Marvel's "Civil War" Marvel

There's no denying the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a success.

Its films are not only critically adored, but it is also the highest-grossing movie franchise ever, with nearly $15 billion globally.

"Black Panther" itself has already hit the $1 billion mark after a little over a month in theaters, and Marvel's next film, "Avengers: Infinity War," beat the Fandango record for fastest-selling advance tickets of any superhero movie.

But none of that would be possible without decades worth of comic book stories that inspire the MCU.

If you love the movies of the MCU, it's worth visiting your local comic book store and checking out what they have to offer.

Many classic Marvel storylines act as blueprints for the MCU. The planet Thor travels to in "Thor: Ragnarok?" It made its debut in an acclaimed Hulk comic book. "Captain America: Civil War?" It's loosely based on a Marvel comic-event.

These storylines can be found collected into trade paperback (or hardcover) versions at any comic book store, or they can most likely be ordered for you if they don't have it — just ask.

Below are 12 essential Marvel comic books any fan of the MCU who is new to comics should read: