Everything You Need To Know About Marvel Legacy

Over the past few years Marvel has been in a bit of a holding pattern of yearly relaunches. While it worked in the early days, it has become a practice with diminishing results. So when Secret Empire wraps up in September, the publisher is trying something a little bit different.

Introducing Marvel Legacy, the new publishing intuitive which is set to honour the past, bring classic heroes to the forefront and kick off a new era of Marvel stories.

Marvel Legacy will be a great place to start reading Marvel Comics, whether you are a regular reader, lapsed or never touched a comic in your life.

If you don’t follow the comic book news or simply confused about what Marvel Legacy actually is, this handy guide will answer all of burning questions you have. It will be updated regularly when more information comes to light, especially in regards to the comics which are involved.

Is It A Relaunch or Reboot?

No.

While Marvel has done many line-wide relaunches in the past, Marvel Legacy is more of a banner for their comics. Instead of taking all their comics back to issue #1 it will it will kick-off brand new stories for long-time and newer fans alike.

And it is definitely not a reboot. All of the history will still be there, but readers will not be required to have an encyclopedic level of knowledge going in.

How Does It Begin?

So, where is the best place to start reading Marvel Legacy? It all begins with a one-shot comic called Marvel Legacy #1, a whopping 50-page issue. In this one-shot we’ll see various hints and clues as to what Marvel has in store for us over the coming months and even a return of a much loved character.

Along with some of our favourite heroes the one-shot will also feature the Avengers of 1,000,000 BC. that team will feature Odin and Agamotto as well as versions of Iron Fist, Black Panther, Ghost Rider, Phoenix, and Star Brand from that time period.

It’s a clean entry point for new and lapsed readers, with the story setting up future stories instead of servicing those that have happened beforehand. So if you’ve never read a Marvel comic in your life you will still be able to follow what’s going on.

The issue will be written by Jason Aaron with art by Esad Ribic and will have a massive four-panel fold-out cover by Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada.

Do I Need To Have Read Previous Marvel Comics To Understand It?

No.

Marvel has stated that the Marvel Legacy one-shot will be new reader friendly and will prime you with everything you need to going forward. In addition to this, Marvel have also stated that the comics as part of Marvel Legacy will also be clean jumping-on points.

Marvel will also be including recap pages that act as a primer for those who are not overly familiar with what has been happening with the characters lately.

When Does It Begin?

Marvel Legacy kicks off with the one-shot of the same name on September 27th with other comics rolling out from October into 2018.

Bringing Back Familiar Heroes, But Keeping The New

Over the past few years Marvel has elevated other characters to fill in their shoes of their biggest characters. Jane Foster became Thor, with the original one being unworthy. Amadeus Cho became the Hulk, with Bruce Banner cured and then later dying. Similar things happened with other characters too, although, in most cases the original hung around with less focus.

As part of Marvel Legacy, the original characters you know and love will be returning in a big way. How? It’s not quite clear yet and will probably be different for each character.

However, that doesn’t mean the newer characters won’t disappear! They’ll still be around too. Marvel will just be juggling both versions of the character, which will appeal to different readers.

What Is Legacy Numbering?

In many reports, and even through Marvel, you’ll hear the term “Legacy Numbering” – but what does it actually mean?

It’s essentially the issue number that the comic would be on if hadn’t been renumbered in the past. Here’s Marvel’s maths on Deadpool as an example:

Publishers like Marvel and DC often use legacy number as a way of celebrating the past or honouring a milestone. For Marvel Legacy, it appears to be a commitment from the publisher move away from the relaunch habit they been in over the past few years and focus more on great stories.

Which Comics Will Be Renumbered?

Here are all the Marvel comics which will receive legacy numbering. I’ll add all of the relevant information about them when they’re revealed.

Amazing Spider-Man

Written by Dan Slott. Art by Stuart Immonen.

Legacy Starting Issue: #789
Story Arc Name: Fall of Parker

A new era of Spider-Man! New relationships, new foes and a return to the Daily Bugle?

Amazing Spider-Man #789 available on October 11th.

Avengers

Written by Mark Waid. Art by Jesus Siaz.

Legacy Starting Issue: #672
Story Arc Name: Worlds Collide

Avengers kicks off the Legacy era with part 1 of Worlds Collide, a crossover with Champions. Will feature the villain The High Evolutionary who has set the two teams on a collision coarse with destruction.

You can find out more about Worlds Collide in this reading order checklist.

Avengers #672 is available on October 4th.

BUT that’s not all for Avengers! Once that crossover is complete there will be a new jumping on point for Avengers as it takes on a new schedule.

Written by Mark Waid, Al Ewing and Jim Zub. Art by Pepe Larraz, Kim Jacinto and Paco Medina.

Legacy Starting Issue: #675
Story Arc Name: No Surrender

In January Avengers becomes a weekly series with the brand new story, No Surrender, for 16 weeks. It will feature a huge cast of characters for what should be a massive story. To accommodate the weekly schedule U.S.Avengers and Uncanny Avengers will be finishing up in December.

Avengers #675 is available in January.

Black Panther

Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Art by Leonard Kirk.

Legacy Starting Issue: #166
Story Arc Name: Klaw Stands Supreme

It’s Black Panther vs Klaw – his greatest foe! War is looming in Wakanda and the Wakandian gods have left. Who will save Wakanda when its in so much turmoil?

Black Panther #166 is available on October 25th.

Cable

Written by Ed Brisson. Art by Jon Malin.

Legacy Starting Issue: #150
Story Arc Name: The Newer Mutants

The time-traveller Cable has put together a team of mutants in order to stop a mutant killer that he won’t be able to handle on his own.

Cable #150 is available on October 15th.

Captain America

Written by Mark Waid. Art by Chris Samnee.

Legacy Starting Issue: #695
Story Arc Name:

Captain America has been in rough shape lately and in the post-Secret Empire Marvel Universe Captain America needs to be seen in a better light and get back to basics. In order to do this Cap will be roaming the country to do good.

Captain America #695 is available on November 1st.

Captain Marvel

Written Margaret Stohl. Art by Michele Bandini.

Legacy Starting Issue:#125
Story Arc Name: Dark Origin

This opening Marvel Legacy story arc will explore Captain Marvel’s past and present and realign it into something that is no longer convoluted.

Read a preview of Captain Marvel #125.

Captain Marvel #125 is available on October 25th.

Daredevil

Written by Charles Soule. Art by Stefano Landini.

Legacy Starting Issue: #595
Story Arc Name: Mayor Fisk

Wilson Fisk has become the mayor of New York City?! That can’t be right! Daredevil will have to use his powers and the law to try and take him down.

Read a preview of Daredevil #595.

Daredevil #595 is available on November 8th.

Despicable Deadpool

Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Scott Koblish.

Legacy Starting Issue:#287
Story Arc Name: Deadpool Kills Cable

When Deadpool was first introduced to the world he was definitely a villain, but over the years he has transitioned into sort of a hero. For this jumping-on point he’s going back to his villainous roots and to prove to the world that he’s gone bad he’s going to try and kill his good friend Cable.

Despicable Deadpool #267 is available on October 11th.

Doctor Strange

Written by Donny Crates. Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta.

Legacy Starting Issue: #381
Story Arc Name: Loki: Sorcerer Supreme

Doctor Strange’s powers are not what they used to be, so it’s no surprise that there’s a brand new Sorcerer Supreme in town – Loki.

Doctor Strange #381 is available on November 15th.

Generation X

Written by Christina Strain. Art by Amilcar Pinna.

Legacy Starting Issue: #85
Story Arc Name: OG Gen X

Teens, mutants and drama. That’s what Generation X is all about. In this new jumping on point the new cast of Gen X will meet the original cast.

Generation X is available on December 20th.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Marcus To.

Legacy Starting Issue: #146
Story Arc Name: Infinity Quest

The team will be joining up with the Nova Corps in order to track down the Infinity Stones.

Guardians of the Galaxy #146 is available on November 1st.

Incredible Hulk

Written by Greg Pak. Art by Greg Land.

Legacy Starting Issue: #709
Story Arc Name: Return to Planet Hulk

Marvel are taking readers back to Skaar, aka Planet Hulk, but this time with the Amadeus Cho version of the character. Amadeus receives a distress signal from the warrior planet and goes to investigate.

Incredible Hulk #708 will be available on October 18th.

Invincible Iron Man

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by Stefano Caselli.

Legacy Starting Issue: #593
Story Arc Name: The Search For Tony Stark

Since the conclusion of Civil War II, Tony Stark has been in a coma with his legacy handed down to Riri Williams which has used his tech to become Ironheart. In this new jumping-on point Tony Stark has gone missing! Where is he? We don’t know, we’ll have to read to find out.

Invincible Iron Man #593 is available on October 18th.

Iron Fist

Written by Ed Brisson. Art by Mike Perkins.

Legacy Starting Issue: #73
Story Arc Name: Sabretooth: Round Two

K’un-Lun’s very existence is being threatened by an unknown threat and Iron Fist will have to team-up with the deadly Sabretooth.

Iron Fist #73 is available on October 4th.

Luke Cage

Written by David F. Walker. Art by Nelson Blake.

Legacy Starting Issue: #166
Story Arc Name: Caged!

Carl Lucas went to prison for a crime he didn’t commit and came out as Luke Cage. Now Cage is back in prison, but who is responsible for it?

Luke Cage #166 is available on October 18th.

The Mighty Thor

Written Jason Aaron. Art by Russell Dauterman, Walter Simonson, Oliver Coipel, Chris Burnham, Hames Harren and others.

Legacy Starting Issue: #700
Story Arc Name: The Death of Mighty Thor

With a omnious title like “The Death of Mighty Thor”will we see Jane Foster (who has taken the mantle of Thor for the past few years) actually die?

The Mighty Thor #700 is available on October 18th.

Moon Knight

Written by Max Bemis. Art by Jacen Burrows.

Legacy Starting Issue: #188
Story Arc Name: Crazy Runs In The Family

Moon Knight gets a new arc-nemesis, who is looking destroy him with blinding light and fire.

Moon Knight #188 is available on November 11th.

Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man

Written by Chip Zdarsky. Art by Adam Kubert.

Legacy Starting Issue:#297
Story Arc Name: Most Wanted

Is Spider-Man a menace to society? The NYPD sure seem to think so!

Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #297 is available on November 15th.

The Punisher

Written by Matthew Rosenberg. Art by Guiu Vilanova.

Legacy Starting Issue: #218
Story Arc Name: Frank Castle: War Machine

The Punisher has found War Machine’s armour and is now using it in his crusade against crime.

The Punisher #218 is available on November 15th.

She-Hulk

Written by Mariko Tamaki. Art by Jahnoy Lindsay.

Legacy Starting Issue: #159
Story Arc Name: Jen Walters Must Die

She-Hulk takes out on a classic Hulk villain – The Leader!

She-Hulk #159 is available on November 8th.

Spider-Man

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by Oscar Bazaldua.

Legacy Starting Issue: Sinister Six Reborn
Story Arc Name: #234

This is the series starring Mile Morales. In this jumping-on-point we’re introduced to a new Sinister Six who are making Mile’s life a living hell.

Spider-Man #234 is available on November 1st.

Which Comic’s Numbers Are Stay The Same?

Not every comic is being renumbered. There are a big batch which are business as usual, but have brand new stories beginning.

All-New Wolverine

Written by Tom Taylor. Art by Juann Cabal.

Jumping-on Issue: #25
Story Arc Name: Orphans of X

Wolverine’s son, Daken has been kidnapped and it’s up to Laura (aka X-23, aka the All-New Wolverine) to find him. The trail leads her to where she was created (she’s a female clone of Wolverine herself) and where all kinds of horrors are waiting for them.

All-New Wolverine #25 is available on October 11th.

America

Written by Gabby Rivera. Art by Joe Quinones.

Jumping-on Issue: #8
Story Arc Name: Exterminatrix

America Chavez has been on a mission to defend the multiverse from all kinds threats. In this jumping-on issue we will see her take on her biggest threat yet in the form of Exterminatrix and the Midas Coproration.

America #8 is available on October 25th.

Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows

Written by Jody Houser. Art by Nick Roche.

Jumping-on Issue: #13
Story Arc Name: Eight Years Later

This is an alternate universe series in which Spider-Man had a superhero family with Mary Jane.

Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #13 is available on November 22nd.

Astonishing X-Men

Jumping-on Issue: #7
Story Arc Name: A Man Called X

Astonishing X-Men #7 is available in January.

Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider

Written by Peter David. Art by Will Sliney.

Jumping-on Issue: #10
Story Arc Name: The Slingers Return

Ben Reilly is the clone of Spider-Man, who happens to have his own series. In this jumping on issue he comes across his old team mates and 90’s throwbacks, The Slingers.

Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #10 is available on November 15th.

Black Bolt

Written Saladin Ahmed. Art by Christian Ward.

Jumping-on Issue: #8
Story Arc Name: The Midnight King Returns to Earth

After some time away in space, Black Bolt returns to Earth to find that the Inhumans have been treated poorly. He’s now pissed and looking for those responsible.

Black Bolt #8 is available on December 6th.

Champions

Jumping-on Issue: #13
Story Arc Name: Worlds Collide

This issue is technically part 2 of a story which is crossing over with Avengers.

You can find out more about Worlds Collide in this reading order checklist.

Champions #13 is available on October 18th.

Defenders

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by David Marquez.

Jumping-on Issue: #6
Story Arc Name: Kingpins of New York

Just like Netflix’s upcoming Defenders series, this team is made up of Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. In this jumping-on story we see that New York City is in grip of a crime war due to the absence of the The Kingpin. Who will be the new Kingpin? You’ll have to read to find out.

To make their matters worse, serial pest Deadpool has arrived in town.

Defenders #6 is available on October 11th.

Hawkeye

Written by Kelly Thompson. Art by Leonardo Romero.

Jumping-on Issue: #13
Story Arc Name: Family Reunion

Kate Bishop and Clint Barton have reunited as they help each other out with their problems.

Hawkeye #13 is available on December 6th.

Iceman

Written by Sina Grace. Art by Robert Gill.

Jumping-on Issue: #6
Story Arc Name: Champions Reassembled

Back in the 70’s Iceman was part of a bizarre team known as The Champions, which featured Hercules, Ghost Rider, Black Widow, Darkstar, and Angel. In this story, Iceman has decided that it’s time to get the team back together so he can use his evolving powers for good.

This is one of those series which promises to be very character-driven and we should see an Iceman, which grows from issue to issue.

Iceman #6 is available on October 4th.

Jean Grey

Written by Dennis Hopeless. Art by Victor Ibanez.

Jumping-on Issue: #8
Story Arc Name: Psych War

The Phoenix Force is on its way to Earth to make Jean it’s host once again. Usually, when the Phoenix Force comes it leaves death and destruction in it’s wake and Jean is not prepared for that. In order to get ready she tracks down former host, and current villain, Emma Frost to help train her. But will Emma want to train her?

Jean Grey #8 is available on October 25th.

Jessica Jones

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by Michael Gaydos.

Jumping-on Issue: #13
Story Arc Name: Return of the Purple Man

Jessica takes on one of her greatest enemies The Purple Man, or has Netflix fans might know him better as, Killgrave.

Jessica Jones #13 is available on October 4th.

Monsters Unleashed

Written by Cullen Bunn. Art by Andrea Broccardo.

Jumping-on Issue: #7
Story Arc Name: And Lo There Came…A Poison!

Under Antarctica there is a realm that homes giant monsters who busting to escape. Will Kid Kaiju and his gang of monsters be able to stop them?

Monsters Unleashed #7 is available on October 18th.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur

Written by Brandon Montclare. Art by Natacha Bustos.

Jumping-on Issue: #25
Story Arc Name: Fantastic Three

Moon Girl teams up with Johnny Storm and The Thing to stop an ancient cosmic menace which is heading to Earth.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #25 is available on November 22nd.

Ms. Marvel

Written by G. Willow Wilson. Art by Nico Leon.

Jumping-on Issue: #25
Story Arc Name: Teenage Wasteland

Ms. Marvel has vanished! In her void Hersey City has a new hero in Red Dagger. Who is Red Dagger? You’ll have to read to find out!

Ms. Marvel #25 is available on December 20th.

Old Man Logan

Written by Ed Brisson. Art Mike Deodato.

Jumping-on Issue: #31
Story Arc Name: The Scarlet Samurai

Logan takes on The Hand, lead by the mysterious Scarlet Samurai.

Old Man Logan #31 is available on November 29th.

Royals

Written by Al Ewing. Art by Javier Rodriguez.

Jumping-on Issue: #9
Story Arc Name: Fire From Heaven

Royals is a series which follows the Inhuman’s quest in outer space to find the Kree – the alien race which created them – sop they can find a new source of Terrigan mist. In this new story arc, we find out that there was an alien race that created the Kree and that they may be the Inhuman’s best bet to finding more Terrigan.

Royals #9 is available on October 4th.

Secret Warriors

Jumping-on Issue: #8
Story Arc Name: Vs Mister Sinister

Mr Sinister has had a keen, yet villainous eye on the X-Men for years,  but he’s decided to turn his efforts towards the Inhumans. Whatever he has planned for them cannot be good!

Secret Warriors #8 is available on November 15th.

Spider-Gwen

Written by Jason Latour. Art by Robbi Rodriguez.

Jumping-on Issue: #25
Story Arc Name: Gwenom

Spider-Gwen is a kind of a what if series, set in a different universe, which tells the story of Gwen Stacy being bitten by the radioactive spider instead of Peter Parker. In this jumping-on issues, we’re introduced this universes Venom.

Spider-Gwen #25 is available on October 18th.

Spider-Man/Deadpool

Written by Robbie Thompson. Art by Chris Bachalo.

Jumping-on Issue: #23
Story Arc Name: Spider-Man Versus Deadpool

The bromance is over! Spidey and Deadpool now officially hate each other and don’t mind showing it.

Spider-Man/Deadpool #23 is available on November 8th.

Thanos

Written by Donny Crates. Art by Geoff Shaw.

Jumping-on Issue: #13
Story Arc Name: Thanos Triumphant

What happens when Thanos actually wins against the heroes of the Marvel Universe? This story will explore that very question.

Thanos #13 is available on November 22nd.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl

Written by Ryan North. Art by Erica Henderson.

Jumping-on Issue: #27
Story Arc Name: The Forbidden Pla-Nut

Squirrel Girl heads off into outer space to save her stranded friends. To help her is Loki, who is the brand new Sorcerer Supreme.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #27 is available on December 13th.

The Unbelieveable Gwenpool

Written by Chris Hastings. Art by Irene Strychalski.

Jumping-on Issue: #21
Story Arc Name: Doom Sees You

Gweenpool takes on Doctor Doom!

The Unbelievable Gwenpool is available on October 11th.

Written by Al Ewing. Art by Paco Medina.

Jumping-on Issue: #11
Story Arc Name: Cannonball Run

The U.S.Avengers latest mission is to find their missing teammate – Cannonball – in outer space. Their quest will lead them to a strange planet which kind of reminiscent classic Archie comics.

U.S.Avengers is available on October 25th.

Uncanny Avengers

Written by Jim Zub. Art by Sean Izaakse.

Jumping-on Issue: #28
Story Arc Name: Stars and Garters

In the history of Marvel Comics there’s one friendship that has stood the test of time, Beast and Wonder Man. This Marvel Legacy arc will explore the pair’s friendship and general importance of friendship.

Uncanny Avengers is a team which is built up of a mixture of X-Men and Avengers.

Uncanny Avengers #28 is available on October 11th.

Venom

Written by Mike Costa. Art by Mark Bagley.

Jumping-on Issue: #155
Story Arc Name: Lethal Protector

Venom vs Kraven the Hunter!

Note: Venom was recently renumbered (before Marvel Legacy)

Venom #155 is available from October 4th.

Weapon X

Written by Greg Pak. Art by Yildiray Cinar.

Jumping-on Issue: #12
Story Arc Name: Nuke-Clear War

The deadly covert mutant team take on a militia of super-soldiers.

Weapon X is available on December 13th.

X-Men: Blue and X-Men: Gold

Written by Marc Guggenheim and Cullen Bunn. Art by George Molina.

Jumping-on Issue: #13
Story Arc Name: Mojo Worldwide

To kick off this new era of Marvel Comics X-Men: Blue and X-Men: Gold will start with a crossover which starts in X-Men: Gold #13. In it, the evil Mojo, a demented TV producer from another dimension, has realised his ratings have dropped and has taken it in his own hands to get them back up. He’ll do it through the X-Men by putting them in as much danger as possible all for the sake of entertainment!

You can find more about Mojo Worldwide in this reading order checklist.

X-Men: Blue and X-Men: Gold #13 will be available in October.

Note: I’ve lumped these two together as it appears they will crossover into one story.

Are There Any Brand New Comics?

Along with the renumbered series and the continuing series will be handful of new comics too.

Falcon

Written by Rodney Barnes. Art by Joshua Cassara.

After a stint as Captain America, Sam Wilson is back to being the Falcon. In the opening story called “Take Flight!” Falcon will take on demonic villain Blackheart, who is the son of Mephisto. Along for the ride is his newly appointed sidekick Patriot, who should give an interesting take on the series.

It’s also worth noting that this is the first time since the 80’s that The Falcon has had his own series.

You can find out more about this series in an interview with Rodney Barnes with ComicBook.com.

Falcon #1 will be available on October 11th.

Marvel Two-In-One

Written by Chip Zdarksy. Art Jim Cheung.

The Thing and Human Torch of the Fantastic Four star in this new series which should be a whole lot of fun!

Marvel Two-In-One #1 is available on December 13th.

Phoenix Resurrection: The Return of (Adult) Jean Grey

Written by Matthew Rosenburg. Art by Leinil Yu.

The original Jean Grey died years ago, but she is now returning from the dead.

Phoenix Resurrection: The Return of (Adult) Jean Grey #1 is available on December 27th.

Spirits of Vengeance

Written by Victor Gischler. Art by David Baldeon.

Spirits of Vengeance is a 5-issue minseries starring Blade, Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze), Daimon Hellstrom and Satanna. It will feature big action and explore some of the underused corners of Marvel’s horror and supernatural slate.

Spirits of Vengeance #1 is available on October 4th.

Additional One-Shots

As part of Marvel Legacy there will also be a batch of one-shots from series throughout the decades. Each one-shot will use legacy numbering. The following series are:

• Master of Kung-Fu #126
• Silver Sable #36
• Not Brand Echh #14
• Dazzler #43
• Power Pack #63
• Darkhawk #51

Have Your Say!

Are you looking forward to Marvel Legacy? Will it tempt you to read Marvel for the very first time?

NOTE: Any anti-diversity rants in the comments will be deleted. There’s no need for any of that kind of talk here.