I've been seeing a lot of people all over the internet saying that they'd like to start reading comics, but find obstacles that all seems to fall under the same general statement: I don't know where to start, so I thought I'd make this looong post to address this and show you that this is a really easy and fun hobby to get into! (monetary aspect aside)
MARVEL/DC
Whilst not all comics are about superheroes, and I'll get into that later, these are gonna be the main two logos you'll see all over your local comic shop, they're a good starting point since you'll likely already have some knowledge of the characters that are involved, however the real hurdle comes along when we get to continuity.
THE CONTINUITY DILEMMA
With all the universes, crisis events, resets, retcons, plotholes and plot twists, it can be really difficult to find a good starting point with any given character, I can provide one very easy solution to all of these, you don't have to read up on any backstory, at all, obviously if it interests you that's a different matter, but if you just want to read batman, I promise you, you don't have to start reading from issue 1 of detective comics from 1937, you'd be reading for months, and half of it isn't even that good.
There are two great starting points with an existing popular character:
ISSUE #1
Below is an example of a 'soft' reset for a character, marvel does these often and will put that they are 'issue 1' at the top to attract new readers, these will come with new writers, new artists, and a new direction for the character, these are the best places to start, DC does similar but they are more likely to stick more to longer issue numbers
ARCS
If a series is more longstanding with the same writer and same characters, the studios are less likely to reset the character or give them a new writer, this is where you rely on separate story arcs, the characters and storylines that have come before will be more prevalent, and you won't be starting from issue 1, but you'll still be given a new storyline to follow, they'll often write where these arcs start so you know which ones to pick up:
These arcs are compiled into graphic novels quite often, this will make it easier to separate the continuity into each arc if you're wanting to read up on the previous stories of the character.
Alternate series
Often with a popular character like batman or spiderman the studios will create tons of alternate series for the character, this can be an opportunity for the creators to explore a fun, different direction from the character that doesn't detract from the main series, these should be treated as completely separate from the main continuity (unless it is stated that they are directly connected), I'll put some examples of these below:
now for the best part...
INDEPENDENT (IMAGE) COMICS
I cannot overstate how much these companies solve the issues of the comic giants of Marvel and DC, these are the best series to look for in your comic shop, they're stylised, self-contained, original, and can wrap up the entire story in only six issues, the creators range from new and upcoming artists and writers to established names, they're fantastic, and I urge everyone to pick them up.
The longstanding producer of these is Image comics, look out for their logo on any issues:
They're constantly putting out new series and providing unique opportunities to new artists, I'll put some examples below of my favourites, but each series from them is worth a try, just look for any first issues:
Again if you missed the first few arcs of an ongoing series that you're wanting to read, you can get the graphic novels to fill you in.
And that's it! I'm likely gonna add more to this post as i I think of it, and I'll leave it pinned to the top of the blog, but this should be a great starting point for any wannabe reader, have fun!
Welcome to albumtober! Here's a handy calendar, a full list and explanation of the prompts is below the cut!
The aim for this project is for people to share their appreciation for albums - not just as a vessel for artists to release songs in bulk, but an art form in their own right! A good album is more than just a collection of music, but instead a curation and this is how to show off your favorites!
Prompts:
Your favorite album of all time - Right out the gate, give us your favorite; the album you'd keep in your apocalypse bunker; the album you'd like to be buried with.
The first album you purchased - Whether it was a CD, vinyl, digital, or even a cassette or 8-track, for collectors, a first purchase often means a lot. What was yours?
An album with a lot of memories - Some albums just hit that nostalgia button.
An album you were recommended by someone - Music can be a way to connect with others - what's an album you were recommended? It could have been a friend, relative, even a stranger!
A "life soundtrack" album - Some movies have such a great soundtrack - do you have an album you'd like at the end credits of it all?
A serendipitous album - Serendipity can be summed up as a happy accident. Sometimes you stumble across something by chance and end up better for it. What's yours?
An album you grew up with - I grew up with a lot of music around me, and it influenced what I listen to today. Any favorites from your childhood?
Free Day #1 - One of 4 free days to plop an album that doesn't quite fit into one of the categories :)
An album you associate with Autumn - The last of summer has faded and there's a comfortable cool breeze blowing in. What's that album for you?
An album you associate with Winter - whether it's the desolate cold or a warm blanket beside a fire - what's your winter album?
An album you associate with Spring - The warmth returns - along with rains that lead to flowers blooming. What album gives you that feeling?
An album you associate with Summer - It could be the delightful days at the beach or the uncomfortable slog of humidity and beating sun, summer has a distinct personality - what album shares that?
An album to play quietly - Some albums deserve to be enjoyed personally.
An album to play loud - Some albums, on the other hand, deserve to be shared with everyone, regardless if they want to listen or not.
Free Day #2
An album you like, but think is overrated - Quite a few albums have a hype around them - sometimes it's deserved, but other times, you just don't get it!
An album you wish was shorter - Got an album with unnecessary bloat?
An album that deserves more love - Maybe it's an artist with little recognition, maybe it's out of the sophomore slump from a well-known one, but god more people need to hear this one!
An album to cry to - We all have one.
An album with no skips - A true rarity: this album doesn't have a single track you don't like.
An album you wish was longer - Maybe the vibes were too good, maybe there was a great track or two that was cut. Just five more minutes?
Free Day #3
An album with cover art you love - You would get this tattooed on your body... or at least a poster of it.
An album with a story to tell - It could be a concept album or something autobiographical. You'd listen to this over an audiobook any day.
A "weird" album - This may or may not even be considered music, but what do you care? It's an album and you like it!
An obscure album - Nobody's heard of this but you (and maybe, just maybe, a few friends) and you wish someone else appreciated it!
An album that had to grow on you - Maybe it took a listen or three, but this one took a minute to stick.
An album with a message - If not a story, some albums have a message or moral to share. Got one that fits the bill?
Free Day #4
A live album - A select few artists just nail live performance, and this album makes you feel like you're right there.
An album you tend to recommend to others - Finally, an album that you recommend to others - maybe for those getting into a specific genre or artist or just one you really like. What is it?
andulkaphoto
areudirty
izzy806
stormborns
romaincrisis
