #1

  • Infinity Countdown #1 – #4

  • Infinity Countdown: Darkhawk #1 – #4

  • Infinity Countdown: Daredevil #1

  • Doctor Strange #3 – #8

  • Infinity Countdown: Black Widow #1

  • Infinity Countdown: Champions #1 – #2

  • Infinity Countdown #5

  • Ant-Man & the Wasp #1 – #5

Collected Editions:


The Avengers (2018) #1 Cover

The Avengers (2018) #1 Cover

Part 1.2: Avengers Reassemble

As the Fresh Start era of the Marvel Universe really kicks off, Black Panther finds himself in space and a new status quo is established for the big three: Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America. After some solo adventures, these Avengers and others reunite when the Celestials attack!

Reading Order:

  • Black Panther (2018) #1 – #6

  • Shuri #1 – #10

  • Black Panther #7 – #15

  • Tony Stark: Iron Man #1 – #5

  • Thor (2018) #1 – #5

  • Captain America Annual (2018) #1

  • FCBD 2018: Captain America #1

  • Captain America (2018) #1

  • FCBD 2018: The Avengers #1

  • The Avengers (2018) #1 – #7

  • X-Men Red #6 – #11

  • The Avengers #8 – #10

  • West Coast Avengers (2018) #1 – #10

  • The Sentry #1 – #5

Collected Editions:


The Punisher (2018) #3 Cover

The Punisher (2018) #3 Cover

Part 1.3: Defenders of the Streets

Marvel’s cast of street-level heroes get a fresh start with new series featuring the likes of Iron Fist, Misty Knight, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Cloak & Dagger. We also check in on some of the seedier corners of the universe where Deadpool and Frank Castle are still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives while grappling with the decisions they made during Secret Empire.

Reading Order:

  • Daredevil Annual (2018) #1

  • Deadpool (2018) #1 – #5

  • Daughters of the Dragon #1 – #3

  • Luke Cage: Everyman #1 – #3

  • Iron Fist: Phantom Limb #1 – #3

  • Jessica Jones: Blind Spot #1 – #3

  • Jessica Jones: Purple Daughter #1 – #3

  • Cloak & Dagger: Shades of Gray #1 – #3

  • Cloak & Dagger: Negative Exposure #1 – #3

  • Winter Soldier (2018) #1 – #5

  • The Punisher (2018) #1 – #5

  • Black Widow (2019) #1 – #5

  • The Punisher #6 – #16

Collected Editions:


Defenders: The Best Defense #1 Cover

Defenders: The Best Defense #1 Cover

Part 1.4: The Best Defense

After the events of Avengers: No Surrender, the Hulk has returned, and it’s finally time to discover what exactly makes him so immortal. Then, The Best Defense crossover event reunites some of the original Defenders lineup including Silver Surfer, Doctor Strange, and Namor!

Reading Order:

  • Doctor Strange #9 – #20

  • Doctor Strange Annual (2019) #1

  • Immortal Hulk #1 – #8

  • Silver Surfer Annual (2018) #1

  • Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1

  • Doctor Strange: The Best Defense #1

  • Silver Surfer: The Best Defense #1

  • Namor: The Best Defense #1

  • Defenders: The Best Defense #1

  • Immortal Hulk #9 – #13

  • Immortal Hulk: The Threshing Place #1

  • Immortal Hulk: Flatline #1

Collected Editions: