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Getting into reading comics can be really daunting and difficult, but don’t worry—I’m here to help you out. I know how confusing it can be to start reading comics, and that’s something we need to acknowledge right away. There are so many characters, especially in mainstream comics like Spider-Man or Batman, that have been around for decades. With thousands upon thousands of comics, it’s no wonder someone new to comics would look at it all and think, “Where do I even start?”
Let’s say you’re interested in Spider-Man. You might come across titles like The Amazing Spider-Man, Web of Spider-Man, Spectacular Spider-Man, and just plain Spider-Man—and each one has multiple issue #1s. It’s easy to feel lost. Do you need to go all the way back to the 60s? Where’s the best place to begin? It’s confusing, and I get that.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the world of comics, you should understand that there isn’t a perfect starting point for any character, team, or franchise. The best place to start is wherever works for you. That’s what I’m here to help you figure out—your perfect starting point.
You can technically start with any single issue of any series, comic, or character. You could grab an issue at random and begin there, expanding from that story. But that might not be the most beneficial way to start. My goal is to help you find the best starting point, one that will make the experience more enjoyable and less confusing.
First, let’s go over a few basic terms you should know:
- Single Issues: These are individual comic issues, usually around 20 pages long, published monthly (sometimes more frequently).
- Collected Editions: These are collections of single issues, usually compiling a story arc. They come in various formats like standard paperback, hardcover, oversized hardcover, and omnibus editions.
- Run: A run is the period during which a specific creator or creative team works on a comic series. For example, Grant Morrison’s run on Batman includes several story arcs but is considered one continuous run.
Now that you understand these basics, we can talk about how to start reading comics.
Finding Your Starting Point
The best way to start is by thinking about what interests you. Maybe you’re already a fan of the Avengers movies, Batman cartoons, or the Spider-Man video game on PS4, and you want to dive into the source material. Start with what you know and love.
For example, if you’re a fan of Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies and are excited for the new movie by Matt Reeves, you might want to read some Batman comics in preparation. The easiest way to find where to start is by searching online for the best Batman comics or top Batman stories. You’ll come across lists from big comic book websites, personal blogs, or even YouTube videos.
Pay attention to the stories that pop up frequently and see which ones appeal to you. You don’t need to read every comic on the list—just pick a few that catch your interest.
What to Look For
Once you’ve picked up a few stories, pay attention to a few things:
- Creators: Take note of the writers and artists. If you like their work, chances are you’ll enjoy other things they’ve done.
- Characters: Notice any other characters in the story that you find interesting.
- Continuity: Look out for references to other stories within the same universe. Editor notes in the comics can often guide you to other related issues.
For example, if you read Batman: Year One and love it, you might notice it was written by Frank Miller and illustrated by David Mazzucchelli. They also worked together on Daredevil: Born Again, a highly acclaimed story over at Marvel. If you enjoyed their Batman work, you’ll probably like their Daredevil story too.
Expanding Your Horizons
As you explore different stories, you’ll naturally start expanding your reading list. Let’s say you really enjoyed Year One—you might then decide to explore more of Frank Miller’s work or more Batman comics. This could lead you to pick up The Killing Joke by Alan Moore, which is another iconic Batman story.
But don’t just stick to one character or franchise. If you like a creator’s work, follow them to other projects. For example, if you enjoyed Alan Moore’s The Killing Joke, you might want to check out his work on Watchmen or Swamp Thing.
This approach not only helps you discover great stories, but also introduces you to different characters and publishers. You might start with Batman, but soon you could find yourself reading Daredevil, X-Men, or even creator-owned series like Jonathan Hickman’s East of West.
Final Thoughts
The key to getting into comics is to follow your interests and pay attention to the creators who make the stories you love. It’s a never-ending journey where you’re constantly curating your own tastes. You’ll never run out of material to explore, and that’s part of the fun.
So take your time, explore different stories and creators, and enjoy the ride. Comics are a vast and wonderful medium, and there’s always something new to discover.
