How Do I Start Reading Comics? A Simple Guide For New Readers
From the outside, comics may appear impenetrable, but it’s not as difficult as you might think. This guide will get you started on your comic book reading journey while also dispelling some common misconceptions about how to get started.
Let’s Smash Some Common Misconceptions First
There are many misconceptions about reading comic books, which can be a deterrent to potential comic readers. Once these misconceptions are dispelled, getting into comic books will be a breeze.
You Have To Start At Issue #1
You don’t have to start with issue #1; my first issue was #188, and I quickly caught up; it doesn’t matter what issue you start with as long as you enjoy the story and/or art. It can be confusing mid-story.
Comic Books Are Hard To Find
Comic book stores, bookshops, online, mobile phones, and comics can all be found in a variety of places; see our ‘Where Can I Buy Comic Books And Graphic Novels’ Guide for more information.
Comic Retailers Are Unfriendly, Like The Guy On The Simpsons
Most comic book retailers are friendly, helpful, and enthusiastic about what they do; however, in the last 15 years, the industry has become far more professional, and if you do come across an unsavory retailer, I’ve written a helpful guide to combat the rudeness.
It’s Too Hard To Figure Out The History Of Series And Characters
The internet has made even the most convoluted histories easy to follow, so comic book writers and editors will frequently include recap pages at the front of each issue. It is not necessary to know the full history of a character to understand their current story; the internet has made even the most convoluted histories easy to follow.
1. Think About Which Kinds Of Comics You Want To Read
You don’t have to limit yourself to Marvel and DC comics; other quality publishers such as Image Comics, Boom Studios!, Kodansha USA, Fantagraphics, IDW Publishing, Dark Horse Comics, and Archie Comics are all worth checking out.
2. Take Advantage Of Comics That Are Free
I strongly advise you to take advantage of free (and legal) comics sources, as this will allow you to get a taste of the medium without putting your money at risk.
2A. Borrow Comics From Friends
If you have friends who read comic books, beg them to lend you some! This page is a free source of comic books, and they are likely to know what kinds of stories you enjoy and can help you find them.
2B. Take Advantage Of The Graphic Novel Collection At Your Local Library
If your local library has a graphic novels section, you should definitely check it out; good libraries will have a large selection to choose from, allowing you to sample a variety of stories, and many will also have access to online services like Comics Plus and Hoopla.
2C. Comixology Has Free Comics
Comixology is the world’s largest digital comics marketplace, with a massive selection of free comics that can be read on a variety of devices. The majority of the free comics are first issues, previews, and mini-series from nearly every genre.
3. Visit Your Local Store
One of the best ways to do this is to go to your local comic book store, which is full of friendly people who love to help readers discover new comics to read. You can use the Comic Shop Locator to find your nearest store.
4. Return To Your Local Store Regularly
The frequency with which you visit your local comic book store depends on how invested you are. Many stores post weekly release schedules, which can be helpful for keeping track of what’s coming out, and you can also follow the store on social media to stay up to date on all the latest news and events.
If You Don’t Have A Comic Book Store Near You
If you prefer to read comics digitally on your phone, tablet, or laptop, Comixology is the place to go. They have tens of thousands of comics available for sale, as well as generous sales.
What are good comic books to read?
For newcomers, here are ten must-read comic books.
- Saga u2014 Image Comics, Brian K.
- Scott Pilgrim vs.
- Hawkeye (2012) u2014 Marvel Comics, Matt Fraction.
- Watchmen u2014 DC Comics, Alan Moore.
- The Walking Dead u2014 Image Comics, Robert Kirkman.
- The Dark Knight Returns u2014 DC Comics, Frank Miller.
What is the best comic book to start with?
You’ll want to read DC comics if you like Batman, Superman, Suicide Squad, Justice League, and Wonder Woman. Some of the most popular DC comics include Alan Moore’s Watchmen and Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, which are both classics and a great place to start.
What is the most read comic book?
According to the most recent data, X-Men #1, which was published in 1991 and has sold nearly 8.2 million copies, is the best-selling American single-issue comic of all time, followed by Marvel X-Force #1, which was also published in 1991 and has sold around five million copies.
How do you enjoy comics?
If you’re a big fan of comic books, you might want to talk about them with other fans online, such as on Comic Vine or Reddit, or in person, at events like Free Comic Book Day or a convention.
What is the most successful graphic novel?
10 of the greatest graphic novels of all time
- Watchmen.
- V for Vendetta.
- 100 Bullets by Brian Azarello.
- Day tripper by Fabio Moon.
- The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore.
- Black Hole by Charles Burns.
How do I know what comics to read?
The Top 10 Free Comic Book Reading Sites
- Marvel Unlimited.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comiXology.comi
Where should I start with Avengers comics?
A Guide to Avengers Comics or “You want to start reading the Avengers but aren’t sure which one to start with”
- Avengers.
- New Avengers.
- Avengers World.
- Secret Avengers.
- Young Avengers.
- Avengers Arena/ Avengers Undercover.
- Avengers AI.
- Mighty Avengers.
- Avengers Arena/ Avengers Undercover.
How do you keep up with comic books?
The best way to keep up with your comic books is to have a pull box or pre-order them; due to limited print runs of comic book titles and covers, if you miss the final order cut-off date for a title, you might miss out!
Does Marvel Unlimited have all comics?
I’ve detailed what’s in the Marvel Unlimited library here, but in essence, you can read the entire history of Marvel Comics, as well as well over 30,000 comic books, at your leisure, and you won’t have to pay for individual comics on the Marvel Unlimited app once you’ve subscribed to Marvel Unlimited.
Who has sold more Comics Marvel or DC?
In the top 300 comics, Marvel Comics had 2,683,072 units, a decrease of 304,345 units, and accounted for 49.68% of the total units, while DC Comics had 1,836,012 units, a decrease of 69,240 units, and accounted for 34.00% of the total units.
Are comic book sales declining?
According to a new joint estimate by ICv2’s Milton Griepp and Comichron’s John Jackson Miller, comic book sales in 2020 were up 6% over 2019, coming in at $1.28 billion. Graphic novel sales were up 9.1%, while periodical sales were down 19.7%.
What is Marvel’s best-selling comic?
In addition to Spider-Woman #1, Marvel Comics had seven titles in the top ten best-selling comics in March: Thor #4 ranked #3, X-Men #8 ranked #4, Wolverine #2 ranked #5, Skottie Young and Humberto Ramos’ Strange Academy #1 ranked #6, X-Men #9 ranked #8, and The Immortal Hulk #33 ranked #9.
Do you enjoy reading comics?
Comic books can be far more engaging than other literary media, such as novels or short stories, due to their intense visuals and focus on plot and characters, and they may also help people develop the reading skills required to comprehend texts of greater difficulty.
Where should I start with Batman comics?
New Batman fans should read these five essential Batman comics.
- The origin story is the best place to start for new readers.
- The Long Halloween. I believe in Gotham City.
- The Dark Knight Returns. We’re in for a show, kid.
- The Killing Joke. Smile!
- Hush. I have to know who is behind those bandages.
How can I read comic books for free?
Also, if you’re looking for a Manga, we’ve put together a list of the best manga apps for Android, which will allow you to read digital copies of popular and unique comic books for free.
- ComiXology.
- DriveThruComics.
- Amazon Kindle Store.
- Digital Comic Museum.
- Marvel’s Official Site.
- DC Kids.
- Read DC.
- Digital Comic Museum.