what to read before secret wars 2015

3 min read 24-12-2024

Meta Description: Dive into the essential reading list before embarking on Marvel's epic 2015 Secret Wars event! This guide covers key storylines, characters, and tie-ins to ensure you're fully prepared for the ultimate Marvel crossover. Avoid spoilers and get the complete context for this mind-bending event. Prepare for the ultimate battle across the Battleworld!

The 2015 Secret Wars event is a massive crossover in the Marvel universe, a sprawling story with massive ramifications. Jumping in unprepared can feel like stepping into a raging river without a life vest. To avoid getting swept away, this guide will navigate you through the essential reading to fully appreciate the epic scope of Secret Wars. Don't worry, we'll avoid major spoilers!

Understanding the Premise of Secret Wars 2015

Secret Wars 2015 isn't just another crossover; it's a culmination of years of storytelling. It reimagines the Marvel multiverse, shattering realities and forging a new world from the fragments. Understanding the events leading up to this catastrophic clash is crucial to understanding its impact.

Essential Reading Before Secret Wars 2015

This reading list is broken down into key storylines and series to help you prioritize your reading. Remember, you don't necessarily need to read everything on this list, but hitting the major points will drastically improve your enjoyment of Secret Wars.

1. Jonathan Hickman's Avengers & New Avengers Runs (2012-2015)

This is arguably the most important reading material. Jonathan Hickman's run on Avengers and New Avengers lays the groundwork for Secret Wars. Hickman meticulously builds the complex narrative that explodes in Secret Wars. His intricate plotlines and character development are key to understanding the event's motivations and consequences.

Key elements covered: The build-up of the Incursions, the growing conflict between Earth-616 and other realities, the role of the Illuminati, and the introduction of key players like the Maker.

2. Time Runs Out (Avengers & New Avengers)

This storyline, culminating the Hickman era, directly sets the stage for Secret Wars. It's where the Incursions reach a critical point, forcing Earth's heroes to make impossible choices. This arc is absolutely vital for understanding the event's central conflict.

Key takeaways: The final Incursion, the desperation of the heroes, and the ultimate sacrifice required to prevent total annihilation.

3. Original Secret Wars (1984)

While not strictly required, reading the original Secret Wars (1984) provides a fascinating historical context. It shows the origins of the concept and introduces some themes echoed in the 2015 version. This is more for background enjoyment than absolute necessity.

Interesting parallels: The concept of a Battleworld, the gathering of heroes and villains, and the exploration of power and morality in extreme circumstances.

4. Other Relevant Tie-Ins

Several other series feature tie-in storylines that add context and richness to the overall Secret Wars narrative. However, these are less crucial than the Hickman run. Examples include:

Fantastic Four: The Richards family plays a significant role.
Inhuman: The Inhumans' place in the multiverse is explored.
X-Men: The mutants have a significant role in the events leading up to the incursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to read all this before Secret Wars?

The Hickman run alone is a substantial commitment, but well worth the effort. Allocate several weeks, depending on your reading speed. Prioritize the Avengers/New Avengers run and "Time Runs Out."

Can I just read Secret Wars without the prerequisite reading?

You can technically read Secret Wars 2015 without prior reading, but you'll miss a significant amount of context and depth. The experience will be far less satisfying and many plot points will feel jarring and unexplained.

Conclusion: Prepare for Battleworld!

Embarking on the Secret Wars journey without proper preparation is like entering a complex video game without reading the manual. The Hickman-era Avengers titles are your game manual. This guide provides a roadmap to fully appreciate the narrative depth and epic scope of Secret Wars 2015. By investing time in this pre-reading, you'll be rewarded with a much richer and more satisfying experience as you explore the shattered realities of Battleworld. So grab your comics, and prepare for the ultimate battle!