For just about as long as there have been superhero comic books, groups of characters have banded together to tackle threats too big to be handled alone. These event comics have resulted in some of the most beloved and iconic stories of all time, presenting new personalities, killing off old ones, and serving as inspiration and source material for many cinematic adaptations. 
Originally published in 1971, Avengers: Kree/Skrull War (Marvel. 2013. ISBN 9780785184997. pap. $24.99) is both well known and wholly adored by fans. Written by Roy Thomas and featuring illustration by Sal Buscema, Neal Adams, and John Buscema, the story sees two powerful alien empires—the ancient, genetically manipulated Kree and the sinister shape-shifting Skrulls—going toe-to-toe, with Earth trapped in the center of their cosmic battleground. It’s up to the Avengers to bring peace to the universe in this epic tale, the repercussions of which are still being felt in subsequent issues.
When DC decided to refresh and reboot its brand in 1985, it turned to writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Perez to pen Crisis on Infinite Earths (DC. 2001. ISBN 9781563897504. pap. $29.99; ebk. ISBN 9781401242145). Tasked with bringing closure to story lines that had run for decades, as well creating new approaches to favorites like Superman and the Flash, Wolfman and Perez introduced the Anti-Monitor, an enemy that threatens the very fabric of reality. While the story risks feeling dated, Wolfman’s ability to switch seamlessly between real drama and big action and Perez’s talent for filling each page with stunning, dynamic imagery make this the equivalent of a summer’s worth of blockbuster movies crammed between two covers.
Legendary comic book writer and editor Jim Shooter and artists Mike Zeck and Bob Layton bring together a huge cast in Secret Wars (Marvel. 2011. ISBN 9780785158684. pap. $34.99; ebk. ISBN 9780785170938). Captured by the Beyonder and deposited on a distant planet known as Battleworld, the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and other Marvel superstars must unite to defeat an army composed of all of their worst foes. Shooter’s script features moments of intense conflict as well as skillfully crafted subplots that deal with forbidden romance and political machinations on both sides. The fallout saw major changes to multiple Marvel titles, including the establishment of Spider-Man’s nemesis Venom.
When the majority of the Justice League are handily defeated by their evil counterparts from another dimension called the Crime Syndicate, Batman must partner with Lex Luthor and some of the DC Universe’s most dastardly scoundrels to save the day in Forever Evil (DC. 2015. ISBN 9781401248918. $24.99; pap. ISBN 9781401253387. $19.99; ebk ISBN 9781401253523). Writer Geoff Johns analyzes the complicated psychology behind villains such as Luthor, Catwoman, Sinestro, and more but doesn’t skimp on the fights, which are brutal and powerfully presented by illustrator David Finch. While this comic is darker than is typical, it is still able to find those moments of humor. It’s hard not to root for the baddies this time around.
One of the best-selling and most influential comic events of the last decade is Civil War (Marvel. 2007. ISBN 9780785121794. pap. $24.99; ebk. ISBN 9780785170242), which details the clash that erupts between Captain America and Iron Man. The latter, following the tragic destruction of a small town in a superpowered brawl, pushes for more government regulation of masked crusaders, which means that all costumed do-gooders should be required to reveal their secret identities. When Captain America and his followers refuse to comply, it’s all-out war among former allies. Writer Mark Millar is capable of making even the most mundane moments of conversation seem to brim with grandeur, and artist Steve McNiven’s clean lines are the perfect complement. Countless plots throughout superhero history have threatened to change the lives of these characters forever—here’s one that finally does it.
When the evil Thanos acquires The Infinity Gauntlet (Marvel. 2011. ISBN 9780785156598. pap. $24.99; ebk. ISBN 9780785170655), an artifact that gives its bearer godlike abilities, his first order of business is to kill half the universe’s population. Luckily, many of Marvel’s mightiest champions are among those remaining, but even they might not be enough to stop Thanos before he forces every survivor to bow before him. Writer Jim Starlin and artists George Perez and Ron Lim pack in exciting action and far-out sf philosophy in equal measure as even the living embodiments of the fundamental forces of the universe—Eternity, Chaos, and others—join in the struggle to strip Thanos of his power.
