Known for serializing their stories with jaw-dropping cliffhangers and highly anticipated teases, Marvel Comics has delivered their top 10 single issues from the past decade. Usually the creative team is able to put together a must-read standalone installment within their usual 20 page format. Sometimes, the single issue will need more space and longer pages for readers in order to conclude the self-contained tale. In order to introduce newcomers to the world of comics, a single standalone issue has to be able to stand on its own, without having to know previous continuity, or adhere to the mythology of an ongoing series.
Imagine already knowing how Spider-Man got his amazing superpowers. You definitely understand the backstory behind Peter Parker and you really just want to see how the creators push the character forward. A single issue helps the longtime reader to quickly skip the origin section, avoid the introductory part, and dive right into the meat of the story. Usually labeled with a #1, or distributed as an annual special, the single issue provides a gateway to bring in new readers and appease fans who don't need an introduction to their favorite superhero.
10 Astonishing X-Men Annual #1
The annual issue takes an important look at the original members of the mutant superhero team together. In this reunion, the dinner table leaves one seat vacant, because Cyclops is missing in action and presumed dead. Jean Grey has brought the group together because she wants to let something off her chest. Jean needs to examine how being an X-Man has actually ruined her life. Jean and the others analyze how much they have sacrificed of themselves in order to continue Professor Xavier's dream. The reunion never took place because Xavier wiped their memory.
9 Thor Annual Vol. 4 #1
With Thor building his own franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this annual looks at where the Asgardian ruler comes from and where the future of the series is heading. Readership grew to another level when Jane Foster took over the mantle as Female Thor.
And if you want to read a hilarious self-contained story written by WWE superstar CM Punk, this single issue is a keeper. Not only do readers get an adventure featuring Female Thor, Young Thor attempts to prove his worthiness in an absurd beer drinking contest.
8 Spider-Man Annual #1
Due to the blockbuster success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, of course Marvel is going to cash in on the Spider-Ham craze. Born a spider, Peter Porker lived the basement of May Porker, who happened to be an eccentric scientist. After getting bitten in a lab experiment gone wrong, Peter is transformed into an anthropomorphic swine with special abilities. The hilarious crossover wouldn't be complete without Spider-Gwen, Miles Morales, and dimension hopping. A gentle reminder, comics do not have to be all doom and gloom. Standalones can be aimed at kids too.
7 Spider-Man: Reptilian Rage #1
Readers forget that Spider-Man changed comics because Peter Parker was his own hero and not someone's sidekick. Peter had to deal with real adult problems, like grieving for Uncle Ben and finding ways to provide income for a struggling Aunt May.
The one-shot issue of Reptillian Rage takes readers back to when Peter is a high school student. Smarter than his average classmates, Peter has a chance for a better life if he gets accepted into Empire State University. Peter's chances of getting into college are ruined by The Lizard causing mayhem.
6 Star Wars: Age Of Rebellion - Luke Skywalker #1
With Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker heading into theaters, this is a great way to look back at the many adventures held by the legendary Jedi Master. Diving into psychological territory and unexplored terrain from the movies, this single issue examines how Luke Skywalker would have reacted after discovering Darth Vader is his real father. Luke has to train himself to become a better fighter before his inevitable confrontation with Darth Vader. Can Luke trust himself and not fall prey to the dark side of the Force when his leadership skills are tested?
5 What If: Ghost Rider #1
What's great about the What if...? scenarios is that the single installments are supposed to ask hypothetical questions. The creators get a chance to present outlandish plots without ever having to worry whether or not the twist will alter the Marvel mythology. In this meta narrative, Robbie Reyes happens to be a lowly intern at Marvel Comics.
At Marvel, there's going to be a comic made about the Latverian black metal band named Hasenwald. Robbie Reyes has to become the Ghost Rider in order to fight some monstrous tentacle creatures from Hell.
4 Star Wars Annual #4
The Phantom Menace introduced audiences to podracing as Anakin Skywalker participated in a deadly sports event to help out his crush, Padme Amidala. This annual imagines a scenario if Darth Vader managed to race one more time and defend his previous record. While retreating from the Stormtroopers, Luke Skywalker ends up at the starting line of a podrace. Father and son end up competing each other in the race. Enthralled by the cheers of the crowd, Darth Vader wants to relive a happy moment from Anakin's childhood and even cheats to keep the memory fresh.
3 Daredevil Annual #1
With audiences binge-watching the Netflix drama, this annual gives more of an in-depth focus on the supporting characters. Annuals are really the perfect place where creators are able to try new things and explore the characters in greater detail. Echo, aka Maya Lopez, and Gladiator, also known as Melvin Potter, are brought into the fold and given new light. It's great to read stories that do not have to deal with the consequences of Daredevil's secret identity being revealed to the public. Back to basics, readers find out how Matt Murdock struggles being a vigilante and district attorney.
2 Silver Surfer Annual (Vol 2) #1
Once upon a time, the Silver Surfer, aka Norrin Radd, was forced to become the Herald of Galactus. The Surfer had just one job; seek out planets for the hungry World Eater to consume. This single issue looks back at the philosophical choices and the consequences that Norrin had made in order to honor his agreement with Galactus. In order to protect other planets, was it right for Radd to give up cruel and brutal species to feed Galactus? What right does the Surfer have to be the judge, jury, and executioner to decide who deserves to be spared?
1 Venom Annual #1
What's interesting about the first annual is how the other super-villains present their own views on Spider-Man's arch-nemesis. The Black Cat, aka Felicia Hardy, views Venom as a vicious monster because he nearly beat her to death during their first encounter. The Juggernaut forbids witnesses from ever telling anyone that one time Venom beat him in a fight. Changing everything, Wolverine stops himself from killing Venom because he managed to overcome his bloodlust. If Logan can do it, the Eddie Brock can actually make something better of himself.