New Reader Guide: Marvel Cosmic

Welcome to the Austin Books & Comics New Reader Guide! We’re here to introduce some of our favorite books that you may not already know about, and maybe even help you find your next favorite comic series!

Marvel Cosmic

Starting with 2006’s sadly out of print Annihilation event series, and especially since 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy film, the cosmic part of the Marvel universe has been at the forefront of the Marvel universe. Mostly set apart from the events of the other Marvel titles, the cosmic titles offer action, adventure, and thrills like nothing else in comics today.

In this guide you’ll find a collection of Marvel’s recent cosmic titles.

All titles are available at the store, and if not we will be happy to special order them for you!

Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel (2014)

The character-defining run that saw B-lister Ms. Marvel become Earth’s Mightiest Hero, Captain Marvel! Kelly Sue DeConnick’s now iconic run saw Carol Danvers soar to new heights as she finds adventure all over the cosmos, including saving a planet from evil slavers, falling backwards through time, and discovering that her cat Chewie may not be as regular as she thinks. Read the renaissance of one of Marvel’s greatest heroes with this series.

Number of volumes: 5

Drax

Drax

What does Drax do when he’s not having adventures with the Guardians of the Galaxy? Seek out bloody revenge against Thanos, of course! This series is wall-to-wall action as Drax blasts and fights his way through the seedy backwaters of the galaxy in his quest to put a violent end to the Mad Titan. Along the way he may just end up helping out those in need, including a shipful of kidnapped royal children and fighting Fin Fang Foom.

Number of volumes: 2

Gamora

Gamora

Written by Guardians of the Galaxy co-screenwriter Nicole Perlman, this series follows Gamora’s early adventures as she earned her reputation as the Deadliest Woman in the Galaxy, and went from being a weapon of Thanos the Mad Titan to a guardian of the innocent.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy (2008)

The run that most heavily inspired the movies. Featuring the team of Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot, as well as Adam Warlock, Mantis, and Bug, Guardians of the Galaxy by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning defined the modern Marvel cosmic universe with a combination of action, humor, adventure, and heart.

Number of volumes: 2 (complete editions)

Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy (2013)

The first run to start after the film, as well as bringing Iron Man into the cosmic fold, the characterization and team lineup is specifically geared for fans of the film. Featuring a “worn-in” feel similar to the classic Star Wars trilogy, this run delves into Star-Lord’s family history, as well as bringing fan-favorite Angela into the Marvel Universe, and features the return of Thanos, the Mad Titan.

Number of volumes: 5

Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy (2015)

The 2015 relaunch of Guardians saw Star-Lord leaving the team to claim his birthright as Emperor of the Spartax, and features a new lineup lead by Rocket Raccoon, as well as Groot, Drax, Angela, Venom, the Thing, and the X-Men’s Kitty Pryde.

Number of volumes: 3

Nova
Nova

Nova (2013)
Nova (2015)
Nova (2016)

Sam Alexander is an average kid, stuck in a dead-end small town, until one day he becomes the new Nova, space adventurer. Teaming with the Guardians of the Galaxy, Sam searches for his long-lost father, a former Nova Corpsman himself.

After reuniting with his father, policing the spaceways becomes a family business as they spend time fighting evil and catching up on lost father-son time, as well as being a junior member of the All-New, All-Different Avengers!

In the 2016 relaunch, long-thought-dead Nova Prime Richard Rider makes his grand return to the Marvel Universe.

Number of volumes:
2013 series: 6
2015 series: 2

Rocket Raccoon
Groot
Rocket Raccoon and Groot
Rocket Raccoon

Rocket Raccoon (2014)
Groot (2015)
Rocket Raccoon and Groot (2016)
Rocket Raccoon (2017)

The fan-favorites cosmic duo get their own series! Follow Rocket and Groot as they blast across the universe, fighting evil doppelgangers, vengeful exes, visiting Earth, and space football! These lighthearted adventures are heavy on action and fun, featuring cartoony art and goofy moments throughout.

Number of volumes:
Rocket Raccoon: 2
Groot: 1
Rocket Raccoon and Groot: 2

Silver Surfer

Silver Surfer

Written by Dan Slott and gorgeously illustrated by Mike Allred, this modern take on the Silver Surfer skips the dour, introspective characterization of previous runs in favor of a tone that’s bright, fun, and very reminiscent of Doctor Who (which makes sense, considering how big of a fan Slott is). Featuring adventures to the center of the universe, a visit to a planet-sized space hotel, an entire issue consisting of a time loop, and aliens who speak Space French.

Number of volumes: 4

Star-Lord
Star-Lord

Star-Lord (2014)
Star-Lord (2016)

Inspired by Chris Pratt’s cocky, swashbuckling take on Peter Quill, Star-Lord battles evil alien marauders, saves an orphanage, and still finds time to flirt with the X-Men’s Kitty Pryde. All of this while fighting a mysterious new villain with ties to Peter’s past, as well as none other than the Mad Titan, Thanos!
Number of volumes: 2

Venom: Space Knight

Venom: Space Knight

After leaving the Guardians of the Galaxy, Flash Thompson aka Venom sets off with his alien symbiote as part of the order of Space Knights, seeking out to help those in need throughout the cosmos. Adventure and alien intrigue abound in this fast-paced, action-packed series.
Number of volumes: 3

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