Ares

Ares, the Marvel Universe's God of War, is one of the most fearsome and complex figures in all of Olympus. Drawing from ancient Greek mythology, Marvel's Ares is the literal deity of warfare — a brutal, calculating warrior who has clashed with gods, monsters, and mortals alike across centuries of conflict. His first appearance dates all the way back to Daring Mystery Comics #6 in 1940, making him one of Marvel's oldest mythological characters and a true golden age relic that serious collectors prize highly. That early appearance predates the Marvel Age entirely, placing Ares in rarefied company alongside other foundational characters of the era.

Ares truly exploded into modern Marvel prominence during the mid-2000s when writers repositioned him as a central figure in the Avengers mythology. His landmark 2006 limited series gave collectors a deep dive into his dual existence as both a god of devastating power and a father trying to raise his son Phobos in the mortal world. This nuanced portrayal transformed Ares from a one-dimensional villain into a tragic, layered antihero. He became a core member of the Mighty Avengers and later the infamous Dark Avengers under Norman Osborn's H.A.M.M.E.R. regime, serving as the brutal muscle in one of Marvel's darkest and most collectible team rosters. His appearances throughout Dark Reign and Siege are essential reading and highly sought after by collectors who focus on that era.

The Siege event delivered one of the most jaw-dropping moments in recent Marvel history involving Ares, cementing his legacy in a way few characters experience. His confrontation with the Sentry during the assault on Asgard remains a defining spectacle of raw power and sacrifice, and those issues consistently rank among the most discussed in collector communities. His son Alexander Aaron, the young god Phobos, added a generational dimension to his story that made the entire family of related issues deeply compelling for readers and investors alike.

For collectors, Ares represents tremendous upside. His golden age debut in Daring Mystery Comics #6 is a genuine vintage key, while his modern limited series debut and Dark Avengers appearances are affordable back issues with strong storytelling pedigree. As Marvel continues to explore its mythological corners — especially with growing interest in god-tier characters — Ares remains an undervalued figure whose key books deserve a place in any serious collection. Whether you are chasing golden age history, Dark Reign era keys, or simply want a powerhouse character with centuries of story potential, Ares delivers on every front.