Here at The Realview Room our team loves all things Marvel, whether it's our love for the characters, spending time watching the movies, or even over analysing every inch of the TV series' to form our own theories these are just some of the things that Marvel fans like to do in their spare time. However the other thing that we like to do is learn all about the original source material of these characters and stories. Yes, this means reading the graphic novels or as some like to call them 'comic books'. So we have compiled a list of 5 Marvel graphic novels that we think are worth a read (in no particular order).

1. House of M

Published: 2005

Written by: Brian Michael Bendis

Thanks to the huge success of the first Marvel Studios and Disney+ series 'Wandavision' starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany (as Wanda Maximoff and The Vision) in 2021, this graphic novel made it's way back into the spotlight once more with many fans becoming more invested in the character Wanda Maximoff aka The Scarlet Witch and her journey into a great depression. This is where the House of M story comes into play.

Synopsis

Wanda Maximoff is residing in Genosha under the care of her father Magneto and Professor Charles Xavier. Wanda's reality altering powers are becoming too advanced and difficult to control. Xavier suggests that a more permanent solution to this issue is needed before it's too late. The story includes a wide range of characters including the aforementioned Charles Xavier, Magneto, Wanda Maximoff, Pietro Maximoff, The Avengers and The X-Men.

Why we loved it!

Although familiar with the brief outline of the story, our team hadn't actually purchased this graphic novel until after the release of 'Wandavision' on Disney+ as the series left us more intrigued to find out more. Even though the series is based around the start of the House of M storyline, it didn't cover it in it's entirety. The graphic novel gives us a more in depth look at the struggles of The Scarlet Witch herself and the lengths that she went to in order to try to regain her happiness once again. It also gave readers amazing imagery as well as The Scarlet Witch's infamous line "No more Mutants!"

2. Marvels

Published: 1994

Written by: Kurt Busiek

Marvels is often one of the first few graphic novels that is popular to new comic book readers. It was the first for our Game Guru Jess. The artwork in this graphic novel (which is phenomenal by the way) also won two awards back in 1994 after it's release.

Synopsis

The story follows news photographer Phil Sheldon. This gives a first person view of what it's really like to live an ordinary everyday life in a world full of superheroes and Mutants.

Why we love it!

The story is very unique, as it's quite different to see a graphic novel all about superheroes that doesn't have them at the centre of focus. Seeing events told by an ordinary civilian with a standard day job. Game Guru Jess has also stated that in her opinion, she is yet to find another novel quite like this that contains artwork with such fine detail.

3. Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America

Published: 2007

Written by: Jeph Loeb, Leinil Yu, Ed McGuinness, John Romita Jr, David Finch and John Cassaday.

Fallen son is actually a limited series of comic books, however we could not pass up the opportunity to add this one to the list. This is a series of novels that website owner and editor Kim absolutely loved to read! Being a huge Captain America fan, this was actually her first graphic novel story related to the character.

Synopsis

The series focuses on as the title says the death of Captain America (Steve Rogers) who is shot outside of a courthouse after the events of Captain America Civil War. The 5 issue series follows how different heroes (the Avengers, X-Men and more) cope with the tragic loss of their fellow hero Steve and how it happened in the first place.

Why we love it!

The story is a continuation from the Civil War plot so it follows all of the controversy surrounding issues from that as well as new ones from this well written series. A must read for Captain America fans with lots of in depth scenarios and there is so much variety as we get to see the perspective from many other well known characters within the Marvel comics universe. With plenty of unexpected twists and turns this storyline does keep you intrigued and wanting to know more.

4. The Mighty Thor: Vol 1 The Goddess of Thunder

Published: 2015

Written by: Jason Aaron

With the excitement surrounding the release of Thor Love and Thunder in July 2022, This comic will be a must read for those of you that would like to get ahead of the game before seeing the fourth instalment from the God of Thunder within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Many fans that aren't well versed with the graphic novels are asking questions about how Jane Foster (an astrophysicist human on earth) can now wield the infamous Mjolnir (more commonly known as Thor's Hammer or 'Johnathon' according to Paul Rudd). This novel will give you the answers that you are seeking if you can't wait until the release of the film.

Synopsis

With Thor now unworthy of the mantle 'God of Thunder', Mjolnir is left situated firmly on the moon. A mystery woman lifts the hammer and has now taken the mantle from Thor. Her identity is even a secret to Odin. With this new found power and strength the woman is now taking on Frost Giants who are invading Earth. She may be the only hope to save the planet.

Why we love this!

The plot of this novel shows that anyone can be worthy, not just Thor himself. Jane Foster as The Mighty Thor is both witty and a total Badass! The chemistry between Jane and Thor is quite an enjoyable development for the characters too.

5. Thor God of Thunder: The God Butcher

Published: 2013

Written by: Jason Aaron

We know we have already included a Thor graphic novel, however other than Jane Foster being a focal point of Thor Love and Thunder, there is also another big character that many are wanting to know more about. That character is Gorr The God Butcher. In the film the role is being played by Christian Bale (most well known for his role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight film trilogy) and we've yet to see what his portrayal of The God Butcher is actually like. The character is definitely being kept a well hidden secret.

Synopsis

Gorr is from a barren planet, a place where earthquakes are common but water is not. Gorr and his family simply had to get by on blind faith alone. Sadly the character's family lose their lives leaving Gorr to lose faith in the gods, fuelling him with anger and revenge. Gorr rampages on a quest to kill all gods while Three Thors, from three eras are in a race to stop The God Butcher.

Why we love this!

The backstory of The God Butcher is quite fascinating alone, but seeing him on his villainous vengeful rampage against the gods is quite something else. The artwork is absolutely brilliant and some have even been re imagined and added into the trailer for the upcoming Thor Love and Thunder film.

We hope that you like our graphic novel picks and inspire you to give them a read if you haven't done so already. Or maybe you have? If so what did you think to these titles? What Marvel comics would you recommend? Let us know, we would love to hear your thoughts.