VISION AND THE SCARLET WITCH READING ORDER: Strange Revelations (1978-1983)

The Vision and Scarlet Witch continue to face adversity as one of the most unusual couples in the Marvel Universe. The subject of parenthood plays a major role in this era as the Scarlet WItch learns the Whizzer isn't her biological father, ther true (or at least he was at the time) father is revealed to be one of the biggest villains she's encountered, Vision's father/creator Ultron returns and the couple begin to wonder if they'll ever be able to have children of their own. All of which will weigh heavily on their role as Avengers, though another super-team will ask the couple to join their ranks...

This is part two of a three part reading order that focuses on the relationship between the Scarlet Witch and the Vision with the aim of introducing fans of the Disney+ 'WandaVision' series to the comics background that will probably act as inspiration for the TV series. 

Remember, this reading order focuses on this pair and their relationship and not the Avengers as a whole, so not every story featuring the team will be given the spotlight treatment. Still, everything is listed so go ahead and read what you want!

MCG Notes:

• Issue listings in blue & black: The must-read Vision & Scarlet Witch stories from this time period, along with any key related stories and often-forgotten tales that are worth a read.
• Issue listings in grey: Part of the Wanda & Vision's chronology, cameo appearances or stories of note that are non-essential or no longer considered 'required reading'.
• Chronology: Every appearance of the Vision & Scarlet Witch from this period is included in chronological order, mapping out their timeline rather than just the order the issues were released.
• Spoilers: The issue/story overviews may include spoilers, so be warned!
• JUST WANT TO KEEP IT SIMPLE? Scroll down to THE CORE LIST to see a version of this reading order without story descriptions, page-by-page breakdowns or less important appearances - just a list of the essentials.

See the beginning of the Vision & Scarlet Witch's relationship - including their marriage - in their first reading order entry:

• 1972-1977: The Odd Couple (1972-1977)

Avengers #167-168 (1978)

Ms Marvel #16 (1978)

First appearance of Carina Walters; the Avengers team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy who've travelled back from the year 3000 in search of the villain Korvac; Henry Peter Gyrich takes the Avengers' priority clearance privileges; the Scarlet Witch helps Ms Marvel locate the missing Namorita during THE KORVAC SAGA.

Defenders #58 (1978)

Scarlet Witch cameo; the Avengers discover Jack Norriss breaking into Avengers Mansion.

Marvel Two-in-One #39 (1978)

The Mad Thinker hypnotises Daredevil and the Thing into trying to capture the Vision for dissection, enabling him to create a synthezoid army.

Avengers #170-174 (1978)

First named appearance of Jocasta; Ultron traps the Avengers, trapping the Scarlet WItch in a maddening maze of mirrors; the Vision is among a number of Avengers kidnapped by the Collector during THE KORVAC SAGA.

Avengers #175-177 (1978)

The Avengers finally face Korvac; the majority of the Avengers die including the Scarlet Witch, but they're resurrected by Korvac himself during THE KORVAC SAGA.

Avengers: The Korvac Saga tpb[11/11] (1991)

The Avengers attend the funeral of Michael Korvac and Carina Walters.

Thor #271 (1978)

The Avengers assist Thor against FAUST.

Avengers Annual #8 (1978)

The Avengers battle the Wasp when she's transformed into Doctor Spectrum.

Marvel Fanfare #14[1/2] (1984)

The Vision takes on the Fantastic Four when they kidnap his wife, the Scarlet Witch.

Godzilla #23-24 (1979)

The Avengers and Fantastic Four are called in when Godzilla arrives in New York.

Captain America #228 (1978)

Vision & Scarlet Witch cameo during THE CORPORATION.

Avengers #179-180 (1979)

The Avengers take on Bloodhawk, Stinger and the alien Monolith.

Avengers Fairy Tales #1 (2008)

The Scarlet Witch tells a version of the Peter Pan story with the Avengers as the main characters.

Captain America #237 (1979)

Vision cameo.

Iron Man #114-115 (1978)

First appearance of Arsenal; the Arsenal android tears through Avengers Mansion, clashing with the Avengers.

Black Panther #14 (1979)

First appearance of Omoro; the Black Panther turns to the Avengers over his recent run-ins with Jakara and Klaw.

Alias #25-26 (2003)

Flashback: The Avengers first meet Jewel (Jessica Jones).

Giant-Size Avengers #1[2/6] (2008)

The Avengers come under attack from a cyborg viking army.

Avengers #181 (1979)

First appearance of Scott Lang; the Vision and Scarlet Witch remain on the team after an Avengers line-up shuffle enforced by Henry Peter Gyrich during ON THE MATTER OF HEROES.

Avengers #182 (1979)

First named appearance of Django Maximoff; the Scarlet Witch is reunited with her adopted father, Django Maximoff; the Scarlet Witch and her brother Quicksilver accompany their adopted father back to Transia.

Hulk Smash Avengers #2 (2012)

The Scarlet Witch prepares for her trip to Transia when the Avengers find themselves facing the rampaging Hulk.

Avengers #183 (1979)

While the Vision and his fellow Avengers face the Absorbing Man, the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver continue their journey to Transia; Ms Marvel takes the Scarlet WItch's spot on the team while she takes leave to help her adoptive father.

Marvel Comics Presents #160 (1994)

The Vision encounters the time-travelling New Warriors.

Avengers #184-185 (1979)

The Vision continues to fend off the Absorbing Man; after arriving in Transia, the Scarlet Witch is taken by Modred the Mystic.

Fantastic Four #215 (1980)

Vision cameo; the Fantastic Four warn the Avengers about a threat from the Negative Zone.

Fantastic Four Annual #14 (1979)

Avengers cameo; the Vision is among those noting a surge of energy caused by Salem's Seven.

Iron Man #125 (1979)

Vision cameo.

Avengers #186-188 (1979)

First appearance of the Elements of Doom (Carbon, Chloride, Cobalt, Phosphorus, Radium & Vanadium); Modred the Mystic turns the Scarlet Witch into a host for Chthon, with the Avengers rushing to Mount Wundagore to free her from the demons control; Quicksilver continues to show his disapproval over the Scarlet Witch's marriage to the Vision; the first hints that the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are Magneto's children are revealed; the Scarlet Witch learns the Whizzer (Robert Frank) is not her father; the Scarlet Witch rejoins the Avengers; learning Quicksilver's wife, Crystal, is pregnant, the Scarlet Witch begins to wonder if she'd be able to have a family with the Vision.

Avengers Annual #9 (1979)

First appearance of Mistress; the Scarlet Witch is instrumental in defeating the robot Arsenal.

Avengers #189-191 (1979-1980)

Wonder Man leaves the Avengers to focus on his acting career; the Scarlet Witch announces her intentions to leave the Avengers again, surprising the Vision; after a confrontation with the Grey Gargoyle, Henry Peter Gyrich reinforces the rules around the Avengers' membership structure.

Marvel Two-in-One #66 (1980)

First full appearance of Set as Set; Agatha Harkness requests the Scarlet Witch's help in stopping Roxxon boss Hugh Jones from summoning Set with the Serpent Crown.

Avengers #192-193 (1980)

The Avengers assist Wonder Man against the Maggia; the Scarlet Witch leaves the Avengers, taking time away from the Vision for a while during STEEL CITY NIGHTMARE.

Captain America #250 (1980)

Vision cameo; the Avengers are surprised by the announcement that Captain America is running for President.

Avengers #194-200 (1980)

First appearance of the Taskmaster (Tony Masters) and Marcus Immortus; first appearance of the Scarlet WItch as 'Wanda Frank'; the Vision begins to feel uncontrollable rage as his frustrations over the Scarlet WItch's departure come to the fore; Jocasta attempts to comfort the Vision; the Avengers battle the Taskmaster; the Scarlet Witch meets with Ms Marvel, revealing her intentions to rejoin the Avengers and her wish to start a family; Ms Marvel discovers she's pregnant herself, resulting in her leaving the team; the Avengers battle Red Ronin when it's stolen by a rogue Stark Enterprises employee; the Scarlet WItch rejoins the Avengers; Ms Marvel gives birth to Marcus Immortus, the son of Kang; Ms Marvel leaves the Avengers when she becomes Marcus' lover.

Marvel Two-in-One #69 (1980)

Vision cameo; the Vision and Captain America assess the threat of the strange fog over New York City.

Avengers #201[1/2] (1980)

Vision & Scarlet Witch cameo; the Avengers address their various issues as an Ultron robot sneaks into Avengers Mansion.

Avengers #202 (1980)

Iron Man falls under Ultron's control and kidnaps the Scarlet Witch.

Avengers #203 (1981)

Vision & Scarlet Witch cameo; Beast and Wonder Man go on a night out.

Marvel Comic #336 (1979, Marvel UK)

The Vision helps with a police investigation.

MCG Note: This story is reprinted in Tales to Astonish #12 (1980).

Avengers #204-205 (1981)

The Avengers battle the Yellow Claw (Plan Chu); the team realise the Yellow Claw has been spying on the Avengers through the Vision; the Vision is almost killed in the final confrontation and is left feeling very vulnerable.

Fantastic Four #220 (1980)

Vision & Scarlet Witch cameo; the Avengers alert the Fantastic Four to a worldwide blackout.

Daredevil #164 (1980)

Vision & Scarlet WItch cameo; the Avengers visit Daredevil in hospital after he's almost killed fighting the Hulk.

Marvel Fanfare #23 (1985)

Vision & Scarlet Witch cameo; Iron Man decides against asking for the Avengers' help against Doctor Octopus.

Incredible Hulk Annual #11[1/2] (1982)

The Avengers and the Hulk search for a cure for the Leader's 'green plague'.

Micronauts #28 (1981)

Vision cameo; Nick Fury fails to get a message to the Avengers while he's fighting for his life against the combined threat of Hydra and Baron Karza's forces.

Avengers #207-208 (1981)

The Avengers battle the Berserker, an immortal warrior from the past.

Fantastic Four #230 (1981)

The Fantastic Four reject the Avengers' help against the Ebon Seeker.

Avengers #209 (1981)

The Avengers go back in time to locate the Resurrection Stone to cure Beast's girlfriend, Vera Cantor, when she's poisoned by a Skrull disguised as Edwin Jarvis.

Avengers Annual #10 (1981)

First appearance of Rogue; the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants' newest member, Rogue, steals Ms Marvel's powers and memories; Rogue goes on to single-handedly defeated the Avengers; the Avengers regroup and defeat the Brotherhood; when they visit the now-powerless Carol Danvers at the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, Carol turns her back on the team over abandoning her to Marcus Immortus.

Captain America #261 (1981)

Vision cameo; the Vision alerts Captain America that there's a new Nomad in town.

Avengers #210 (1981)

The Avengers battle the Weathermen, humans controlled by a sentient space station.

Avengers #211 (1981)

Captain America imposes a six-member limit on the Avengers line-up; the Vision turns his back on Jocasta when she asks him for help; Moondragon summons a number of heroes all wanting to join the team; the Avengers clash with Moondragon; Scarlet Witch, Vision, Wonder Man and Beast decide to leave the Avengers, allowing room for Yellowjacket and Tigra to replace them; the Vision and Scarlet Witch decide to try and live a 'normal' life outside of the Avengers.

Marvel Graphic Novel #1: The Death of Captain Marvel (1982)

First appearance of General Zedrao; the Vision and Scarlet Witch are among those who appear, paying respects when Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell) dies of cancer.

Marvel Fanfare #32[2/2] (1987)

The Vision and Scarlet Witch investigate the murder of a homeless lady.

Defenders #112-114 (1982)

The Vision & Scarlet Witch accept an invitation to the Beast's party and end up lending the Defenders a hand against the Overmind when he takes control of the Squadron Supreme; the Defenders and freed Squadron Supreme join forces against Null the Living Darkness.

Defenders #115-116 (1983)

Vision & Scarlet Witch cameos; the Defenders try to return Nighthawk to his own reality then end up in a bizarre dimension; the Overmind joins the Defenders; a flashback reveals the Vision and Scarlet Witch took their leave of the Defenders rather than joining the team.

Contest of Champions #1, 3 (1982)

The Vision and Scarlet Witch train alongside the Avengers and are among the heroes selected to take part in the Contest of Champions.

Incredible Hulk #278-279 (1982-1983)

The Vision and Scarlet Witch are among the heroes present, celebrating the Hulk's Presidential pardon.

Marvel Two-in-One Annual #7 (1982)

Marvel Two-in-One #96 (1983)

First appearance of the Champion; Vision & Scarlet Witch cameo; the Vision is briefly considered as an opponent for the Champion, but is rejected due to his synthezoid nature; the Vision and Scarlet Witch are among the heroes protecting the injured Thing during CHAMPION OF THE UNIVERSE.

Vision and the Scarlet #1-4 (1982-1983)

First appearance of Holly LaDonna; the Vision and Scarlet Witch relocate to New Jersey; the demon Samhain escapes from one of the Scarlet Witch's mystical tomes; Isbisa siphons off Nuklo's powers to gain powers of his own; the Vision and Scarlet Witch destroy Isbisa's containment suit, robbing him of his power; the Whizzer dies in the battle against Isbisa, still believing the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver to be his children; after seriously damaging an arm in the fight with Isbisa, the Vision receives a transfusion from Wonder Man; the Grim Reaper attacks the Vision and Wonder Man while they're vulnerable; Bova reveals to Magneto that he's the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver's father and he renounces his war against humanity. 

Marvel Team-Up Annual #5 (1982)

Quasar becomes possessed by the Serpent Crown; the Thing, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and the Scarlet Witch head to Project PEGASUS to free Quasar and the staff and stop Set from entering this reality.

Marvel Team-Up #125[2/2] (1983)

The Scarlet Witch and Doctor Strange send a Beliath demon back to its own dimension.

Marvel Fanfare #6[1/2] (1983)

Xandu tries to steal the Scarlet Witch's soul to resurrect Melinda Morrison; Spider-Man comes to the Scarlet Witch's rescue.

Avengers #228 (1983)

The Vision and Scarlet Witch react to the news of Hank Pym's trial and his separation from the Wasp.

Avengers #231 (1983)

The Vision and Scarlet Witch attend a memorial for Jocasta, with the Vision giving her eulogy.

Marvel Fanfare #58[2/2] (1991)

The Vision and Scarlet Witch face a demon and find they're unwelcome in New Jersey.

Marvel Team-Up #129-130 (1983)

Vision and Spider-Man team up against the Mad Thinker's Alpha robot; Necrodamus returns, turning the Vision against the Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man.

Avengers Annual #12 (1983)

The Vision and Scarlet Witch accompany the Avengers to the Moon to speak with the Inhumans and discover Maximus has switched bodies with Black Bolt; the Avengers free Black Bolt and restore peace to the Inhumans.

Defenders #123-124 (1983)

First appearance of Cloud and Seraph (Sonya Tolsky); Beast, Iceman and Gargoyle visit the Scarlet Witch and Vision in New Jersey; members of the Secret Empire led by Harridan attack the friends and kidnap the Vision; when the Vision is freed the couple are asked to join the Defenders, but they're committed to their new life in New Jersey during ASHES, ASHES...

Power Man and Iron Fist #102 (1984)

The Vision and Scarlet Witch join forces with Power Man and Iron Fist against the High Priest of Zor when he attempts to mystically summon his master.

Avengers #233(pp.1-20) (1983)

Avengers #233(pp.21-22) / Fantastic Four #256(pp.21-22) (1983)

The Wasp summons two reserve Avengers - the Vision and Scarlet Witch - when a null-field spreads across New York from the Baxter Building; the field shut the Vision down completely; the new Captain Marvel and the Fantastic Four defeat Annihilus and stop him from destroying Earth; Mister Fantastic begins examining the deactivated Vision until he realises his own son, Franklin Richards, is injured and turns his attention to him, forgetting the Vision and the distraught Scarlet Witch during ANNIHILATION GAMBIT.

Avengers #234 (1983)

First appearance of the Sky-Cycle (Hawkeye's vehicle); the deactivated Vision is taken back to Avengers Mansion; She-Hulk's attempt to cheer the Scarlet Witch up has the opposite effect; the Scarlet Witch quickly bonds with Captain Marvel, revealing her origins right up to the recent revelation that Magento is her father (including the previously-unrevealed end of that meeting); returning home, the Scarlet Witch is visited by Doctor Strange during ANNIHILATION GAMBIT / THE MONTESI FORMULA.

Doctor Strange #60 (1983)

Doctor Strange recruits the Scarlet Witch and Captain Marvel to help him locate the Darkhold, the only means of stopping Dracula, during THE MONTESI FORMULA.

Fantastic Four #257 (1983)

Mister Fantastic examines the Vision before the Fantastic Four's leader is kidnapped by an unseen assailant during ANNIHILATION GAMBIT / THE TRIAL OF REED RICHARDS.

Fantastic Four #261 (1983)

The Scarlet Witch reveals to the Invisible Girl that her husband's been kidnapped during THE TRIAL OF REED RICHARDS.

Avengers #235-238 (1983)

The Scarlet WItch rejoins the Avengers to distract herself from worrying over her husband's condition; the Avengers battle the Wizard and team up with Spider-Man against the villains who try to escape Project PEGASUS; Starfox links the Vision to the Titanian Eternals' living computer ISAAC to speed up his recovery; the Vision's body remains inert but he's able to project a hologram of himself far enough to allow him to assist his fellow Avengers against the escapees from Project PEGASUS.

A version of this reading order without story descriptions, page-by-page breakdowns or less important appearances - just a list of the core Vision & Scarlet Witch stories and essentials:

• Avengers #167-168
• Avengers #170-177
• Avengers Annual #8
• Marvel Fanfare #14
• Avengers #179-188
• Avengers Annual #9
• Avengers #189-191
• Marvel Two-in-One #66
• Avengers #192-205
• Avengers #207-209
• Avengers Annual #10
• Avengers #210-211
• Defenders #112-114
• Vision and the Scarlet Witch #1-4
• Marvel Team-Up Annual #5
• Marvel Fanfare #6
• Avengers #231
• Marvel Team-Up #129-130
• Avengers Annual #12
• Defenders #123-124
• Avengers #233-234
• Doctor Strange #60
• Avengers #235-238

The Vision and Scarlet Witch's life together concludes with this reading order:

• 1984-1990: Bizarre Break-Up

Notable alternate universe stories featuring the Vision & Scarlet Witch:

What If #32 (1982)

On Earth-82432, the Vision is among the heroes killed by Korvac when he triumphs over the Avengers.

What If #38[1/3] (1983)

On Earth-83438 in the year 2032, the Vision returns the terminally ill Scarlet Witch to Avengers Mansion to be surrounded by friends when she dies; Jocasta allows the Scarlet Witch to switch bodies with her to continue to live happily with her husband.

Marvel Masterworks: Marvel Two-in-One vol.4

Includes...

Marvel Two-in-One #39

Avengers Legends: The Korvac Saga

Avengers: The Korvac Saga

Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers vol.17

All include... 

Avengers #170-174

Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow's Avengers vol.2

Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow's Heroes Omnibus

Both include... 

Avengers #170-174, 181

Avengers: Nights of Wundagore

Avengers #181-187

Avengers: The Yesterday Quest

Avengers #181-182, 185-187

Marvel Universe by John Byrne Omnibus

Includes...

Avengers #181-191

Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers vol.18

Includes...

Avengers #181-189

Hulk Smash Avengers

Includes...

Hulk Smash Avengers #2

Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers vol.19

Includes...

Avengers #189-200, 202

Thing: The Serpent Crown Affair

Includes...

Marvel Two-in-One #66

Marvel Team-Up Annual #5

Avengers Legends: George Perez

Avengers Visionaries: George Perez

oth include...

Avengers #194-196

Avengers: Heart of Stone
Includes...

Avengers #188-196

Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers vol.20

Includes...

Avengers #204-205, 211

Avengers Annual #10

Captain Marvel: Ms Marvel - A Hero is Born Omnibus

Captain Marvel vs Rogue

Marvel Masterworks: Ms Marvel vol.2

Marvel Masterworks: The Uncanny X-Men vol.7

Marvel Visionaries: Chris Claremont vol.1

Ms Marvel Epic Collection vol.2: The Woman Who Fell To Earth

Uncanny X-Men Omnibus vol.2

X-Men Firsts

All include...

Avengers Annual #10

Squadron Supreme Classic Omnibus

Includes...

Defenders #112-114

Defenders Epic Collection vol.7: Ashes, Ashes...

Includes...

Defenders #112-114, 123-124

New Defenders vol.1
Includes...

Defenders #123-124

Avengers: Vision and the Scarlet Witch

Vision and the Scarlet Witch: The Saga of Wanda and Vision

Both include...

Vision and the Scarlet Witch #1-4

Marvel Fanfare: Strange Tales

Spider-Man/Doctor Strange: The Way to Dusty Death

Both include...

Marvel Fanfare #6

Avengers: Absolute Vision vol.1
Includes...

Avengers #233-238

Avengers Annual #12

Doctor Strange #60

Thing: Project PEGASUS

Spider-Man: Am I An Avenger?

Both include...

Avengers #236-237

Avengers/Doctor Strange: Rise of the Darkhold

Doctor Strange vs Dracula: The Montesi Formula

Both include...

Doctor Strange #60