Allow me to introduce myself; I'm Bonnie, otherwise known as wellsdog, and I write a blog.
You can find it HERE====> http://truthismyopic.blogspot.com/
It's mostly humor, with some helpful guides for those who attend college to be successful in his or her new environment. I like to think I'm witty.
Since Kam was nice enough to let me write here, I figured I should, you know, actually writer here. So here you go, a post about getting started reading comics.
Comics: Where Do I Begin?
I personally know several people who are interested in comics (if you call them graphic novels, well 8[ ) but are rather intimidated on the 70+ years of history and back story behind the industry's biggest characters. For damn sure, I was, when I started reading comics five years ago.
So, to help all those wayward souls out there who want to read but are overwhelmed, and unsure where to start, I have decided to put together a little list of titles that are good gateways into the various genres and stories to be found in the world of comics.
Marvel:
1. Astonishing X-Men, by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday. This is a great starting title for anyone interested in the labyrinth that is the X-Men. It does require some previous knowledge of the characters, and the history of the title, but nothing that the recap page doesn't handle nicely. The original run, as with anything by Joss Whedon, is funny, bad ass, compelling, and heartbreaking all at once. Originally collected in four trade paperback collections, Marvel has since released an omnibus edition, along side collections of the continuing adventures of the title, now being written by Warren Ellis.
2. Essential Marvel Collections are collections of what has been deemed the essential stories from a characters' history (usually from Silver Age 70s and Bronze Age 80s). These I would recommend for the new reader interested in getting a handle on the characters and experiencing some classic stories. There are several volumes per character, featuring characters like Spider-Man, the X-Men, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, the Defenders, Luke Cage... honestly, they have Essential Marvel collections for like, every character or team, ever.
3. The Ultimate Universe is a darker and edgier, hip and progressive retelling of classic Marvel mythos, which allows for readers to experience the famous arcs and villains, but minus the 70 years of back log. This line can be read in addition or or instead of the Essential Marvel line, but be warned, the characters in the Ultimate Universe tend to me... different. Think less heroics, more fallible humanity. Sometimes it's not that pretty, but it has it good points. I recommend Ultimate Spider Man and Ultimate X-Men as good starting points. Also, it is more marketed towards teens, so go in expecting extra angst and double cheese.
4. Runaways, volumes 1-3 by by Brian K. Vaughan, Adrian Alphona and later, Joss Whedon and Michael Ryan. Kids who discover that their parents are evil crime lords, and bent on destroying the world, and rather predictably.... they runaway. This is an awesome criticism of a lot of traditional superhero tropes, but is a genuinely good story. However, it does go downhill after the original run, some debate around volume 4 or 5.
DC
1. 52, by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, Mark Waid and Keith Giffen. The original, not the recent reboot. I have no criticism to make, no warnings, just that this is possible the best superhero comic I have ever read/owned. Seriously, when Kameron recommends something, listen to him.
2. 52
3. 52
4. 52
5. Watchmen, by Alan Moore and David Gibbons. A true classic with one of the best film adaptations I have ever seem from a comic book.
Dark Horse
1. Hellboy, by Mike Mignola. Honestly, the first film is the second best comic adaptation I have ever seen. This is a refreshing take on the urban fantasy genre, with several spin-off books and some great characters that are enjoyable, dramatic and compelling.
Oni Press
Oni Press is a fun little publisher, with several titles that I quite like. My favorites are Scott Pilgrim, Stumptown and Sixth Gun. But they have tons more that look interesting, and come highly recommended by others. What I really love about these guys is that they have such a variety of products that you can glimpse the true depth and ability for story telling comics as a medium present just by browsing their website.
Well, go forth, disciples, and read some comics.
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