Nightcrawler: “Amazing X-Men: The Quest For Nightcrawler” by Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness
Kurt Wagner is usually part of an ensemble, so it’s hard to find a story where he’s the definitive star. After sacrificing himself to save a fellow mutant, Nightcrawler was accepted as dead for good. His soul passed on to heaven. But his demonic-looking dad has a score to settle, and before long everyone is dressed as pirates and battling in the clouds. Kurt sends a message, the X-Men teleport up to heaven, and a pirate war ensues. You’re never gonna get a movie of that, and it sure is something.
Psylocke: “Uncanny X-Force” by Rick Remender
While the X-Men are sworn to protect a world that hates and fears them, X-Force has a darker mission. They are the mutant black ops team, assassinating threats that can’t be left to grow. In this incredible run, Psylocke leads a team that includes Wolverine, Archangel, Deadpool, and Fantomex. Their first mission: assassinate a reincarnated Apocalypse who is just a little kid. It’s a story filled with tough calls and moral dilemmas, and Psylocke is right in the middle of it all, leading a team that would follow her to the death, always doubting herself. It’s a story that really gets into her head, and seriously sells the high stakes of being a superhero ninja.
Scarlet Witch: “Scarlet Witch: Witch’s Road” by James Robinson and Venesa Del Rey
The rare solo adventure for Scarlet Witch sends Wanda all over the world, trying to figure out what’s wrong with magic. Though she teams up with other Marvel magicians, this is definitively her story, and one that removes her from a lot of her past baggage. Instead, it focuses on solving mysteries, and magical showdowns, including an unforgettable one with the Minotaur. The moody art by Venesa Del Rey immediately sets the tone and after reading this, you will never see Scarlet Witch in the same way.
Spider-Gwen: “Spider-Gwen: Most Wanted” by Jason Latour and Robbie Rodriguez
Sometimes characters arrive fully formed. Such is the case with Spider-Gwen, who’s first stories are also her best. Gwen hails from Earth-66, a twisted, punk rock version of the regular Marvel universe. Half the fun is seeing where familiar characters end up. Peter Parker? He was Gwen’s first villain, the Lizard, and he died in her arms. Plus you get to see a world where Punisher became a corrupt cop and Daredevil is an even scarier version of the Kingpin. Everything is dripping with neon pink, every page turn brings a surprise, and stalwart readers will be gifted with an appearance from Spider-Ham.
Spider-Man: “Avenging Spider-Man” by Zeb Wells
As the most popular Marvel character, there are a plethora of excellent Spider-Man stories. So how about one that focuses on his relationship with other heroes? “Avenging Spider-Man” follows a Peter Parker who’s at the top of his game, working as a solo hero, a member of the Fantastic Four, and a member of Earth’s mightiest heroes. Each story is a standard superhero tale, and each one of them goes deep into Spidey’s connections to his super colleagues. See how he supports unpowered teammates like Hawkeye. Or the surprising amount of things he shares in common with Captain Marvel. If you feel like there’s not much left to say about Spider-Man, this series might change your mind.
Star-Lord: “Star Lord: Grounded” by Chip Zdarsky and Kris Anka
Finally, back on Earth, Peter Quill finds himself all alone, abandoned by his fellow Guardians of the Galaxy. So he does what any young man does when isolated in New York: he becomes a bartender. A Bar-Lord if you will. Only this is no ordinary bar, it’s the place where all the small time New York supervillains get together. For a few hilarious issues, Star-Lord is completely out of his element, dealing with the boring ephemera of well, our lives. And he’s really really bad at it.
Continue on to the next page to see more of our favorite comics from the characters of MUA3…