Comics to Read Before AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

10 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is coming to a head this May with the release of Avengers: Infinity War, a Marvel Studios extravaganza bringing the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and their allies together in confrontation of Thanos. While some of us have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion of what was originally teased in the post credits scene of the Avengers (2012), for those of us who don't know Doctor Strange from Doctor Doom, here's a list of titles that will help catch you up on what all the fuss is about. 

The Infinity Guantlet (1991) Jim Starlin

Probably the most important to read! It's the Avengers, the New Warriors, the X-Men and more against the omnipotent Eternal, Thanos! The Mad Titan has become the most powerful being in the universe, and enslavement or destruction may be the only choices he gives it! The successive Starlin sagas that shook space and time start here! Collecting INFINITY GAUNTLET #1-6.

Infinity (2014) Jonathan Hickman

While a little more backstory is needed to really get into this one, it does introduce the Black Order, Thanos' lieutenants in razing worlds, who will prominently feature in Infinity War. Thanos makes his world-shattering return, and his armies fire the opening shots of a galactic war that will be fought both on Earth and in deep space - with our heroes caught between both battles! As the mad Titan's secrets are revealed, the Inhumans' city of Attilan falls, and the members of the Illuminati find themselves on the front line! And as every Origin Site on Earth goes active, the Builders enter the Marvel Universe. But can the Avengers return to Earth in time to save it, when betrayal in the Galactic Council has left them prisoners of war? Galactic empires will fall as Thanos' crazed plans come to fruition! Collecting INFINITY #1-6, NEW AVENGERS (2013) #7-12, AVENGERS (2012) #12-23 and INFINITY INFINITE COMIC #1-2.

The Thanos Quest (1990) Jim Starlin

A precursor to the events of Infinity Guantlet. Thanos of Titan, the mad Eternal, has been released from Death's domain. In return, he's pledged to kill half the population of the universe using the most powerful weapons in existence: the Infinity Gems! If he obtains them all, Thanos will rule all he surveys!

Thanos Rising (2013) Jason Aaron

In 2013, True Believers got a chance to witness the origin of the Mad Titan himself. Thanos left audiences abuzz after MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS, but who is this disturbing villain? Discover the hidden truth in this gripping tale of tragedy, deceit and destiny. Where did this demi-god of destruction come from, and what does he want from the universe? Death has been shadowing Thanos for his entire life, watching his inner darkness grow - but why? And when the Mad Titan flees his home in search of true love, how many lives will he take to find it? The answers come from the incredible creative team of Jason Aaron (WOLVERINE) and Simone Bianchi (ASTONISHING X-MEN)! Prepare for a journey that will change one boy's life - and will soon change the very nature of the Marvel Universe. And when Thanos' rise is complete, the stage is set for INFINITY! Collecting THANOS RISING #1-5.

Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War Prelude (2018) Will Pilgrim

This is the first of a two part series, filling in the blanks between Civil War & Infinity War. When a terrorist puts the Avengers at odds, CAPTAIN AMERICA and THE WINTER SOLDIER go rogue to find him - but IRON MAN isn't far behind. Will the Avengers survive the fallout? Then, find out where Captain America, the Falcon and the Black Widow are headed next - because the world needs heroes, whether it wants them or not. And get a sneak peek at Tony Stark's brand-new armor! Get ready for MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR in part 1 of this special prelude!

All of these collected editions and vintage issues are available for order (if not already on store shelves)! AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR hits theatres May 4th! Happy reading!