The Best Marvel Comic Book Series of 2021
Were Marvel at their absolute best in 2021? Maybe not. Did they still release some of 2021’s best comics? Absolutely.
Some special events were superb, while others were a struggle to read. Some major titles and characters faltered, while others released their best ever material. Some more experimental titles missed the mark, while others were some of Marvel Comics best releases of the year.
Thanks to their sheer quantity of releases, there was no shortage of high quality Marvel material this year. Please enjoy what we found to be the best Marvel comic book series of 2021.
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1. M.O.D.O.K.: Head Games
Writer: Jordan Blum and Patton Oswalt
Artist: Scott Hepburn
M.O.D.O.K. isn’t the easiest character to successfully utilise. The Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing is a ridiculous visual treat, a joy to consume in small doses like one-shots, single cartoon episodes, or even as part of a cabal of villains.
But as a main character, the spotlight reveals just how weird M.O.D.O.K. really is. And that’s not a bad thing per se; at its best, Marvel does an excellent job with “weird”.
M.O.D.O.K. was used to great effect as a key antagonist at the beginning of the ‘Gwenpool’ (2017) series. He was a perfect subject for Gwenpool’s meta dissection of her new life inside a comic book.
He’s more of a risk under the spotlight as the lead character in his own story. Any protagonist needs to be compelling in some manner, requires an engaging narrative, and usually demands some depth of character. Delivering this for M.O.D.O.K. is Jordan Blum and Patton Oswalt’s great success.
When he begins to be haunted by memories of a family he never had, M.O.D.O.K. is unsure if he is losing his mind, or if there is something sinister behind the visions. He undertakes a ridiculous journey that serves as both an exciting origin story for the character and a hilarious mystery in its own right.
It’s tight, punchy, and features pairings with great supporting characters, including Iron Man and Gwenpool (tragically without her own title at present). Scott Hepburn’s action jumps off the page, his characters are an original combination of gruesome and cute, and he elevates Blum and Oswalt’s script into something special.
In 2021, Blum and Oswalt also brought to screens the first season of ‘Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K.’, arguably the best Marvel television show of the year against some stiff competition. ‘Head Games’ is a great companion piece; highly recommended to fans of the show, but also to any comic book fans that want to “keep Marvel weird.”
2. Taskmaster
Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: Alessandro Vitti
For incel fanboys looking for any excuse to hate Black Widow - the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s long awaited return to the big screen - the gender change of the character of Taskmaster was the perfect innocuous and inconsequential creative choice to limp-wristedly slap their keyboards over.
The vitriolic and sexist drivel was typical of the worst parts of comic book fandom, a pathetic niche of the audience that baulk at the thought of diversity, forever in a tantrum-like state that most three-year-old’s would be ashamed of.
However, after reading the superb ‘Taskmaster’ book, it could be argued that the MCU has potentially missed an opportunity with the Taskmaster character. The plot-required lack of personality of Antonia Dreykov’s Taskmaster in the movie is a complete contrast to Tony Masters' Taskmaster in the 2021 comic book.
His unshakeable arrogance, fully-earned fears, and hilarious panic ensure an extremely fun ride. Masters is unlikeable, but charismatic, with a lack of surety on what he’ll do next keeping him wavering between antagonist and anti-hero. He’s constantly out of his depth, failing to solve a mystery that keeps pitting him against some of Marvel’s biggest hitters, and destined to lose.
Jed MacKay’s characterisation and scenarios are meticulous, especially given the non-stop pace of Masters' worldwide journey to save himself from certain death (a.k.a. Black Widow on a revenge-rampage). It’s fascinating to watch Nick Fury off the pace and not working with the full picture, rather than pulling all the strings, and the anti-buddy cop pairing between Nick and Tony is delightfully silly.
Some of Marvel Comics best material in recent years has come from C-grade characters, where the stakes are non-existent, and creators are given free reign to have fun, and not worry about decades of continuity. ‘Taskmaster’ is a perfect example of this, and a standout for Marvel Comics in a year of mixed output.
3. Captain Marvel
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Lee Garbett, Jacopo Camagni, Sergio Davila, David Lopez, Takeshi Miyazawa
Following great success with smaller Marvel titles, Kelly Thompson took on ‘Captain Marvel’ at the start of 2019, coinciding with the release of the hugely popular movie starring Brie Larson.
Going on three years now - a long time in comic books - across thirty four issues her work has been consistently very good, with her strongest issues ranking up there with Captain Marvel’s best ever. It’s no surprise to see Marvel trusting Thompson with their biggest characters, including recent issues of ‘Amazing Spider-Man’.
Thompson knows how to create a solid story arc, and in 2021 Captain Marvel readers were lucky enough to receive the tail end of the epic ‘Brave New World’ and the playful ‘Sorceress Supreme’.
Where Thompson shines head-and-shoulders above contemporaries is by knowing when to temper the action and bring the character to the forefront, specifically to focus on the human being behind the mask (or, in Carol’s case, photon blasts).
She knows how and when to convey the burden of heroism and the strain that it causes, particularly when in combination with everyday personal problems that can be just as hard to bear. It’s what adds weight to stories that are near non-stop action; it’s what causes readers to care, and to keep reading.
Issue #6 of Thompson’s recent run on Deadpool is about as emotionally hopeless and tragic as you’ll ever see the merc-with-a-mouth. After months as the actual King of the Monsters - a title most view as perfectly apt for Wade - he tries in vain to join the X-Men on the mutant-only island of Krakoa, and breaks down when they won’t accept him, regardless of his similarities, his long-running friendship, and the good he’s done for mutant-kind.
Equally crushing is Thompson’s first ‘Black Widow’ story arc. Natasha is free of her dark past and finally able to experience love and stability with her new husband and child. It’s all the more devastating when this happiness is ripped from her in the worst possible way, breaking the already broken Romanoff even further.
So under Thompson’s guidance, how does Carol Danvers fare in 2021? Basically exactly as you would expect. Having returned from the future where her boyfriend James Rhodes has a daughter that isn’t hers, she decides to break up with him for their own good, feeling it to be an inevitable outcome.
She’s haunted with the weight of not knowing what went wrong but feeling certain that something will, and overwhelmed by the unexplored traumas she’s faced without break as Captain Marvel. It takes hard work, friendship, denial, and an overwhelming need to punch something to get her from out under the covers and back into the world to try again. Once the action finally ramps up again, the reader’s investment in Carol is so much higher because you desperately want her to be okay.
4. Beta Ray Bill
Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson
“Ah, sweet pity. Where would my love life have been without it?” - Homer Simpson
At its core, ‘Beta Ray Bill’ is a book driven by pity.
Bill has lost so much throughout his life. His home planet of Korbin, destroyed by Surtur and his Fire Demons. The love of his family, taken away after his selection as the Korbinite champion. His chance of normality, after being cybernetically enhanced. His chance at peace, heroic adventures placing an irremovable target on his head. His ability to change back to his normal humanoid form, Thor having destroyed his hammer, Stormbreaker.
Forever the fighter, he has managed to gain a lot. But his gains are imperfect, and nearly always bittersweet. He’s gained a home in Asgard, but one where he will never truly belong. He’s deemed worthy to lead its eternal hordes, but will do so forever in Thor’s shadow. He’s gained the love and respect of Lady Sif, Asgard’s finest hope, but she recoils at the thought of physically loving his now-permanent horse-form.
It’s a hard thing to come so far, succeed, and have your success not be enough. To remain unfulfilled. And to know that despite your pain, that you need to continue fighting - possibly endlessly - because the only other real choice is to just quit.
Readers may not be able to sympathise exactly with the painful situation of a horse-warrior in space, but anyone that reads ‘Beta Ray Bill’ is certain to be overcome with empathy and pity for his tragic plight.
As writer and artist, Daniel Warren Johnson has managed to create a fantastically cohesive work, one that readers will struggle to put down once they begin. His artistic style is distinct and inimitable. His scratchy linework can seem rushed on first viewing, like a first draft sketch, but on closer inspection there’s a phenomenal amount of detail and care present in every panel.
He’s never afraid to devote a full or three-quarter page to a vital occurrence, with the book benefiting greatly from these instances. Others that are worthy of the same are at times cropped notably or presented far smaller than they deserve, and one feels that ‘Beta Ray Bill’ would be even better if it hadn’t had to adhere to the 24-ish pages of single comic issues.
There’s such an epic majesty to many of his largest images that they’d sell out immediately if printed as posters. Complimenting this significantly, the brevity of his dialogue allows readers to maintain a concise focus on the high energy plot, particularly as he’s ever-willing to show-not-tell with the story.
Tying off the first issue is an interview between Johnson and Beta Ray Bill creator, the legendary Walter Simonson. It’s a joyous bonus inclusion, and it’s clear through his insightful questions about Simonson’s art and creative process that Johnson cares greatly about the character. It seems like he’s wanting to learn and improve even further, a great humility given the quality of ‘Beta Ray Bill’. One hopes that Marvel already has him working on something new.
5. Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade
Writer: Sy Spurrier
Artist: Sergio Davila
Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ was a chore. Not satisfied with the very difficult challenge of introducing a whole new ensemble of bizarre immortals, it shoe-horned in Dane Whitman, better known as the Black Knight, one of Marvel’s most ridiculous characters.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has made an artform out of pre-introducing characters before their own larger stories are told in future MCU movies and TV shows. Their collective output can be viewed as one continuous backdoor pilot, forever testing audience engagement to see what sticks.
Unfortunately for Black Knight fans, Whitman’s appearance in ‘Eternals’ was ham-fisted and unnecessary, a dull and pointless addition that showed nothing of the character’s potential. Kit Harington is a very talented actor, but the worst of Jon Snow in Game of Thrones has clearly shown that he can’t save low quality material.
A cursory consideration of recent cinematic duds like ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’ (2017), ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ (2017), and ‘The Green Knight’ (2021) shows that Arthurian legends are difficult material to translate into a two hour movie that audiences will find engaging and substantial.
The Black Knight seems like a poor choice for Marvel’s overwhelmingly integrated cinematic universe, where every story is hampered by the aftermath of the twenty six that came before it.
Which is a huge loss for fans of Dane Whitman, the silly sometimes-Avenger who has managed over 500 appearances in Marvel comics, yet only four books as the titular character since 1955. He’s an acquired taste for sure, but a positive addition to a comic universe that revels in the ridiculous.
‘Curse of the Ebony Blade’ is a superb outing for the Black Knight. The characterisation of Dane Whitman has a depth that the character deserves, and readers are certain to find themselves feeling sorry for him, but also a little scared, and fully aware of why everyone else in his life finds him a struggle to be around.
He’s inarguably a hero, but one without glory, platitudes, or even respect. He fights altruistically knowing that doing so is likely dooming his own future. ‘Curse of the Ebony Blade’ sees him forced into another seemingly unwinnable fight, right when he’s ready to give up on heroism for his own good. He takes on the challenge, even as it gets progressively harder, battling nobly through his own weaknesses.
‘Ebony Blade’ understands how to make the Black Knight work in a modern setting. Sy Spurrier has done a fantastic job creating a story that has one foot in medieval legend and one foot in the sci-fi technology of the present day, harmoniously balancing the two. It’s also a visual delight, Sergio Davila’s pencils combining with Sean Parson’s inks and Arif Prianto’s colours into something exceptional.
If ‘Eternals’ and its wasted use of Dane Whitman left you unenthusiastic for the future of the MCU, ‘Curse of the Ebony Blade’ will restore your faith in the potential appearance of the Black Knight.
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6. Black Cat
Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: C.F. Villa, Nina Vakueva
Black Cat brings Felicia Hardy back with a mighty symbiotic dragon-roar, yet retaining a remarkable degree of independence. It's still the same lovably amoral heist crew from the last volume; now they're just setting their sights a little higher.
Learn more about ‘Black Cat’ here.
7. Star Wars: The High Republic
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Ario Anindito
‘The High Republic’ has defined, interesting characters and a large cast reminiscent of the Green Lantern Corps. It’s clear that there is a dedication to strong characters and a classic fantasy tone. This book is in good hands with Cavan Scott and the amazing artistic team.
Find out about ‘Star Wars - The High Republic’ here.
8. King in Black (event) / Venom
Writer: Donny Cates + Various
Artist: Ryan Stegman + Various
‘King in Black’ is the gold standard for event books, pitting the heroes of the Marvel Universe against an utterly terrifying force. Fans of Marvel's heroes - Venom in particular - will want to read this series. Cates, Stegman, Mayer, and Martin are an immensely talented creative team.
Learn more about ‘King In Black’ here.
9. Thor & Loki: Double Trouble
Writer: Mariko Tamaki
Artist: Gurihiro
‘Double Trouble’ is a fun and entertaining diversion from the normal heavier plot arcs found right now. Thor and Loki are the ideal agents of chaos, regardless of what they actually intend to do.
Find out more about ‘Thor & Loki: Double Trouble’ here.
10. Daredevil
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Chip Zdarsky's character work shines, and while most writers try for big wow moments, he goes bigger but in a way that doesn't feel forced. Everyone should be reading this book.
Learn more about ‘Daredevil’ here.
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11. Black Widow
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Elena Casagrande
Overall, ‘Black Widow’ is an elegant masterpiece. Every moment is even more captivating than the next. The conclusion to the first arc has been so beautifully crafted, and has been well worth the wait. Treat yourself and pick this one up.
Find out about ‘Black Widow’ here.
12. Eternals
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Esad Ribic
‘Eternals’ clearly takes a lot of inspiration from the relaunched X-Men. The inclusion of info dump pages and the tone itself feels very inline of that entire line of comics. That's not a bad thing because it works REALLY well.
Learn more about ‘Eternals’ here.
13. Star Wars: Darth Vader / Star Wars: War Of The Bounty Hunters (event)
Writer: Greg Pak / Charles Soule + Various
Artist: Raffaele Ienco / Luke Ross + Various
The artwork is superb. Seeing the summa-verminoth in a comic was much more intimidating as the art team shows that dealing with the crushing tentacles may be better than dealing with its other powers. Pak can weave these powerful moments throughout the series that really make the events of Return of the Jedi hit harder.
Find out about ‘Star Wars: Darth Vader’ here.
14. Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon
Writer: Larry Hama
Artist: David Wachter
‘Heart of the Dragon’ is everything you want in a clean, efficient, exciting, and entertaining action comic. The art is dramatic and gritty, and the story moves at a high sprint. Overall, this is an excellent book.
Learn more about ‘Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon’ here.
15. Deadpool: Black, White & Blood
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
‘Deadpool: Black, White & Blood’ is a natural fit for this series that loves its blood and action. The opening issue features some of the best talents in comics and it shows. You'll laugh, you'll gasp, and you'll find plenty here to enjoy.
Find out about ‘Deadpool: Black, White & Blood’ here.
Head here for our Top Ten Best Comic Books of 2021.
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