“Good seasons start with good beginnings.” –George “Sparky” Anderson
In the past five or so years, the movie industry has become obsession with the comic book industry and the movies that they have produced have grow in popularity. With the popularity of the movies, the comic book industry has become more mainstream and less taboo, but to me comic books were for a less sophisticated palette—sounds snobbish, but I can admit now that I was wrong.
Like me, you may feel that the idea of picking up a comic book for alternative reading is overwhelming. Unless that is you have a recommendation from another source—like your geek.
Choosing an issue of the X-Men #87 or Spider-Man #212 will most definitely leave you befuddled and confused with unfamiliar characters and without the knowledge of a lengthy back story (a term I learned from My Geek).
I have put together a few tips that might assist someone, like me, who wants to jump in and discover the wonderfully entertaining past-time of comic book reading.
Start with a graphic novel
Many comic books eventually become graphic novels. A graphic novel can be either a stand alone book or a collection of comic books put together in the form of a book. While one may argue that the graphic novel is the same as reading a serialized comic book, there is one major difference. The graphic novel is an easier form with which to begin because the you get the entire story in a book instead of waiting from month to month to read the complete story.
There are many to choose from. A few of the most popular and my favourites are Watchmen, Y: The Last Man, and Ex Machina. If you begin with volume 1 you can get a good taste of the story without investing months of time.
Talk to Someone
Getting information from someone you know, trust, and who has the same “likes” as you can provide you with a wealth of information.
My Geek started me out slowly with a graphic novel and I progressed from them to the serialized comic books. He knew what I liked and from our conversations he gleaned information he could use to offer me the best information.
Another alternative, if you have the nerve (which I still don’t have), is to talk to your local comic book store owner. Most store owners are fonts of information and appreciate the business the new reader brings to their store. [Edit – As well as the eye candy! – Her Geek]
Branching Out
Once you have found a genre or character that you like, via the graphic novel, it is time to branch out to the serialized comic book. A large number of comic book publishers offer a wide variety of comic books ranging in genre from comedic, western, horror, action-adventure, and beyond. While DC and Marvel are the largest of the publishers, you will inevitably come across a other publishers’ publications that will attract your attention. Don’t be afraid to try one.
By doing your research and starting with some any comic book that catches your attention (by genre, story, character, or art) and that does not require prerequisite knowledge you may find that the $3 investment will lead you into another time and place—a place that you may enjoy for months and years to come.
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