THE COMIC BOOK NEWCOMERS POST
Hi everyone, my name is JoiningSaturn46, and this is the comic newcomers post! This is a post I've been thinking of making for a long time about how to get people into comics from square one. If you have never picked up or read a comic, this is for you. It's going to be a long one so strap in.
[Disclaimer: This post will mainly reference western superhero comics as those are what most people refer to as "comics," but independent comics still work under this framework.]
To start off, one needs to understand how comics are often sold and structured. While companies have many ways to sell you a comic, there are 3 main ways to collect physical comic books.
Single Issues/"Floppies" - These are the "chapters" of a comic. Single issues traditionally come out once a month and can range from $3 to $5. IMO, most people who want to get into comics should wait before going this route, as collecting issue by issue can add up quickly. If you do go this route, picking up a bag and board to store your issues is worth the small extra cost to keep them in good condition.
Trades/Volumes - These are multiple issues collected together into one "big" book. Trades will often collect a specific author's run or a storyline and are sold at major retailers and bookstores. In my experience, this is how most people get into comics, and IMO it is the best way to start. A trade gives you a full story so you can decide if you want to keep reading, and they are often the same price or slightly cheaper than buying all the issues separately. Trades come in softcover and hardcover editions. Softcovers are cheaper and easier to carry around. Hardcovers are more durable and often include extras like commentary or sketches, but they are pricier. Tie-in issues from other series are often included as well.
Omnibus - The biggest of the three. Omnis collect multiple story arcs or entire comic runs and can easily run $75 to $150+. You get the most content out of them, but most Omnis are hard to navigate and are pretty heavy. If you have the time and money, I would get one or two for specific runs you already know you love, but this is not a starting point.
A quick note on publishers: most people think of Marvel and DC when they think of comics, but there are tons of great independent publishers worth knowing about. Image Comics, Dark Horse, IDW, and BOOM! Studios have all put out fantastic books that are often a lot easier to jump into since they don't carry decades of continuity baggage.
Aside from the types of comics, there are two major places to get them: a major retailer and a dedicated comic shop. Comic shops get new issues on Wednesdays. Instead of searching the store repeatedly for what you want, you can create a "pull list" with the store, which reserves your issues ahead of time. This especially helps when you are collecting multiple books. The staff at a good comic shop are also usually very knowledgeable, so if you feel lost just ask. That is what they are there for.
For those who read digitally, there are several solid options. Comixology (now integrated into Amazon) is one of the biggest digital storefronts with a huge library across all publishers. Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe Infinite are subscription apps for the big two that give you access to a wide library for a monthly fee. For independent comics, GlobalComix is worth checking out, and Humble Bundle regularly puts out comic bundles at a steep discount. Personally, I would recommend reading on an iPad or tablet over a phone, but that is personal preference.
Most publishers will also put out comic solicits, which essentially preview all upcoming books, trades, and other releases ahead of time. If you want to know when a specific book or issue is coming out, keeping up with solicits is the best way to stay informed.
Now, let's say you don't have money but still want to get into comics. I can't tell you where to GetComics for free, but I would check the Internet Archive first, as hundreds of comics are posted there. Also, LIBRARIES. Seriously. You will be amazed at how many books your local library carries, and most can ship books in from other branches, too. On top of that, many libraries give you free access to Hoopla and Libby, which are digital apps with massive comic and graphic novel libraries. All you need is your library card. Do not sleep on this.
One more thing that stops a lot of people before they even start: continuity. Comics have decades of history and interconnected storylines, and it can feel overwhelming before you read a single page. Here is the thing: you do not need to read everything. Pick a character or story you are interested in and start there. You will not understand every reference right away, and that is fine. Be open to jumping in partway through and circle back later if you want more. The goal is to enjoy what you are reading, not to finish the entire Marvel or DC catalog.
So, where do I start? I would point to two things
The most recent origin story
The most recent Number 1 issue
These give you a clean entry point without requiring any prior knowledge. From there, reading guides exist for most major characters, and a quick Google search of "[character name] reading guide" will usually pull up a solid list with a clear order to follow. Do not worry about getting it perfect. And if you still feel stuck/overwhelmed, most comic fans are more than happy to point a newcomer in the right direction. Just ask.
A few more things worth knowing before you dive in. They may matter more once you're deeper into the hobby, but it's better to have them in your back pocket now
Crossover Events - Events like Secret Wars, Infinite Crisis, or Civil War are big storylines that bleed across multiple series at once and can involve a LOT of tie-in issues. You do not have to read all of them. Most events have a main series that tells the core story, and the tie-ins are supplemental. Read the main book, and grab a tie-in if it sounds interesting to you. If you are not sure where to start with a specific event, most have reading order lists online that cut through the noise quickly.
Variant Covers - If you walk into a shop and see five different covers for the same issue, do not panic. Variants are just alternate covers; the story inside is identical. They are cool to look at, but chasing them is a rabbit hole best saved for later.
Reboots and Renumbering - Marvel and DC do this constantly, and it confuses everyone, newcomers and veterans alike. A series can run 50 issues, relaunch at issue 1, run another 30, go back to the original numbering, and relaunch again. If you are searching for a series and the numbers seem off or there are multiple volume 1s, that is why. Always check which specific run is being recommended to you, because "Amazing Spider-Man issue 1" can mean several different things depending on the year.
Webcomics - A lot of people's first real comic experience these days is through Webtoon, Tapas, or a creator's own site, and that absolutely counts. Webcomics are more accessible since most are free and update regularly.
Comics can feel like a lot from the outside, but I promise the barrier to entry is lower than it seems. You do not need 80 years of history, you do not need to buy everything, and you do not need to start at the very beginning of anything. Pick a character you like, find a good starting point, and just read. It will not always click immediately, and that is okay. Every longtime fan has a stack of comics they bounced off of before finding the one that hooked them. Give yourself permission to try things, drop what is not working, and keep going until something sticks. If you have any questions, drop them in my inbox or in the reblogs. I am always happy to help someone find their way in.
Welcome to the world of comics, hope you enjoy the ride!
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