New Avengers by Bendis Omnibus Vol. 2

Background. The second volume covers the period when the New Avengers run became Marvel’s flagship title. After launching with an unconventional line-up, Bendis used it as the main vehicle to tell the story of Civil War from the perspective of the underground Avengers, and to sow the seeds of what would become Secret Invasion, one of the publisher’s greatest sagas.

What’s inside. The New Avengers story arcs during Civil War (with the team divided and in secret hiding), the first signs of Skrull infiltration, and the issues leading up to the outbreak of Secret Invasion. Lead art by Leinil Yu, one of the artists most closely associated with the aesthetic of 2000s Marvel.

Why it’s worth reading. Civil War from within the Avengers offers a completely different perspective to the main event: here you are with the heroes who decided not to register, living in hiding, wondering if they did the right thing. It’s Bendis at his most intimate and the perfect setup for Secret Invasion. Essential reading to follow the narrative of Marvel from 2006 to 2010.

Edition details. 1224 pages. Second volume of the foundational run. US edition published by Marvel Comics. ISBN 9781302965853.