The epic War of The Realms has finally come to an end in Marvel Comics, filled with fights, deaths, rebirths, unforgettable moments, and universal changes that fans will be talking about for years. Whether or not you're a die-hard Thor fan, or even a Marvel reader, this event is not to be missed--which is why we're here to help with the ultimate War of The Realms Reading Guide and checklist, from start to finish.
When the Dark Elf Malekith leads a devastating (and, initially, successful) invasion of Earth, leading an army made up of the worst killers who ever hated Earth or Asgard, the War of the Realms begins. The epic story that follows has been an unprecedented success for Marvel Comics. Most annual comic events struggle to land, and it's easy to see why: it requires a certain strategic skill to create a central narrative, with room for fresh and creative spinoffs and tie-ins. Fortunately, Thor writer Jason Aaron is one of the few comic book writers to possess that skill, making War of the Realms easily the most carefully-constructed event since 2006's landmark Civil War. And for many fans, it may just be the best event they've enjoyed to date.
But with over 60 issues of War of The Realms published in total, it's easy for readers to lose track. We're here to help, offering a comprehensive and complete guide to every book and tie-in.
If you're avoiding spoilers, stick to the titles, as we'll also be pointing out which stories are the most important, with a brief description of what happens in each issue. There are a handful still left to be published in the aftermath of this epic event, and even another Punisher miniseries. We'll update as those final issues come out, but for now, get ready to dive into the front lines of Marvel's biggest war yet.
Phase 1: War Comes to Midgard
The War of the Realms has already consumed nine of the Ten Realms by the time the event begins, and only one Realm remains free from Malekith's influence; Midgard, better known as Earth. Malekith begins his attack by attempting to neutralize strategic targets, notably Odin, Thor, and Iron Man. Once those plans are in place, he launches the opening salvo of his invasion of Earth. The Avengers find themselves caught up in the Battle of New York... unaware that his forces are attacking the entire planet.
- Tony Stark, Iron Man #12-12 - Malekith manipulates a dragon into attacking Tony Stark in an attempt to remove Iron Man from play.
- War of the Realms #1 - The War of the Realms comes to Midgard, with Malekith launching strategic strikes to undermine Earth's defenses. After giving his mother Freyja crucial information on Malekith's plans, Loki allows himself to be killed in order to demonstrate his honesty.
- War of the Realms: Punisher #1-3 - The Punisher slays trolls in an attempt to rescue civilians, working with a group of convicted felons. This appears to be during the initial evacuation of New York.
- War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery #1 - Balder leads a team to rescue Thor's sister, Laussa. This story kicks off during War of the Realms #1, but is then no longer connected to the main story.
- Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #43 - Squirrel Girl encounters Loki during the Battle of New York, and goes on a side-mission to Canada.
- Asgardians of the Galaxy #8 - The Asgardians of the Galaxy are drawn into the Battle of New York.
- War Scrolls #2 - "My Drag Brunch With Loki" - During the Battle of New York, Hulkling and Wiccan remember their last encounter with Loki. This issue ends with Loki's apparent death.
- Fantastic Four #10 - The Fantastic Four defend Yancy Street.
- War Scrolls #1 - "The Warriors Three (Or Four)" - A short story in which the Warriors Three help with the evacuation of New York.
- War Scrolls #1 - "Nice Shot, Frank" - A short story in which Wolverine and the Punisher help with the evacuation of New York.
- War Scrolls #1 - "Waugh of the Realms" - A comedic Howard the Duck tie-in.
- War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1-2 - Amadeus Cho leads a new team to battle against the Queen of Cinders in Asia. The first one-and-a-half issues are set during the Battle of New York, but there is then a substantial time jump.
- Thor #12 - Although most of Jason Aaron's tie-ins aren't particularly important to the overall narrative, Thor #12 reveals the ultimate fate of Loki and sets up some major twists for later in the story.
Phase 2: The Avengers Regroup
The Avengers are not quite intentionally driven out of New York, and desperately attempt to formulate a counter-strategy of their own. Meanwhile, a handful of survivors attempt to stay alive in the fallen remains of New York City.
- War of the Realms #2 - The battle-weary Avengers are almost defeated, but fortunately are reinforced by Odin and the Valkyries. Doctor Strange transports the heroes away to the Avengers' Antarctic base, where they begin to put together their own strategy. With the Avengers gone, New York falls.
- Avengers #18 - Phil Coulson leads attempts to defend the rest of the United States with help from the new Squadron Supreme of America, secretly allying with Mephisto.
- Asgardians of the Galaxy #9 - In the aftermath of the Fall of the Valkyries, the Asgardians of the Galaxy attempt to rescue Annabelle Rigg, who was bonded to Brunnhilde.
- Avengers #19 - Gorilla-Man prepares to defend Avengers HQ.
- War Scrolls #2 - "Agency" - The War Scrolls miniseries is an anthology of short stories set during the events of "War of the Realms," and "Agency" is one of the most important. It's centered around Doctor Strange, and explains why his teleportation spell went out of control in War of the Realms #2.
- War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #1 - The X-Men arrive in New York and attempt to rally the survivors.
- Venom #13-15 - Eddie Brock attempts to defend New York's last survivors, by gaining a new, Venom-less mystical symbiote.
- Giant-Man #1-3 - Freyja dispatches a giant-sized Avengers team to assassinate Ymir. This story opens before the Avengers launch their counter-strikes, but is then disconnected from the rest of the story.
Phase 3: Counter-Strikes
The Avengers launch their counter-strikes, attempting to rescue Thor and deal a devastating blow to Malekith's war machine by destroying his Black Bifrost. Meanwhile, war rages across the planet, with some heroes still working to drive back the invasion.
- War of the Realms #3 - The Avengers initiate their counter-strikes.
- War of the Realms Strikeforce: The Dark Elf Realm - Lady Freyja takes advice from the Punisher while choosing the Svartalfheim team.
- War Scrolls #3 - "The Face of a Warrior" - She-Hulk and Freyja bond on the Svartalfheim mission.
- War of the Realms Strikeforce: The War Avengers - Captain Marvel leads the new War Avengers in an attempt to take out Malekith. This links directly into scenes shown in War of the Realms #3.
- Superior Spider-Man #7-8 - Otto Octavius leads the West Coast Avengers. This side story ultimately sees Octavius' team meet the Jotunheim mission.
- War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #2-3 - The X-Men struggle to hold one of the last human strongholds in New York.
- War of the Realms Strikeforce: The Land of Giants - An in-depth look at the Jotunheim mission, with a focus on Spider-Man. This is one of the most effective tie-ins.
- Moon-Girl and Devil Dinosaur #43 - A flashback establishes a grudge between Moon-Girl and one of the Frost Giants.
- War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery #2-4 - Balder's team gain unexpected allies and enemies in their attempt to keep Laussa safe.
- Champions #5-6 - In two of the more entertaining tie-in issues, the Champions operate on a global scale to drive the invaders back.
- Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #44-46 - Squirrel Girl attempts to drive the Frost Giants back.
- War of the Realms #4 - Odin and Freyja make a last stand at the Black Bifrost in Svartalfheim. Thor is returned to Midgard, and takes charge.
- Thor #13 - A side-story exploring Cul's role in "War of the Realms." This is largely set before the main event, but the end catches up to Freyja's last stand.
Phase 4: Thor Leads The Charge
With Thor returned, the Avengers begin to drive Malekith's forces back. It all builds up to a climatic battle at Stonehenge, and to the ultimate demonstration of Thor's worthiness.
- War of the Realms #5 - Battle rages across Midgard, and Malekith issues a personal challenge against Thor.
- War Scrolls #3 - "A Flower For Victor" - A short story exploring events in Latveria.
- War of the Realms: Spider-Man & the League of Realms #1-3 - The League of Realms have been an important part of Jason Aaron's run, and this story sees Spider-Man take charge of them. It also sees the threat of Kurse defeated.
- Captain Marvel #6-7 - Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange take down the Enchantress.
- War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #3-4 - The New Agents of Atlas defeat the Queen of Cinders, with the help of Captain Marvel.
- Deadpool #13-15 - Deadpool briefly participates in the battle against Ulik in Australia.
- Avengers #20 - She-Hulk heads out to Australia to take down Ulik.
- Asgardians of the Galaxy #10 - Angela defeats the Queen of Heven, and lays waste to Heven itself.
- War Scrolls #1-3 - "The God Without Fear" - Daredevil continues to defend New York. It's difficult to place this particular story in terms of continuity, but it appears to end during the final battle against Laufey in War of the Realms #6.
- War of the Realms #6 - Thor launches an innovative strategy to defeat Malekith, while the Avengers rout the Dark Elf's forces.
- Thor #14 - An important tie-in that focuses on young Thor, and shines an alternate light upon the final battle against Malekith.