The Siege is over, and the Heroic Age has begun.  Iron Man, Thor and Captain America have been the Avengers’ heart and soul since the team’s earliest days. But in the wreckage of Asgard, they find themselves squabbling over old wounds. As unstable magics cast the heroes-at-odds into the scattered Nine Realms, they quickly realize the world in which they’re trapped is not how it should be. Can they come together and put it right?

Then, as the three heroes re-forge the Avengers with the likes of Hawkeye, Spider-Man, Wolverine and Spider-Woman, Kang returns from the future bearing ill tidings of a force so powerful even he can’t conquer it!

Plus, what’s next for the New Avengers? Steve Rogers offers Cage the reins of his own team, but which heroes will Luke choose to join him – assuming he even wants the gig to begin with? He better decide soon, because the forces of evil are literally dropping out of the sky – and even master mystics Doctor Strange, Doctor Voodoo and Daimon Hellstrom are at a loss to stop it. It’s time for Luke Cage and his New Avengers to step up, or their first mission may well be their last!

Volume 8 Secret Histories

Determined to keep the tradition alive, founding Avenger Hank Pym leads a core team of veteran heroes in creating a place where the next generation of Earth’s Mightiest can be trained by the greatest of those who preceded them. An institution where everyone who has ever been an Avenger can share their skill, knowledge and experience. The future is in their hands…and in the hands of the six young super-humans chosen to make up the inaugural class. But who are they?

Then Steve Rogers has a secret: The former Captain America has assembled a special-ops team to counter the world’s deadliest threats. Who are the Secret Avengers? Spy intrigue meets super-hero action as this case crosses dimensions and lands on Martian soil – and somehow involves none other than Nick Fury!

Finally the world’s most dangerous felon is in the world’s top supermax-security prison–an institution so secret that even the vice president doesn’t know it exists. But can any cell contain Norman Osborn? After the events of SIEGE, the former Green Goblin, Iron Patriot and power-mad director of worldwide security isn’t allowed to have a toothbrush…and he’s surrounded by the deadliest criminals in the world. Lucky for Osborn, they’re fans.

Heroic Age: Thor / Iron Man

Tony Stark is back on his feet with Stark Resilient, a new company dedicated to bringing free, clean energy to the world – and that’s just the start. But that kind of bold move naturally attracts enemies – and with a spy planted in his company by rival Justine Hammer, Tony can’t afford to make any mistakes. Unfortunately, distractions abound – including a left-wing anarchist cult’s theft of Stark technology and the Mandarin’s omnipresent shadow – and Tony faces long odds to keep from making those mistakes. Does the corporate saboteur have him right where he wants him?
In the wake of SIEGE, Asgard must take its proper place as the Golden Realm, most glorious of the nine worlds of myth. But that means Thor’s home isn’t just a beacon…it’s a target! And what happens to the Asgardians and the denizens of all nine worlds — including Earth! — when a dark, destructive force from another reality comes on the warpath?

Then, the Silver Surfer — herald of Galactus, devourer of worlds — recognizes the Worldheart as the one object that could forever sate his master’s apocalyptic appetite. Now, the Surfer has come to Asgard to claim a prize Odin will not surrender without a fight — and Thor is caught in the middle. Will he entrust the Worldheart to the Surfer?

Volume 9 Infinite Problems

One of the greatest secrets in Marvel history is laid bare! The Illuminati thought their days as the world’s protectors were over–until the Hood escaped from prison and embarked on a quest to gather the all-powerful Infinity Gems, which the Illuminati had taken responsibility for safeguarding. Now, Iron Man, Professor X, Mr. Fantastic, the Sub-Mariner, Dr. Strange and Black Bolt will fact a reckoning like never before when Steve Rogers–current commander of the Avengers–learns of their years-long subterfuge. Will even the combined might of the Avengers, New Avengers, Secret Avengers and Illuminati be enough to take down a cosmically powered Hood?

Then in 1959: under presidential orders, Nick Fury assembles the first Avengers–Victor Creed. Namora. Kraven the Hunter. Dominick Fortune. Silver Sable. Ulysses Bloodstone. Their mission? Stop the rise of the Red Skull’s Fourth Reich–or die trying. Present day: Luke Cage’s New Avengrs are settling to life at Avengers Mansion. But as the team begins to gel, Norman Osborn’s HAMMER is secretly rebuilding.

Plus Shang Chi the Master of Kung Fu falls victim to a brazen attack!  The Celestial Order of the Hai-Dai tries to kidnap him and return him to his father, a man of consummate evil, rumored to be alive again and bent on restoring his demonic legacy. Can Steve Rogers and his covert squad of Secret Avengers move in to save Shang-Chi and secure the mystical Eyes of the Dragon?  Plus: Spider-Woman has gone missing after discovering a secret from outer space, but her Avengers teammates are hot on her trail. What is the mystery of the Spaceknight?

From here I spun Spider-Man out into his own series of binds.

Spider-Man Vol 1 Spider-Island

Shattered Heroes: Iron Man

His name is Tony, and he’s an alcoholic. Iron Man saw a city turned to stone and witnessed a war among gods. And when he thought the world was ending, he got drunk. Bloodied but not beaten in the wake of Fear Itself, he’s a hero with a humble goal: to make things right, in both his business and his life. But the Mandarin and Ezekiel Stane have other plans, publicizing Tony’s struggle to stay sober while assembling a super-villain army to close in for the kill. And Sasha and Justine Hammer are continuing to tighten the screws on the only man who stands in their way on the road to worldwide technological dominance. Can Iron Man withstand this all-out assault, or will he again succumb to his demon?

Tony Stark’s life is spiraling out of control – or so it seems. As his deadly chess match against the Mandarin reaches its fateful crescendo, will Tony’s inscrutable strategy result in a hard-fought victory or utter defeat? Can Rescue, Iron Man 2.0 and War Machine team up – and not kill one another – while Tony Stark…builds the Mandarin’s ultimate weapon?! What is the stunning truth behind the Mandarin’s mission? How can our heroes stop the Mandarin’s plans? And what insane invention is Zeke Stane willing to unleash? The true villain is revealed as Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu, uncovers a monster threat to humanity. It’s Tony vs. Stane vs. the Mandarin for the ultimate stakes, while Rescue and IM2.0 take on Hammer! Who wins and loses? Who lives and dies? But more important: What’s next for Tony Stark and Iron Man? You won’t believe it until you read it!

Shattered Heroes: Captain America

Think you know the story of Cap and Bucky’s origins? Well, think again. The secret story of the early days of Captain America is revealed here, told from Bucky Barnes point of view. What was Cap and Bucky’s first mission together? What was the tragedy that happened on it that changed everything about who Bucky was? And what is the secret that connects the Cap and Bucky series to Cap’s modern day stories?

He’s been Bucky and Captain America – now, James Barnes returns to the role of the Winter Soldier! When ex-Russian sleeper agents awaken, the trail leads to Latveria…and Winter Soldier and the Black Widow come face-to-face with Dr. Doom! Can Marvel’s super-spies prevent war with Latveria? Can Bucky stop the sleepers he himself trained? Old enemies resurface with new identities, and Winter Soldier and Black Widow’s hunt gets personal in the aftermath of a savage murder.

The Serpent Society has come in to possession of one of the most vicious weapons on Earth: a device that causes instant madness. The result? Hundreds – potentially thousands – of otherwise normal citizens scratching, clawing, fighting and dying in a melee of epic proportions. It’s the kind of threat Cap has faced before – but now, his worst nightmares are coming true. Is Steve really devolving into the 98-pound weakling he was before taking Dr. Erskine’s Super-Soldier Serum? Does the secret to saving him lie in a cure – or in his own mind?

Volume 11: Children’s Crusade

The Young Avengers return in an epic saga! As Wiccan’s reality-altering powers begin to rival those of the Scarlet Witch, the young hero sets out on a quest to find her that spans the Marvel Universe and pits Wiccan against the Avengers, X-Men and the Young Avengers? Then it’s a new start for the Academy kids! New students! New staff! New West Coast campus! Then: Reptil’s darkest secret is revealed! And when X-23 joins Avengers Academy, will they survive the experience?

The madness and drama of FEAR ITSELF has taken its toll on the Avengers and now they must reinvent themselves once more! Get ready for some old-school Avengers blockbuster action as Norman Osborn returns in a blistering new storyline! H.A.M.M.E.R. has combined forces with Hydra, AIM, and the Hand! If that was not enough the Dark Avengers return! What insanity is about to be unleashed on the world and what can the Avengers do to stop it?! And wait until you find out who is behind the Dark Avengers’ masks! Actually, wait until the Avengers find out who is behind the masks! Get ready for a no holds bar, grudge match battle that will not soon be forgotten!

Continued in Avengers Vs X-Men!

Avengers Vol 12: End Times

It is graduation day for the students of Avengers Academy! Now faced with the opportunity to live as ordinary teenagers, they must make the biggest decision of their lives! Captain America has handpicked Hawkeye to take over his covert Avengers squad – as long as the world’s greatest marksman proves he can cut it in the spy game. When the robots of the Marvel Universe revolt can the archer lead them safely? Just who are the human/synthezoid hybrids known as the Descendants? Then, Thanos returns! But a certain group called the Guardians of the Galaxy are right on this tail!

It’s the final explosive story arc for long-time Avengers writer Brian Michael Bendis! Tony Stark intercepts a signal that may lead the Avengers into the arms of one of their dearest friends…or their greatest enemies. Meanwhile, one of the New Avengers’ deadliest foes hatches an elaborate plot for revenge that throws the team into disarray. Many hard and permanent choices need to be made as a new Sorcerer Supreme ascends! But who will be the new master of Marvel magic, and what sacrifice will they have to make to achieve such power? Watch as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes come to terms with themselves as a team and a family…but does this modern world really need the Avengers? One of the most controversial and spectacular eras of the Avengers comes to a close!

Onward to Age of Ultron!

Back to Siege!

Back to Avengers vol 5-6

back to Avengers Vol 4 The Initiative Era 

Back to Avengers Vol 1-3 Bendis Era

I have adjusted the reading order of the books from my chronological listing of Siege for pacing purposes since I also split it into two volumes.

Volume 1 First Blood

Beginning with the ravaging effects of Avengers Disassembled and following the aftermath of House of M, Civil War and Secret Invasion, culminating with the evil Reign of Norman Osborn, the Marvel Universe has been left with its greatest villains holding more power and control than ever before. On the brink of madness, Osborn, in his final bid to take total control, targets the final obstacle in his mission…Asgard.

Events are set in motion forcing our heroes to put aside the deep rifts that have grown over the past seven years. Opposing them stand a horde of evil that has begun to take down the gods of the Golden Realm! SIEGE will rock the foundations of every super hero, villain and team in the Marvel Universe. Witness the end of an Avengers era as the clouds start to part and the Dark Reign comes to a close…

Volume 2 Fall of Asgard

The storm that is Dark Reign intensifies as Norman Osborn rallies every single super power at his disposal to invade Asgard. He has ruled the Marvel Universe with an iron fist but this time he may have gotten in over his head. The warrior race that is the Asgardians will not yield nor surrender and when the heroes join the battle things actually get worse. It all ends here! Plus: A lingering menace created by fiendish Loki as an afterthought returns to wreak havoc on the Asgardians! Can Thor and his unlikely allies defeat this devastating force of destruction?! Or in their weakened state after the battles of Siege, will this new, ancient enemy prove too strong?

Onto Avengers vol 7-12 the Heroic Age 

Back to Avengers vol 5-6

Back to Dark Reign Marvel Universe!

Volume 5: The Dark Avengers

From the ashes of Secret Invasion Norman Osborn has risen to power and has now been proclaimed the protector of the world.  What plans does his Cabal have in store?  What will the heroes of the Marvel Universe do now that the villains are on top?  Can Norman keep the Green Goblin in check?  And who are his Dark Avengers?  As the dark clouds cover the Marvel Universe his reign has begun.From here you can take a tour of the Marvel Universe in Dark Reign: Marvel Universe

Dark Reign: Avengers Prime

Tony Stark has lost everything. The Avengers, his fortune and his position as lead of S.H.I.E.L.D. However he does not leave Stark Tower empty handed. After storing the S.H.R.A. (Super Hero Registration Act) Database in his mind he goes on the run from Norman Osborn to protect the identities of the registered super humans. As he slowly erases the database from his mind he is also erasing his mind…

Loki’s schemes begin to build as Thor is banished from Asgard! Can he find Sif in die before the body she inhabits expires? And as Dr. Doom’s continues his twisted experiments it ultimately leads to a confrontation with the Asgardians and Thor!

Finally the new Captain America settles into his new uniform when someone from his past forces him to lay down his shield. The Winter Soldier has returned! And what has Sharon Carter remembered? A figure in the light?

Dark Reign:  Mighty Avengers Initiative

Hank Pym picks up the pieces of his life after Secret Invasion but where does he belong? The woman he loved is gone and a Skrull imposter has been living his life everything has changed. But when the return of an old enemy threatens all life on the planet Pym forms his own Avengers, the Mighty Avengers! But what is the Scarlet Witch up to?

The 50 State Initiative promised to train young heroes and put a Super Hero team in every state. However Norman Osborn has some plans of his own as he takes over and adds known villains to the roster! And wait until you see who he puts in charge! Will the Initiative recruits take a stand against the corruption? And what is the Avengers Resistance?

Volume 6: The New Avengers Strike Back

Lines have been crossed. As Osborn tries to strengthen his grip on the Marvel Universe things and people begin slipping through his fingers. As new laws are drafted to restrict mutant rights Norman finds an opportunity to boost his public standing. However he faces the mutant militia known as the X-Men and their leader Cyclops. Forming a mutant group of his own Norman unveils his Dark X-Men. It’s a chess game of war but who will be the victor?

Then New Avengers find themselves once again facing off against the Hood’s crew but where is the Hood? Things go from bad to worse as the Avengers are stripped of their powers and then the Dark Avengers arrive! A ray of light shines through Norman’s reign as the greatest Avenger is reborn! And what exactly is going on with the Sentry?

I mainly put Mighty Avengers 34 here as the round table discussion talks about recent events that are in this volume. If I put it with the rest of Mighty it would spoil things that happen before you get to this volume. If you’re not binding Mighty Avengers then you can leave it out.

Continues in Dark Reign Marvel Universe!

Or jump to Siege!

Back to Secret Invasion!

back to Avengers Vol 4 The Initiative Era 

Back to Avengers Vol 1-3 Bendis Era