Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell) Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell) 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

Silver Age

Captain Marvel was created and introduced in the later half of Marvel’s Silver Age.

Mar-Vell’s comic book journey began with a lead role in the Marvel Super-Heroes series but quickly moved to a self-titled solo series. His adventures are mostly contained within this solo series until the end of the Silver Age. At this point, his solo series took a brief hiatus and he played a major part in the Kree/Skrull War (Reading Order).

Marvel Super-Heroes issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Captain Marvel issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Avengers issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Sub Mariner issues are from the Vol. 1 series

Notes

1. Captain Marvel has a somewhat small role in this issue. However, it helps establish a camaraderie between Mar-Vell and the Avengers.
2. Captain Marvel only has a supporting role in this issue. However, it may still be interesting for fans.

Bronze Age

Captain Marvel's Bronze Age journey picks up right where his Silver Age journey left off. This means that, at the start of this era, he is still working as a hero on Earth, determined to use his awesome power to protect the planet's people.

After his solo comic went on a brief hiatus, it returned at the start of the Silver Age. Once again, most of Mar-Vell's adventures are contained within this solo series. However, in this era, he makes more appearances in books with other Marvel heroes. Major story arcs from this era include the "Thanos War" (Reading Order) and "The Death of Captain Marvel".

Captain Marvel issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Avengers issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Daredevil issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Marvel Team-Up issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Marvel Two-In-One issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Defenders issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Ms. Marvel issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Marvel Spotlight issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Incredible Hulk issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Fantastic Four issues are from the Vol. 1 series

Notes

1. This is more of a Rick Jones story than it is a Captain Marvel story. However, due to the connection between the two it is still relevant to Mar-Vell's life.
2. These issues mostly have Captain Marvel in a smaller role and can be skipped if needed.
3. Captain Marvel does not have a large impact on these issues and just ends up being one of many heroes contributing in a large fight. However, these issues form part of a very memorable story arc, "The Korvac Saga", so knowing Mar-Vell participated here may be interesting to fans.
4. These issues have Captain Marvel mostly in a supporting role. However, they also show his many connections to Marvel's larger superhero community and show how well he is regarded within this community.
5. This issue is mostly focused on Ms. Marvel. However, it also places some focus on the connection between Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel and features the first time the two have met since Ms. Marvel became a superhero.
6. This issue is a team-up between the Thing and Captain Marvel. It isn't necessary for Mar-Vell's character progression but may still be interesting for fans.
7. Captain Marvel plays a moderate role throughout this Incredible Hulk story arc. Though Hulk is still clearly the main character, the arc also gives readers a chance to see what Mar-Vell has been doing recently.
8. This issue only features a small appearance from Captain Marvel. However, it helps continue his ongoing fight against the Skrulls.

Modern Age

Though Captain Marvel makes appearances after the Bronze Age, these appearances are typically very small and usually not essential. However, ComicBookWire is still working on Captain Marvel's reading orders past this point and will update this page when they are ready.

All Marvel Comics Reading Order