The best Avengers arcs are Kree-Skrull War (#89-97, 1971), Under Siege (#270-277, 1986), Korvac's Saga (#167-177, 1978), and Infinity (2013, Hickman): team-defining stories whose key issues in CGC 9.0+ are worth between $100 and $800 depending on the bow and rarity.
In more than 60 years of publication, the Avengers have gone through dozens of major story arcs that have redefined not only the team but the entire Marvel comics landscape. Some of these stories have become absolute references in the superheroic genre, elevating the medium to the rank of epic literature.
This guide analyzes the most iconic arcs, their impact on Marvel continuity, the narrative and artistic quality of each, and their current value on the collectors' market. Each arc is evaluated for its historical significance and relevance to the contemporary reader.
The Kree-Skrull War: Avengers #89-97 (1971-1972)
Written by Roy Thomas with art by Sal Buscema and Neal Adams, the Kree-Skrull War is considered the first true epic arc in Marvel comics. This nine-issue story places the Avengers at the center of an intergalactic conflict between two alien empires, with Earth as the battlefield.
Why it is essential
- First multi-issue arc with a complex narrative structure in Marvel comics.
- Introduction of concepts (cosmic Captain Marvel, Rick Jones as catalyst) that resonate throughout the MCU.
- Neal Adams drawing the final issues (#93-97) takes the art to a new level.
- Narrative basis for Secret Invasion (2008) and the Captain Marvel film.
Market value
Set #89-97 in French (7.5-8.0): $400-800. The individual Adams issues (#93-97) are the most valued: Avengers #93 in CGC 9.0: $300-500. The complete run in NM is extremely rare and exceeds $2,000.
The Korvac Saga: Avengers #167-177 (1977-1978)
Jim Shooter writes one of the most ambitious stories of the Bronze Age. Michael Korvac, an omnipotent cosmic being, attempts to reshape the universe according to his vision, and the Avengers must face him in a fight with philosophical as well as physical issues.
Why it is essential
- Rare thematic exploration for the time: questioning absolute power and benevolence.
- The expanded roster (Avengers + original Guardians of the Galaxy) foreshadows modern mega-events.
- The finale (#177) is one of the most emotionally devastating in Marvel history.
- Direct influence on Hickman's cosmic narratives and MCU Phase 4-6.
Market value
Avengers #167 in CGC 9.4: $80-150. Set #167-177 in VF+: $200-400. The TPB Korvac Saga remains one of the best introductions to the Bronze Age Avengers for $20-$30.
Under Siege: Avengers #270-277 (1986-1987)
Roger Stern and John Buscema deliver what is unanimously considered the most intense and personal Avengers arc of the classic era. Baron Zemo assembles the most powerful version of the Masters of Evil and invades Avengers Mansion, brutalizing the team in their home.
Why it is essential
- Most personal arc: Hercules is beaten to the point of falling into a coma, Jarvis is tortured, Captain America has his memories destroyed.
- Demonstrating that the Avengers can be vulnerable: raises the stakes of the franchise.
- Writing by Roger Stern at the top, crafted dialogues and psychological tension.
- Direct basis for Marvel Studios' oft-rumored Avengers: Under Siege film.
Market value
Avengers #273-277 are the most requested issues of the arc. #273 (Zemo triumphs) in CGC 9.8: $60-100. The complete set #270-277 in NM: $150-300. Undervalued in relation to its narrative quality.
Infinity: Crossover Event (2013)
Jonathan Hickman orchestrates a double story: the Avengers in space against the Builders, and the Illuminati on Earth against Thanos. The event demonstrates Hickman's ability to manage dozens of characters on a cosmic scale without losing individual emotion.
Why it is essential
- Revolutionary narrative architecture: two parallel stories that converge.
- Introduction to the Court of Thanos (Black Order): Proxima Midnight, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw: all adapted in Avengers: Infinity War.
- Pivotal moment in the Hickman run leading into Secret Wars.
- Art by Jerome Opeña and Jim Cheung at the top of their game.
Market value
Infinity #1 in CGC 9.8: $30-60. All 6 issues + Avengers/New Avengers tie-ins: $80-$150 in NM. The Infinity Omnibus (including all tie-ins): $100-$150.
Other major arcs to know about
- The Celestial Madonna Saga (#129-135, Giant-Size #2-4, 1974-1975): Steve Englehart explores the mythology of Mantis. Complex and ambitious for its time. VF: $150-$300 per set.
- Ultron Unlimited (vol.3 #19-22, 1999): Busiek and Perez. Ultron at his most menacing. CGC 9.8 per issue: $20-$40.
- The Kang Dynasty (vol.3 #41-55, 2001-2002): Busiek. Kang conquers Earth. Relevant to Avengers: Kang Dynasty MCU. $80-$150 per set in NM.
- Secret Wars (2015, #1-9): Hickman. Destruction and rebirth of the Marvel Multiverse. Basis for the next MCU film. CGC 9.8: $25-$50 per issue.
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Frequently asked questions
The guide picks the Kree-Skrull War (Avengers #89-97, 1971-1972), the Korvac Saga (#167-177), Under Siege (#270-277, 1986-1987) and Infinity (2013, Hickman). These are stories that define the team and, for some, directly inspired MCU films.
Written by Roy Thomas with art by Sal Buscema and Neal Adams, it is considered the first truly epic arc of Marvel comics: nine issues around an intergalactic conflict, with Earth as the battlefield. Neal Adams draws the final issues (#93-97). It serves as the narrative basis for Secret Invasion (2008) and the Captain Marvel film.
Roger Stern and John Buscema show Baron Zemo gathering the Masters of Evil to invade Avengers Mansion. Hercules is beaten into a coma, Jarvis is tortured and Captain America sees his memories destroyed. It is the most personal arc of the classic era, and it shows that the Avengers can be vulnerable.
In the Korvac Saga, written by Jim Shooter, Michael Korvac, an omnipotent cosmic being, tries to remake the universe, with an expanded roster including the original Guardians of the Galaxy. In Infinity, Jonathan Hickman runs two parallel stories, the Avengers in space against the Builders and the Illuminati on Earth facing Thanos, and introduces Thanos's Black Order.
The Celestial Madonna Saga (#129-135 and Giant-Size #2-4, Steve Englehart, 1974-1975), Ultron Unlimited (vol. 3 #19-22, 1999, Busiek and Perez), The Kang Dynasty (vol. 3 #41-55, 2001-2002, Busiek) and Secret Wars (2015, #1-9, Hickman), which destroys and reborns the Marvel Multiverse.