It’s the 12th new comic book day of the new year! This post covers Marvel Comics March 20 2024 releases. Missed last week’s releases? Check out last week’s post covering Marvel Comics March 13 2024 new releases.
This week in Marvel Comics: Franklin Richards’ secret revealed, Gillen’s final X-book, Spider-Woman old and new, repackaged collected editions, and more!
This list includes every comic and digital comic out from Marvel this week, plus collected editions in omnibus, hardcover, paperback, and digest-sized formats. For each new release, I’ll point you to the right guide within my Crushing Comics Guide to Marvel Comics to find out how to collect each character in full – and, if a guide is linked from this post, that means it is updated through the present day!
Marvel Comics March 20 2024 Collected Editions
Astonishing X-Men Modern Era Epic Collection, Vol. 1: Gifted
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302957971 / digital)
See Guide to Astonishing X-Men. On one hand, I’m all for any recollection of the brilliant first two arcs of this title, which should always been easily accessible to new readers. On the other hand, this is an exact copy of a prior Ultimate/Complete collection, which bums me out because it would be cool to see an Epic line of this title include some or all of Kitty Pryde: Shadow & Flame, Phoenix: Endsong, or Phoenix: Warsong – which were all extensions of this title. (For that matter, so was House of M).Shadow and Flame would have fit perfectly as another five issues in this collection.
Captain America Omnibus Vol. 4
(2024 “Vol. 4” oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302955137 / digital)
See Guide to Captain America. This is a reprint of “Captain America by Jack Kirby” simply rebranded to fit seamlessly into the omnibus line. That means it’s actually totally fine to buy as a standalone book – that’s how it’s been sold for well over a decade! If you want to read the beautiful madness that is Kirby drawing and writing Cap, it’s all here.
Carnage Epic Collection Vol. 3: The Monster Inside
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302956363 / digital)
I’m working on this Carnage Guide right now, I swear! It’s been a busy month. This is a third (and likely last) “Classic” Carnage collection, picking up in 1998 and cruising all the way through 2009 to pick up some of his modern mini-series.
Doctor Strange by Jed MacKay Vol. 2: The War-Hound of Vishanti
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302951177 / digital)
See Guide to Doctor Strange. I wouldn’t recommend picking up this book as a standalone, as it’s all payoff for the mystery that was set up expertly in the first volume by MacKay. That said, this is immensely enjoyable. It shows off just how good modern Strange comics can be. There’s a way to build off of old magical continuity and established foes without being slavishly devoted to it in a way that is dull or alienating to new fans. MacKay is the author to perfectly walk that tightrope, and it yields a fascinating puzzle box of plot for our Doctor.
Fantastic Four Epic Collection Vol. 24: Atlantis Rising
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302956394 / digital)
See Guide to Fantastic Four. This is a relatively rare example of an Epic Collection that collects less issues than a similar trade collection.
“Atlantis Rising” was a loose, not-entirely-direct crossover that ran through Fantastic Four, Fantastic Force, Namor, and (sortof) the final two issues of Warlock & The Infinity Watch – plus an epilogue in Fantastic Four Unlimited #11. A prior trade collected the first three titles and Unlimited and not the two Infinity Watch issues.
This version drops both Namor and Unlimited, still ignores Infinity Watch, and adds an extra issue of Fantastic Force.
That doesn’t make this worth skipping this penultimate Epic Volume (especially with the final volume already available), but this line’s failure to collect its own Unlimited title across the very recent Volumes 22-24 is a case of a bad mapping that now can never be fixed (since Epic volumes have never been expanded).
Marvel Masterworks: Spider-Woman Vol. 4
(2024 hardcover, ISBN 978-1302955113 / digital)
See Guide to Spider-Woman. The final volume in this brief run of Masterworks, this collects through Spider-Woman (1978) #50, plus three subsequent epilogue issues of Avengers (but not her appearance in Uncanny X-Men (1963) #148, which would fit right after the first issue of this collection). I’ve really loved the color restorations in this Masterworks line, which is the first time these issues have been presented in color.
Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302954901 / digital)
See Guide to Ms. Marvel – Kamala Khan. This is a standalone mini-series co-written by the MCU’s Ms. Marvel Iman Vellani(!) that also works in tight continuity with X-Men (2021) #25-28 as part of “Fall of X.” It re-establishes a consistent and consistently-likable voice for Kamala and ties her more closely to the world of mutants.
Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 1
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302957827 / digital)
See Guide to Star Wars Legends (Old Expanded Universe). This is an early vanguard of linewide Epic Collection reprints for Star Wars. It actually picks up from three late issues of the long-running Star Wars: Republic (2002) as the title transitions out of the Prequel era and into the period immediately following Revenge of the Sith. The new expanded universe hasn’t spent too much time in this period, but these stories are no longer considered canon even if they have not yet been directly contradicted.
Ultimate Marvel by Jonathan Hickman Omnibus
(2024 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302956936 / digital)
See Guide to Marvel Ultimate Comics. This is the long-awaited hardcover of the only Marvel Hickman material from prior to 2016 to never see an oversize release. It collects his Ultimate Hawkeye and Thor minis, as well as his brief run on Ultimates – all of which help to set up The Maker, who is Hickman’s signature villain across all of the Marvel Universes!
Wolverine by Benjamin Percy Vol. 7
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302951535 / digital)
See Guide to Wolverine – Logan. For a late-numbered volume, this is actually pretty easy to pick up and read on its own. It directly follows the brief “Weapons of Vengeance” crossover with Ghost Rider and ends prior to the “Sabretooth War” mega-arc. In it, Wolverine teams up with other characters like Captain America and Black Panther – which gives this a sense of purpose and connection to the Marvel Universe that Wolverine has largely lacked since his return in 2018. Plus, it’s stunningly drawn by Juan José Ryp!
Read on for a summary of all of the Marvel Comics March 20 2024 single issue and digital releases!
Marvel Comics March 20 2024 Physical Comic Releases
Beware the Planet of the Apes (2023) #3 – Sorry, y’all – I don’t have any apes affection (though I will make a guide for this property later this year!)
Black Panther (2023) #10 – See Guide to Black Panther. I am now officially hooked on this title by Dr. Eve Ewing, though it took me a while to get here. With T’Challa’s villain fully exposed, we’re now into using Ewing’s new setting but also getting into some pleasing superheroics instead of focusing solely on more anthropological concerns.
If you faded off this book early on, try catching up on Marvel Unlimited!
Blade (2023) #9 – See Guide to Blade. I know some Blade fans have been enjoying this Bryan E. Hill book, but I’ve been challenged by both the voicing and the pacing.
BUT: Last issue was the best one of the run so far! BEH made delicious use of Satana and a brief trip to hell… but’s still a lot of talking for a Blade book. I’m hoping that BEH shakes loose of some of his screenwriting rules and starts to deliver something snappier that feels truer to Blade.
Captain Marvel (2023) #6 – See Guide to Captain Marvel – Carol Danvers. Alyssa Wong is doing fine on this new Captain Marvel ongoing… but just barely. This story about Nega Bands felt like a fun movie tie-in with The Marvels as of five months ago, but now it’s starting to drag.
This arc doesn’t really feel like it’s critically about Carol. It could be any hero tied in a quantum state with Yuna (Wong’s newest in a line of exceedingly-obvious self-insert characters) and collaborating with Doctor Strange.
I’m looking forward to this wrapping up the initial arc of the book so we can see if Wong has any other big ideas for Carol the way they did for Deadpool (2022).
Fantastic Four (2022) #18 – See Guide to Fantastic Four. This Ryan North series delivers hit after hit. Last issue focused heavily on Sue Storm (and her archeology degree!). This issue promises to focus entirely on Franklin Richards and the secrets he’s been harboring for the past few years.
After it seemed like Dan Slott did irreparable harm to Franklin’s character and continuity, I’m very interested to see what North has in mind. To date North has very rarely played with the big guns of altering Marvel continuity in his small-scale, irreverent comic runs. That makes this issue my most-anticipated comic of the week!
The Invincible Iron Man (2022) #16 – See Guide to Iron Man. It’s no secret I’m in love with Iron Man as a stealth X-Men book. I think it gives Tony Stark a purpose that exists entirely outside of himself, which is pretty rare in Iron Man runs of the past 20 years.
However, I also think Gerry Duggan is playing to run down the clock here, inserting some less-than-critical decompression to make this line up with the rest of the climax of the Age of Krakoa. Last issue was a lot of that time-wasting sort of action, but this one promises to deliver a major confrontation with Feilong that we’ve been awaiting for nearly a year.
Night Thrasher (2024) #2 – See Guide to New Warriors. I was so excited for a classic New Warrior to make his return to Marvel Comics! But, issue #1 was… odd. It is stuffed with a ton of continuity references to Night Thrasher stories that are 10-20 years old without ever really fully explaining them or the status quo they left behind. I mostly was able to keet up because I’ve read all those comics, but… it’s been 10-15 years for me!
I think this could’ve done more to make us love and understand this character since so many readers won’t be acquainted with him. Also, the villain – at least, the character who seems to be the villain – simply doesn’t make any sense based on where we last saw them. I’m optimistic for issue #2, but I feel this could be a big miss.
Resurrection of Magneto (2024) #3 – See Guide to Magneto. Issue #2 of this Al Ewing & Luciano Vecchio series pivoted hard from the initial concept of Storm’s battle against the tides of the afterlife to focus on Magneto and what he sees as the rules and boundaries of his own atonement. It’s a very high-concept, highly-cerebral take on resurrecting this signature character – which might not be for everyone. Yet, the art has been stunning and Ewing hasn’t missed a single time on his characterizations of Storm and Magneto.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver (2024) #2 – See Guide to Scarlet Witch. I’m hot and cold on Steve Orlando (or, more accurately, his writing can be hot and cold), but the first issue of this new series was a major hit with me. I think it lingered a little over-long on some therapy-speak dissections of Wanda & Pietro’s sibling relationship, but the plot crackled, the banter was funny, and Lorenzo Tammetta’s art was spectacular. I’m hooked!
Spider-Boy (2023) #5 – See Guide to Spider-Man – Peter Parker (2018 – Present). This series has been consistent all-ages fun and I love the structure of two-stories per issue as this slowly builds some mystery and continuity around a character we’re meant to assume has been around for years.
I’m always excited to see kid heroes in the main Marvel Universe, and Dan Slott has kept this lighthearted and not at all mean-spirited despite some critical misunderstandings between characters.
Spider-Woman (2023) #5 – See Guide to Spider-Woman. I just don’t know how I feel about the twist last month in issue #4. It’s as huge as a Spider-Woman twice could be so I don’t want to spoil it for you other than to say it uses one of my least-favorite comic tropes. However, that might yield some interesting plot for Jessica Drew… I just hope that eventually it gets reversed.
Star Wars: Jango Fett (2024) #1 – See Guide to Star Wars Expanded Universe comics. Fresh from the conclusion of Star Wars: Bounty Hunters (2020), Ethan Sacks pivots to a story from an earlier era with this Jango Fett mini-series. I’m not yet certain of its continuity placement (although, obviously it will be prior to the end of Attack of the Clones).
Star Wars: The High Republic (2023) #5 – See Guide to Star Wars Expanded Universe comics. Phase III of High Republic continues! I’ve started catching up, but I’m still back in Phase I.
Star Wars: Thrawn – Alliances (2024) #3 – See Guide to Star Wars Expanded Universe comics. The continuing adaption of the novel of the same name.
Star Wars: Visions – Takashi Okazaki (2024) #1 – See Guide to Star Wars Expanded Universe comics., although this is not a canon story! It expands on The Ronin, a character from the Star Wars: Visions D+ series.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight (2024) #3 – See Guide to Moon Knight. I enjoy the concept Jed MacKay brings to this book – that all Moon Knights are eternal in their own way, but not always the same person they were in life. Yet, the decompression is really wearing me down here. I feel like the first two issues were mostly a recap of our cast of characters. I’m hoping we push into some interesting plot with this one.
Web of Spider-Man (2024) #1 – See Guide to Spider-Man – Peter Parker (2018 – Present). This is a one-shot issue by Amazing Spider-Man (2022) writer Zeb Wells and Spider-Woman (2023) writer Steve Foxe teasing the Spidey-plots for the rest of 2024.
Wolverine: Madripoor Knights (2024) #2 – See Guide to Wolverine – Logan. Against all odds, this throwback Chris Claremont story that fits directly following the stone cold classic Uncanny X-Men (1963) #268 is incredible. I had my doubts, but Claremont really handles the cast of Logan, Betsy, Jubilee, Black Widow, and Captain America well – giving them a violent distraction in the near term and a longer term dilemma to work on together. It feels a lot more streamlined and purposeful than other recent throwback stories from Claremont.
X-Men: Forever (2024) #1 – See Guide to X-Men – The Age of Krakoa. I am VERY EXCITED for this additional Kieron Gillen mini-series, which seems like it will be his final word on the X-Men line (and at Marvel, before moving back to indie work). I think Gillen is one of the all-time best writers of Jean Grey, and she has been in limbo in the White Hot Room for almost a year since the 2023 Hellfire Gala, so this is sure to be intriguing – especially with Marvel announcing a new Phoenix series for their X-Men relaunch!
Marvel Comics March 20 2024 Digital-First Comic Releases
This is a list of projected Marvel Comics March 20 2024 Digital-First releases based on the recent digital release schedule. Actual releases are not confirmed until they show up on the Marvel Unlimited app.
These releases have not been quick to be released in print, though we’ve now see print versions of a few of these series trickle out a year or more after they were released.
- Avengers United Infinity Comic (2023) #24 – See Guide to Avengers (2010-Present). This is part of one mega initial arc (which isn’t quite so mega when you realize each of these digital issues is only a quarter of a print issue)
- It’s Jeff! Infinity Comic (2021) #35
- Spider-Man Unlimited Infinity Comic (2023) #29 – Guide to Spider-Man – Peter Parker (2018-Present)
- X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic (2021) #131– See Guide to X-Men, The Age of Krakoa
Leave a Reply