Secret Wars

Published between 1984 and 1985 by Marvel Comics, 'Secret Wars' was a groundbreaking twelve-issue crossover event written by Jim Shooter with art by Mike Zeck and Bob Layton. The series was one of the first major crossover events in comic book history, bringing together a vast array of Marvel's most popular superheroes and villains. The plot revolves around a cosmic entity known as the Beyonder, who transports a group of heroes and villains to a distant, patchwork planet called Battleworld. There, they are forced to fight in a grand contest with the promise of fulfilling their deepest desires. Key characters include Spider-Man, the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom, and Magneto, among others. Major events include the introduction of Spider-Man's black costume, which would later become the villain Venom, and significant character development for Doctor Doom, who attempts to seize the Beyonder's power for himself. The series was both a commercial success and a cultural milestone, influencing future crossover events and expanding the scope of Marvel's storytelling. 'Secret Wars' is considered canon and had lasting impacts on Marvel continuity, including changes to Spider-Man's costume and the dynamics within the superhero community.