Adam Warlock Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Adam Warlock throughout Marvel Comics. It may not encompass every one of his appearances but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: Silver Age – Bronze Age – Modern Age (1986-1996) – Modern Age (1996-2003) – Modern Age (2003-2012) – Marvel NOW!

Silver Age

Adam Warlock was introduced in the Silver Age, where he is primarily referred to as “Him”. He does not have any appearances prior to this point.

This era features the first few appearances of Adam Warlock. His role in the Fantastic Four series explains the unique circumstances behind his “birth” and shows his origin story. Then, his role in the Thor series details some of his first actions in life.

Fantastic Four issues are from the Vol. 1 series.
Thor issues are from the Vol. 1 series.

Notes

1. Adam's appearance in Thor #163 is very brief and mostly just serves to set up his appearances in the next few issue. 

Bronze Age

Adam Warlock's Bronze Age adventures directly continue his Silver Age adventures. These adventures, particularly the second half, are some of the most critical pieces of Adam's history and are heavily referenced in later eras, particularly his fight against the Magus and association with Thanos.

In this era, Adam Warlock's appearances mostly play out through his solo series and the comics extending from or continuing the story from this solo series. All of these comics tell a single story that sees Adam progress and develop as a character, going through different stages as he does so.

Warlock issues are from the Vol. 1 series.
Incredible Hulk issues are from the Vol. 1 series.
Strange Tales issues are from the Vol. 1 series.
Marvel Team-Up issues are from the Vol. 1 series.
Avengers issues are from the Vol. 1 series.
Marvel Two-In-One issues are from the Vol. 1 series.

Modern Age (1986-1996)

Adam Warlock's appearances in this section of the Modern Age directly continue his story from his last appearance in the Bronze Age. This era significantly builds on these earlier appearances and heavily references his origin story, his fight against the Magus, his association with Thanos, and his connection to the Soul Gem.

Adam has a large role in this era. He reappears in the prelude to the Infinity Gauntlet (Reading Order) event and goes on to have a major role throughout the entire "Infinity Trilogy" (Reading Order). After this, he has a few smaller appearances, mostly alongside the members of the Infinity Watch (Reading Order) or Thanos.

WatIW = Warlock and the Infinity Watch
Silver Surfer issues are from the Vol. 3 series.
Wonder Man issues are from the Vol. 1 series.
Thor issues are from the Vol. 1 series.

1. Adam Warlock only makes a brief, cameo appearance in this issue but it helps to directly set up his next appearance.
2. This issue has Adam Warlock meet "Her" for the first time. Though this is not that important for his character development, it may be of interest for readers intrigued by the unique connections between these characters.
3. This issue is somewhat of an epilogue to the events of Infinity Gauntlet (Reading Order). It shows Adam's initial reactions coming out of the event.
4. These issues do not focus on Adam Warlock specifically but do have him participating in some way. This often either helps set up a later chapter in the event or further expand on a past one. 
5. All of these issues take place in a crossover between the Marvel Universe and the Ultraverse. While this was a big deal at the time, this crossover has, since publication, disappeared from Marvel's continuity and is almost never referenced.

Modern Age Continued (1996-2003)

This period of time directly picks up Adam Warlock's adventures from the end of the "Infinity Trilogy" (Reading Order) and the end of his time with the Infinity Watch (Reading Order). During this time, Adam Warlock made less appearances than ever before and these appearances ended up having less importance to the overall Marvel Universe than before.

He starred in a short solo series and then went on to be a major player in the Infinity Abyss event. Besides this, he also made a very brief appearance in Marvel Universe: The End.

Warlock issues are from the Vol. 4 series.

Notes

1. Adam Warlock only makes a brief appearance here. However, it helps expand on his relationship with Thanos, which may be interesting for some readers.

Modern Age Continued (2003-2012)

ComicBookWire is currently working on researching and building a reading order for this era.

Marvel NOW!

Adam Warlock's appearances in the Marvel NOW! era directly continue his story from his last appearance in the Modern Age. This era only features a few appearances from Adam Warlock but many continue his ongoing relationship with Thanos.

In this era, Adam Warlock's appearances are mostly confined to the story being told through a series of original graphic novels starring Thanos and written by longtime Adam Warlock scribe, Jim Starlin.

1. This issue is mostly about Thanos. However, it helps set up the rest of the issues from this era of this reading order.
2. These issues mostly focus on a different version of Adam Warlock. However, they still relate to Adam's actions in The Infinity Revelation and expand upon his character in general.

All Marvel Comics Reading Orders