by Jillian Ocken

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a busy place. We’ve already had two feature films this year, three series introducing new characters, plus the odd special, and there’s still more to come. The internet is buzzing with theories, casting news, and announcements of projects into 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’re trying to figure out what all the super-fans are talking about or your filling some time until “Wakanda Forever” comes out, this is a good time to check out some Marvel graphic novels. Ames Public Library has a large selection of comics in physical form and online through our Hoopla and Bridges/Libby subscriptions, so you can peruse the comics without investing in a whole series.

Hoopla in particular has a nice selection of Marvel titles. You can get some background for the upcoming Black Panther movie by reading “Shuri,” “Namor,” and “Ironheart.” Then, you can be the person in the theater that “understood that reference” and has to explain to all their friends. Hoopla can also hook you up with some clues to what’s coming further down the line with “Kang the Conqueror,” “Secret Invasion,” and “Secret Wars.”

If you’d prefer something like a “best-of,” the Marvel-Verse titles on Hoopla compile some of the more iconic issues for specific characters. Or, if you’d rather stick with the Marvel Cinematic Universe storylines, check out the “Prelude” graphic novels that fill in some backstory between MCU films.

Bridges/Libby also has a great selection of Marvel comics you can read online. Check up on some recent character additions to the MCU in “World War Hulk,” “Thor: The Goddess of Thunder,” “The Mighty Thor,” and “America.” You can also get psyched up for more Matt Murdock with “Daredevil: Born Again” while you wait for the “Born Again” TV series.

Or, stop by the Library and browse the graphic novels on the west side of the 2^nd floor. They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I’m not sure that applies to graphic novels. The style of art in a comic can make a huge difference in how much I enjoy it, so a quick flip through can help me decide what to read next

Whatever you read and however you read it, enjoy the bounty available to you. It’s a marvelous time to be a fan!