A reading order for the Eternals has been one of the most-requested, recently, due to the upcoming film. If it wasn't for that, it's unlikely anyone would have requested as they've never really been all that popular with comics fans, in general. Despite making their official debut in 1976 during what some would consider Jack Kirby's creative peak, many older characters were later retroactively revealed to be Eternals; from Golden Age characters like the Eternal Brain and Mercury to more modern ones like Starfox and Thanos.
For this series of reading orders, I'll try to include every appearance of any and all Eternals, but spotlight the better stories of the Olympian Eternals of Earth (Ikaris, Sersi, Makkari, Gilgamesh, etc). Major appearances by the Eternals of Titan (Thanos, Starfox, Mentor, etc) have been included by won't be spotlighted aside from their initial appearances. In other words, stick to the stuff in black and blue if you want to keep things simple!
As always, I'd like to thank the guys over at the Marvel Chronology Project which I use as a basis and work out my own continuity. Those guys have done all the heavy lifting for me!
MCG Notes:
- Issue listings in blue & black: The must-read Eternals 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 Eternals' chronology, cameo appearances or stories of note that non-essential or no longer considered 'required reading'.
- Chronology: Every appearance of the Eternals from this period is included in chronological order - mapping out the timeline rather than just the order the issues were released.
- Spoilers: The issue/story overviews may include spoilers, so be warned!
Uatu the Watcher explains the origins of the planet Earth itself. Don't be fooled by the fact that it's appearing in a series spotlighting alternate universes. This is the origin of the Eternals, reworked to retcon the god-like beings of Titan (including Mentor, Eros and Thanos) as Eternals of Titan rather than actual deities; the Celestials' experiments on early man lead to the creation of the god-like Eternals and the monstrous Deviants; civil war breaks out among the Eternals; Kronos defeats Uranos and becomes ruler of the Eternals, banishing any who resort to violence.
What If #25[2/2]-26[3/3] (1981)
Kronos own experiments lead to him dying and attaining an almost omnipresent state; the Eternals first form the Uni-Mind; Zuras becomes leader of the Eternals of Earth; Alars leads a smaller group of Eternals off-planet.
The Kree defeat the exiled Eternals in space; Astron and his sympathisers set up a new Eternal civilisation on Uranus.
What If #29[2/3]-30[2/2] (1981)
The Eternals help relocate the Inhumans to the Himalayas.
Red Raven Comics #1[3/8], [8/8] (1940)
First appearances of Mercury, Jupiter, Minerva, Pluto and Vulcan (later retconned into being the first appearances of Makkari, Zuras, Azura and Valkin) as well as Pluto (later retconned into being the first appearance of Kro of the Deviants), beings who appear to be the legendary Roman gods become involved in the events of the Second World War; first appearance of the Eternal Brain (the disembodied brain of a telepathic being, later revealed to be a member of the Eternals) who rescues his daughter after she's kidnapped by a Cambodian dictator.
Marvels Project #5 (2010)
Mercury (Makkari) poses as human Mike Cury and dons a costume to become the Hurricane, emerging as one of the more promenant costumed adventurers of the Second World War.
Captain America Comics #1[6/7] (1940)
First appearance of the Hurricane (Mike Cury - later retconned into being Makkari); Hurricane battles Piggy Peroni's gang, funded by Pluto (later retconned into Kro of the Deviants).
Captain America Comics #2[6/6], 3[7/7], 4[7/7], 5[8/8], 6[7/7], 7[5/7] (1941)
Hurricane foils Pluto's scheme involving the Jivaro Headhunters, breaks up Pluto's alliance with Scarface Rispoli, ends the legacy of pirate John Crutherss, busts a counterfeiting scam, defeats Hangor and gains a crime-fighting partner in Speedy Scriggles.
Marvels Project #6 (2010)
Marvels Project #6 (2010)
Hurricane continues to operate among a growing community of costumed heroes.
Captain America Comics #8[5/7], 9[5/6], 10[6/7], 11[4/6] (1941-1942)
Hurricane (Mike Cury, aka Makkari) and Speedy Scriggles face the Carnival of Crime; Hurricane lets mobster John Smithers fall to his death; Hurricane and Speedy defeat Lionel van Devanter; Hurricane ends his partnership with Speedy Scriggles after a disastrous confrontation with the murderous Lew Grey.
Marvel Boy #1-2 (1950-1951)
First appearance of the Uranians (later retconned into being the first appearance of the Uranian Eternals); the Uranians empower Marvel Boy (Bob Grayson) by making him their ambassador to Earth.
Tales of Suspense #7[5/5] (1960)
Frank Harper (later retconned into another of Makkari's human guises) saves an island from the Molten Man-Thing (later retconned into being a Deviant).
Marvel Universe #4-7 (1998)
As 'Jake Curtiss', Makkari joins the Monster Hunters alongside Ulysses Bloodstone, Zawadi and Doctor Druid; the Monster Hunters take on numerous monsters controlled by Kro; Valkin cameo.
Marvel: The Lost Generation #1-12 (2000-2001)
First appearance of Pixie, a member of the Eternals who joins forgotten super-team the First Line; the First Line team up with the Monster Hunters, including Makkari; Makkari briefly joins the First Line as Major Mercury; the Eternal Brain joins the First Line and is revealed to be an Eternal; Ikaris cameo during THE LOST GENERATION.
Tales of Suspense #7[5/5] (1960)
Frank Harper (later retconned into another of Makkari's human guises) saves an island from the Molten Man-Thing (later retconned into being a Deviant).
Marvel Universe #4-7 (1998)
As 'Jake Curtiss', Makkari joins the Monster Hunters alongside Ulysses Bloodstone, Zawadi and Doctor Druid; the Monster Hunters take on numerous monsters controlled by Kro; Valkin cameo.
Marvel: The Lost Generation #1-12 (2000-2001)
First appearance of Pixie, a member of the Eternals who joins forgotten super-team the First Line; the First Line team up with the Monster Hunters, including Makkari; Makkari briefly joins the First Line as Major Mercury; the Eternal Brain joins the First Line and is revealed to be an Eternal; Ikaris cameo during THE LOST GENERATION.
X-Men: The Hidden Years #16, 21 (2001)
Pixie (secret one of the Eternals) helps the X-Men subdue First Line member Yeti (an Inhuman); Ikaris insists Pixie keep the existence of the Eternals a secret from humanity.
Avengers #118 (1973)
Thanos observes the destruction and chaos caused Dormammu when he gains the Evil Eye during AVENGERS/DEFENDERS WAR.
First appearance of Eros, Mentor and Thanos of the Titanians (later retconned as the Eternals of Titan; Eros and Kronos of the Titanians first appear in a flashback sequence; Iron Man is caught up in the war between the Titanians and Mentor's rogue son, Thanos, as well as Kronos' super-human agent, Drax the Destroyer, during THE THANOS WAR.
Logan's Run #6[2/2] (1977)
Drax the Destroyer pursues Thanos through space.
Captain Marvel #25-30(pp.1-5) (1973-1974)
First full appearance of Eros of Titan; Thanos sends his agents to take down Captain Marvel and the Avengers; Mentor reveals his version of the origin of the Titanians to Captain Marvel during THE THANOS WAR.
Iron Man and the Thing fall prey to Thanos' minions during THE THANOS WAR / MONSTER VS MONSTER.
Captain Marvel #30(pp.6-19)-(1974)
Daredevil #105 (1973)
Captain Marvel #31-33(pp.1-7) (1974)
Avengers #125
Captain Marvel #33(pp.8-18) (1974)
Flashbacks reveal how Kronos created Drax the Destroyer from the corpse of the human Arthur Douglas who was killed by Thanos; Athur's daughter, Heather Douglas, is revealed to have been rescued by Emlot of the Titanians and taken back to Titan, growing up to become Moondragon; Captain Marvel, Drax, the Avengers, Moondragon, Mentor and Eros join forces to put a stop to Thanos' plan to wipe out the stars in honour of Death during THE THANOS WAR.
Thanos Annual #1 (2014)
The defeated Thanos meets his future self, bearing the Infinity Gauntlet.
Captain Marvel #34 (1974)
Mentor informs Captain Marvel that the Titanians are recovering nicely following the confrontation with Thanos.
Fantastic Four #164-165 (1975)
First appearance of the Crusader; the Fantastic Four battle the Crusader, a man who believes himself to be Marvel Boy (Robert Grayson); the Crusader is incinerated by his own Light Bands (Crusader is later retconned and revealed to be an Eternal named Thelius who was created by the Uranian Eternals to replace Marvel Boy).
Warlock #9-11 (1975-1976)
Thanos assists Adam Warlock against Warlock's dark future self, the Magus, during THE INFINITY EFFECT.
Warlock #12 (1976)
First appearance of Heater Delight; Pip the Troll rescues Heater Delight from enslavement as a performer, but it seems she only has eyes for Eros of Titan during HOMECOMING.
First appearance of Heater Delight; Pip the Troll rescues Heater Delight from enslavement as a performer, but it seems she only has eyes for Eros of Titan during HOMECOMING.
Warlock #15 (1976)
Thanos prepares to go up against his once-ally, Adam Warlock, during HOMECOMING.
Avengers Annual #7 (1977)
Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2 (1977)
Adam Warlock, the Avengers, Captain Marvel, the Thing and Spider-Man join forces to oppose Thanos; Warlock is killed in the conflict, but his soul emerges from the Soul Gem to turn Thanos to stone and end his life during THE FINAL THREAT.
Thor Annual #7 (1978)
First appearance of Virako; Thor recalls a forgotten meeting with god-like beings called Eternals; Thor aids Virako, Ajak and Valkin in defeating Druig; Thor is warned about the imminent arrival of the Fourth Host during RAGNAROK.
Captain Marvel #58-62 (1978-1979)
Marvel Spotlight #1-2 (1979)
First appearance of Chaos, Elysius, Lord Gaea, Stellarax and Tartarus; Thanos' death triggers a programme in the Titanian Eternals' computer, ISAAC, who creates new Eternals to cause destruction on Titan; Captain Marvel and Drax the Destroyer come to the Eternals' aid; Stellarax and Tartatus are killed in the conflict; ISAAC is restored and Elysius sides with Captain Marvel, rapidly becoming emotionally involved with him during THE DARK CORNERS.
First appearance of Virako; Thor recalls a forgotten meeting with god-like beings called Eternals; Thor aids Virako, Ajak and Valkin in defeating Druig; Thor is warned about the imminent arrival of the Fourth Host during RAGNAROK.
Captain Marvel #58-62 (1978-1979)
Marvel Spotlight #1-2 (1979)
First appearance of Chaos, Elysius, Lord Gaea, Stellarax and Tartarus; Thanos' death triggers a programme in the Titanian Eternals' computer, ISAAC, who creates new Eternals to cause destruction on Titan; Captain Marvel and Drax the Destroyer come to the Eternals' aid; Stellarax and Tartatus are killed in the conflict; ISAAC is restored and Elysius sides with Captain Marvel, rapidly becoming emotionally involved with him during THE DARK CORNERS.
Marvel Spotlight #3 (1979)
Eros of Titan cameo.
Thor #281-282 (1979)
Thor is distracted from following up on what he learned about the Eternals.
Eternals #1-6 (1976)
First appearance of Ikaris, Ajak, Phastos, Thena and the Eternals Earthly home, Olympia; first official appearance of Makkari, Zuras and the Eternals; Ikaris reveals the existence of the Eternals, Deviants and Celestials to two archaeologists; Arishem of the Celestials arrives on Earth; Kro's Deviants attack New York; Zuras is alerted as Earth is drawn into a cosmic war; Thena and Kro strike up a truce against the Celestials.
Eternals #7-12 (1977)
First appearance of the Uni-Mind, Sprite, Druig, Aginar, Zarin, Kingo Sunen, the Delphan Brothers and the honorary Eternals Karkas and Ransack the Reject; first official appearance of Valkin; Ajak and a team of SHIELD agents investigate the arrival of more Celestials on Earth; Kro takes Thena to the Deviants home in Lemuria; the Celestial Eson attacks Lemuria; Thena leaves Lemuria with Karkas and Ransack the Reject; the Eternal quintuplets called the Delphan Brothers fight the Polar Eternals; the Eternals form the Uni-Mind to study the Celestials in Earth's orbit.
Eternals #13-19 (1977-1978)
First appearance of the Forgotten One (Gilgamesh) and Sigmar; the Forgotten One is sent to intercept a missile launched by the Deviants at the Celestials; the Eternals are attacked by the Cosmic Hulk robot; Zuras interrupts the fight with the Cosmic Hulk robot; Zuras publicly reveals the existence of the Eternals; Sersi, Ikaris and Makkari battle the Deviant Dromedan; Druig learns how to kill a Celestial; Ikaris stops Druig from using his weapon against the Celestials.
Eternals Annual #1 (1977)
Thena, Ransack and Karkas thwart the Deviant Zakka's plans to snatch allies from various points in time and use them to cause chaos across the globe.
Fall of the Hulks: Alpha #1 (2010)
The Inteligencia steal the Cosmic Hulk robot from the Eternals during FALL OF THE HULKS.
Thor #283-292 (1979-1980)
First appearance of Atlo and Vampiro; first appearance of Gilgamesh as Hero; Thor discovers the arrival of the Fourth Celestial Host on Earth; Thor meets Ikaris and Sersi and joins them in fighting the Deviants Dromedan and Erishkrigal; Thor clashes with Karkas; Thor, Sersi and Karkas destroy the Deviant City; Thor battles the Hero (Gilgamesh) in Olympia; Thor continues to fight Hero aboard the One Above All's ship and learns Odin already knew about the Celestials; Zuras gives Thor 24 hours to find a way to stop the Celestials or he'll use the Uni-Mind against them; Thor gets caught up in a clash between wrestling-themed Eternals and Deviants; Odin and Zeus stand against the Eternals; Thor defies his own father, ending the war between the Asgardians, Olympians and Eternals.
Thor #300-301 (1980)
Odin channels the life forces of all the Asgardians into the Destroyer and accompanies the Uni-Mind in opposing the Celestials; the Celstials destroy the Destroyer and Zuras dies to save the Eternals; Gaea offers up the Young Gods as the pinnacle of Earth's potential to convince the Celestials to allow Earth to live; the other pantheons help revive the dead Asgardians.
Incredible Hulk #245, 247-248 (1980)
Elysius visits Earth with Captain Marvel.
Marvel Graphic Novel #1 - The Death of Captain Marvel (1982)
Elysius' lover, Captain Marvel, succumbs to cancer and dies; Thanos takes Captain Marvel's spirit to Death's realm.
Contest of Champions #1-3 (1982)
First appearance of Titanis; the Eternals are among the heroes considered for the contest between Death and the Grandmaster.
Avengers #230-231 (1983)
Seeking adventure, Eros leaves Mentor and Elysius on Titan and travels to Earth where he asks to join the Avengers.
Avengers #232 (1983)
Eros takes the codename Starfox and is accepted as a trainee member of the Avengers during THE ANNIHILATION GAMBIT.
Avengers Annual #12 (1983)
Starfox and the Avengers face the Enclave and Maximus the Mad.
Thor #332 (1983)
Starfox cameo during THE MONTESI FORMULA.
Avengers #233 (1983)
Thor #281-282 (1979)
Thor is distracted from following up on what he learned about the Eternals.
Eternals #1-6 (1976)
First appearance of Ikaris, Ajak, Phastos, Thena and the Eternals Earthly home, Olympia; first official appearance of Makkari, Zuras and the Eternals; Ikaris reveals the existence of the Eternals, Deviants and Celestials to two archaeologists; Arishem of the Celestials arrives on Earth; Kro's Deviants attack New York; Zuras is alerted as Earth is drawn into a cosmic war; Thena and Kro strike up a truce against the Celestials.
First appearance of the Uni-Mind, Sprite, Druig, Aginar, Zarin, Kingo Sunen, the Delphan Brothers and the honorary Eternals Karkas and Ransack the Reject; first official appearance of Valkin; Ajak and a team of SHIELD agents investigate the arrival of more Celestials on Earth; Kro takes Thena to the Deviants home in Lemuria; the Celestial Eson attacks Lemuria; Thena leaves Lemuria with Karkas and Ransack the Reject; the Eternal quintuplets called the Delphan Brothers fight the Polar Eternals; the Eternals form the Uni-Mind to study the Celestials in Earth's orbit.
Eternals #13-19 (1977-1978)
First appearance of the Forgotten One (Gilgamesh) and Sigmar; the Forgotten One is sent to intercept a missile launched by the Deviants at the Celestials; the Eternals are attacked by the Cosmic Hulk robot; Zuras interrupts the fight with the Cosmic Hulk robot; Zuras publicly reveals the existence of the Eternals; Sersi, Ikaris and Makkari battle the Deviant Dromedan; Druig learns how to kill a Celestial; Ikaris stops Druig from using his weapon against the Celestials.
Thena, Ransack and Karkas thwart the Deviant Zakka's plans to snatch allies from various points in time and use them to cause chaos across the globe.
Fall of the Hulks: Alpha #1 (2010)
The Inteligencia steal the Cosmic Hulk robot from the Eternals during FALL OF THE HULKS.
Thor #283-292 (1979-1980)
First appearance of Atlo and Vampiro; first appearance of Gilgamesh as Hero; Thor discovers the arrival of the Fourth Celestial Host on Earth; Thor meets Ikaris and Sersi and joins them in fighting the Deviants Dromedan and Erishkrigal; Thor clashes with Karkas; Thor, Sersi and Karkas destroy the Deviant City; Thor battles the Hero (Gilgamesh) in Olympia; Thor continues to fight Hero aboard the One Above All's ship and learns Odin already knew about the Celestials; Zuras gives Thor 24 hours to find a way to stop the Celestials or he'll use the Uni-Mind against them; Thor gets caught up in a clash between wrestling-themed Eternals and Deviants; Odin and Zeus stand against the Eternals; Thor defies his own father, ending the war between the Asgardians, Olympians and Eternals.
Odin channels the life forces of all the Asgardians into the Destroyer and accompanies the Uni-Mind in opposing the Celestials; the Celstials destroy the Destroyer and Zuras dies to save the Eternals; Gaea offers up the Young Gods as the pinnacle of Earth's potential to convince the Celestials to allow Earth to live; the other pantheons help revive the dead Asgardians.
Incredible Hulk #245, 247-248 (1980)
Elysius visits Earth with Captain Marvel.
Marvel Graphic Novel #1 - The Death of Captain Marvel (1982)
Elysius' lover, Captain Marvel, succumbs to cancer and dies; Thanos takes Captain Marvel's spirit to Death's realm.
Contest of Champions #1-3 (1982)
First appearance of Titanis; the Eternals are among the heroes considered for the contest between Death and the Grandmaster.
Avengers #230-231 (1983)
Seeking adventure, Eros leaves Mentor and Elysius on Titan and travels to Earth where he asks to join the Avengers.
Avengers #232 (1983)
Eros takes the codename Starfox and is accepted as a trainee member of the Avengers during THE ANNIHILATION GAMBIT.
Avengers Annual #12 (1983)
Starfox and the Avengers face the Enclave and Maximus the Mad.
Thor #332 (1983)
Starfox cameo during THE MONTESI FORMULA.
Avengers #233 (1983)
Starfox faces Annihilus' attack on the Baxter Building during ANNIHILATION GAMBIT / THE ARMOR CHASE.
Fantastic Four #256 (1983)
Starfox helps defeat Annihilus and meets the Fantastic Four during THE ANNIHILATION GAMBIT.
Avengers #234 (1983)
Starfox witnesses the Avengers line-up facing numerous crises during THE ANNIHILATION GAMBIT / THE MONTESI FORMULA.
Iron Age #1 (2011)
Starfox meets a future Iron Man during THE IRON AGE.
Thor #334 (1983)
Starfox cameo.
Avengers #235-237 (1983)
Starfox faces the Wizard, meets Spider-Man and helps stop a break-out at Project PEGASUS.
Captain America #289 (1984)
Starfox cameo.
Avengers #238 (1983)
Avengers #238 (1983)
Starfox gets the Vision in contact with ISAAC on Titan.
Captain America #292(p.13) (1984)
Captain America #292(p.13) (1984)
Starfox makes a cameo appearance during SECRET WARS.
Iron Man Annual #6 (1983)
The Eternals and Deviants renew their war with Iron Man (James Rhodes) caught in the middle.
Iron Man #179 (1984)
Iron Man bids farewell to the Eternals.
The Eternals' story continues in these reading orders:
- 1984-1989: Masked Gods
Eternals by Jack Kirby vol.1-2 tpb
Eternals Omnibus
Collect Eternals #1-19 & Eternals Annual #1.
Thor: The Eternals Saga vol.1-2
Includes Thor #283-292, 300-301 & Thor Annual #7.
Iron Man Epic Collection vol.11: Duel of Iron
Includes Iron Man #179 & Iron Man Annual #6.
What If Classic vol.4
Includes What If #23-30.
Avengers vs Thanos
Captain Marvel by Jim Starlin: The Complete Collection
Thanos Wars: Infinity Origin Omnibus
Includes Avengers #125, Captain Marvel #25-33, Daredevil #105, Iron Man #55 & Marvel Feature #12.
Avengers: Absolute Vision vol.1
Includes Avengers #232.
No comments:
Post a Comment
See a mistake or have a question or suggestion?
Feel free to leave a comment!