The 10 Best MCU Companion Books Of All Time

The Marvel Cinematic Universe debuted with a few standalone films starring the most popular comic-book heroes from Marvel. Following 2012’s The Avengers, a path was paved for exploring the origins and adventures of many other characters and MCU’s global supremacy carries on with blockbuster films and acclaimed series on Disney+.

Given the franchise’s ambitious scope, several companion books have been written as film tie-ins. Some of these might serve as reference and art books providing glimpses at technical details and behind-the-scenes facts while a few others add as fictional spin-offs to the MCU’s original storylines.

10 Marvel: Creating The Cinematic Universe (2019)

As the title suggests, Creating The Cinematic Universe documents the genesis of the MCU through detailed concept art, props and costumes. The art book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ideas behind the Universe, spanning from Iron Man to Thor: Ragnarok.

The latter’s director Taika Waititi also authors the introduction while the book features essays by American author Roxane Gay, cultural critic and pop-culture writer Glen Weldon, and film curator Amanda Slack-Smith. All these diverse personalities offer their personal perspectives at the ultimate impact that Marvel has had on mainstream cinema in terms of storytelling and technical elements.

9 Avengers Infinity War: The Journals (2018)

Avengers: Infinity War presented a particularly tumultuous phase for not just the Avengers but their allies and loved ones too. This book comprises several fictional journals touching upon the emotional pressure that these saviors of the planet went through as the fear of Thanos loomed largely.

Other than fan favorites like Black Widow, the book also gives a voice to supporting characters who would otherwise be overshadowed by the MCU’s lead ensemble. For instance, Heimdall muses on Thor and Asgard while Wong provides his opinions on Doctor Strange. It offers a much-needed emotional insight before the events of Endgame.

8 The Pirate Angel, The Talking Tree, and Captain Rabbit (2019)

In the aforementioned Infinity War, Thor seeks to find a weapon that is strong enough to defeat Thanos. Aided by Rocket Raccoon and Groot, the Asgardian God of Thunder sets out for Nidavellir, ultimately getting his hands on the enchanted axe called Stormbreaker.

This novel by Steve Behling recounts this particular incident while adding the hilarious moments amongst these unlikely allies. Rocket’s space journals add more perspective towards his understanding of Thor’s leaderlike personality.

7 How To Paint Characters The Marvel Studios Way (2019)

The MCU concept designs of its comic-book characters have gone on to influence popular art in the superhero genre. The visual guide How to Paint Characters the Marvel Studios Way incorporates tips and tricks by seasoned veterans like concepts artists Andy Park and Ryan Meinerding, along with other executives from the Studios’ department of Visual Development.

The book doesn’t only explore the process of designing concept artworks but also the steps ahead of the painting, like collaborating with costume designers to bring the art to life.

6 Marvel Studios Visual Dictionary (2018)

A quintessential MCU reference book, DK’s Marvel Studios Visual Dictionary delves into the multi-film franchise’s characters, locations, weapons, and significant storylines in an A-Z format.

Given how Marvel keeps on rolling out one Phase after the other with its ongoing and upcoming projects, one is bound to forget a few elements from their decade-long run. So, it’s handy to have a book like this dictionary that is enough to refresh a Marvel fan’s memory.

5 The Wakanda Files (2020)

In the MCU, the Wakandan Princess Shuri oversaw the compilation of a few secret files and newspaper articles on the world’s superhero populace. The purpose of these ‘Wakanda Files’ was to figure out ways to improve the future of human society utilizing the powers of the Avengers along with her own scientific technology.

The in-world book is available with an attractive cover bearing inscribed words in the Wakandan script. And to add a sense of authenticity, some of the pages bear a layer of UV ink. On the surface, these pages might seem blank but the words would be visible under a flashlight designed in the shape of a Kimoyo bead (which is a part of the book’s package).

4 Part Of A Bigger Universe (2019)

“You think you’re the only superhero in the world? Mr. Stark, you’ve become part of a bigger universe. You just don’t know it yet.” This iconic Nick Fury quote from Iron Man is printed in golden letters on the hardbound cover of Part of a Bigger Universe, a book of ‘unforgettable quotes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

From Tony Stark’s public admission of his secret identity to the war cry of ‘Wakanda Forever,’ this compiles some of the best dialogue from the entirety of the Universe up to 2019.

3 Thanos: Titan Consumed (2018)

Thanos is one of the best MCU villains for not just his physical prowess but also his introspective nature. Despite his tyrannical plans, some of Thanos’s goals seem to be rational and good-natured. This is what essentially makes him a notably grey character.

Thanos: Titan Consumed offers a much-needed backstory behind his ultimate goal of securing the six Infinity Stones. The novel dwells on his past on the planet of Titan and how he was shunned by his own peers. Rather than just a mighty antagonist, he’s also humanized as an ambitious leader cursed with knowledge.

2 Marvel Studios: The First Ten Years: The Official Movie Special (2018)

Documenting the first ten years of the MCU, this makes for an essential collector’s item celebrating the road the film series has taken since 2008’s Iron Man. The 144-page book has a lot to offer, ranging from an in-depth analysis of the many Easter Eggs to notes on each film’s post-credits scene.

Along with the factoids, several interviews are included. The interviewees include not only cast members like Robert Downey Jr. and Chadwick Boseman but also Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Co-President Louis D’Esposito.

1 Peter And Ned’s Ultimate Travel Journal (2019)

Based on the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Peter and Ned’s Ultimate Travel Journal covers their travels to Europe. Co-authored from the perspective of best friends Peter Parker and Ned Leeds, the journals cover their trysts with European food and landmarks while also dedicating a few pages to the former’s heroic exploits.

The book goes well with the coming-of-age theme of Spider-Man’s story. Even though he just wishes to have a carefree vacation with his classmates, trouble still follows him, compelling him to once again don his iconic costume.

About The Author

Shaurya Thapa
(727 Articles Published)

Shaurya Thapa is an Indian freelance journalist who mostly dabbles in writings on cinema, music, and human interest features. When it comes to Screen Rant, he writes lists on a wide array of subjects ranging from international films to mainstream Netflix series and comic book trivia. He also hosts a podcast called ‘BhindiWire’, an Indian parody of IndieWire.

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