Each new installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a can’t-miss event for moviegoers. If “Captain America: Civil War” leaves you wanting more superhero tales, here are the best comic book stories for each of the 12 heroes that face off in Marvel’s latest film.
Captain America: “Captain America: Man Out of Time” Nos. 1-5 (2010)
Written by Mark Waid, this series chronicles Steve Rogers’ struggles with adjusting to life in the 21st century after sleeping for 70 years. It’s a good companion piece for MCU fans who loved “The Winter Soldier”
Iron Man: “Iron Man: Extremis,” reprinting “Iron Man” Vol. 4 Nos. 1-6 (2005)
Much of Iron Man’s story arc in the MCU is inspired by this six-issue series. Tony Stark’s origin story in the first film and the main plot for the third both come from this tale that changed the status quo for the character.
Falcon: All New Captain America Nos. 1-6 (2014)
Several years ago, the shield was passed from Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson, with Falcon becaming the new Captain America. That’s right, Cap is black now. Progressive!
Hawkeye: “Hawkeye” (2012)
Shortly after “The Avengers” hit theaters, Matt Fraction and David Aja started a 22-issue run with Hawkeye that’s been praised as the sharpshooter’s best arc ever. The stylish series follows Clint Barton in those moments when he’s not serving with the Avengers — and manages to get into even bigger trouble.
Black Widow: “Black Widow: The Name of the Rose,” reprinting “Black Widow” Vol. 4 Nos. 1-5 (2010)
A great alternative to traditional superhero tales. This Black Widow story is a pulpy, beautifully drawn spy thriller that sees Natasha hunting down an assassin who shot her and exposed the files she secretly amassed on her fellow Avengers.
Vision — “Avengers” No. 58 (1968)
One of the most classic Marvel stories of all time. This issue depicts Vision, who in the comics is actually an invention of supervillain Ultron, undergoing a rigorous test to prove himself worthy of joining the Avengers.
Bucky Barnes: “Captain America: Prisoner of War,” reprinting “Captain America” Nos. 616-619 (2011)
Bucky’s past as the Winter Soldier comes back to haunt him when he’s thrown into a Russian gulag filled with some of his most bitter enemies.
Scarlet Witch: “Avengers: The Children’s Crusade” (2010)
Scarlet Witch becomes a major factor in the internal conflict that forms “Captain America: Civil War’s” central premise. She also takes center stage in this Avengers tale as she searches for redemption for her past crimes.
War Machine: “Iron Man: War Machine,” reprinting “Iron Man” issue Nos. 281-291 (1992)
Rhodey has subbed in for Tony Stark as Iron Man in the past, but in this run on the series he takes charge in his own black-and-grey suit and becomes CEO of Stark Enterprises and the title’s leading man for the next year.
Black Panther: “The Client,” reprinting “Black Panther” Vol. 3 Nos. 1-5 (1998)
Is “Civil War” your introduction to the King of Wakanda? Check out this story arc that set the standard for Black Panther comics in the 21st century, as T’Challa’s homeland becomes the site of a coup during his visit to the U.S.
Ant-Man: “Ant-Man” Vol. 2 (2015)
To raise hype for last year’s MCU film, Marvel released a new Ant-Man series that captured Paul Rudd‘s goofy charm. In the series Scott Lang moves to Miami and sets up his own private security company to be closer to his daughter and ex-wife, with misadventure and hilarity ensuing.
