MAX was an imprint by Marvel after X-Force #116, due to violent panels, skipped the comic code authority. Marvel established it's own rating system, and proceeded to create comics aimed at adult readers. The first comic to be published was Alias #1, which was also the first appearance of Jessica Jones in Earth-616. The only MAX comics to take place in Earth-616 is Punisher Max (prior to Civil War retcon.), Cage, The Hood, Howard the Duck, The Destoryer, Blade, Hellstorm, Shang-Chi, Thor: Vikings and Apache Skies. Everything else is set in a alternative universe. The stories did get pretty dark, and depressing, and pushed what was allowed in comics. Some of the series were well received. Like Punisher, Alias, Thor: Vikings, etc. While others were more infamous. Such as X-Men: Phoenix - Legacy of Fire, which the first issue was published under Marvel's regular implant, until the realised it's way too sexual for kids, and the next 2 issues reverted to MAX. Deadpool MAX was whack. Some of the Punisher stories got "meh..." The last published MAX comic was Wolverine MAX in 2014, and MAX comics seemed to be extinct, when Disney finished acquiring Marvel in 2014. So it's pretty likely they wanted to protect their brand. In 2017, Punisher: The Platoon was published, and in 2019, Punisher: Soviet, under MAX. It seems Marvel is easing their way in to make more MAX comics, even if it's unlikely due to the current state of the comic industry. Do you think they should make a comeback?
I could see them bringing more MAX titles out especially since DC recently started their Black Label.
They still do MAX books once in a while when they have a specific project that warrants it. The last one I remember was Punisher: The Platoon, by Ennis a couple years ago. Which was freaking fantastic, by the way. And there was also an Ennis Fury mini from around the same time, maybe a little earlier. As for bringing it back in a larger way, I could see DC abandoning Black Label sooner than I could Marvel going MAX again. It was the first appearance of Jessica Jones anywhere.
