Top 10 Marvel Events
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Epic stories deserve a cast of equally epic characters. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Marvel Events. Unlike regular Marvel storyline, these are the crisis' that involved most of, if not the entire Marvel Universe in a single story arc.
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Top 10 Marvel Events
Epic stories deserve a cast of equally epic characters. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Marvel Events. Unlike regular Marvel storyline, these are the crisis’ that involved most of, if not the entire Marvel Universe in a single story arc.
#10: “Avengers Vs. X-Men” (2012)
The crossover event that led up to the Marvel Now! relaunch, Avengers vs X-Men significantly shook-up the Marvel Universe. With the Phoenix Force returning to Earth, Cyclops and Captain America disagree on how best to protect its most likely host, Hope Summers. When Hope escapes protective custody, both teams search for her, each with their own intentions on what to do with her once she’s been found, or if the Phoenix Force gets to her first. This pits the two pillars of the Marvel Universe up against each other, ultimately reshaping these teams as a result of the conflict and leading to the creation of the Mutant/Avengers Unity force The Uncanny Avengers.
#9: “Messiah CompleX” (2007-08)
After the events of House of M, many believed the mutants and the X-gene were coming to an end in the Marvel Universe. When a child is born containing the X-gene that doubt was laid to rest. As the X-Men race to secure the child from other Mutant and anti-mutant groups, a number of mutants are killed in the conflict. The baby would turn out to be Hope Summers, who is sent to the future with Cable to ensure her safety. Of course, it’s never that simple. The event is a turning-point in the X-Men mythology, and determined the events of many future storylines in a number of X-Men titles.
#8: “Siege” (2009-10)
The governmental defence agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D. has been disbanded and Norman Osborn has been given control of it’s replacement, H.A.M.M.E.R. Meanwhile the city of Asgard, home of the Norse gods, has been transported to Earth and Osborn, being manipulated by Loki, sees it’s presence there as a threat to his power. Under the guise of national security, Osborn, alongside his Dark Avengers, calls for the invasion of Asgard, and the resulting battle is one of the most intense and epic in Marvel history. This prompts the return of Captain America and the real Avengers, who defeat Osborn and expose his madness to the world. The events of Siege set up what's known as Marvel's Heroic Age.
#7: “Onslaught” (1996)
When Professor X shut down Magneto’s mind after one of their more savage battles, little did he know that part of Magneto’s consciousness had seeded within his own. This lead to the creation of one of Marvel’s lesser known yet more interesting villains, Onslaught. Combining Xavier’s desire for peace with Magneto’s willingness to use violence to achieve his goals, Onslaught took the form of an enormous suit of armor resembling Magneto and took down those who opposed him with relative ease. Onslaught was so powerful, it took the combined efforts of Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and the Avengers to defeat him, making him a memorable and formidable villain for the Marvel Universe.
#6: “Secret Invasion” (2008)
The Illuminati – consisting of heroes such as Iron Man, Mister Fantastic, and Professor X – assemble to face the Skrulls head-on to prevent any further attacks on Earth. Their plan fails miserably, resulting in their capture. Having been studied during their time as Skrull prisoners, the aliens are able to pose as heroes when they return to Earth. Combining elements of classic sci-fi alien invasion with the superhero genre, this crossover has the paranoia of an alien body-snatchers film with the action-packed storytelling of superhero comics. It's definitely unique, and could have only come from the mind of writer Brian Michael Bendis.
#5: “Secret Wars I” (1984-85)
A Cosmic being known as The Beyonder creates the planet Battleworld and teleports Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, as well as some of its Mightiest Villains, to square off for the prize of – well – whatever they want. Basically, The Beyonder promises the victors some wishes, which, considering he can create planets at will, is a pretty good deal. While it was conceived as a way to sell toys, the events of Secret Wars continue to shape elements of the Marvel Universe to this day, most notably the first appearance of Spider-Man’s Black Suit. The event later got a sequel in 2015, but Secret Wars II failed to live up to the original story.
#4: “Infinity Gauntlet” (1991)
Thanos manages to collect all six Infinity Gems, granting him control over Time, Space, Mind, Soul, Reality and Power. With the snap of his fingers, Thanos eliminates half of all living things in the universe. The surviving heroes of Earth attempt to take on the all-powerful Titan, but they are easily defeated. Luckily for our heroes, Nebula is able to remove the Gauntlet from Thanos and use it to reverse all the damage he’d inflicted on the universe. Thanos is a formidable foe unlike any other in Marvel comics, and this crossover demonstrates what he’s capable of when handed control of every aspect of the multiverse.
#3: “Civil War” (2006-07)
After a group of young heroes known as the New Warriors accidentally cause the deaths of 600 innocent people while filming a reality TV show, The U.S. Government introduces the Superhuman Registration Act. The act would force super powered individuals to register their identities with the government. Iron-Man thinks this is a good idea; Captain America does not. The Marvel Universe is split down the middle as Cap leads the rebellious heroes against Iron-Man’s pro-government squad. Heroes fighting heroes is nothing new in the world of comics, but Civil War played on pre-existing ideological differences between these characters, making for a unique take on an overused genre trope.
#2: “Age of Apocalypse” (1995-96)
One of the most recognized X-Men storylines, Age of Apocalypse has earned it’s place as on of Marvel’s best storylines. Professor X’s son Legion decides it would be a good idea to go back in time and kill Magneto, but ends up killing his own father and erasing himself from existence, creating a new timeline in which Apocalypse has brought about, well, the Apocalypse. This timeline's version of the X-Men, led by Magneto, rebel against Apocalypse to restore peace and end his genocidal reign of terror. A fan favorite and a stand-out arc in the X-Men mythology, Age of Apocalypse is as memorable as its maniacal villain.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Avengers Disassembled (2004)
“Annihilation” (2007)
“Age of Ultron” (2013)
“World War Hulk” (2007)
“Fear Itself” (2011)
#1: “House of M” (2005)
Brian Michael Bendis’ eight-part masterpiece completely changed the foundation of Marvel Comics in the modern era. The Scarlet Witch, incapable of controlling her powers or her sanity, creates a new reality in which Magneto's House of Magnus rules over mankind. Wolverine, somehow able to remember the world before Scarlet Witch changed everything, teams up with a rebel group led by Luke Cage. The ensuing battle results in the Scarlet Witch seemingly restoring the old world, except almost all the world’s mutants have lost their powers. The decimation of the mutant X-gene sent a ripple through nearly all of Marvel’s titles, genuinely raising the stakes in the Universe in a way that felt earned because of the incredibly unique and powerful storytelling.
Epic stories deserve a cast of equally epic characters. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Marvel Events. Unlike regular Marvel storyline, these are the crisis’ that involved most of, if not the entire Marvel Universe in a single story arc.
#10: “Avengers Vs. X-Men” (2012)
The crossover event that led up to the Marvel Now! relaunch, Avengers vs X-Men significantly shook-up the Marvel Universe. With the Phoenix Force returning to Earth, Cyclops and Captain America disagree on how best to protect its most likely host, Hope Summers. When Hope escapes protective custody, both teams search for her, each with their own intentions on what to do with her once she’s been found, or if the Phoenix Force gets to her first. This pits the two pillars of the Marvel Universe up against each other, ultimately reshaping these teams as a result of the conflict and leading to the creation of the Mutant/Avengers Unity force The Uncanny Avengers.
#9: “Messiah CompleX” (2007-08)
After the events of House of M, many believed the mutants and the X-gene were coming to an end in the Marvel Universe. When a child is born containing the X-gene that doubt was laid to rest. As the X-Men race to secure the child from other Mutant and anti-mutant groups, a number of mutants are killed in the conflict. The baby would turn out to be Hope Summers, who is sent to the future with Cable to ensure her safety. Of course, it’s never that simple. The event is a turning-point in the X-Men mythology, and determined the events of many future storylines in a number of X-Men titles.
#8: “Siege” (2009-10)
The governmental defence agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D. has been disbanded and Norman Osborn has been given control of it’s replacement, H.A.M.M.E.R. Meanwhile the city of Asgard, home of the Norse gods, has been transported to Earth and Osborn, being manipulated by Loki, sees it’s presence there as a threat to his power. Under the guise of national security, Osborn, alongside his Dark Avengers, calls for the invasion of Asgard, and the resulting battle is one of the most intense and epic in Marvel history. This prompts the return of Captain America and the real Avengers, who defeat Osborn and expose his madness to the world. The events of Siege set up what's known as Marvel's Heroic Age.
#7: “Onslaught” (1996)
When Professor X shut down Magneto’s mind after one of their more savage battles, little did he know that part of Magneto’s consciousness had seeded within his own. This lead to the creation of one of Marvel’s lesser known yet more interesting villains, Onslaught. Combining Xavier’s desire for peace with Magneto’s willingness to use violence to achieve his goals, Onslaught took the form of an enormous suit of armor resembling Magneto and took down those who opposed him with relative ease. Onslaught was so powerful, it took the combined efforts of Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and the Avengers to defeat him, making him a memorable and formidable villain for the Marvel Universe.
#6: “Secret Invasion” (2008)
The Illuminati – consisting of heroes such as Iron Man, Mister Fantastic, and Professor X – assemble to face the Skrulls head-on to prevent any further attacks on Earth. Their plan fails miserably, resulting in their capture. Having been studied during their time as Skrull prisoners, the aliens are able to pose as heroes when they return to Earth. Combining elements of classic sci-fi alien invasion with the superhero genre, this crossover has the paranoia of an alien body-snatchers film with the action-packed storytelling of superhero comics. It's definitely unique, and could have only come from the mind of writer Brian Michael Bendis.
#5: “Secret Wars I” (1984-85)
A Cosmic being known as The Beyonder creates the planet Battleworld and teleports Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, as well as some of its Mightiest Villains, to square off for the prize of – well – whatever they want. Basically, The Beyonder promises the victors some wishes, which, considering he can create planets at will, is a pretty good deal. While it was conceived as a way to sell toys, the events of Secret Wars continue to shape elements of the Marvel Universe to this day, most notably the first appearance of Spider-Man’s Black Suit. The event later got a sequel in 2015, but Secret Wars II failed to live up to the original story.
#4: “Infinity Gauntlet” (1991)
Thanos manages to collect all six Infinity Gems, granting him control over Time, Space, Mind, Soul, Reality and Power. With the snap of his fingers, Thanos eliminates half of all living things in the universe. The surviving heroes of Earth attempt to take on the all-powerful Titan, but they are easily defeated. Luckily for our heroes, Nebula is able to remove the Gauntlet from Thanos and use it to reverse all the damage he’d inflicted on the universe. Thanos is a formidable foe unlike any other in Marvel comics, and this crossover demonstrates what he’s capable of when handed control of every aspect of the multiverse.
#3: “Civil War” (2006-07)
After a group of young heroes known as the New Warriors accidentally cause the deaths of 600 innocent people while filming a reality TV show, The U.S. Government introduces the Superhuman Registration Act. The act would force super powered individuals to register their identities with the government. Iron-Man thinks this is a good idea; Captain America does not. The Marvel Universe is split down the middle as Cap leads the rebellious heroes against Iron-Man’s pro-government squad. Heroes fighting heroes is nothing new in the world of comics, but Civil War played on pre-existing ideological differences between these characters, making for a unique take on an overused genre trope.
#2: “Age of Apocalypse” (1995-96)
One of the most recognized X-Men storylines, Age of Apocalypse has earned it’s place as on of Marvel’s best storylines. Professor X’s son Legion decides it would be a good idea to go back in time and kill Magneto, but ends up killing his own father and erasing himself from existence, creating a new timeline in which Apocalypse has brought about, well, the Apocalypse. This timeline's version of the X-Men, led by Magneto, rebel against Apocalypse to restore peace and end his genocidal reign of terror. A fan favorite and a stand-out arc in the X-Men mythology, Age of Apocalypse is as memorable as its maniacal villain.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Avengers Disassembled (2004)
“Annihilation” (2007)
“Age of Ultron” (2013)
“World War Hulk” (2007)
“Fear Itself” (2011)
#1: “House of M” (2005)
Brian Michael Bendis’ eight-part masterpiece completely changed the foundation of Marvel Comics in the modern era. The Scarlet Witch, incapable of controlling her powers or her sanity, creates a new reality in which Magneto's House of Magnus rules over mankind. Wolverine, somehow able to remember the world before Scarlet Witch changed everything, teams up with a rebel group led by Luke Cage. The ensuing battle results in the Scarlet Witch seemingly restoring the old world, except almost all the world’s mutants have lost their powers. The decimation of the mutant X-gene sent a ripple through nearly all of Marvel’s titles, genuinely raising the stakes in the Universe in a way that felt earned because of the incredibly unique and powerful storytelling.
