Curse of the Man-Thing Reading Order Checklist

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In a previous life, Dr Theodore Sallis attempted to replicate the Super-Soldier Serum. However, a terrible accident – as well as the combination of the serum and magical forces – has turned him into the swamp creature known as Man-Thing. Now he wanders the Florida Keys, helping strangers and guarding the Nexus of all Realities.

While this might sound like DC Comics’ Swamp Thing, Man-Thing differs in his abilities. Swamp Thing is an elemental being, where Marvel’s swamp creature works more in the abstract. He’s a silent empath whose touch burns when he senses fear. Through this, Man-Thing is a vehicle to tell horror stories on the fringes of the superhero world.

(This is a brief overview of Man-Thing. I can do a much more detailed piece on what makes the character interesting if there’s enough demand for it in the comments.)

While Man-Thing has been sporadically used since the 70s (when he was a staple), he’s returned to the spotlight in “Curse of the Man-Thing”. This mini-crossover has the swamp creature co-star opposite Spider-Man, X-Men, and Avengers.

So you don’t miss an issue, I’ve put together this handy reading order for “Curse of the Man-Thing”. It lists all the comics you need to read and their recommended order, along with other helpful details too.

Do I need to read everything?

“Curse of the Man-Thing” is a three-part crossover told over a series of one-shots. While each issue looks like a new story, with new characters featured in each, “Curse of the Man-Thing” has a specific reading order. It’s like a baton relay. After each issue, the story is handed over to a new set of characters to continue the tale.

Man-Thing (1974 series) #1 cover by Frank Brunner and Glynis Wein.

Background Reading

What should you read before starting “Curse of the Man-Thing”? There aren’t any stories or series that are essential to understanding it. However, here are a few reading suggestions if you want some familiarity with the characters.

Man-Thing by Steve Gerber – The Complete Collection Volume 1

This collects Man-Thing’s earliest appearances and a big chunk of his original solo series. Check it out if you’re interested in reading Man-Thing’s origin or want to get a sense of what the character is all about.

X-Men (2019 Series) #3

If the preview for “Avengers: Curse of the Man-Thing” is anything indication, the group known as “Hordeculture” will be featured throughout this crossover. Check out their first appearance if you want to know more about these villainous botanists.

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