Ranking The Ten Best Major Comic Events of the Last Decade
Comic book events are the lifeblood of the superhero genre, pulling together massive casts
and reshaping universes. In the last decade, both Marvel and DC have delivered blockbuster
crossover events that thrilled fans, shocked readers, and changed continuity forever.
Major comic events are more than just flashy crossovers, they shape continuity, redefine
heroes, and energize fanbases. Whether divisive or beloved, these events prove that the last
decade of comics has been anything but stagnant. From multiversal threats to morally
complex conflicts, here are the ten best major comic events of the last ten years, ranked by
impact, storytelling, and fan reception.
- Heroes in Crisis (2018, DC)
While Heroes in Crisis was divisive, its attempt to explore mental health in the superhero
community was bold and timely. The Sanctuary subplot opened a new narrative space for
character vulnerability. Though controversial for its twists, especially Wally West’s role, it
sparked meaningful discussion and redefined trauma’s place in DC storytelling.
- King in Black (2020–2021, Marvel)
Following the momentum of Absolute Carnage, King in Black delivered a dark, action-heavy
spectacle with Knull, the god of symbiotes, invading Earth. This event succeeded not just in
upping the stakes for Eddie Brock but in uniting Marvel’s street-level and cosmic heroes in
an epic fight against darkness. The visuals were stunning, and the finale gave Venom long-
overdue development.
- Dark Nights: Death Metal (2020, DC)
DC’s Death Metal was pure chaos, and fans loved it. A wild, guitar-shredding ride through a
post-apocalyptic multiverse, it embraced over-the-top storytelling while tying up loose ends
from Snyder’s earlier runs. Batman with a Black Lantern ring? A cosmic Wonder Woman? It
was metal in every sense, and a love letter to DC’s legacy.
- Civil War II (2016, Marvel)
Though it didn’t quite reach the heights of the original Civil War, Civil War II tackled the
ethics of predictive justice in a post-Infinity War landscape. It split the Marvel universe once
again, this time with Carol Danvers and Tony Stark at odds over a precognitive Inhuman. The
stakes were personal and philosophical, pushing characters to their moral limits.
- Secret Empire (2017, Marvel)
Secret Empire took a massive swing with a Hydra-controlled Captain America and a Marvel
Universe plunged into fascism. While controversial, it offered sharp political commentary
and unforgettable moments, like Sam Wilson reclaiming the mantle of Captain America.
Despite polarizing reception, its ambition and relevance made it a defining event of the
2010s.
- Doomsday Clock (2017–2019, DC)
Uniting the worlds of Watchmen and the DC Universe was always going to be risky but
Doomsday Clock pulled it off with gravitas and gorgeous artwork. The story of Doctor
Manhattan meddling with the timeline provided both a metacommentary on comic continuity
and a touching exploration of hope, legacy, and the nature of heroism.
- X of Swords (2020, Marvel)
The X-Men’s Krakoan era has been full of reinvention, and X of Swords was its most creative
crossover yet. Combining mystical duels, family drama, and interdimensional politics, this
22-part event redefined mutant mythology. It deepened the lore of Arakko and delivered both
high fantasy action and intimate character arcs.
- War of the Realms (2019, Marvel)
The culmination of Jason Aaron’s Thor saga, War of the Realms brought every realm into
conflict on Earth. It was epic in every sense, with incredible action and strong character
moments especially for Jane Foster, Loki, and Thor himself. It tied years of storylines into a
satisfying and explosive climax.
- House of X/Powers of X (2019, Marvel)
Jonathan Hickman’s relaunch of the X-Men wasn’t just an event, it was a revolution. House
of X/Powers of X reinvented the mutant status quo with Krakoa, Moira MacTaggert’s
reincarnation twist, and a bold new vision for mutantkind. It energized the franchise, brought
back lapsed readers, and became an instant classic.
- DC Rebirth (2016, DC)
While technically a one-shot and publishing initiative, DC Rebirth was an emotional reset
that won back fans alienated by The New 52. It restored legacy characters, brought back hope
and optimism, and laid the groundwork for years of storytelling. The return of Wally West,
the mystery of the Watchmen button, and the heartfelt tone made Rebirth DC’s best event of
the last decade.
