The first-ever war in the Marvel Universe nearly destroyed everything. However, it happened so long ago that none of our heroes knew it even happened. With Reckoning War, Marvel’s first comic book event for 2022, that conflict is threatening to be rekindled – and only the Fantastic Four can stop it.
It all comes from the mind of the current Fantastic Four writer Dan Slott, who has been building towards this story for some time. As he mentioned to Newsarama, the Reckoning War is a concept that he has had brewing in his mind since the 70s. Slott then began teasing that this story was coming in his various Marvel works, some of which date back to 2005.
The Fantastic Four: Reckoning War reading order has been created so you don’t miss an issue of this long-brewing story. It has a list of all the comics you need to read, their recommended order, background reading, and much more.
Background Reading
In terms of background reading, there isn’t anything essential in order to understand Reckoning War. Slott even says himself:
“…if you have been reading my stuff for the last 18 years, you have got all the pieces. But if you haven’t, you can jump in and be fine.”
Dan Slott, Newsarama interview, 2021.
However, if you’re the kind of person who likes to dig for all the little references then here is a list of comics to read.
- She Hulk (2005 series) #3
- She-Hulk (2005 series) #20
- Empyre: Fantastic Four Fallout
- Fantastic Four (2018 series) #25
- Fantastic Four (2018 series) #35
Slott has also hinted that the major threat in this will be characters from the “Stan Lee days of Marvel Comics” but were only ever used once. We’re not sure who that is yet or which issue it refers to. I guess we’ll eventually find out.
Reckoning War Reading Order
Read on to find out the recommended reading order for Reckoning War.
Fantastic Four (2018 series) #39 (Prelude)
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Francesco Manna.
Available 12th January.
Fantastic Four: Reckoning War Alpha #1
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Carlos Pacheco.
Available 2nd February.
Fantastic Four (2018 series) #40
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Rachael Stott.
Available 16th February.
Fantastic Four (2018 series) #41
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Rachael Stott.
Available 2nd March.
Reckoning War: Trial of the Watcher #1 (Tie-in)
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Javier Rodriguez.
Available 16th March.
Fantastic Four (2018 series) #42
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Rachael Stott.
Available 30th March.
Fantastic Four (2018 series) #43
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Rachael Stott.
Available 20th April.
Fantastic Four (2018 series) #44
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Rachael Stott.
Available 18th May.
Fantastic Four (2018 series) #45 (Epilogue)
Written by Dan Slott. Art by Andrea Di Vito.
Available 8th June.
After Reckoning War
What should you read after Reckoning War? Fantastic Four will be kicking off a brand new story in July’s Fantastic Four #46. This story will pick-up from plot threads introduced Fantastic Four (2018 series) #35, where it’s revealed that Reed Richards has a long-long sister.
Reckoning War Trade Paperbacks
The Reckoning War is collected in the following trade paperbacks.
Fantastic Four Volume 10: Reckoning War Part I
Collects: Fantastic Four: Reckoning War Alpha #1, Fantastic Four (2018 series) #40-42, and Fantastic Four: Watcher #1
Available 21st June
Fantastic Four Volume 11: Reckoning War Part II
Collects: Fantastic Four (2018 series) #43-46
Available 7th September
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