The 8 Best Jonathan Hickman Comics, Ranked

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Jonathan Hickman is a truly exceptional comic book creator, responsible for some of Marvel’s most celebrated recent successes. Beyond his work with Marvel, he’s also created some of the best independent comics of the 21st century, and he continues to produce outstanding work.

Jonathan Hickman is one of the most popular and influential comic book writers working today, known for his groundbreaking work on major Marvel characters and critically acclaimed independent stories. Here are eight of his very best works.

Ultimate Invasion Kicked Off A Brand New Universe

Marvel launched the concept of an alternate “Ultimate Universe” in the early 2000s. Titles like Ultimate Spider-Man, created by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley, proved incredibly popular and helped establish this line of alternate reality stories. After the first Ultimate Universe concluded, Marvel quickly introduced a new version: Ultimate Invasion.

The miniseries Ultimate Invasion launches a thrilling new take on the Marvel Universe, crafted by the villainous Maker. Packed with time travel, realistic science fiction, and spectacular battles, it’s a fantastic starting point for many upcoming stories. Considering the original Ultimate Universe is concluding, revisiting its origins with Ultimate Invasion is highly recommended.

Avengers Brought Scope and Bombast To Earth’s Mightiest Heroes

Brian Michael Bendis heavily influenced Marvel Comics in the 2000s, and his run on New Avengers was particularly significant. He revitalized the classic superhero team, changing how they were seen within the Marvel Universe. His work with the Avengers spanned several years and ultimately led to the relaunch of the original Avengers title.

After Brian Bendis finished his run, Jonathan Hickman took over the Avengers and delivered some of Marvel’s most impressive science fiction stories. His lengthy, carefully constructed storyline featured unexpected appearances from lesser-known characters and genuinely shocking plot twists, making it a unique era for the team. The artists he worked with elevated his vision, and the way his Avengers run connected to his previous work on Fantastic Four, and future events like Secret Wars, was truly remarkable.

Ultimate Spider-Man Is An Ongoing Thrill Ride

This version of Spider-Man is set in a new universe where a villain called the Maker stripped away the heroic destinies of many famous characters, including Peter Parker. This story follows an older and more experienced Peter, who is married to Mary Jane Watson and has two children. When Peter gets the opportunity to reclaim his stolen destiny and become Spider-Man again, he begins a new adventure filled with both power and responsibility.

Featuring stunning art by Marco Checchetto, Ultimate Spider-Man delivers some of the most daring ideas and storylines in modern comics. This version of Spider-Man is completely different from the traditional one, and because it’s set in a fresh universe, it takes risks with concepts and narratives that other Spider-Man stories don’t. With only one issue remaining, it’s a series you definitely shouldn’t skip.

Fantastic Four Pushed Hickman’s Popularity To New Heights

Jonathan Hickman’s run on Fantastic Four is widely considered a high point for the series, attracting both new and dedicated readers. It’s remembered as one of the best Fantastic Four stories ever told, blending ambitious science fiction with compelling character development and surprising plot twists, making it a truly impactful and emotional read.

Hickman’s work on Fantastic Four was remarkable because it subtly introduced ideas and storylines that he would explore much further in his later comics. He’s always been skilled at building complex narratives over time, but his Fantastic Four run is where this talent truly shines, ultimately leading to a powerful moment like Johnny Storm’s selfless sacrifice in the Negative Zone.

New Avengers Is An Illuminati-Focused Masterpiece

Although Hickman’s Avengers explored grand, over-the-top superhero action and classic comic book themes, his other series, New Avengers, released at the same time, was much more focused on the characters themselves, making it a more compelling read. Primarily centered on the Illuminati, New Avengers ultimately developed into a truly gripping and disturbing superhero story.

Before the big event Secret Wars, Jonathan Hickman’s New Avengers focuses on Earth’s heroes desperately trying to prepare for the end of everything. The universe is about to collapse, and even the smartest people can’t figure out how to prevent it. Filled with tough moral choices, surprising changes for beloved characters, and huge conflicts between Marvel heroes, New Avengers is an incredible story you really need to experience for yourself.

House of X / Powers of X Kicked Off A Bold New Era For Mutantkind

Before Jonathan Hickman revitalized the X-Men, the mutant characters of Marvel felt somewhat lost. They had been pushed aside to focus on projects related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Hickman’s simultaneous releases of House of X and Powers of X brought them back to prominence, establishing them as central figures in the Marvel Universe.

The House of X and Powers of X series are considered a high point for the X-Men, filled with surprising twists, stunning visuals, and major changes to the established story. While the overall Krakoa storyline didn’t unfold exactly as planned, this initial arc remains one of the most impressive comic book sagas in recent years.

East of West Is Hickman’s Indie Masterwork

I’m a huge fan of East of West, and it’s seriously one of the best sci-fi Western comics out there! The story centers around Death – not the Death, but a former Horseman – who’s on this incredible journey to find his estranged son. But it’s so much more than just that! The comic really dives into messed-up politics, spy games, war, and this awesome clash between technology and faith. It’s a wild ride!

Featuring incredible art by Nick Dragotta and remarkably detailed world-building, East of West is a truly special comic. It’s established Jonathan Hickman as a top writer, and its powerful combination of heartfelt character stories and thrilling, over-the-top Western action makes it a must-read for comic book fans.

Secret Wars Is The Finest Marvel Event Ever Written

Big event comics from Marvel and DC often fall short of expectations, but Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars is a genuine triumph. It brilliantly brings together everything he’d established in previous Marvel books like Fantastic Four and New Avengers, and somehow exceeds all expectations. The story expertly mixes satisfying conclusions to long-running plotlines with smaller, more personal moments, and is beautifully illustrated by Esad Ribić, whose artwork adds emotional depth and impact to the epic scale of the narrative.

The heart of Secret Wars lies in the complex dynamic between Victor Von Doom and Reed Richards. Jonathan Hickman brilliantly resolves their long-standing conflict, creating a truly satisfying conclusion – something rarely seen in comics. Secret Wars lives up to all the praise it receives, and the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars movie would be wise to draw inspiration from this exceptional story if it wants to maintain audience interest for years to come.

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2025-12-15 07:16