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Your Guide to Comic Reading Orders

Navigate the multiverse of comics with confidence

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New timelines

Hickman's Marvel

Hickman's Marvel

Marvel Comics
2009-present

Jonathan Hickman is the ultimate world builder - his Marvel work spans epic, interconnected sagas that redefined the Fantastic Four, Avengers, X-Men, and the multiverse itself—culminating in universe-shaping events like Secret Wars and House of X.

In 7 parts
330 Issues
289 Essential
Completist Reading Time
157 hours
Geoff Johns' DC (by series)

Geoff Johns' DC (by series)

DC Comics
1999-present

Geoff Johns’ DC Comics work is defined by revitalizing iconic characters and teams—like Green Lantern, The Flash, and the Justice League—while weaving epic storylines that blend continuity reverence with modern twists. Note: This isn't really in a chronological reading order, but rather broken down into his work on each major series. You can find links to crossovers within each reading order.

In 13 parts
759 Issues
693 Essential
Completist Reading Time
442 hours
The Ultimate Ultimate Universe

The Ultimate Ultimate Universe

Marvel Comics
2000-present

Marvel reimagines classic heroes in a modern, grounded continuity, offering fresh origins and streamlined storytelling for a new generation of readers.

In 6 parts
2 parts completed
301 Issues (so far)
262 Essential (so far)
Completist Reading Time
131 hours (so far)

New event reading orders

Doomsday Clock

Doomsday Clock

DC Comics
2017

Geoff Johns masterfully blends Watchmen’s complex moral questions with the broader DC Universe, delivering an ambitious, character-driven saga that redefines hope, legacy, and the metatextual power of superhero stories.

40 Issues
12 Essential
Completist Reading Time
23 hours
Main Teams/Characters
Watchmen
Event Type
Arc
Secret Wars (2015)

Secret Wars (2015)

Marvel Comics
2015

The multiverse collapses into a patchwork world ruled by godlike power, where remnants of realities clash for dominance and survival.

246 Issues
10 Essential
Completist Reading Time
99 hours
Main Teams/Characters
All major Marvel characters!
Event Type
Crossover
Forever Evil

Forever Evil

DC Comics
2013

Following on from Trinity War, Forever Evil sees the Justice League’s greatest enemies rise to power in a world without heroes, forcing unlikely alliances to stand against the Crime Syndicate’s reign.

92 Issues
14 Essential
Completist Reading Time
50 hours
Main Teams/Characters
No main characters listed
Event Type
Crossover
Civil War

Civil War

Marvel Comics
2006

The Marvel Universe is divided as Iron Man and Captain America take opposing sides on the Superhuman Registration Act

147 Issues
34 Essential
Completist Reading Time
76 hours
Main Teams/Characters
All major Marvel characters!, Captain America, Iron Man
Event Type
Crossover
Ultimate Universe: Phase 2: Expansion

Ultimate Universe: Phase 2: Expansion

Marvel Comics
2003

The Ultimate Universe expands its scope with deeper character development, escalating global threats, where the lines between heroes, governments, and personal agendas begin to blur.

191 Issues
181 Essential
Completist Reading Time
87 hours
Main Teams/Characters
Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate X-Men, The Ultimates, Ultimate Fantastic Four, Galactus (Gah Lak Tus)
Event Type
Arc

New collection summaries

Green Lantern

Green Lantern

This page brings together the key collected editions from across Green Lantern’s history. Each era is a great place to dive in, depending on what you're looking for. Not sure where to start? We recommend kicking things off with the Geoff Johns era (2005) — it's a fan-favorite and a fantastic entry point. Enjoy exploring the cosmos!

Justice League

Justice League

This page gathers the essential collected editions from Justice League history, spanning every major era of the team. Whether you're into multiversal crises, political intrigue, or classic super-heroics, each era is a starting point for you. New to the League? We recommend jumping into the New 52 era (2011) or the Grant Morrison run (1997). Dive in and discover why they're called the World's Greatest Super-Heroes!