The world of comic books is vast. As a newcomer, it’s easy to get intimidated by the options and storylines that are available. Instead of relying on trial and error, this article will lay out a few tips for the aspiring comic reader and discuss the various formats you can read them in.
Continue reading to prepare for the next time you go to a comic store and avoid wasting your money.
Use Curated Lists
There are thousands of comic books to consider, but it’s probably best to start with the tried-and-true comics for newcomers. Luckily, there are plenty of curated lists out there that can point you in the right direction. Many comic books on these lists are beginner-friendly and serve as good introductions to larger story arcs. You can also start with some of the most critically acclaimed comic books runs to discover what your taste is. Once you find your favorite publishers and authors, you will have a much better idea of where to continue reading.
Publishers will usually help you with their reading guides and give clear directions on where to start and the proper order to read storylines. If all else fails, look at bestseller lists and start from the top. The most popular comics are consistently good and can turn you on to authors and series to follow in the future.
Formats for Reading
Most comic books are serialized, which means new chapters in a storyline are published regularly, usually once a month. If you find a comic that you enjoy, such as Image Comic’s Geiger created by Geoff Johns, you can request it be added to your pull list. This lets the comic book shop know that you want to continue ordering a particular series and have an issue waiting for you when it’s published.
Once a storyline has concluded, the publisher usually rereleases the comics in the form of a trade paperback. This makes reading a single story much more convenient by compiling the whole thing in one softcore or hardcover book. Many comic book readers choose to wait for the trade edition to come out rather than spend money on individual issues. They are also easier to obtain on online stores, making them more accessible than single magazine issues.
Digitally reading comic books is becoming more and more popular. The convenience of simply downloading any comic you want to your reading device is hard to beat if you cannot make regular trips to your local comic book shop. There are many subscription options available, but you can also order your favorite comics a la carte.
Comic books are a treasure trove of content that has something for everyone. It might take a few tries but putting in the effort to find your favorite authors and characters is extremely rewarding. Look at bestseller lists and curated lists of the best comic books of all time to get your start. You can also talk to the employees at your local comic book shop. They are guaranteed to be passionate comic book readers and will eagerly point you in the right direction.
