Must-Read Marvel Comics Stories Before Diving into the Echo MCU Series

Prepare for Echo's upcoming MCU solo series with these five essential Marvel Comics stories that will give you the full scope of the occasional Avenger. Watch out for Echo's rise to stardom in the near future, as the character's recent arrival signals big plans ahead.

Before making her debut in Hawkeye, a solo series for Echo was already announced. Her storyline across both shows is being used to set up the reunion of Daredevil and The Kingpin, leading into the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again.

In the comics, Echo has been part of important stories but never as a headliner. Before watching her MCU debut, these five stories will give you all the information you need to know about Echo.

Best Marvel Comics to read before MCU’s Echo

Before Echo sets the stage for Daredevil: Born Again, these five Echo comics are essential reading.

Marvel Comics

Parts of a Hole (Daredevil Vol. 2 #9-15)

Maya Lopez, also known as Echo, is an incredibly talented acrobat, fighter, and assassin who also happens to be the adopted daughter of The Kingpin. In a gripping story set during the innovative Marvel Knights era, Daredevil is forced to fight for his life when Echo believes Kingpin's lie that Daredevil is responsible for her father's death. This compelling storyline unfolds as Daredevil's friend and legal ally, Foggy Nelson, works to dismantle Kingpin's criminal empire. "Parts of a Hole" marks a significant turning point for Daredevil as he struggles with the loss of Karen Page.

You can find many important moments from Hawkeye here, such as Echo's attempted murder of Kingpin and his survival. It's also one of the best showcases of Echo's powers we've seen so far.

Purchase Daredevil/Echo: Parts of a Hole.

Marvel ComicsEcho’s attempts to rediscover herself led to a well-received story with some questionable stereotypes.

Vision Quest (Daredevil Vol. 2 #51-55)

After leaving New York following Parts of a Hole, Echo returns years later after traveling the world to find herself. She discovers that it was Kingpin, not Daredevil, who had killed her father. However, upon her return, she finds that Kingpin has survived her assassination attempt and is back to business as usual. Additionally, her attempts to reconcile with Daredevil are halted as he is now in a relationship with Milla Donovan.

Maya returns to the reservation where she was raised by her father, facing a crucial turning point in her life. Despite some outdated stereotypes, Vision Quest offers an in-depth exploration of Echo, her background, and her unique qualities in the Marvel universe. Get your copy of Daredevil Vol. 8: Echo – Vision Quest today.

Marvel ComicsThe mystery of Ronin’s identity was one of Marvel’s biggest mysteries, but why Echo needed the disguise is never explained.

Ronin (New Avengers #11-13)

Daredevil was the only hero at The Raft to decline joining the New Avengers, despite Captain America's pleas when the team heads to Japan to battle The Hand. However, Daredevil suggests another expert on The Hand to help out. This expert is Ronin, a mysterious ninja character who surprised Marvel Comics fans in 2005 and is later revealed to be Echo. Ronin briefly fights in an armored disguise alongside Captain America and the New Avengers, but her reasons for wearing the disguise are never disclosed.

Purchase New Avengers Vol. 3: Secrets & Lies today to explore how the storyline introduced the Ronin identity and marked a turning point for Echo as she transitioned from being a victim of a gang war to becoming a superhero.

Marvel ComicsEcho’s distance from other heroes made her a target during Secret Invasion.

Secret Invasion (New Avengers #39)

After her adventure with the New Avengers, Echo's life became tumultuous. She was killed by a Skrull posing as Elektra, then briefly brought back as a Hand assassin before ultimately rebelling and reuniting with the New Avengers. This time, she fought alongside Clint Barton, the second Ronin.

One of the most defining stories from this period may be the one-off Secret Invasion tie-in. During the Skrull Invasion, Echo struggled with trust and sought advice from Daredevil, only to find herself fighting a Skrull impostor instead.

Check out New Avengers Vol. 8: Secret Invasion Book 1 to witness how Echo's conflict with the Skrull and partnership with Wolverine sheds light on her position within the Avengers and her personal growth. Additionally, this issue brings her closer to Clint Barton, marking the beginning of their short-lived relationship.

Marvel ComicsEcho briefly rejoined the Avengers as the latest host of the Phoenix Force.

Enter the Phoenix (Avengers Vol. 3 #38-44, Phoenix Song: Echo #1)

Echo underwent her most significant transformation since her debut in Marvel Comics when she became the newest host of the Phoenix Force in a 2020 event.

In "Enter the Phoenix," the formidable Phoenix Force ensnared several champions, such as Captain America, Black Panther, Doctor Doom, and Howard the Duck, in a monumental tournament. The victor would be granted the favor and power of the Phoenix Force.

Get Aveners by Jason Aaron Vol. 8: Enter The Phoenix now and read about Echo's journey to becoming the new host of the Phoenix Force and her heroic actions against the Multiversal Masters of Evil.

Check back for more of Echo's top stories and the latest news on Marvel Comics at Dexerto. If you make a purchase through the product links provided, we may receive a small affiliate commission.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I'm thrilled about the upcoming Echo MCU series and eager to delve into the character's rich comic book history. The five essential Marvel Comics stories recommended in the article provide an exciting roadmap for understanding Echo's origins, motivations, and journey. I appreciate the detailed summaries and insights into each storyline, as they help me grasp the depth and complexity of Echo's character.

The exploration of Echo's relationship with Daredevil and The Kingpin, her quest for self-discovery, and her transformation into the mysterious Ronin pique my curiosity. I'm particularly intrigued by the untold reasons behind Echo's use of the Ronin disguise and her tumultuous experiences during Secret Invasion. These elements promise an engaging and action-packed narrative that I can't wait to experience.