While this last year has certainly had its ups and significant downs, Marvel Comics did its best to provide some solid entertainment for comic book readers, and the Marvel Universe saw some major events and game-changers happen this year, creating some great dynamics and fun for readers across the board. Whether it was epic blockbuster crossovers, engaging moments that allowed singular characters to shine, or a renewed hope for a galaxy, far, far, away, here are some of the best Marvel Comics moments from 2020 (in no particular order).
The End Of The Kree/Skrull War in Marvel's Empyre
2020's big summer event from Marvel Comics was Empyre from Dan Slott and Al Ewing, though it wasn't just the Avengers and Fantastic Four that teamed-up to stop a new alien threat. The event also saw the unification of the Kree and Skrulls, ending their eons-long war among the stars. This alliance was formed in the face of the rising threat of the plant-based Cotati, and the heroes of Earth joined forces with the Kree and Skrull armies to quell their large invasion force.
While this unity wasn't without its challenges, the merging of races that had long hated and warred with one another was aided by their new Emperor Dorrek VIII, formerly known as Hulkling. The new Emperor was the perfect choice as he was royalty by blood, but also equal parts Kree and Skrull. Once the Cotati threat was quelled, the very operations of the galaxy have now changed going into the Marvel Universe's future now that the Kree/Skrull War has finally ended, making it an incredibly epic moment in Marvel's 2020.
Thor Defeats Galactus and the Black Winter
Donny Cates' new Thor series began at the beginning of 2020, seeing the new King of Asgard barely getting comfortable on his throne before Galactus, the World Devourer, crashed down onto his kingdom to ask for the Son of Odin's help. The star plague known as the Black Winter was coming, the same plague that obliterated Galactus' origin universe. Having seen a vision of Thor as the cause of his eventual demise, Galactus turned Thor into his Herald of Thunder in a bid to manipulate him, and the pair went in search of worlds to consume that would give Galactus enough power to destroy the Black Winter.
However, Thor was still the King of Asgard and had immense power of his own. After one clash too many with Galactus, the Son of Odin used the combined power he wielded as Asgard's King and the Herald of Thunder to destroy Galactus, using his body and the energies stored within as a massive bomb to defeat the Black Winter as well. All in all, it was an incredibly wild and epic way for Thor to begin his rule over Asgard. The arc even spawned an entire crossover with Fortnite, the ever popular battle royale game.
Avengers Face Khonshu and Get Their Stolen Powers Back
Jason Aaron's Avengers spent most of 2020 with Earth's Mightiest Heroes dealing with Khonshu, the Egyptian Moon God, and his fist Moon Knight. Fearing the power and plans of the demon lord Mephisto, Khonshu ordered his Moon Knight to steal the primordial powers of the Avengers. By doing so, Khonshu hoped to combine them all to defeat Mephisto once and for all. Moon Knight was initially successful, using Khonshu's enchanted talismans to bind powers such as Thor's hammer, Ghost Rider's Spirit of Vengeance, The Phoenix Force, the power of the Iron Fist, and the Eye of Agamotto to his master.
However, this wasn't something the Avengers were going to just allow. After having many of their powers and weapons robbed, the Avengers took the offensive with a large counterstrike. Because Black Panther had the blood of the first primordial Panther in his veins, the other powers responded to his call and Khonshu lost his grip and control over them. With their powers restored, the Avengers were able to win the day, though the arc did provide readers with the intriguing concept of their combining powers, such as the hammer of Thor and the Spirit of Vengeance coming together as one massively powerful weapon in Khonshu's hands.
The X-Men Return in Marvel's X of Swords
Coming from the mind of Jonathan Hickman, the mutants of the Marvel Universe have formed their own island nation of Krakoa with their own government, though the actual team of X-Men haven't really been in action for quite some time, as they haven't really been needed. However, 2020's X of Swords changed all that. 10 champions from Krakoa were chosen to defend their home and face off against 10 champions from Krakoa's sister island of Arakko in a tournament held by the Lady Saturnyne of Otherworld. The event consisted of a series of contests and challenges that eventually led to a full-scale war.
However, the champions of Krakoa eventually needed back-up, and Cyclops and Jean Grey wished to answer the call with a massive strike force. While Krakoa's leading body known as the Quiet Council was reluctant to send forces into battle, the decision was still made to form a team of heroes to support their allies - the X-Men were back. Joining the fray and the massive conflict taking place on Otherworld, the day was eventually won, and Krakoa was safe thanks to the X-Men. The indication was also made that the newly reformed team would be sticking around for the long term as Krakoa's heroes. In any case, the return of the X-Men was certainly one the best moments from Marvel Comics in 2020.
Luke Skywalker Gets A New Lightsaber And A Renewed Hope
In Marvel's new Star Wars series from Charles Soule, the adventures of the Rebel Alliance are being told between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and it began by showing the aftermath of one of the worst times of Luke Skywalker's life: the period he spent reeling from the knowledge that Darth Vader is his father. The reveal rocked Luke to his core, causing him to question whether or not he should continue his Jedi path at all, given who his father is and what he became.
When Luke traveled with Leia and Lando back to Cloud City, he hoped to find the lightsaber he lost when Vader cut off his hand during their duel. While he was unable to find the blade (it would somehow fall into the hands of Maz Kanata and then Rey in The Force Awakens), Luke did receive a vision of hooded woman calling out to him in the Force. Once Luke found the woman who was revealed to be a Jedi Purge survivor, she directed him to an ancient Jedi Temple. There, Luke learned about the history of the Jedi Order, and found an old, yellow-bladed lightsaber that once belonged to a guard of the Jedi Temple. As he dueled the trapped spirit of the Empire's deceased Grand Inquisitor, Luke regained confidence in his path, determined more than ever to follow his destiny and become a Jedi. With his new blade in hand, Luke returned to the Rebel Alliance, having gained a renewed hope for his future, making for a pretty awesome Star Wars arc from Marvel in 2020.
While there's no doubt plenty of other great moments Marvel Comics had to offer in 2020, these are just a handful of the best and greatest. As the comics continue into the new year, it's exciting to think about what 2021 might bring for the Marvel Universe and its readers going forward.