Star-Lord (Peter Quill) Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Star-Lord (Peter Quill) throughout Marvel Comics. It does 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.

Silver-Bronze Age

These comics detail the first appearances of the Star-Lord character. However, later comics retcon this specific version as a completely separate character from the modern iteration. Because of this, readers technically could consider this entire age of the Star-Lord Reading Order to be non-essential.

Despite these retcons, many elements from this prototype Star-Lord would go on to influence the modern version of the character. This includes his signature weapon, elements from his costume, and pieces of his history. For these reasons, reading about this version of the character can give fans a better picture of the modern version of the character.

Notes

1. Only the Star-Lord stories from these comics are necessary for this reading order.
2. The Star-Lord seen in these issues is a completely different character who simply takes up the role of "Star-Lord". Elements from this series play a role in the greater Star-Lord mythos but can easily be skipped by anyone exclusively interested in just the story of Peter Quill.

Modern Age

The Star-Lord seen throughout this era is essentially a rebooted version of the Star-Lord seen in previous eras. Elements of the character remain the same but this is technically a brand new hero.

This version of Star-Lord is reintroduced through a minor role in the first Thanos solo series. Later, he goes on to play a small role in the Annihilation (Reading Order) series and then a more significant role in the Annihilation: Conquest (Reading Order) series. By the end of this era, Star-Lord is a fixture in the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe and has an influence in many cosmic-based activities.

Thanos issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Guardians of the Galaxy issues are from the Vol. 2 series

Notes

1. Star-Lord only has a small role in this comic so it can be skipped if necessary.

Marvel NOW!

Star-Lord's adventures in this era are a direct continuation of his adventures from the previous era. Initially, Star-Lord's transition from the last era into this era is unexplained but the mystery is resolved as the Guardians of the Galaxy series progresses.

Most of Star-Lord's appearances here are in conjunction with the adventures of the Guardians of the Galaxy. However, later on, he appears in a few comics on his own and even ends up getting a solo comic series.

Avengers Assemble issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Guardians of the Galaxy issues are from the Vol. 3 series
All-New X-Men issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Captain Marvel issues are from the Vol. 8 series
Avengers issues are from the Vol. 5 series

Notes

1. Star-Lord and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy are reintroduced through this series. However, their roles in this comic are rather minor and do not contribute much to their individual stories.
2. Star-Lord makes a very minor appearance in this comic. However, it helps jump-start the plot in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4: Original Sin (Review) and is referenced a number of times through this story arc.
3. Star-Lord and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy have a rather minor role in these issues. However, it helps establish their relationship with Captain Marvel.
4. Star-Lord is only in a small portion of this comic. However, his appearance here helps further develop his relationship with Kitty Pryde.
5. Star-Lord only appears in a brief flashback in this issue. However, the issue, as a whole, helps further develop the other members of Peter Quill's family.
6. Despite starring in this issue, the events that take place here do not fit well with the rest of Peter Quill's recent adventures. This makes it a bit unclear how this issue relates to the rest of his timeline.
7. This issue helps set up Star-Lord's appearance in Secret Wars (Review) but is not significant enough to really be considered essential.
8. This issue helps set up Star-Lord's appearances in Secret Wars #7-8 but is not significant enough to really be considered essential.

All Marvel Comics Reading Orders