The New/Returning To Comics Recommendation Thread

[esophagus]

iFanboy Video Recommends

Episode #8 - Vault
My Monkeys Name is Jennifer - Written and drawn by Ken Knudtsen
Smoke & Guns - Written by Kirsten Baldock, art by Fabio Moon
Batman: Holy Terror - Written by Alan Brennert, art by Norm Breyfogle

Episode #11 - Alan
Swamp Thing (#21-64) - Written by Alan Moore, art by Stephen Bissette and Rick Vietch
V for Vendetta - Written by Alan Moore, art by David Lloyd
Watchmen - Written by Alan Moore, art by Dave Gibbons
Batman: The Killing Joke (collected in DC Universe: The Stories of Alan Moore) - Written by Alan Moore, art by Brian Bolland
Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? - Written by Alan Moore, art by Curt Swan, George Perez, and Kurt Schaffenberger
Miracle Man (All collections are out of print) - Written by Alan Moore, art by Garry Leach and Alan Davis
Top 10 - Written by Alan Moore, art by Gene Ha and Zander Cannon
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Volume I, Volume II) - Written by Alan Moore, art by Kevon O’Neill
From Hell - Written by Alan Moore, art by Eddie Campbell
Lost Girls - Written by Alan Moore, art by Melinda Gebbie

Episode #13 - Goodman
A Complete Lowlife - Written and drawn by Ed Brubaker
Batman Adventures: Mad Love - Written by Paul Dini, art by Bruce Timm
The Adventures of Barry Ween Boy Genius - Written and drawn by Judd Winick

Episode #15 - Cookies
Fell - Written by Warren Ellis, art by Ben Templesmith
DMZ - Written by Brian Wood, art by Riccardo Burchielli
Fables - Written by Bill Willingham, art by Lan Medina and Mark Buckingham
Y: The Last Man - Written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Pia Guerra and Goran Sudzuka
The Walking Dead - Written by Robert Kirkman, art by Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard

Episode #16 - Vertigo
Sandman - Written by Neil Gaiman, art by Dave McKean, Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg, Malcolm Jones, Kelley Jones, Jill Thompson, Marc Hempel, Michael Zulli, Charles Vess, etc.
Fables - Written by Bill Willingham, art by Lan Medina and Mark Buckingham
Y: The Last Man - Written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Pia Guerra and Goran Sudzuka
Transmetropolitan - Written by Warren Ellis, art by Darick Robertson
100 Bullets - Written by Brian Azzarello, art by Eduardo Risso and Dave Johnson

Episode #20 - Teamwork
Powers - Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Michael Avon Oeming
Ultimate Spiderman - Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Mark Bagley
All Star Superman - Written by Grant Morrison, art by Frank Quitely
Daredevil (starting at issue #82) - Written by Ed Brubaker, art by Michael Lark
Y: The Last Man - Written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Pia Guerra

Episode #21 - Funny
Fortune and Glory - Written and drawn by Brian Michael Bendis
Fun with Milk and Cheese - Written and drawn by Evan Dorkin
Tales Designed to Thrizzle - Written and drawn by Michael Kupperman
Why I Hate Saturn - Written and drawn by Kyle Baker
The Cowboy Wally Show - Written and drawn by Kyle Baker
Justice League: A New Beginning - Written by Keith Giffen and J.M. Dematteis, art by Kevin Maguire
Liberty Meadows - Written and drawn by Frank Cho
Scurvy Dogs - Written by Andrew Boyd and Ryan Yount, art by Ryan Yount

Episode #23 - Love
Bone - Written and drawn by Jeff Smith
Runaways - Written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Adrian Alphona

Episode #28 - Folksy
What If? Classic - Written and drawn by various
Clumsy - Written and drawn by Jeffrey Brown
Union Station - Written by Ande Parks, art by Eduardo Barreto

Episode #34 - Pool
Project X: Cup Noodle - Written by Tadashi Katoh, art by Akira Imai
Scott Pilgrim - Written and drawn by Bryan Lee O’Malley

Episode #35 - History
Stagger Lee - Written by Derek McCulloch, art by Sheperd Hendrix
Project X: Cup Noodle - Written by Tadashi Katoh, art by Akira Imai
Project X: 240Z - Written and drawn by Akira Yokoyama
Fax from Sarajevo - Written and drawn by Joe Kubert
Torso - Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Marc Andreyko
Journey into Mohawk Country - Adapted by George O’Connor from Messrs Van Den Bogaert

Episode #37 - Goooood
Savage Dragon - Written and drawn by Erik Larsen
Scalped - Written by Jason Aaron, art by R.M. Guerra
Gotham Noir - Written by Ed Brubaker, art by Sean Phillips

Episode #40 - Hellboy
Hellboy - Written and drawn by Mike Mignola

Episode #41 & #44 - Tote Bag & Follow-Up
Strangers in Paradise - Written and drawn by Terry Moore
The Exterminators - Written by Simon Oliver, art by Tony Moore
Transmetropolitan - Written by Warren Ellis, art by Darick Robertson
Kane - Written and drawn by Paul Grist
Stylish Vittles - Written and drawn by Tyler Page
Casanova - Written by Matt Fraction, art by Gabriel Ba
X-Men: First Class - Written by Jeff Parker, art by Roger Cruz
Sandman - Written by Neil Gaiman, art by Dave McKean, Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg, Malcolm Jones, Kelley Jones, Jill Thompson, Marc Hempel, Michael Zulli, Charles Vess, etc.

Episode #42 - Shelf
The King - Written and drawn by Rich Kovlowski
Three Fingers - Written and drawn by Rich Kovlowski
Essex County Vol. 1: Tales From the Farm - Written and drawn by Jeff Lemire
Incredible Change-Bots - Written and drawn by Jeffrey Brown
Goodbye, Chunky Rice - Written and drawn by Craig Thompson
The Surrogates - Written by Robert Venditti, art by Robert Weldele

Episode #43 - Dancing
The Leading Man - Written by B. Clay Moore, art by Jeremy Haun
The Northwest Passage - Written and drawn by Scott Chantler
JLA / JSA: Virtue and Vice - Written by David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns, art by Carlos Pacheco

Episode #45 - West
Blaze of Glory - Written by John Ostrander, art by Leonardo Manco
Apache Skies - Written by John Ostrander, art by Leonardo Manco
Showcase Presents: Jonah Hex - Written and drawn by various
Jonah Hex - Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, art by Luke Ross
The Lone Ranger - Written by Brett Mathews, art by Sergio Cariello
Loveless - Written by Brian Azzarello, Marcello Frusin
Iron West - Written and drawn by Doug Tennapel
Billy and the Kid’s Old-Timey Oddities - Written by Eric Powell, art by Kyle Hotz
Preacher - Written by Garth Ennis, art by Steve Pugh

The list is a work in progress, I'll probably add to it later, but I figured it would be helpful to the new folks around here. I figured we could all reply with some of our favorite books. Not just for new folks, but I'm sure we could all discover a few new books. I didn't do any genres yet, but I may go through and add them yet, or at the very least I'll Amazon link them.

[Labor_Days]

All the suggestions in the older recommendation threads are still helpful.

we (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5037&highlight=recommendations)

have (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?p=227000&highlight=threads#post227000)

lots (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6580&highlight=recommendations)

of (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9661&highlight=recommendations)

threads (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6104&highlight=recommendations)

with (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5324&highlight=recommendations)

recommendations (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5337&highlight=recommendations).

:-)

[esophagus]

Thanks, I planned on hunting those down tomorrow. That saves time.

[Labor_Days]

Official iFanboy Pick Of The Week Archive (http://www.ifanboy.com/pow_archive.html).

Complete list of iFanboy weekly reviews.

[11.07.2007 - Astonishing X-Men #23]
[10.31.2007 - The Trials of Shazam! #9]
[10.24.2007 - Fear Agent: The Last Goodbye #4]
[10.17.2007 - Captain America #31]
[10.10.2007 - Green Arrow and Black Canary #1]
[10.03.2007 - Scalped #10]
[09.26.2007 - Criminal #9]
[09.19.2007 - Dynamo 5 #7]
[09.12.2007 - New Avengers #34]
[09.06.2007 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer #6]
[08.29.2007 - Action Comics #855]
[08.22.2007 - The Immortal Iron Fist #8]
[08.15.2007 - Booster Gold #1]
[08.08.2007 - Powers #25]
[08.01.2007 - Justice Society of America #8]
[07.26.2007 - Crécy]
[07.18.2007 - The Order #1]
[07.11.2007 - Fables #63]
[07.05.2007 - Fallen Son: Iron Man]
[06.27.2007 - X-Men #200]
[06.20.2007 - The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #13]
[06.13.2007 - Strangers In Paradise #90]
[06.06.2007 - Detective Comics #833]
[05.31.2007 - Teen Titans #47]
[05.23.2007 - Captain America #26]
[05.16.2007 - Fallen Son: Captain America]
[05.09.2007 - Nova #2]
[05.02.2007 - Strangers in Paradise #89]
[04.25.2007 - New Excalibur #19]
[04.18.2007 - Nightwing Annual #2]
[04.07.2007 - Fell #8]
[04.04.2007 - Avengers: The Initiative #1]
[03.28.2007 - Ultimate Spider-Man #107]
[03.21.2007 - The Spirit #4]
[03.14.2007 - The New Avengers #28]
[03.07.2007 - Captain America #25]
[02.28.2007 - Runaways #24]
[02.21.2007 - Robin #159]
[02.14.2007 - Batman #663]
[02.07.2007 - Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil #1]
[01.31.2007 - Jack of Fables #7]
[01.24.2007 - 52 Week 38]
[01.17.2007 - Ultimate X-Men #78]
[01.10.2007 - Thunderbolts #110]
[01.04.2007 - The Amazing Spider-Man #537]
[12.28.2006 - Astonishing X-Men #19]
[12.20.2006 - The New Avengers Illuminati #1]
[12.13.2006 - The Escapists #6]
[12.06.2006 - Strangers In Paradise #86]
[11.29.2006 - Powers #21]
[11.22.2006 - X-Factor #13]
[11.15.2006 - Checkmate #8]
[11.08.2006 - Fables #55]
[11.01.2006 - Criminal #2]
[10.25.2006 - Daredevil #90]
[10.18.2006 - Wolverine #47]
[10.11.2006 - Green Arrow #67]
[10.04.2006 - Criminal #1]
[09.27.2006 - Batman #657]
[09.20.2006 - Astonishing X-Men # 17]
[09.13.2006 - 52 Week 19]
[09.07.2006 - The Cross Bronx #1]
[08.30.2006 - X-Factor #10]
[08.23.2006 - Justice League of America #1]
[08.16.2006 - Phonogram #1]
[08.09.2006 - The Escapists #2]
[08.02.2006 - Detective Comics #822]
[07.26.2006 - Astro City Special #1 : Samaritan]
[07.19.2006 - Cable/Deadpool #30]
[07.12.2006 - The Escapists #1]
[07.06.2006 - Detective Comics #821]
[06.28.2006 - Civl War Tie Ins (and Daredevil)]
[06.21.2006 - Astonishing X-Men #15]
[06.14.2006 - Civil War #2]
[06.06.2006 - Civil War: Front Line #1]
[06.01.2006 - Superman/Batman #26]
[05.24.2006 - Daredevil #85]
[05.17.2006 - Green Arrow #62]
[05.10.2006 - 52 Week One]
[05.03.2006 - Teen Titans #35]
[04.26.2006 - The New Avengers Annual #1]
[04.19.2006 - Daredevil #84]
[04.12.2006 - Ultimate Spider-Man #93]
[04.05.2006 - Detective Comics #818]
[03.29.2006 - Queen & Country #29]
[03.22.2006 - She-Hulk #6]
[03.15.2006 - Superman #650]
[03.08.2006 - Ultimate Spider-Man #91]
[03.01.2006 - Infinite Crisis #5]
[02.22.2006 - Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk # 2]
[02.15.2006 - Daredevil #82]
[02.08.2006 - Jonah Hex #4]
[02.01.2006 - Gotham Central #40]
[01.25.2006 - Savage Dragon #122]
[01.18.2006 - Strangers in Paradise #79]
[01.11.2006 - Ultimate X-Men #66]
[01.05.2006 - X-Men: The End Book 3: Men & X-Men #1]
[12.29.2005 - All Star Batman & Robin The Boy Wonder #3]
[12.21.2005 - Hellblazer #215]
[12.14.2005 - X-Factor #1]
[12.07.2005 - Gotham Central #38]
[11.30.2005 - Generation M #1]
[11.23.2005 - Daredevil #79]
[11.16.2005 - All Star Superman #1]
[11.09.2005 - Decimation: House of M - The Day After #1]
[11.02.2005 - Powers #14]
[10.26.2005 - JSA: Classified #4]
[10.19.2005 - Captain Atom: Armageddon #1]
[10.12.2005 - Y: The Last Man #38]
[10.06.2005 - Gotham Central #36]
[09.28.2005 - Defenders #3]
[09.21.2005 - Lucifer #66]
[09.14.2005 - iFanboy Twofer]
[09.07.2005 - Gotham Central #35]
[08.31.2005 - Wha...Huh? #1]
[08.24.2005 - iFanboy Potpourri]
[08.17.2005 - Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1]
[08.10.2005 - The Ultimates 2 Annual #1]
[08.04.2005 - Gotham Central #34]
[07.27.2005 - JLA: Classified #10]
[07.20.2005 - GLA #4]
[07.13.2005 - All Star Batman & Robin the Boy Wonder #1]
[07.07.2005 - Gotham Central #33]
[06.29.2005 - Young Avengers #5]
[06.22.2005 - Queen & Country Declassified Vol. 3 #1]
[06.15.2005 - Batman Begins]
[06.08.2005 - New Warriors #1]
[06.02.2005 - Y: The Last Man #34]
[05.25.2005 - The Ultimates 2 #6]
[05.11.2005 - Green Lantern: Rebirth #6]
[05.04.2005 - Y: The Last Man #33]
[04.20.2005 - Little Star #2]
[04.13.2005 - Gotham Central #30]
[04.06.2005 - Lex Luthor: Man of Steel #2]
[03.30.2005 - Countdown to Infinite Crisis]
[03.23.2005 - Sleeper Season 2 # 10]
[03.16.2008 - Captain America #4]
[03.09.2008 - Blue Monday: Painted Moon #4]
[03.02.2005 - Ultimate Iron Man #1]
[02.23.2005 - Seven Soldiers #0]
[02.16.2005 - Teen Titans #21]
[02.09.2005 - Gotham Central #28]
[02.02.2005 - The New Avengers #3]
[01.26.2005 - Batman #636]
[01.12.2005 - 100 Bullets #57]
[01.05.2005 - Ultimate X-Men #54]
[12.29.2004 - What If...Karen Page Had Lived?]
[12.22.2004 - Green Lantern: Rebirth #3]
[12.15.2004 - Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes #3]
[12.08.2004 - Rising Stars #23]
[12.01.2004 - The New Avengers #1]
[11.24.2004 - Marvel Holiday Special 2004]
[11.17.2004 - Ultra #4]
[11.10.2004 - Identity Crisis #6]
[11.03.2004]
[10.27.2004 - The Flash #215]
[10.20.2004 - Identity Crisis #5]
[10.13.2004 - Powers #5]
[10.06.2004 - Uncanny X-Men #450]
[09.29.2004 - DC: The New Frontier #6]
[09.22.2004 - Runaways #18]
[09.15.2004 - Madrox #1]
[09.09.2004 - Gotham Central #23]
[09.01.2004 - Y: The Last Man #26]
[08.25.2004 - Demo #9: Breaking Up]
[08.18.2004 - Ex Machina #3]
[08.11.2004 - Dead@17: Blood Of Saints #4]
[08.04.2004 - Y: The Last Man #25]
[07.28.2004 - DC: The New Frontier #5]
[07.21.2004 - DC Presents: Green Lantern #1]
[07.14.2004 - Pulse #4]
[07.08.2004 - Powers #1]
[06.30.2004 - Batgirl #53]
[06.23.2004 - The Flash #211]
[06.16.2004 - Ex Machina #1]
[06.09.2004 - Identity Crisis #1]
[06.03.2004 - No POW due to getting older]
[05.26.2004 - Astonishing X-Men #1]
[05.19.2004 - Robin #126]
[05.12.2004 - The Pulse #3]
[05.06.2004 - Uncanny X-Men #444]
[04.28.2004 - Superman #204]
[04.21.2004 - Ultimate Spider-Man #57]
[04.15.2004 - JLA #96]
[04.07.2004 - Strangers In Paradise #64]
[03.31.2004 - JLA/Avengers #4]
[03.24.2004 - Ultimate Fantastic Four #4]
[03.17.2004 - Wolverine #12]
[03.10.2004 - Powers #37]
[03.03.2004 - Superman: Birthright #8]
[02.25.2004 - 4 #2]
[02.18.2004 - Lucifer #47]
[02.11.2004 - Gotham Central #16]
[02.04.2004 - Dragonlance: The Legend of Huma #1]
[01.28.2004 - Powers #36]
[01.21.2004 - Daredevil #56]
[01.14.2004 - Superman: Secret Identity #1]
[01.07.2004 - Y: The Last Man #18]
[12.24.2003 - The Amazing Spider-Man #502]
[12.10.2003 - Wanted #1]
[12.03.2003 - Superman/Batman #4]
[11.26.2003 - JLA/Avengers #3]
[11.19.2003 - Lucifer #44]
[11.13.2003 - Green Arrow #32]
[10.29.2003 - Arrowsmith #4]
[10.29.2003 - Queen & Country #19]
[10.22.2003 - The Amazing Spider-Man #500]
[10.15.2003 - Gotham Central #12]
[10.08.2003 - Runaways #7]
[10.01.2003 - Powers #34]
[09.24.2003 - Empire #3]
[09.17.2003 - Wolverine #5]
[09.10.2003 - New X-Men #146]
[09.04.2003 - JLA/Avengers #1]
[08.27.2003 - Love Fights #3]
[08.20.2003 - Arrowsmith #2]
[08.13.2003 - 1602 #1]
[08.06.2003 - Strangers in Paradise #59]
[07.30.2003 - The Flash #200]
[07.23.2003 - Robin #116]
[07.09.2003 - Queen & Country #17]
[07.02.2003 - Alias #24]

[Labor_Days]

A good rule of thumb on the forums when fishing for recommendations is to give us a general idea of the films, books and television shows you enjoy. If you have some familiarity with comics, list those too.

The more specific you are in conveying the type of stories you'd be interested in reading, the better the recommendation we can give you.

There is no shame in asking. So speak up!

[esophagus]

I get the feeling Labor has secretly been waiting for this.

[Labor_Days]

Getting To Know The Creators Series.

These threads each spotlight a popular and established Comic Book Creator.

Grant Morrison (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5371&highlight=creators) - Writer of the current Batman monthly, All Star Superman monthly and the upcoming Final Crisis event. Notable works: Seven Soldiers Of Victory, We3, JLA, New X-men, Doom Patrol and The Invisibles.

C.C. Beck (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5652&highlight=creators) - Creator of the Captain Marvel character and long time Fawcett Comics creator.

Robert Kirkman (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5370&highlight=creators) - Writer of the Invincible monthly, The Walking Dead monthly and The Astounding Wolf-Man monthly. Notable Works: Marvel Zombies, Battle Pope

Greg Rucka (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5450&highlight=creators) - Writer of the Checkmate monthly, the Crime Bible miniseries and last year's 52. Notable Works: Gotham Central, Queen & Country, White Out and Wonder Woman

Brad Meltzer (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5566&highlight=creators) - Former writer of Justice League Of America monthly and Green Arrow monthly. Notable Works: Identity Crisis, Justice League Of America

Gail Simone (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5625&highlight=creators) - Current writer of the Wonder Woman monthly, All New Atom monthly, Welcome To Tranquilly monthly and former writer of Birds Of Prey. Notable works: Villains United, Birds Of Prey

Will Eisner (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5651&highlight=creators) - Legendary creator of The Spirit character, author of A Contract With God and The Dreamer. The most prestigious awards for excellence in the Comic Book medium bear Eisner's namesake. Notable Works: Everything.

Jeph Loeb (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5648&highlight=creators) - Writer of the upcoming Hulk: Red series, former writer of Superman/Batman monthly, Wolverine monthly, Supergirl monthly and Batman monthly. Notable Works: Spider-Man Blue, Batman: Hush, Batman: The Long Halloween and Superman For All Seasons.

Brian K. Vaughan (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5452&highlight=creators) -Writer of Y: The Last Man series, Ex Machina monthly and creator & former writer of The Runaways. Notable Works: Pride Of Baghdad, Dr. Strange: The Oath and The Escapist

Frank Cho (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5505&highlight=creators) -Artists of The Mighty Avengers monthly, Liberty Meadows series and various comic book covers. Notable Works: Mighty Avengers, Liberty Meadows

Jack Kirby (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5557&highlight=creators) - Classic artist of The Fantastic Four, Capitan America and The Avengers. Notable Works: Everything.

Michael Avon Oeming (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5489&highlight=creators) - Writer & creator of The Mice Templar monthly, artist of Powers monthly, writer of Red Sonja monthly. Notable Works: The Cross Bronx, Thor: Disassembled, Powers

[Humphrey Lee]

Everyone should just be directed to me. I'm the shit and know my stuff... I also probably won't reply to anyone. **** you, I've got shit to read so I can, y'know, not recommend it to you. I'M BUSY DAMMIT!!!

[Labor_Days]

Hey dudes, let's keep the chatter and banter to a minimum here.

If this is to be a resource, then we shouldn't expect new comic readers to wade through our postings when they just want to find a good book to read.

We can go off topic pretty quick. That's not helpful to anyone.

Thanks.

[Humphrey Lee]

We can go off topic pretty quick. That's not helpful to anyone.


SO'S YOUR FACE!!! :mad:


Also, while the guys here do their Pick of the Week in order present their best purchases, I've slowly taken my columning for AICN to the point where I really am just now pushing books that are way too under-appreciated for their level of quality or are just plain good. Every once in a while I'll do some previewing of an upcoming title, like this week expect to see my look at RESURRECTION #1 from Oni Press on Weds or so. Mostly every time a new column goes up, I post a link in my signature to follow and what I did (and, of course, my collaborators too). Last week was OMEGA THE UNKNOWN, and a couple before that was THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY. So, hope that's useful to someone, anyone maybe... but probably not.

[esophagus]

Best Serialized Story
1993 - From Hell (From Hell graphic novel), writen by Alan Moore
1994 - The Great Cow Race (Bone issues #7-11), written by Jeff Bone
1995 - The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck (Uncle Scrooge issues #285-296), written by Don Rosa
1996 - Strangers In Paradise (Strangers in Paradise issues #1-8), written by Terry Moore
1997 - Sand and Stars (Starman issues #20-23), written by James Robinson
1998 - Confession (Astro City Vol. 2 issues #4-9), written by Kurt Busiek
1999 - Grasscutter (Usagi Yojimbo #13-22), written by Stan Sakai
2000 - Tom Strong (Tom Strong issues #4-7), written by Alan Moore
2001 - Hang Up on the Hang Low (100 Bullets issues #15-18), written by Brian Azzarello
2002 - Coming Home (Amazing Spider-Man issues #30-35), written by J. Michael Straczynski
2003 - Legends in Exile (Fables issues #1-5), written by Bill Willingham
2004 - Half a Life (Gotham Central issues #6-10), written by Greg Rucka
2005 - March Of The Wooden Soldiers (Fables issues #19-27), written by Bill Willingham
2006 - Return to the Homelands (Fables issues #36-38, 40-41), written by Bill Willingham

Best Continuing Series
1988 - Concrete, written by Paul Chadwick
1989 - Concrete, written by Paul Chadwick
1991 - Sandman, written by Neil Gaiman
1992 - Sandman, written by Neil Gaiman
1993 - Sandman, written by Neil Gaiman
1994 - Bone, written by Jeff Smith
1995 - Bone, written by Jeff Smith
1996 - Acme Novelty Library, written by Chris Ware
1997 - Kurt Busiek's Astro City, written by Kurt Busiek
1998 - Kurt Busiek's Astro City, written by Kurt Busiek
1999 - Preacher, written by Garth Ennis
2000 - Acme Novelty Library, written by Chris Ware
2001 - Top 10, written by Alan Moore
2002 - 100 Bullets, written by Brian Azzarello
2003 - Daredevil, written by Brian Michael Bendis
2004 - 100 Bullets, written by Brian Azzarello
2005 - The Goon, written by Eric Powell
2006 - Astonishing X-Men, written by Joss Whedon
2007 - All Star Superman, written by Grant Morrison

Best Finite/Limited Series
1988 - Watchmen, written by Alan Moore
1989 - Silver Surfer, written by Stan Lee
1991 - Give Me Liberty, written by Frank Miller
1992 - Concrete: Fragile Creature, written by Paul Chadwick
1993 - Grendel: War Child, written by Matt Wagner
1994 - Marvels, written by Kurt Busiek
1995 - Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, written by Frank Miller
1996 - Sin City: The Big Fat Kill, written by Frank Miller
1997 - Kingdom Come, written by Mark Waid
1998 - Batman: The Long Halloween, written by Jeph Loeb
1999 - 300, written by Frank Miller
2000 - Whiteout: Melt, written by Greg Rucka
2001 - Der Ring des Nibelungen, written by P. Craig Russell,
2002 - Hellboy: Conqueror Worm, written by Mike Mignola
2003 - The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol. 2, written by Alan Moore
2004 - Fantastic Four: Unstable Molecules, written by James Sturm
2005 - DC: The New Frontier, written by Darwyn Cooke
2006 - Seven Soldiers, written by Grant Morrison
2007 - Batman: Year 100, written by Paul Pope

Best New Series
1988 - Concrete, written by Paul Chadwick
1989 - Kings In Disguise, written by James Vance
1995 - Too Much Coffee Man, written by Shannon Wheeler
1996 - Kurt Busiek's Astro City, written by Kurt Busiek
1997 - Leave It to Chance, written by James Robinson
1998 - Castle Waiting, written by Linda Medley
1999 - Inhumans, written by Paul Jenkins
2000 - Top 10, written by Alan Moore
2001 - Powers, written by Brian Michael Bendis
2002 - Queen & Country, written by Greg Rucka
2003 - Fables, written by Bill Willingham
2004 - Plastic Man, written by Kyle Baker
2005 - Ex Machina, written by Brian K. Vaughan
2006 - All Star Superman, written by Grant Morrison
2007 - Criminal, written by Ed Brubaker

Best Anthology
1992 - Dark Horse Presents
1993 - Taboo
1994 - Dark Horse Presents
1995 - The Big Book of Urban Legends
1996 - The Big Book of Conspiracies
1997 - Batman: Black and White
1998 - Hellboy Christmas Special
1999 - Grendel: Black, White, and Red, written by Matt Wagner
2000 - Tomorrow Stories, written by Alan Moore
2001 - Drawn & Quarterly, vol. 3
2002 - Bizarro Comics
2003 - SPX 2002
2004 - The Sandman: Endless Nights, written by Neil Gaiman
2005 - Michael Chabon Presents The Amazing Adventures of the Escapist
2006 - Solo
2007 - Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall, written by Bill Willingham

Best Graphic Album: New (Original Graphic Novel)
1991 - Elektra Lives Again, written by Frank Miller
1992 - To the Heart of the Storm, written by Will Eisner
1993 - Signal to Noise, written by Neil Gaiman
1994 - A Small Killing, written by Alan Moore
1995 - Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde Vol. 2, written by P. Craig Russell
1996 - Stuck Rubber Baby, written by Howard Cruse
1997 - Fax from Sarajevo, written by Joe Kubert
1998 - Batman & Superman Adventures: World's Finest, written by Paul Dini
1999 - Superman: Peace on Earth, written by Paul Dini
2000 - Acme Novelty Library #13, written by Chris Ware
2001 - Safe Area Goražde, written by Joe Sacco
2002 - The Name of the Game, written by Will Eisner
2003 - One! Hundred! Demons! written by Lynda Barry
2004 - Blankets, written by Craig Thompson
2005 - The Originals, written by Dave Gibbons
2006 - Top Ten: The Forty-Niners, written by Alan Moore
2007 - American Born Chinese, written by Gene Luen Yang

Best Graphic Album: Reprint (Trade Paperback / Reprinted Graphic Novel)
1988 - Watchmen, written by Alan Moore
1989 - Batman: The Killing Joke, written by Alan Moore
1991 - Sandman: The Doll's House, written by Neil Gaiman
1992 - Maus II, written by Art Spiegelman
1993 - Sin City, written by Frank Miller
1994 - Cerebus: Flight, written by Dave Sim
1995 - Hellboy: Seed of Destruction, written by Mike Mignola
1996 - The Tale of One Bad Rat, written by Bryan Talbot
1997 - Stray Bullets: Innocence of Nihilism, written by David Lapham
1998 - Sin City: That Yellow Bastard, written by Frank Miller
1999 - Batman: The Long Halloween ,written by Jeph Loeb
2000 - From Hell, written by Alan Moore
2001 - Jimmy Corrigan, The Smartest Kid on Earth, written by Chris Ware
2002 - Batman: Dark Victory, written by Jeph Loeb
2003 - Batman: Black and White Vol. 2
2004 - Batman Adventures: Dangerous Dames and Demons, written by Paul Dini
2005 - Bone One Volume Edition, written by Jeff Smith
2006 - Black Hole, by Charles Burns
2007 - Absolute DC: The New Frontier, written by Darwyn Cooke

Best Humor Publication
1992 - Groo the Wanderer, written by Sergio Aragones
1993 - Bone, written by Jeff Smith
1994 - Bone, written by Jeff Smith
1995 - Bone, written by Jeff Smith
1996 - Milk & Cheese #666, written by Evan Dorkin
1997 - Sergio Aragones Destroys DC, written by Sergio Aragones
1997 - Sergio Aragones Massacres Marvel, written by Sergio Aragones
1998 - Gon Swimmin', written by Masahi Tanaka
1999 - Groo , written by Sergio Aragones
2000 - Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror, written by Jill Thompson
2001 - Sock Monkey, Vol. 3, written by Tony Millionaire
2002 - Radioactive Man, written by Batton Lash
2003 - The Amazing Screw-On Head, written by Mike Mignola
2004 - Formerly Known as the Justice League, written by Keith Giffen
2005 - The Goon, written by Eric Powell
2007 - Flaming Carrot Comics, written by Bob Burden

[Deezer]

they've said this on the show a whole lot, but I'm gonna say it here because it needs to be said:

read checkmate, it is amazing. Start with trades to get a hang of things, then buy issues.

Seriously

that is all

[Mikegraham6]

Has anyone read this?
2004 - Fantastic Four: Unstable Molecules, written by James Sturm
It sounds rather interesting but risky....

[esophagus]

Has anyone read this?

It sounds rather interesting but risky....Jimski tells me it's a good read, but I haven't read it myself. Go for it.

But really guys... On topic here.

[esophagus]

they've said this on the show a whole lot, but I'm gonna say it here because it needs to be said:

read checkmate, it is amazing. Start with trades to get a hang of things, then buy issues.

Seriously

that is allIf you're going to do any recommending here try and give people an idea of what they're getting into. "Read X-Men, I like it", isn't helpful to anyone.

[Mikegraham6]

Jimski tells me it's a good read, but I haven't read it myself. Go for it.

But really guys... On topic here.

this is on topic, im asking for a recommendation here........ just sayin'......

[Mikegraham6]

they've said this on the show a whole lot, but I'm gonna say it here because it needs to be said:

read checkmate, it is amazing. Start with trades to get a hang of things, then buy issues.

Seriously

that is all

Checkmate is a great choice if you enjoy the Fox series 24, it's chock full of action and political intrigue with a superhero twist


Only downside? No Jack Bauer :(

[Deezer]

sorry 'bout that... had to write something quickly before I had to go to class.
Why Checkmate?
First off, the writing is really good, and the art isn't half bad either. I also have to agree with what mikegraham6 said, it's an awful lot like 24, except with no Jack Bauer. While there are a handful of "capes," they aren't entirely the focus of them, since the superheroes (Mr. Terrific, Sasha, etc.), really don't have astounding powers. If you absolutely adore superheroes and how they handle things, this may not be the book for you. If you want something not superhero-y, but that isn't entirely based in the real world (like Fell, Queen and Country [I think], etc.) then go for Checkmate.

word of warning:
the book gets very confusing whenever the UN is involved or the first time you read things. Make use of the cast of characters on the title page of every issue to get aquainted with people/their role in the organization. It may take a bit of getting used to, but it's well worth it if you get passed the initial confusion.

(is it obvious that I love this book?)

[maxiscool1994]

Hey Guys-

I have never really read a good comic book in my life, and I was wondering: what are some of the best comic books that I should start out on?

Thanks-

Max

[ConorKilpatrick]

I have never really read a good comic book in my life, and I was wondering: what are some of the best comic books that I should start out on?

Which ones have you read? That might be a good place to start. Also, what kinds of genres and things are you into?

[Six Gun]

Which ones have you read? That might be a good place to start. Also, what kinds of genres and things are you into?

was my post deleted in the transition? because it would be extraneous now

[maxiscool1994]

Which ones have you read? That might be a good place to start. Also, what kinds of genres and things are you into?

I read a few old ones I picked up at a comic shop for free-- no more than two or three.

I am into sci-fi, history, politics, computers/tech...just about anything.

[ConorKilpatrick]

I read a few old ones I picked up at a comic shop for free-- no more than two or three.

Titles... characters... anything you remember from the ones you didn't like?

[Six Gun]

I am into sci-fi, history, politics, computers/tech...just about anything.

Checkmate seems perfect for you. Get the trades though.

[kahunablair]

History and Politics EQUAL Maus.

It's a perrenial suggestion, but it's worth the praises. The story is about a son talking to his elderly Jewish father about his time in Nazi controlled Europe. It's an extremely gripping and compelling read.

[esophagus]

Sci-Fi and politics? Try DMZ. It's an ongoing so you could probably catch up and hop on issues if you wanted, but the trades read really well.

I should also recommend my favorite series of them oment Ex Machina which is, strangely, a book that should be more political than DMZ but isn't, but definitely reads more into the sci-fi side of things. Here's a summary of each:

The setting is New York City in the near future. A civil war is taking place between the United States of America and the Free States. The Free States are described in the first issue as being "New Jersey and inland"; in issue #8, it is revealed that "the Free States are an idea, not a geographical entity";[2] the movement began in Montana and made its way east. The Free Armies and the U.S. military met at Allentown, Pennsylvania where both sides decided that they did not want to fight, after which the Free Armies descended on New York; the exact chain of events from hereon has yet to be revealed. Manhattan is the location of the demilitarized zone between the two warring parties. The protagonist is Matthew (Matty) Roth, a naïve photo journalism intern from Long Island, who enters the DMZ with a news-crew.series details the life of Mitchell Hundred (aka the Great Machine), the world's first and only superhero, who, in the wake of his actions on 9/11, is elected Mayor of New York City. The story is set during Hundred's term in office, and interweaved with flashbacks to his past as the Great Machine. Through this, the series explores both the political situations Hundred finds himself in, and the mysteries surrounding his superpowers.

[Six Gun]

I was working out today and Ex Machina as a suggestion for you hit me like the dumbbell I dropped upon the realization.

Eso beat me to the punch. :)

[maxiscool1994]

What exactly is a 'trade'?

[esophagus]

What exactly is a 'trade'?
Oops, sorry. It's a term we use without realizing it's not something new readers know about. A "trade" or trade paperback, is a collection of issues. For example, the story Ex Machina I mentioned earlier comes out with a new issue each month. But, they also have "trade"s which collect those issues. Trade one would have issues 1-6, trade two 6-12, so on and so forth.

[jakov42]

Another sci-fi/politics/technology combo would be Transmetropolitan by Warren Ellis. It was one of the first series that I tried when getting back into comics and I was pulled right in and went thru all of the trades (10 I think) in a few weeks. It is fun, strange, smart, and fresh.

I would also second Ex Machina. An excellent series that is still coming out in issues.

[jo11ypenguin]

I will second the Transmetropolitan recomendation it got me back in the world of comics as well.

Crecy by Ellis was also a great read it was a POW a while back. Its a interesting historical story.

[DrWally]

I'd like to add a recommendation, because it really fits the "new and returning to comics" readers viewpoint I think. I just read something featuring a character I never had to much interest in because:

1) I was never really a big fan of this character ever, to be honest.
2) The continuity and hopeless back history thing seemed too much, too enormous, too much of a hurdle. Too much of a leap for someone who has never really had much interest in this character in the first place.
3) Most of what has been done with this character in the past 15 year of so has really only been "let's do something really outlandish, and/or add lots of detailing to the outfit." Or get a new guy, get a new uniform. Bleh.
4) I was a really "hard sell" because even though there has been a lot of praise and attention surrounding recent issues, I was extremely unsure of what past trade to get that would catch me up enough to get on board with current stuff coming out now, and without having to read everything that came out in the last three years.

I think my (1) to (4) points may be where a lot of "new and returning to comics" people are in their thinking.

The recommendation? Green Lantern: Rebirth by Geoff Johns. That is ONE FUN book, and also quite moving at times. Really reminds me how these heroes really are "modern mythology" but completely human. I now put this character in the tier of 5 or so books that I am very interested in, due to this book. All of my misgivings (listed above) were wiped away completely. There was just enough back story in little bits here and there, but used well as almost a pivot for what is essentially a really good reboot in continuity. I feel so much more familiar and comfortable with the DC Universe without having looked at wikipedia once.

I personally would say - Highly recommended.

[acomicbookgirl]

Jimski tells me it's a good read, but I haven't read it myself. Go for it.

But really guys... On topic here.

I can vouch for Unstable Molecules as well.. Its a good book..

[Valoharth]

You know what got me back into comic books, the need to listen to a pod cast while playing wow! lol, that and the relaunch of Teen Titans, for a while it was the only book I was reading then moved to Green Lantern Rebirth saga (I was so confused but stuck with it till the end). But mostly it was a year or two after GL launch that I started to Listen to IFanboy and got really intrested in comics again.

My recomendation for anyone getting back into comics, look at whats about to come out or something that has relaunched recently that you can still find back issues for cheap and go from there. The idea of the re-launch is to get new readers into the fold so the stories will more likely be less about back story of the characters and more about whats going on in the now and then they let the reader catch up. The once you got a handle on that character Im sure you will get a chance to expand in that characters universe and go from there.

Also, I do have a book recomendation for anyone who has a friend that isn't really into comics but does acknowledge that they are not for kids only. Watchmen, its great, I told my friend to read it and he was hesitant at first but once he got into the story and saw the magnatude of it he was hooked, so hooked that I actualy that I had to steal my copy back. Dont worry I bought him the Absolute edtion for xmas.

[psu18660]

Getting To Know The Creators Series.

These threads each spotlight a popular and established Comic Book Creator.

Grant Morrison (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5371&highlight=creators) - Writer of the current Batman monthly, All Star Superman monthly and the upcoming Final Crisis event. Notable works: Seven Soldiers Of Victory, We3, JLA, New X-men, Doom Patrol and The Invisibles. etc..



You forgot one name off both you lists, a man named ROB LIEFELD.
Anything the guy touches is box office gold. You're welcome

[GungaDin]

You forgot one name off both you lists, a man named ROB LIEFELD.
Anything the guy touches is box office gold. You're welcome

Sarcasm? :confused:

[esophagus]

You forgot one name off both you lists, a man named ROB LIEFELD.
Anything the guy touches is box office gold. You're welcomeI think it's safe to say we (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12461&highlight=liefield) disagree (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8913&highlight=liefield) with (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7374&highlight=liefield) you (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5250&highlight=liefield).

[psu18660]

I think it's safe to say we disagree with you.

Oh I have another one for you... Greg Land. The guys is a genius. His drawings are so life like, they're photo realistic. Dude has got talent, I'll give him that.

[ConorKilpatrick]

You're getting dangerously close to troll territory.

Just an FYI.

[Six Gun]

I was just thinking that Pax Romana would be a great book for non-comic readers

[Animalvader1]

Returning to comics or new readers.

Marvel:

Ultimate Spider-Man TPB, vol. 1 (it worked for me)

Captain America (Brubaker) omnibus, or the trades

Ultimates 1 TPB vol. 1 & 2

DC:

Batman Year One TPB

Kingdom Come TPB

Other:

Walking Dead TPB

Y: The Last Man TPB

Criminal: Coward TPB

For the ladies:

Plain Janes

Mouse Guard

Ms. Marvel

Danger Girl

Arana (or Amazing Fantasy)

[LatigoJay]

I'm just getting back into books after about two years off. Can anyone tell me what books DC is putting out right now? And which one's would you recommend?

[Styles]

hey, ive been out of the comic scene for god knows how long, i would say.. 10 years and back then our comic shops sucked, i could mostly only get ahold of popular mainstream titles like spider-man/xmen

anyways whats some recommendations? paperback trades if possible

i currently purchased these from a used book store for mad cheap

The Walking Dead Vol 1-6
The Exiles Vol 1-5
Ultimate X-Men 1-6
Ultimate Spider-Man 1-4

Don't really dig the ultimate universe, exiles i LOVE, Walking Dead i LOVE, im just looking for some great art, some great reading.. im more into mature stuff but open to anything, a comic fanatic friend of mine suggest

Watchmen
Kingdom Come
Batman Year One
Preacher

i plan on picking those up, any other suggestions? pref XMEN related and mature independent/non-mainstream titles

also not a big fan of superman/batman (yes shoot me.. i just never liked the series, then again the series i got sucked, never had a comic shop around where i lived, i had to buy my issues at gas stations)

ANYWHO, tomorrow, well today.. i plan on going and get 2-3 graphic novels/trade paperbacks (is that what you call them?) and getting more on friday, and please no "absolute" editions, i love them but i would rather get 5-7 volumes of something then one big book, im not THAT into comics again yet :p maybe after i play 10 year catch up

[esophagus]

As someone halfway through it, a great trade to pick up would be the Captain America Omnibus, or the trades that make up the Omnibus. It is definitely going to be the seminal run on the character, and it's a great jumping on point..

[Six Gun]

Styles, let me suggest Criminal, DMZ, Exterminators and Queen and Country

[jakov42]

I would also suggest the first Fell trade. It is some of the best out of the mainstream work out there.

Crecy and Nightly News are also well out of the standard comic style and very interesting reads.

Also if you try Queen & Country and like it, then give Whiteout a try.

A couple of other titles to keep an eye on are The Killer and Elephantmen. Both are only out in hard cover at the moment but will probably be out in trade format down the road.

[jakov42]

I just remembered Scalped. Actually most Vertigo titles are a good place to find interesting and dynamic series.

[Animalvader1]

If anyone has any questions about my recommendations above, message me or post it here. I'll be glad to help.

[spicydicy]

thanks to you guys, im back into comics again. for quite some time i was out of the loop, but once i stumbled upon the pod cast from the website, i was hooked.

went out and picked up the preacher trades, as i only read a few of them back in the day, and am just about finished those. (work calls first, then the fiancee, then hockey, then them)

also got Omnibus sitting waiting, along with watchmen and kingdom come.

you guys are doing a great job with the casts, keep em up, and its great to see such an active community. thanks for getting me back into things!

[The Future Mad Scientist]

Hey,

I just picked up Project Superpowers #0 from Dynamite publishing on a whim, and man was it good. With Alex Ross on covers and art direction, and Jim Krueger on writing, this could shape to be a great series...

It covers World War 2 heroes being betrayed and (I'm guessing) brought back later. Kind of like The Twelve...only Strazinski isn't writing it, so it'll probably be better.

[sullivan85]

Maybe we should start a new thread of comics NOT to buy if you're new/returning to comics! A thread of hate!

[esophagus]

Whitney Matheson of the USA Today blog Pop Candy is releasing a four part series called "A Comics Crash Course" designed to make getting into comics easier. This series will be released over four consecutive Wednesday's, and I'll be sure to update it here.

Part One (http://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/2008/02/part-one-the-es.html)
Twenty-Five Essential Graphic Novels

[gineration]

Hello! So I used to read comic books sometimes, but I'm just now getting back into them. I just want to ask probably a really dumb question. People keep mentioning trades which I know are like issues combined. So wouldn't that defeat the purpose of paying for the issues every week? Can someone please explain this to me? :o

[esophagus]

Hello! So I used to read comic books sometimes, but I'm just now getting back into them. I just want to ask probably a really dumb question. People keep mentioning trades which I know are like issues combined. So wouldn't that defeat the purpose of paying for the issues every week? Can someone please explain this to me? :o
A lot of people only read books in trades. Instead of picking up a bit of a story arc every month, they wait until the trades are released to get the next full bit of the story. Also, if you really like a story, there's usually some extras in a trade paperback, and it never hurts to double dip. It's just like buying the seasons of a TV series you watch weekly.

[kahunablair]

The other thing you should know about Trades is, not every comic is collected in them. It certainly seems/feels like every issue is, but that's not always the case.

[gineration]

Oh I see! Thanks for the explanation. Could you guys recommend me a currently running comic that deals primarily with a female character that would be easy for me to delve into? I'm not sexist or anything I just like to relate to the characters :D

[esophagus]

Gail Simone started writing Wonder Woman with issue #14 (it's currently on #17), so I guess that's a good place to start!

I'd recommend Captain America for some strong Sharon Carter stories, but with the most recent arc, it doesn't look like she'll really be at the front of things anymore.

[SmokMnky]

What about starting with Runaways (http://www.amazon.com/Runaways-Vol-1-Brian-Vaughan/dp/0785118764/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202342873&sr=8-1)? (don't buy it with that link, use the iFanboy store:))

It has some pretty strong females in it and Vaughan is awesome on it. You can get the trades and problem be caught up before Joss Whedon (from Buffy/Firefly fame) finishes his current arc.

[GungaDin]

Or you could read Buffy comics...

[gineration]

Thanks for all the recommendations!I picked up the newest Buffy at the LCS today. I'll let you know what I think.

[GungaDin]

Thanks for all the recommendations!I picked up the newest Buffy at the LCS today. I'll let you know what I think.

Get the trade too, though. It's called "The Long Way Home" and it's five issues and it's fantastic... More so if you're a Buffy fan... And then the next trade comes out in June.

[Six Gun]

I'd recommend Captain America for some strong Sharon Carter stories, but with the most recent arc, it doesn't look like she'll really be at the front of things anymore.

Seeing as how she's pregged with Steve's baby, I think that she'll play a big part coming up.

[kahunablair]

Strong Female characters?
Y: The last man. Can't get any more strong female characters into one book.

And SmokMnky, great suggestion on Runaways. I love the book, but it would have never crossed my mind.

[Animalvader1]

Oh I see! Thanks for the explanation. Could you guys recommend me a currently running comic that deals primarily with a female character that would be easy for me to delve into? I'm not sexist or anything I just like to relate to the characters :D

You can't go wrong with Ms. Marvel. I've recommended it to my friend's wife and my niece, and they both love it!

[Maxweasel]

I'm just getting back into comics after about 5 years. I read all the Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate X-Men trades as well as The Sandman and some of 100 Bullets. Before i stopped reading I liked a lot of Mark Millars work, any suggestions along these lines? Thanks.

[Six Gun]

I'm just getting back into comics after about 5 years. I read all the Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate X-Men trades as well as The Sandman and some of 100 Bullets. Before i stopped reading I liked a lot of Mark Millars work, any suggestions along these lines? Thanks.

I think you would like Scalped (vol 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Scalped-Vol-1-Indian-Country/dp/1401213170/ref=pd_sim_b_title_6) vol 2 (http://www.amazon.com/Scalped-Vol-2-Casino-Boogie/dp/1401216544/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b)) and Criminal (vol 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Criminal-Vol-Coward-Ed-Brubaker/dp/078512439X/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202856151&sr=8-1) vol 2 (http://www.amazon.com/Criminal-Vol-Lawless-Ed-Brubaker/dp/0785128166/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b))

[SmokMnky]

I'm just getting back into comics after about 5 years. I read all the Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate X-Men trades as well as The Sandman and some of 100 Bullets. Before i stopped reading I liked a lot of Mark Millars work, any suggestions along these lines? Thanks.

Have you checked out any of the Ultimates trades? Those are all written by Millar and Bryan Hitch does the art. They are pretty awesome. However I must warn you to stay away from this current Ultimates (Ultimates 3) written by Jeph Loeb and art by Joe Madureira, its pretty bad all over.

[esophagus]

Part Two of Pop Candy's "A Comics Crash Course"

Family Friendly Fare (http://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/2008/02/a-comics-crash.html)

Some very good choices. Some I haven't read, but may need to check out.

[Animalvader1]

I'm just getting back into comics after about 5 years. I read all the Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate X-Men trades as well as The Sandman and some of 100 Bullets. Before i stopped reading I liked a lot of Mark Millars work, any suggestions along these lines? Thanks.

Mark Millar just started his run on Fantastic Four this month.

[MrPopular]

I'm a big deadpool fan.. but what else. I need more to get me by month 2 month.

I heard DP was created from DC's DeathStroke. Does Deatstroke have his own line?

what should i get?

[kahunablair]

What is it you like about Deadpool? The craziness or the killer for hire aspect?

[MrPopular]

What is it you like about Deadpool? The craziness or the killer for hire aspect?

I'd say both aspects equally.

[kate87]

Hey

I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for some good batman books. I'm still pretty new into comics and I've read a lot of the well known batman stuff (long halloween, dark victory, hush, year one, dark knight returns) but I don't really know what to get next.

I also wanted to know if anyone has read batman confidential... is it any good? I keep thinking about picking it up, but never do

Thanks

[Labor_Days]

Get No Man's Land.

[ConorKilpatrick]

I also wanted to know if anyone has read batman confidential... is it any good? I keep thinking about picking it up, but never do

Pick up the newest issue, it was quite good.

[kate87]

I'll definitely have to check those out. Thanks for the help :)

[Labor_Days]

Kate, this thread (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6844) might also be of help to you.

You already got most of the best Batman stuff covered. No Man's Land is the next logical step.

Lots of Batman fans around here. Ask and you'll get answers.

[kate87]

That thread is exactly what I was looking for
Thanks so much for your help

[MrPopular]

I was suggested to buy Ultimates 3 & X-Force. I'll keep my fingers crossed.. that they are just as enjoyable

[esophagus]

I was suggested to buy Ultimates 3 & X-Force. I'll keep my fingers crossed.. that they are just as enjoyableDid you read the first two Ultimates?

[spacegrass]

i just got started on long Halloween and i really love the noir fell it has. my question is sense i am just getting back in to comics, what would be some recommendations for a noir film lover.

[Labor_Days]

Ellis' Fell is a great noir-ish comic. It's about a big city detective demoted to a post in a run down town where all kinds of f-ed up shit happens. Natch, Det. Fell is the only man who still gives a damn.

There is also Ed Brubaker's excellent Criminal. And Bendis' Goldfish/Jinx.

[esophagus]

I second all of Labor's picks, and I'll throw in Batman: Gotham Noir if you enjoyed Long Halloween, or the Batman universe at least. Conor also recently recommended Batman: Nine Lives, which seems to fit that bill.

Batman is actually a great noir character.

[Labor_Days]

Oh I almost forgot, Gotham Central (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotham_Central) and Scene Of The Crime (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scene_of_the_Crime) also worth your time.

[esophagus]

Oh, and DC is currently reprinting the old series The Question. Only the first volume is out (http://www.amazon.com/Question-Vol-Zen-Violence/dp/1401215793/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204613282&sr=8-1) yet. It has a very pulp crime feel to it that will certainly appeal to your search for noir.

[Labor_Days]

Heh. Spacegrass, you should definitely keep an eye out for the trade of Rucka's recent Question miniseries, Crime Bible: The Five Lessons of Blood (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_Bible#52_Aftermath). It deals with the new Question, Renee Montoya of Gotham Central, stepping into her role as the Question fully as she tracks down a syndicate of religious fanatics that worship crime.

It was an awesome series. If you dig those Gotham Central trades- this will be right up your alley.

[spacegrass]

thx for the info guys , its nice to be involved with a friendly forum.

[esophagus]

We're mostly friendly. Except that Blair character. He's an angry one.

[kahunablair]

We're mostly friendly. Except that Blair character. He's an angry one.

What? Haha. You're lucky I actually popped into this thread. Don't go giving the new people bad impressions of me off the batt! Let them learn I'm a jerk for themselves!

[Labor_Days]

As long as you don't badmouth MS Paint around Blair, he's a big teddy bear.

With razor sharp claws and teeth, granted. But a teddy bear nonetheless...that punches people in the face...sometimes. Ok, all the time.

But nobody is perfect. So just deal with it like we do each and every day.

[Humphrey Lee]

The Ain't It Cool guys did their @$$ie Awards last week! There's a bunch of great books in there worth trying! Go and see! Go now! :D

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35751

[ZombiePanda]

So for a while I've wanted to get into comics and buy them on a regular basis, but the task looks quite daunting. It's sort of like an elderly person being afraid of computers because they don't know how they really work (no offense to the elderly). I've started buy volumes of comics, but its sort of just the 'popular' or reccomended ones.

So far my collection is:
JLA vol1: Tornado's Path
JLA vol2: The Lightning Saga
The Dark Knight Returns
Acme Novelty Library #18
Identity Crisis
Watchmen (haven't had time to read it sadly)
Kingdom Come
Batman Year One
The Good vol 0
Welcome to Tranquility vol 1
The Walking Dead vol 1-5

What I am wondering is: What comic terms should I know and what comics should I pick up sort of as a starting point (I mean it's intimidating to me to see Batman #600 and to wonder if I should start reading earlier issues)

Thanks in advance,
ZP

[Labor_Days]

We have a sticky thread for recommendations at the top of this forum. Read through the thread for a lot of wide ranging reccs.

Link (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12078).

Also, take the advice I offer in said thread and tells us the sort of films, books, stories and genres you enjoy. That will give us an idea of what you might like in comics.

[paper]

And welcome to the forums! :)

As for terms, when someone says "trade paperback," they're referring to one of those softcover volumes you're reading. "Waiting for trade" means that you're abstaining from single monthly issues of a comic and waiting to read the trade paperback collection of those issues when it comes out. I think that's a question we get a lot.

[xyzzy]

I'm not sure what terminology you're referring to, but you can't go wrong by picking up Understanding Comics by McCloud. It will inform every comic you read afterwards.

This might help, too:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Comic_book_terminology

[dvolution]

Well...I've been meaning to post something like this for a while now. I watched the first episode of iFanboy when it came out and then realized that since I don't read comics it was pointless. I watch TRS every week and over time it was their comic section that wore me down. Today I figured, why keep putting it off, and who better to go to for advice then the iFanboy community.

So here we go. I've always been a fan of the X-men. I love the diversity of the characters, the personalities of the main team, and the fact that there are near unlimited possibilities for characters. I've also always liked Green Lantern, Flash, and Iron Man. To be honest I was never the biggest fan of Superman and Batman, I don't know if it's the non-conformist side of me or that maybe I see Superman as being a bit overpowered and Batman not being flashy enough. Please don't flame me too hard for that BTW.

As far as actual books go, sorry I don't know the terminology, of course The Watchmen has been recommended to me, The Ultimates is another, and I really like the concept behind Surrogates. I wanna be able to sit down and read a story all in a single book, I know theres a name for a book like that (a collection of all the issues) but I don't know the name. I don't like the Idea of getting part of the story at a time, unless of course it's brand new and I'm as far into it as anyone else. I know that a lot of comics take place in different worlds like the Marvel or DC worlds, and a lot of the stories jump around a lot and follow side stories. I'm hoping that if at all possible I'd be able to start at the beginning or at least with a book that gave a decent back story, or didn't need a back story. I feel that if I get too confused by a lot of references to things I know nothing about that it'll frustrate me and I'll lose interest.

I feel that if I'm going to try to get into comics I should jump in head first...Superheroes. X-men would really be my #1 but I'm completely open to suggestions.

One final thing, I'm a horribly broke college student. Anybody know where to get comics on the cheep? I've also heard that a lot of comic stores have weekly sales, like Monday 10% off all ____ , Tuesday 15% off...and so on. Can anyone confirm this (?) before I walk into my local comic store and make a fool of myself.

Thanks for any help you guys can give me, I'm really looking forward to reading my first comic,
Jeff

[fred]

check the New or Returning to Comics thread. It's a sticky.

[esophagus]

A big problem with a lot of folks new to comics is that they find the "lingo" hard to catch on to. I'll start with the big three, but if anyone has anything to add, feel free.

Floppies/Monthlies/Issues - A single issue of a comic book series, containing a small piece of the story. Comic books are serial, much like television. Consider these to be like a single episode of your favorite show.

Trade Paperbacks/Trades/TPBs - A collection of issues from a series or miniseries. For example, the recently released Spider-Man: Back in Black contains issues #539-543 of Spider-Man, originally released on a monthly basis.

Graphic Novels/GNs/OGNs - A comic book published like a novel. Instead of releasing a bit of the story on a monthly basis, the story is released all at once. Not to be confused with a Trade Paperback, a Graphic Novel was never printed in issues. Some exceptions to the rule, like Watchmen (published in issues in the 1980's, but almost always referred to as a graphic novel), do exist, and spark debate among even the biggest comic fans.

[spacegrass]

quick question, chronologically what batman book comes after dark victory.

[esophagus]

quick question, chronologically what batman book comes after dark victory.Batman: Dark Victory was a limited series. It wasn't a part of the regular Batman series. It was written as a sequel to Batman: The Long Halloween. Though, a while later, a book entitled Catwoman: When in Rome was published, which is said to be what Catwoman was doing during Dark Victory.

[GungaDin]

quick question, chronologically what batman book comes after dark victory.

Also, if you listen to "The Loeb Report" on Word Balloon, Jeph Loeb talks about a project he has flitting in his mind that he calls "Long Halloween III" which would be the third part of the Long Halloween/Dark Victory story...

[Labor_Days]

quick question, chronologically what batman book comes after dark victory.

There are two popular reading orders I've seen Batman fans give. Keep in mind these are not official and may have gaps here and there. I do not claim these lists as my own work. I am merely passing on a bit of information;

Reading Order 01

Batman: Year One
The Killing Joke
Batman 408 onward
KnightFall
KnightQuest
KnightsEnd
Prodigal
Contagion
Legacy
Cataclysm
Aftershock
Road to No Man's Land
No Man's Land
Hush

Reading Order 02

Batman: Year One
Catwoman Mini Series
War On Crime
The Long Halloween
Dark Victory
Catwoman - When In Rome
The Killing Joke
Batman 408 - 429
Son of The Demon
Batman 430 - 439
A Lonely Place of Dying
Bride of The Demon
Batman 443 - 491
Legends of The Dark Knight 1 - 58
Sword of Azrael
Knightfall
Catwoman 1 - 5
KnightQuest (The Crusade)
Robin 2 - 6
KnightQuest (The Search)
Catwoman 8 - 11
Knightsend
Batman 511
Robin 9 - 10
Prodigal
Robin 14 - 26
Batman 514 - 528
Catwoman 13 - 30
Azrael 1 - 14
Contagion
Batman 530 - 532
Catwoman 33 - 35
Robin 29 - 31
Legacy
Nightwing Mini Series
Nightwing 1 - 18
Catwoman 37 - 55
Robin 34 - 51
Batman 535 - 552
Azrael 41 - 46
Cataclysm
Aftershock
Legends of The Dark Knight 64 - 115
Nightwing 21 - 33
Robin 55 - 66
Catwoman 58 - 71
Road to No Man's Land
No Man's Land
Batman 575 - 586
Robin 74 - 85
Catwoman 78 - 89
Nightwing 40 - 52
Gotham Knights 1 - 12
Officer Down
Batman 588 - 598
Nightwing 54 - 64
Robin 87 - 98
Gotham Knights 14 - 24
Azrael 17 - 90
Bruce Wayne: Murderer
Bruce Wayne: Fugitive
Hush
Batman 620 - 630
Gotham Knights 25 - 55
Legends of The Dark Knight 127 - 181
Nightwing 70 - 95
Catwoman (Vol. 2) 1 - 33
Robin 100 - 128
War Games
Birth of The Demon
Year One: Batman/Ra's al Ghul
Batman: Death & The Maidens
Batman 635 - 650
Face The Face
Gotham Knights 58 - 74
Batman 655 - 669
Robin 132 - 167
Nightwing 99 - 137
The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul

That all dips into issues a bit. But that is what I am told by Batman fans to be a decent Batman continuity. Such that it can be pieced together.

[spacegrass]

as always you guys are great, i can only hope i get a chance to return the favor . thx all

[cenquist]

I have been out of comices for the last couple years. Moving out I had to cut back alot and eventually just cut the monthly books altogether and just bought trades. I am now trying to buy some books monthly again but am not sure where to start. Is there a couple other books that anyone could recommend. New series would be great if possible. This is what I have picked up that I felt worth while to start with.

Kick Ass
Echo
Rasl
Young Liars

[Habs Geek]

I'm very new to comics here. Started getting into them through a couple of TRS recommendations, and eventually moved on to watching some iFanboy for more specifically comic related stuff. Unfortunately there just isn't enough time for me to go back and watch every episode.

I really enjoy a ton of different stuff. The Marvel Ultimate line is kind of what got me hooked. I've been trying to keep up on Ennis' The Boys, and am loving it, but couldn't really get into Preacher. One that I just couldn't put down was Bone. And I have really liked all the Batman stuff I have read (Year One, The Dark Knight Returns, Hush). I made it through Watchmen, but it was a bit of a challenge, I'm not sure it's my style. Although I am interested in some of Moore's other stuff, particularly League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

I guess what I'm looking for is some recommendations and advice on what books I should look at picking up next. If Watchmen was a struggle, will Moore's other stuff likely feel the same to me? What are some other solid Batman reads (don't care what order I read them in)? Is there anything else that has the same kind of atmosphere as Bone? Anything else I should just read for the hell of it?

[esophagus]

I'm very new to comics here. Started getting into them through a couple of TRS recommendations, and eventually moved on to watching some iFanboy for more specifically comic related stuff. Unfortunately there just isn't enough time for me to go back and watch every episode.

I really enjoy a ton of different stuff. The Marvel Ultimate line is kind of what got me hooked. I've been trying to keep up on Ennis' The Boys, and am loving it, but couldn't really get into Preacher. One that I just couldn't put down was Bone. And I have really liked all the Batman stuff I have read (Year One, The Dark Knight Returns, Hush). I made it through Watchmen, but it was a bit of a challenge, I'm not sure it's my style. Although I am interested in some of Moore's other stuff, particularly League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

I guess what I'm looking for is some recommendations and advice on what books I should look at picking up next. If Watchmen was a struggle, will Moore's other stuff likely feel the same to me? What are some other solid Batman reads (don't care what order I read them in)? Is there anything else that has the same kind of atmosphere as Bone? Anything else I should just read for the hell of it?Welcome to the dark side!

As far as Moore goes, I'd still give him a fair shot. He does have a very dense style, but nothing with that intricate of a storyline. It's very dense, and you certainly aren't the first to dislike it. I'd give League of Extraordinary Gentlemen a shot, and see how you feel about that. It may not be regarded as high as Watchmen, but I think it's probably more widely liked. Don't hold me to that.

Not sure I can give you many great Bone comparisons, in my limited experience I've found it to be fairly unique. You might like to try Mouseguard. I haven't read it myself, but I've heard nothing but good things, and it is semi-similar. It's a story of the, you guessed it, Mouse Guard. A band of mice out to protect themselves through various harsh conditions, be it weather, predators, etc. I'm not sure it has quite the uhmor to it that Bone did. I'm kind of drawing a blank past that. I'll certainly get abck to you if I think of anything else.

[Habs Geek]

Thanks for the recommendations! I'll definitely give Mouse Guard a look, and probably LoEG as well.

[mattk]

Hey guys, i didn't want to create a new thread for this, but i am about half way through The Long Halloween and absolutely loving it. I'm a huge fan of the whole crime noir thing, and I remember conor saying something on a show about how Batman books seem to always be at their best when their is a crime mystery theme - i assume like long halloween. Problem is, i have no idea what other Batman books have this theme - can anyone help me out?

[Valoharth]

Hey guys, i didn't want to create a new thread for this, but i am about half way through The Long Halloween and absolutely loving it. I'm a huge fan of the whole crime noir thing, and I remember conor saying something on a show about how Batman books seem to always be at their best when their is a crime mystery theme - i assume like long halloween. Problem is, i have no idea what other Batman books have this theme - can anyone help me out?

Go with Dark Victory next, its the follow up to that. Batman Hush was pretty good but not as good as Long Halloween. I just finished Batman Eco, its not a crime mystery book, more of an anthology but it does have a very Noir theme about it. I posted in the TPB thread:

Batman Ego and Other Tails by Darwyn Cooke- This is the book I bought with The New Frontier Absolute edition which Amazon hasn't sent me yet. Well since I needed my Cooke fix I read this. Not saying that its bad, Ego is probably actually one of the best "Anthology" works I've read. Granted it a Batman Anthology but it doesn't all take place around the Dark Knight. The story that takes up the biggest part of the book, Catwoman: Selina's Big Score, is all about Catwoman and only has Batman in it for a brief second.
The book has several stories and all of them were written by Darwyn Cooke except the Batman Black and White tale, Here be Monsters which was written by Paul Grist. Every part in this book was a joy to read, and with the exception with the second Batman Black and White tale The Monument was eye candy. Darwyn has this ability to draw a classic look but blend in a modern feel to the material that I can only say is rivaled by Tim Sale which also does a fantastic short work in this book called Solo. I think I can say with out a doubt that Solo is the best art I've seen of Sale's ever. The look of Batman is spot on and the use of color really makes his art pop (Dave Stewart is the colorest I will have to watch him). Dave Stewart, the Colorest for Solo, made fantastic use of warm colors that you just don't see in a lot of Gotham biased work but it fits with the city.

If you are a Batman Fan, Darwyn fan, Sale fan or just a comic fan this book is a must buy. It will go well with any collection.

I can't think of any others off the top of my head.

[esophagus]

Batman: Nine Lives
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight
Batman: Year One

[ngower]

Sorry to give an incredibly vague question, but what are the big books out right now? I was into Umbrella Academy and Messiah Complex, but couldn't afford to finish them (still want to). I'm looking for something that doesn't require too much of a backstory, easily accessible, but amazing none the less. Thanks in advance guys :)

[Labor_Days]

Are you looking to pick up trades or single issues?

And what genre of books are you looking for; superhero fare, horror, sci-fi, crime stories, etc?

[ngower]

Are you looking to pick up trades or single issues?

And what genre of books are you looking for; superhero fare, horror, sci-fi, crime stories, etc?

Anything's fine really. Single issues can get expensive, but if you've got something good, throw it out there. I suppose a superhero book is what I'm looking for, but again, whatever you've got.

[GungaDin]

Anything's fine really. Single issues can get expensive, but if you've got something good, throw it out there. I suppose a superhero book is what I'm looking for, but again, whatever you've got.

Captain America.

You just have to know about Civil War to get some of the stuff at the end of the first Omnibus, but basically after that you're good all the way to now. It's an excellent series. Get the Omnibus, and the first two trades after that (it should be out at the end of next month) and you'll be behind by only about two issues plus the current one that'll come out in May (I think. Don't hold me to that.)

Also, if you listened to the podcast from three weeks ago, Criminal is an excellent series of self-contained stories (so long as you don't mind adult themes and graphic violence and coarse language) that should come out fairly frequently. They're currently in a three issue arc of three standalone issues that comprise a larger theme/story.

If you tell us what movies you like, we can even indulge you into specific recommendations of books that are good for you. Name five movies you LOVE and we'll (me or someone else) will tack on a bunch of current series you'll like.


Edit: That last paragraph is to complement and reinforce what Labor said about genre, but with more specificity.

[jmstump]

Anything's fine really. Single issues can get expensive, but if you've got something good, throw it out there. I suppose a superhero book is what I'm looking for, but again, whatever you've got.

I see your avatar is green lantern. Please tell me you're picking it up because if not you should be because it is fantastic.

I also concur with Captain America.

[ngower]

If you tell us what movies you like, we can even indulge you into specific recommendations of books that are good for you. Name five movies you LOVE and we'll (me or someone else) will tack on a bunch of current series you'll like.

Movies, hmmm...

I love a smart action flick, like the Bourne series or Children of Men. I'm also into deep, multi-layered stories regarding the human psyche like Magnolia or Dancer in the Dark.

I don't like pretentious "look at me I'm indie" flicks, though I love a well-done (Lost in Translation) book.

There was some guy who had amazing artwork that I was looking into a while back, the book was called "Supermarket" and I'm curious as to if anyone has read that (or any of the author and artist's other books) and if you've got an opinion on that?

Umm...it's tough to say really, but I hope that's a start for you guys :o

I see your avatar is green lantern. Please tell me you're picking it up because if not you should be because it is fantastic.

I also concur with Captain America.

There was the GL Corps or Sinestro Coprs War or something like that I was trying to get into, but I didn't get interested until around issue 24, so it would have been tough to start there. I'll definitely read it when a trade comes out.

[GungaDin]

Coolness. So just one other question (and I'm pushing forward anyways regardless of your answer). Are you committed to trades or singles?

That said, Queen and Country (the first Definitive Edition came out) is smart actiony spy movie goodness. You can find it as the book of the month for ifanboy.com (http://www.ifanboy.com) and it's most most excellent. Also, if you want superheroes with that, you should pick up Checkmate.

What Jm said is also very, very true. Green Lantern (not so much Corps, they're tangenting at the moment) is super, super excellent right now. The first hardcover of it is on sale, and the second volume is coming out at the end of June. Start picking up the back issues and then sit on them until you catch up because it's really, really good.

Also, intelligent action film is totally Captain America. No, I'm not going to stop pushing this book... but it's really, really good. The way Brubaker's writing it is very intelligent, while also making it violent and good. WAY good.

[ngower]

Coolness. So just one other question (and I'm pushing forward anyways regardless of your answer). Are you committed to trades or singles?

Doesn't matter really, but I don't want to be sucked into spending too much money. I'm ass broke right now.

That said, Queen and Country (the first Definitive Edition came out) is smart actiony spy movie goodness. You can find it as the book of the month for ifanboy.com (http://www.ifanboy.com) and it's most most excellent. Also, if you want superheroes with that, you should pick up Checkmate.

Certainly sounds interesting, Q&C that is. My 11:30 class was cancelled, so I'm gonna trek down to the comic store near my school in a bit, I'll certainly look into that.

What Jm said is also very, very true. Green Lantern (not so much Corps, they're tangenting at the moment) is super, super excellent right now. The first hardcover of it is on sale, and the second volume is coming out at the end of June. Start picking up the back issues and then sit on them until you catch up because it's really, really good.

As I mentioned above, I'll be heading off to the comic store. I'll ask him to guide me hehe.

Also, intelligent action film is totally Captain America. No, I'm not going to stop pushing this book... but it's really, really good. The way Brubaker's writing it is very intelligent, while also making it violent and good. WAY good.

Again, something I'll look into.

Basically, if I have $20 in hand and walk down to the comics store right now, what do you recommend I get?

[GungaDin]

Doesn't matter really, but I don't want to be sucked into spending too much money. I'm ass broke right now.

Certainly sounds interesting, Q&C that is. My 11:30 class was cancelled, so I'm gonna trek down to the comic store near my school in a bit, I'll certainly look into that.

As I mentioned above, I'll be heading off to the comic store. I'll ask him to guide me hehe.

Again, something I'll look into.

Basically, if I have $20 in hand and walk down to the comics store right now, what do you recommend I get?

For twenty bucks?... Hmmmm... That ain't much. Maybe the first Sinestro Corps hardcover... Or the first Q&C, assuming they have it... Just wait and see.

But if you want Cap, get the Omnibus. Yes, we all know it's damn expensive (I got mine online for just under forty I think) but it's damn worth it.

[ngower]

For twenty bucks?... Hmmmm... That ain't much. Maybe the first Sinestro Corps hardcover... Or the first Q&C, assuming they have it... Just wait and see.

But if you want Cap, get the Omnibus. Yes, we all know it's damn expensive (I got mine online for just under forty I think) but it's damn worth it.

As I said, I'm not the wealthiest at the moment. It doesn't HAVE to be $20, but I'm not looking to spend $40. That omnibus sounds cool, but not a purchase I'm willing to make at this point in time. Maybe once I'm deeper into the world of comics. Not to mention I'm more of a DC guy...and a terrorist...

Ok, but seriously, it's just not an investment I'm ready to make.

Keep the recommendations coming though, I'm more than willing to here input and research it.

[GungaDin]

As I said, I'm not the wealthiest at the moment. It doesn't HAVE to be $20, but I'm not looking to spend $40. That omnibus sounds cool, but not a purchase I'm willing to make at this point in time. Maybe once I'm deeper into the world of comics. Not to mention I'm more of a DC guy...and a terrorist...

Ok, but seriously, it's just not an investment I'm ready to make.

Keep the recommendations coming though, I'm more than willing to here input and research it.

If you're DC, try Checkmate. Pick up the first trade. It's by the same guy who did Q&C but with DC characters and espionage and action.

[jmstump]

As I said, I'm not the wealthiest at the moment. It doesn't HAVE to be $20, but I'm not looking to spend $40. That omnibus sounds cool, but not a purchase I'm willing to make at this point in time. Maybe once I'm deeper into the world of comics. Not to mention I'm more of a DC guy...and a terrorist...

Ok, but seriously, it's just not an investment I'm ready to make.

Keep the recommendations coming though, I'm more than willing to here input and research it.

The Sinestro Corp Hardcover is 24.99 BUY IT, BUY IT NOW!

Sorry I just get a little excited about Green Lantern.

[jmstump]

For twenty bucks?... Hmmmm... That ain't much. Maybe the first Sinestro Corps hardcover... Or the first Q&C, assuming they have it... Just wait and see.

But if you want Cap, get the Omnibus. Yes, we all know it's damn expensive (I got mine online for just under forty I think) but it's damn worth it.

I traded a crap ton of comics in so that I could get the omnibus at a decent price for Captain America. It's the only way to fly in my book.

Other trades I might look into for 20 bucks that have come out recently are the X-Factor hardcovers, the new series is great.

The Killing Joke if you don't already have it.

The first Iron Fist, it's like a good pulp action kung fu flick.

The first Spirit Hardcover by Cooke, it's good old fashioned fun.

Lastly any Astro City. It is great and any one of the trades can be picked up independently from one another for the most part. I recommend Confession, it's really good.

[ngower]

Astro City and Iron Fist caught my eye, kinda funny you mentioned them.

I was talking with the guy and asked what do I need to get into the current GL series. He sold me the GL: Rebirth series (1-6) for $10 and said that'll get me up to date, then I'll need to catch up on some trades. Also picked up the first two issues of the new Hulk and the first issue of the new Serenity book. I had Q&C in my hands, but I'll pick it up at a later date.

The guy also recommended doom patrol, any good?

[jmstump]

The guy also recommended doom patrol, any good?

I assume that he meant the Grant Morrison run of Doom Patrol. I have never read it. I can say I dislike Morrison's writing, but his runs on Doom Patrol and Animal Man are suppose to be something out of this world. i do hope to read them at some point in my life, they just keep getting put off because of my dislike.

[ngower]

What do you guys think about DMZ? They've got four trades at the Borders that's maybe 3 minutes walk away, and I've got a 20% off coupon I'd really like to use (if I bought all four I'd save $8, that's another trade/a couple of issues!), and I LOOOVVEEE Brian Wood's art, only name in the comics industry I have an attachment too. Supermarket, DMZ, etc...beautiful stuff.

[GungaDin]

What do you guys think about DMZ? They've got four trades at the Borders that's maybe 3 minutes walk away, and I've got a 20% off coupon I'd really like to use (if I bought all four I'd save $8, that's another trade/a couple of issues!), and I LOOOVVEEE Brian Wood's art, only name in the comics industry I have an attachment too. Supermarket, DMZ, etc...beautiful stuff.

I only read the first trade, and when I read it, I read it once and fast. I liked it, but I need to look at it again because I feel I missed a hunk of it... Also he doesn't do the art for DMZ, just so's you know. People love that book though. DMZ, like Fables and others, is just one of those books I keep meaning to get to.

[ngower]

I just love the artwork, it's just one of those things that when I'm flipping through I go "wow" at every page.

I was looking into "Y: The Last Man" as I know it's an epic book, but it's an investment I'm not going to make yet. I'll definitely read it in the future. I finished the first two Hulk's (the red one) and it wasn't bad, liked the action, especially the Iron Man bit at the end of issue 2, but a gun...seriously?

Will start reading GL: Rebirth tonight, was gonna last night but it's very wordy and I was too tired to read too much last night.

Anyways, Q&C, YTLM, and DMZ trades are my biggest "I WANT THAT" at the moment. Will get into the Superhero books eventually ;)

[EDIT] Just finished the 1st issue of GL: Rebirth, this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for in a comic. Art was amazing, so many vivid scenes, and the story was great. I should eat through this over the weekend and jump into the first trade of the SC war early next week. Looooovveeee the writing, anything else from Johns you guys can recommend that doesn't require too much knowledge of a back-story, or what I'd need to read to catch up?

[jmstump]

[EDIT] Just finished the 1st issue of GL: Rebirth, this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for in a comic. Art was amazing, so many vivid scenes, and the story was great. I should eat through this over the weekend and jump into the first trade of the SC war early next week. Looooovveeee the writing, anything else from Johns you guys can recommend that doesn't require too much knowledge of a back-story, or what I'd need to read to catch up?

I get a lot of stuff from Johns, I would recommend Booster Gold, Action Comics, and Justice Society of America.

Booster Gold is about on issue 7 or 8 and is really good. The first trade should be coming out soon, so you may want to wait and then play catchup on issues. This book has pretty awesome art in my opinion, I've always been a fan of Jurgens. He also does a good job of recapping early on in this story.

Action Comics is winding down on his first arc. The series has to do with The Legion of Superheroes and knowing about them helps, but isn't needed. Honestly this arc is one of the few times I've enjoyed reading Superman. The artist on this is Gary Frank and I really enjoy his pencils, his Superman is more of the Christopher Reeve fashion.

Lastly is Justice Society of America, which is really good. The first trade is out and the second comes out in a couple months I think. It's a huge team, but a really good read. Usually the art is pretty good on this book, every so often the artist changes for an issue.

That's all of the other Johns's books that I am reading, I honestly don't know what else he is on. I joked with my shop that I should have a pull list for all of his books to make my life easier.

The other book that is not far in, and I really enjoy even though I find it confusing, is Batman and the Outsiders. Chuck Dixon is writing and I can't remember the artist at the moment, but this book looks amazing. Like I said I find it confusing, but still good and so far that are only 5 issues.

[adeepercut2k]

So I picked up The New Frontier and Kingdom Come. From what I hear, these two give a decent representation of the main characters in the DC Universe. I just started reading The New Frontier and I'm lovin' it. Back in high school I was reading Batman, X-Men and Wolverine. Didn't get deep into the two main universes but had a better grip over the DC U.

Now I'm looking for a primer on Marvel, something along the lines of The New Frontier/Kingdom Come. Something new, a bit inclusive. From there I'll see which characters tickle my ass with a feather. :) One of the last things I collected in 96ish was the Marvels story. I still have the issues and am wondering if that's a good starting point or is it better after having a taste of something else?

[krypt]

Which im not...completely. I mean ive read watchmen and preacher but assuming im completely new to comics, what are a few absolute, must-read-before-you-die comics?

[adeepercut2k]

Which im not...completely. I mean ive read watchmen and preacher but assuming im completely new to comics, what are a few absolute, must-read-before-you-die comics?From what I've read...just getting back into it so I haven't read much...

From Hell
Sin City series, particularly the first one
I've loved the first 4 trades of Cerebus
Batman: Dark Knight and Year One
and I just finished DC: The New Frontier, very good and newish.

I'm starting Kingdom Come and so far in the first 10 pages it's good. Beautiful art.

p.s. gotta throw in Bloom County...daily comic, up there with Calvin & Hobbes.

[ngower]

Can anyone help me with Hellboy? I loved the movie and love the artwork of the books, but don't know where to start. Any advice would be good :)

[ConorKilpatrick]

Can anyone help me with Hellboy? I loved the movie and love the artwork of the books, but don't know where to start. Any advice would be good :)

You can pretty much start anywhere with Hellboy. Personally, I'd say pick up Volume 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Hellboy-Seed-Destruction-Graphic-Novels/dp/1593070942/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206987491&sr=1-1) of the trade, or if you are feeling adventurous, they are releasing new big collections and the first one (http://www.amazon.com/Hellboy-Library-Destruction-Devil-Editions/dp/1593079109/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206987491&sr=1-4) collects the first two trades.

We did a show on Hellboy (http://revision3.com/ifanboy/hellboy/), that might help.

[ngower]

Thanks :)

Sometime this week I'll go out and get a bunch of trades people have been recommending.

[Ruo21]

Hey there Ifanboy. I'm returning to comics after about a 10 year hiatus and I've got to say I'm loving my old flame more than ever. I ravaged the Preacher series, then moved on to more "classy" pieces of art like "Watchmen", "Kingdom Come", "The Dark Knight Returns", and the ever so classy "Marvel Zombies". I've been listening to the show for the past 2 months now and I've been loving it. Even though you guys have answered many of my questions about comics, I still have more(these questions are aimed at the forum users as well). I've been trying to start a new floppy series and I have discovered quite a few that I want to get into, but I am entirely unfamiliar with. The series' that I would like some background info on are The Thunderbolts, and Captain America. I have read the "Faith In Monsters" TPB of Thunderbolts and I don't think that needs backstory, but if it does your information would be greatly appreciated. Also I picked up the CA: Brubaker omnibus, which I have yet to read, but I would appreciate a quick rundown on some of the basics if possible of the pre Brubaker Cap. My old comic diet consisted entirely of X-Men and Spawn comics, your show has helped me to expand my pallete.

P.S. Has there been a review yet of Project Superpowers? If so which podcast is it on. I'm loving this series by Dynamite and I was wondering what you guys thought of it.

[Labor_Days]

You want Wikipedia for that kind of information. Which is likely to be far more complete than the half-imagined/half-remembered history the ifanbase is likely to come up with in those cases.

Or at the least, try the Marvel database (http://www.marvel.com/universe/Main_Page). It's pretty good actually. Very concise considering the long history of these characters.

[ConorKilpatrick]

P.S. Has there been a review yet of Project Superpowers? If so which podcast is it on. I'm loving this series by Dynamite and I was wondering what you guys thought of it.

Negative. None of us are reading it.

[jmstump]

P.S. Has there been a review yet of Project Superpowers? If so which podcast is it on. I'm loving this series by Dynamite and I was wondering what you guys thought of it.

I did one and since I'm not above plugging myself you can find it here (http://www.ifanboy.com/reviews/jstump/comics/project_superpowers/1_(of_6))

I did not like the first issue, but I am picking up the second. Mostly because I loved issue 0 and I really hope that they can turn it around for me.

[jerome]

just came back from a college semester and a half without comics (no money!), which was about 8 months. doesn't sound like too long, but it sure feels like it now with all the catching up i've been doing. from the stuff i caught up on, i really enjoyed Buffy, the Sinestro Corps War, and all the Grant Morrison's Batman issues that had nothing to do with Ra's Al Ghul. Also, i only missed one issue of All Star Superman in all the time i was gone. i guess that's one advantage of really late comics.

[adeepercut2k]

I finished reading DMZ Vol.1 and f'n loved it. I'm gonna dive into Fables and Y later this week. But New Frontier and Kingdom Come have sparked my superhero fancy. The 3 I'm definitely getting are Brubaker's CA Omnibus, the Green Arrow/Green Lantern book from the 70's, and the X-Men Neal Adams trade. Now I'm wondering about Batman. I've read some of the classics, DKR, Year:1, Arkham, Killing Joke, and Night Cries. How about a Batman trade that is current and good? Something that might get me back into the issues...some important arcs I've missed since '95...and which Batman monthlies are the must-reads?

Besides Green Arrow/Green Lantern, what else are essential Green Lantern reads? Keep in mind, I'm completely new to this character so I'm also interested in older classic trades.

[meccaed]

For a current Batman trade you could try "Batman: Face The Face" http://astore.amazon.com/ifanboycom-20/detail/1401209106/102-4466077-8109727 which collects the Batman One Year Later arc.

[DustCoveredSoul]

Hi, there. I'm Travis. I literally got into comics by watching and listen to the iFanBoy podcast. I was poking around iTunes and literally stumbled onto it. I subscribed to both because the logo was bright and colorful and the simple things amuse me. I've watched all of the video episodes and listened to a lot of the audio ones. I've been trying to get into a lot of stuff but really I could use some help.

I've always loved spider-man and, I used to read Ultimate Spider-Man (and just recently picked it back up in trades) and I love that so if that helps. I also like Daredevil and The Green Arrow as characters so if there's any trades you could recommend for someone who knows almost nothing about them or their back stories but would still like to get into them, I'd be much obliged.

Travis

[Valoharth]

Hi, there. I'm Travis. I literally got into comics by watching and listen to the iFanBoy podcast. I was poking around iTunes and literally stumbled onto it. I subscribed to both because the logo was bright and colorful and the simple things amuse me. I've watched all of the video episodes and listened to a lot of the audio ones. I've been trying to get into a lot of stuff but really I could use some help.

I've always loved spider-man and, I used to read Ultimate Spider-Man (and just recently picked it back up in trades) and I love that so if that helps. I also like Daredevil and The Green Arrow as characters so if there's any trades you could recommend for someone who knows almost nothing about them or their back stories but would still like to get into them, I'd be much obliged.

Travis

Welcome Travis, glad to have you abord. If you are interested in Green Arrow I suggest you pick up Green Arrow: Quiver by Kevin Smith, I think it does a good job catching you up on Green Arrow, I know it did for me.

[jmstump]

Welcome Travis, glad to have you abord. If you are interested in Green Arrow I suggest you pick up Green Arrow: Quiver by Kevin Smith, I think it does a good job catching you up on Green Arrow, I know it did for me.

I think I have sounds of violence and not quiver. How long did Smith write Green Arrow. BTW what I have read of it is awesome and I too recommend it.

If you feel like trying out some old stuff you could always get the collections of Green Lantern/Green Arrow. Some fun stuff there.

[Valoharth]

I think I have sounds of violence and not quiver. How long did Smith write Green Arrow. BTW what I have read of it is awesome and I too recommend it.

If you feel like trying out some old stuff you could always get the collections of Green Lantern/Green Arrow. Some fun stuff there.

I think Sounds of Violence was the end of Smith run, not to positive on that. Quiver is in my 10 favorites as far as Trades go. Sounds of Violence was good but it seemed to end too quickly for me.

[jmstump]

I think Sounds of Violence was the end of Smith run, not to positive on that. Quiver is in my 10 favorites as far as Trades go. Sounds of Violence was good but it seemed to end too quickly for me.

That's because it didn't end. I went and looked up info on it and Smith never finished his run. DOH! I need to go get Quiver I guess.

[SnowOxx]

I am also returning after being out of comics for 10 years (I don't know whats worse, that I can say 10 years, or that I was out of comics that long). I have ordered all the trades of Walking Dead. (I am getting Vol 1-8, anyone know if there is more). I will be eventually getting Watchmen, DMZ, 100 Bullets, and maybe Secret Invasion. I also have some questions. Before I stopped, I was really into (I am going to list them off, it might be semi long):

Spiderman, Web of Spiderman, Reign of Superman, Superman, Cable, Iron Man, X-Force, Dark Hawk, Ninjak, Night Thrasher, Uncanny Xmen, Detective Comics featuring Batman, and Spawn.

Ok, which ones of those are still getting made, and which ones are still good. I don't really want to play catchup with any of the comics, but what are the newest series in those comics without having to buy loads of them to understand what is going on. Thanks for the help.

[jmstump]

Spiderman, Web of Spiderman, Reign of Superman, Superman, Cable, Iron Man, X-Force, Dark Hawk, Ninjak, Night Thrasher, Uncanny Xmen, Detective Comics featuring Batman, and Spawn.

Ok, which ones of those are still getting made, and which ones are still good. I don't really want to play catchup with any of the comics, but what are the newest series in those comics without having to buy loads of them to understand what is going on. Thanks for the help.

Welcome back to comics, now's a good time.

Spiderman is crazy different now. you might want someone else talk to you about it because I no longer read regular Spiderman. Ultimate Spiderman is pretty good and worth looking into.

Action Comics has been really good. Geoff Johns just finished perhaps the best Superman story ever. The next issue coming out would be a good bopping on point. I think it's 864.

Cable just got a new monthly, know nothing about it.

Iron Man is all over the place. He's getting a second monthly soon.

Dark Hawk was in a mini series a little while ago called the Loners I believe. It's about a Superhero team made up to keep younger kids from getting into the business. At least that's what I heard. I've been tempted to pick this up.

Detective Comics is written by Paul Dini, who used to write for Batman the Animated Series and it's pretty good. Almost can never go wrong with it.

There's a new Night Thrasher running around in a new New Warriors book, I've heard it's not all that great.

I think a few months back or more Spawn had a reboot, I don't really read that too much either.

Haven't heard of Ninjak and don't read any of the X-books right now, well that's a lie X-factor isn't too shabby.

I'm sure some other people are reading some of these books and will weigh in on them. There's a pretty good community here that reads a lot of different stuff.

[SnowOxx]

Oh yeah, I also liked Fantastic Four, and regular Batman. I am also open to any other comics that have come out since I was last into it. But thanks for the help.

[GungaDin]

Hokay... My friend who is a girl (not really relevant, but still) wants to read comics... I asked her for some movies... But I'm stumped... Here's what she listed....

"The Godfather, Hairspray, anything Disney (which isnt very comic ish), Ever After, National Treasure, Sweeney Todd, Little Miss Sunshine, Transformers, The X-men movies, LOTR movies"

So I'm styimied.... I was thinking maybe Strangers in Paradise or Scott Pilgrim... But othe than maybe those, I got nothin....

[gobo]

Scott Pilgrim is a pretty great entry point.

Fables might work, what with the Disney and Ever After liking.

[oh_caroline]

GungaDin, have you tried any Xmen comics, since she likes the movies?

It might depend on which characters she likes, but 'Astonishing X-men' and 'Xmen: First Class' are pretty easy to jump on without much background in the universe. Those, along with 'Runaways', were the first books I read with any regularity, and they helped me ease in to the Marvel Universe. Or if you have a goal of getting her into DC, I think the Loeb/Sale Batman books, or Brubaker's run on Catwoman are good starting points.

Though comics and movies are such different media, you might have better luck by figuring out what she likes to read. Or, really? If you own a lot of comics already, or can get them from the library, let her look through them herself and see what sticks. It's hard to predict what somebody's going to like and a lot of times it's more fun to find things for yourself.

ETA: Oh, and SnowOxx -- nobody ever believes this is a serious rec, but if you liked Cable & XForce 10 years ago, I absolutely recommend 'Cable & Deadpool.' The series ended recently, and almost all of it is in trade at this point. It's by Fabian Nicieza and plays with a lot of 90s canon in a beautifully demented way. It's basically what you'd expect a guy who wrote a lot of comics in the 90s to write like, after he had a psychotic break. (I mean this as the highest compliment possible).

[GungaDin]

GungaDin, have you tried any Xmen comics, since she likes the movies?

It might depend on which characters she likes, but 'Astonishing X-men' and 'Xmen: First Class' are pretty easy to jump on without much background in the universe. Those, along with 'Runaways', were the first books I read with any regularity, and they helped me ease in to the Marvel Universe. Or if you have a goal of getting her into DC, I think the Loeb/Sale Batman books, or Brubaker's run on Catwoman are good starting points.

Yeah. I haven't started recommending anything for her. I'm just clueless for where to start... I was thinking about Astonishing and a lot of BKV books... Them's the stuff I regularly go to... So... We'll see...

I didn't even think about Fables! That's a good one...

[BellaHadrian]

My uncle's birthday is this Thursday. I kinda want to get him a comic book. He's works in movie theatre sound and likes serious, violent dramatic movies. He as a sarcastic, liberal old bachelor. He loved Eastern Promises and No Country for Old Men. Stuff like that. I was thinking Queen and Country or maybe Torso. Any suggestions?

[esophagus]

My uncle's birthday is this Thursday. I kinda want to get him a comic book. He's works in movie theatre sound and likes serious, violent dramatic movies. He as a sarcastic, liberal old bachelor. He loved Eastern Promises and No Country for Old Men. Stuff like that. I was thinking Queen and Country or maybe Torso. Any suggestions?If he enjoys movies, is sarcastic, and likes violence, perhaps you should let him give Wanted a try before the movie version comes out.

Q&C and Torso are good choices too.

[jmstump]

Hokay... My friend who is a girl (not really relevant, but still) wants to read comics... I asked her for some movies... But I'm stumped... Here's what she listed....

"The Godfather, Hairspray, anything Disney (which isnt very comic ish), Ever After, National Treasure, Sweeney Todd, Little Miss Sunshine, Transformers, The X-men movies, LOTR movies"

So I'm styimied.... I was thinking maybe Strangers in Paradise or Scott Pilgrim... But othe than maybe those, I got nothin....


Try these threads here (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16203) and here. (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15017)

There are a lot of things to suggest. The best thing I've found is to just start throwing books at her and see what she likes. It's really the best way to get a girl into comics. Not to mention those movies on that list seem all over the place, it makes it hard to narrow something down. I have a friend at work and I've been throwing comics at here left and right. It started because she mentioned she loved Batgirl from Batman the Animated Series. After I heard that I left Batgirl: Year One for her on her desk. She loved it.

Now she has a stack of books on her desk from me that she's trying to work through. One is the Star Wars Tales of the Jedi Omnibus and the other is the Dark Knight Returns. I also got her reading the new Serenity book. My friends think I'm as bad as a crack dealer... I like to think I'm worse :D

I know that you can always try Sandman by Neil Gaiman. Oddly looking at those threads I didn't catch if it had been mentioned. When I did a project on DC comics for one of my business classes in college, awesome I know, I found that Sandman was one of the number one comics read by women and was also one of the top ways boyfriends got their girlfriends into comics.

Also welcome to the threads Ohcaroline!

Edit: Thanks Eso, when I went to post Bella's post wasn't there. I also noticed my two links were pointing to the same place and that I needed to edit the post in general. That's what happens when you're impatient.

[esophagus]

(JM you might want to add a quote to that. I doubt BellaHadrian's uncle has the same wishlist as those being shopped for in "Comics for Girls".)

[BellaHadrian]

Thanks, Eso. I think he'll enjoy Wanted.

[SnowOxx]

Here is my list of comics I may be getting. If some arent good, please let me know (the closest good comic store is a hour away from my house, and I like to read some of it before I buy).

Watchman
DMZ
The Dark Knight Returns
100 Bullets
Civil War
V for Vendetta
Secret Invasion
Batman Year One
Justice Society of America
Supreme Power
Sleeper Vol 1
Punisher Max Vol 9
Captain America by Ed Brubaker
Ultimate Spiderman
Titans Vol 1
Action Comics #863

Oh yeah, I already bought The Walking Dead Vol 1-8 but am just waiting for them to come in the mail.

[Valoharth]

Hokay... My friend who is a girl (not really relevant, but still) wants to read comics... I asked her for some movies... But I'm stumped... Here's what she listed....

"The Godfather, Hairspray, anything Disney (which isnt very comic ish), Ever After, National Treasure, Sweeney Todd, Little Miss Sunshine, Transformers, The X-men movies, LOTR movies"

So I'm styimied.... I was thinking maybe Strangers in Paradise or Scott Pilgrim... But othe than maybe those, I got nothin....

Y: The last man, SiP, and thats all I can think of.

[GungaDin]

100 Bullets

From what I understand, 100 Bullets gets crazy confusing crazy fast. I've never read it... But it's like... yeah... it starts out good, and then at like... issue... thirty? it gets unreadable.


Edit: Also, I've never read it... There's so much of it... That's just what I heard.

[kahunablair]

Y: The last man, SiP, and thats all I can think of.

Both good choices.

I'd probably throw Bone in there for the Disney/LOTR aspect. For some reason reading that list, I flashed to Doug TenNapel's books, mainly Creature Tech.

[Valoharth]

Both good choices.

I'd probably throw Bone in there for the Disney/LOTR aspect. For some reason reading that list, I flashed to Doug TenNapel's books, mainly Creature Tech.

I didn't even think of Bone, but I think that it would be the way to go. Again Blair comes in with a great choice.

[SnowOxx]

Also, I've never read it... There's so much of it... That's just what I heard.



Thanks for letting me know.

[jmstump]

Here is my list of comics I may be getting. If some arent good, please let me know (the closest good comic store is a hour away from my house, and I like to read some of it before I buy).

Watchman
DMZ
The Dark Knight Returns
100 Bullets
Civil War
V for Vendetta
Secret Invasion
Batman Year One
Justice Society of America
Supreme Power
Sleeper Vol 1
Punisher Max Vol 9
Captain America by Ed Brubaker
Ultimate Spiderman
Titans Vol 1
Action Comics #863

Oh yeah, I already bought The Walking Dead Vol 1-8 but am just waiting for them to come in the mail.

First off I know your pain, I was out of comics for about 6 years because the closest comic shop was an hour away. It's absolutely brutal.

Overall everything sound pretty awesome, except Civil War, I found it to be less then stellar. To put it nicely.

One that I want to go out of my way to mention is awesome because rarely so many people do, is Supreme Power. I think that it was one of the best adult superhero books in a long time, no I do not read The Boys, so I can't compare it.

[jmstump]

Y: The last man, SiP, and thats all I can think of.

I've never read Y, i plan on reading the nice hardcovers when they come out, but SiP was one of the best things I've read period. Which is odd because since it's essentially a soap opera I should loathe it, but I just can't it's too good.

[oh_caroline]

Just to throw in my two cents on 'Comics for Girls' --

As a female comics reader who has had plenty of conversations with other women, as well as men, about what they like -- and having been in forums like ifanboy where the majority of commenters were men, as well as forums where the majority were women --

I've honestly found the same diversity of taste and interest among women as I have among men. I was wracking my brain trying to think of a title that 'girls like but boys don't, or boys like but girls don't' and I drew a blank. There's a divide between people who are passionate about the medium of comics and people who aren't, and people who read superhero books and people who don't. But beyond that, it's hard to generalize. Trying to convince someone of either gender to be interested in comics may be an uphill battle, but if you've got a friend who is already interested and wants to learn more, treat them like any other reader.

[SnowOxx]

Has anyone read Fell: Feral City Vol 1. I read some of it, and it seems pretty good. Any opinions?

[Valoharth]

Has anyone read Fell: Feral City Vol 1. I read some of it, and it seems pretty good. Any opinions?

Yep, love that book.

[gobo]

Hey they talked about that on popSiren yesterday

[SnowOxx]

Thats where I got the idea to read some of it. The parts they showed looked really good.

[GungaDin]

Just to throw in my two cents on 'Comics for Girls' --

As a female comics reader who has had plenty of conversations with other women, as well as men, about what they like -- and having been in forums like ifanboy where the majority of commenters were men, as well as forums where the majority were women --

I've honestly found the same diversity of taste and interest among women as I have among men. I was wracking my brain trying to think of a title that 'girls like but boys don't, or boys like but girls don't' and I drew a blank. There's a divide between people who are passionate about the medium of comics and people who aren't, and people who read superhero books and people who don't. But beyond that, it's hard to generalize. Trying to convince someone of either gender to be interested in comics may be an uphill battle, but if you've got a friend who is already interested and wants to learn more, treat them like any other reader.

This really isn't the right thread for me to be discussing this... But I completely agree. Brian K. Vaughan defends Y: The Last Man as a comic both men and women can like and it's true. Why can't women like explosions and chase scenes? Why do we have to have certain things clumped with men and women? It bothers me for the most part, but I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes, though, it can be easier to just go for the stereotype and gauge it on that...

[oh_caroline]

Oh yes, sorry, I didn't mean to stray too far from the topic there, but it was at least tangentially relevant to 'recommending comics for girls.'

To atone, thinking more about the main question -- the book that I wish somebody had made me read when I first started with Xmen comics was 'God Loves, Man Kills.' I actually only got to this one recently (not for lack of having it recced -- I think I just ignored it because I didn't like the title, or something). This would be particularly good to someone who was introduced to Xmen through the movies, since it has most of the same core characters, and a lot of the plot threads in X2 came out of this. Also, it works with continuity in a really great era of Xmen, but it isn't dependent on understanding too many things that happened before or since. A great showcase of what Chris Claremont was capable of.

ETA: And to state the possibly obvious, but to avoid confusion, I mean the GL,MK graphic novel from the eighties, NOT the bad rehash that's part of the '00s Xtreme Xmen series.

[SnowOxx]

I just got DMZ Vol 1-4 and Watchmen. DMZ one is freaking awesome. I'm hooked. Who knew Borders bookstore had a semi good selection.

[Wade Wilson]

Here is my list of comics I may be getting. If some arent good, please let me know (the closest good comic store is a hour away from my house, and I like to read some of it before I buy).

Watchman
DMZ
The Dark Knight Returns
100 Bullets
Civil War
V for Vendetta
Secret Invasion
Batman Year One
Justice Society of America
Supreme Power
Sleeper Vol 1
Punisher Max Vol 9
Captain America by Ed Brubaker
Ultimate Spiderman
Titans Vol 1
Action Comics #863

Oh yeah, I already bought The Walking Dead Vol 1-8 but am just waiting for them to come in the mail.

Well, you already have Watchmen, so I'm sorry to say, but everything you read after it ... will suck. Heh, just kidding, but Watchmen is one of the rare books that isn't over-hyped -- it really is that good.

Now, for the rest of your list, I'll put them in order of what you should buy next, because I know my opinion is like gold to you, being a stranger on a message board an' all --

1. Dark Knight Returns
2. Batman Year One (Batman is my favourite character, so maybe I'm a little biased here?)
3. Punisher MAX Vol. 9 ... or any volume you can get -- this book is so good it makes me burp & poop with excitement.
4. Supreme Power - Way underrated book and was alot better before it went "all ages". And in comparison to The Boys? They are nothing alike really. Supreme Power is like a rated R "realistic" version of the JLA, where The Boys is ... hilarious ... it's like a CIA/spy book crossed with a superhero book, crossed with a rated R comedy. All the dirty jokes & thoughts you have ever had about superheroes (and some, no one but this mad Irish genius would ever think of) -- Garth Ennis writes em'!

When ever I recommend a book to new comics readers (male, female, cylon or midget) I always go with The Pro, by Garth Ennis & Amanda Conner (it's about a hooker who gets super powers) to blow all thier expectations of comic books out of the water, and show them how funny/awesome/adult comics can be.

Another one I always show non-comic readers is Kingdom Come -- anyone who is not impressed by Alex Ross' art has eye problems. And art is what draws people to comics, when they know nothing of the characters or writers.

[SnowOxx]

Punisher MAX Vol. 9 ... or any volume you can get -- this book is so good it makes me burp & poop with excitement.



Ive never had that problem with a comic before. Must be special. I was actually looking for those 4 that you commented on, but the place I went to only had some of them, but the books were bent and whatnot (I like to get them perfect, I may be crazy).

I did just finish Watchmen and DMZ Vol. 1-4 and they were both good. Probably shouldn't read that much next time. (read almost everything in a day). I feel like I almost need to reread them to get all the story in. Any other recommendations beyond the list I made are welcome. I used to be into alot of Marvel and DC before I stopped for a while.

[Wade Wilson]

Ive never had that problem with a comic before. Must be special. I was actually looking for those 4 that you commented on, but the place I went to only had some of them, but the books were bent and whatnot (I like to get them perfect, I may be crazy).
If you're crazy, I am too -- I wont buy bent or damaged books ever. And yeah ... I'm special, I wear a helmet around the house sometimes.

Other books that are personal favourites of mine --

Kingdom Come: Flat out awesome.
Daredevil Visionaries, by Kevin Smith: Classic superhero stuff.

These are the first two that popped in my head, when more pop in -- I'll post em'!


Sorry if this is the wrong thread to post this, but it made me think of a question for you guys: Whatever happened to Supreme Power/Squadron Supreme? Is it ever coming back? Or was the Ultimate Power crossover the end of it?

[SnowOxx]

I got Fell Vol 1: Feral City. It is awesome. I really like the art they did in it. I also like the different stories in the different chapters.

[SnowOxx]

I just made another new purchase. I got Batman Face The Face (loved it, but what books comes before and after it?), Justice Society of America: The Next Age (haven't read yet), and Kingdom Come (awesome book). I think my next purchases may be Supreme Power or maybe some of the Ultimate series. Oh yeah, here is my newest list that are my wants.

Batman- Year one, Long Halloween, Turning Points
V for Vendetta
Secret Invasion (is there a trade out yet, the one I found was like 5 old comics in one, not like the comic preview on Ifanboy)
Supreme Power
Sleeper Vol 1
Punisher MAX (Vol 1-9)
Captain America
Ultimate Spiderman, Xmen, Ironman
Ultimates Vol 1 and 2
Deadpool and Cable
Green Lantern Rebirth
Green Arrow Quiver
John Constantine Hellblazer
Final Crisis
The New Frontier
Hellboy Vol 1
X-Factor

any adds or changes welcome.

[Charlie Blix]

I've been thinking about what comics I want to put in my pull and I've decided that I really want to center it around batman. I know there are a lot of batman related comics out there but I have no clue how many. here is my list so far.

Batman
Nightwing
Robin
Catwoman
Birds of Prey
Gotham Underground (But I think I'm just going to wait till the trade on that once since its almost over)

Thats all I got. I know there is a couple different batman comics but I'm pretty sure only the "Batman" one is in continuity with the rest of these.. or am I wrong?

Thats what I need help with. I want a list of all the ongoing batman related comics. I guess you could call them the batman family comics. I don't really want any that are not in the same continuity as the rest though... so no Batman Death Mask or stuff like that.

If anyone could help me that would be great. thanks

[ConorKilpatrick]

Thats what I need help with. I want a list of all the ongoing batman related comics. I guess you could call them the batman family comics. I don't really want any that are not in the same continuity as the rest though... so no Batman Death Mask or stuff like that.

If anyone could help me that would be great. thanks

None of the Batman titles are really in continuity with one another. I mean, they all are, but they all aren't. There isn't a lot of crossover - except for the Ra's al Ghul crossover, which was awful. The one that's probably the most "out-of-continuity" is Batman. Detective Comics has way more elements in it that cross over with the other books.

Catwoman, I think, is being canceled.

I'd say get Detective Comics, Nightwing, Robin and Birds of Prey. Although, next month starts Batman RIP in Batman and that's probably going to effect everything.

[Charlie Blix]

None of the Batman titles are really in continuity with one another. I mean, they all are, but they all aren't. There isn't a lot of crossover - except for the Ra's al Ghul crossover, which was awful. The one that's probably the most "out-of-continuity" is Batman. Detective Comics has way more elements in it that cross over with the other books.

Catwoman, I think, is being canceled.

I'd say get Detective Comics, Nightwing, Robin and Birds of Prey. Although, next month starts Batman RIP in Batman and that's probably going to effect everything.

thanks Conor.

I think I'll be getting

Detective Comics
Batman
Nightwing
Robin
Birds of Prey

[daeyeth]

I'm new to comics, just started reading, and I was wondering what a really good Marvel superhero series I can start in? I have a decent understanding of most of the main Marvel figures from the cartoon counter-parts, but other than that I don't know about any of the continuity or the "minor" characters. I'm specifically looking for something with fairly modern storytelling. By modern I don't exactly mean when it was released, but I mean that it's not campy and there's a sense of realism/depth to the characters.

For instance, I loved Watchmen, Ultimate Spider-man, and Invincible. All the characters felt believable to me and, more importantly, I didn't need to know about any continuity so I didn't feel lost. I want to get into Captain American but I don't know where to start. And I'm afraid that if I start on issue #1, the storytelling is going to be too campy. Like my friend has the entire Uncanny X-Men series but I just couldn't get into the first issues.

Any suggestions? Starting points?

Thanks

[esophagus]

Captain America.

Edit: Sorry, I got ahead of myself and posted without reading your whole post. Captain America rebooted, so issue #1 only came out a couple of years ago. It really wasn't all that campy. If you buy the omnibus, or even the trades, you'll be pleasantly surprised at all of the realism straight from the get go. Excellent storyline. It has been Brubaker all the way through, so there wasn't a turning point like you'd find in a lot of books.

[paper]

Based on the things you like....I'd say go back and pick up New Avengers in trade paperbacks or the bigger hardcovers. That's actually where I started when I returned to comics in Fall '06. Runaways is another good one. You can pick up all of Brian K. Vaughan's stuff in three beautiful hardcovers. I'm basing these recommendations on your positive opinion of Ultimate Spidey and Invincible.

[xyzzy]

Runaways (http://www.amazon.com/Runaways-Vol-1-Brian-Vaughan/dp/0785118764/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208923229&sr=8-1) by Vaughan.

Alias (http://www.amazon.com/Runaways-Vol-1-Brian-Vaughan/dp/0785118764/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208923229&sr=8-1) by Bendis.

Both are only a few years old.

[esophagus]

Alias is a good choice, but xyzzy's link is broken.

Vol. 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Alias-Vol-Brian-Michael-Bendis/dp/0785111417/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208923439&sr=1-2)
Vol. 2 (http://www.amazon.com/Alias-Vol-2-Come-Home/dp/0785111239/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208923439&sr=1-6)
Vol. 3 (http://www.amazon.com/Alias-Vol-2-Come-Home/dp/0785111239/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208923439&sr=1-6)
Vol. 4 (http://www.amazon.com/Alias-Vol-Secret-Origins-Jessica/dp/0785111670/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208923439&sr=1-1)

[Labor_Days]

Captain America. That is the book you seem to want to read based on the OP.

New Avengers is good too.

[Humphrey Lee]

If you want something right now you can follow monthly, I'd actually go find the first four issue of THE TWELVE. It really doesn't have all that much to do with the Marvel U, but it's a pretty fine Superhero story anyways.

If you're getting trades and such, yes, get Runaways, maybe hop onto Captain America, or get the Paul Jenkin's INHUMANS trade. All those are excellent.

[daeyeth]

Thanks a lot, really appreciate it. Finished Runaways and New Avengers, enjoyed them. Still reading Captain America, really loving it, and have Alias queued up. However, these comics have shown me that I really prefer non-team comics because it allows a lot more character development it seems to me.

Can I get some more recommendations? I'm absolutely devouring these. Preferably looking for superhero series (non-team) from any publication that's relatively recent (released around 2000 and up), already has a decent amount issues that I can get in a couple of trades, and has excellent writing/character development.

[cenquist]

You could grab the Y:The Last Man trades.

[oh_caroline]

However, these comics have shown me that I really prefer non-team comics because it allows a lot more character development it seems to me.

Can I get some more recommendations? I'm absolutely devouring these. .

This is going to fall under 'incredibly obvious recs' but have you tried Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-men? The first 3 trades are out, and it is a team book, but one with a limited cast that really focuses on character development.

As far as solo books, you can't go wrong with Bendis or Brubaker's run on Daredevil; start with the 'Underboss' trade and read forward. And you might enjoy the most recent incarnation of the 'Iron Man' series. It starts with Warren Ellis' 'Extremis' trade, then there are one or two trades by Charles & Daniel Knauf, then 'Iron Man: Civil War' (which is quite readable without following the rest of the crossover, and possibly better for your mental health if you find yourself actually liking the main character). The latest volume is 'Iron Man: Director of SHIELD'. Josh & Conor have been talking about this on the podcast. It's a fun one.

[xyzzy]

Thanks a lot, really appreciate it. Finished Runaways and New Avengers, enjoyed them. Still reading Captain America, really loving it, and have Alias queued up. However, these comics have shown me that I really prefer non-team comics because it allows a lot more character development it seems to me.

Can I get some more recommendations? I'm absolutely devouring these. Preferably looking for superhero series (non-team) from any publication that's relatively recent (released around 2000 and up), already has a decent amount issues that I can get in a couple of trades, and has excellent writing/character development.

Vaughan's and McKeever's Mystique (http://tplist.millarworld.net/mystique.html) series from a few years back is a nice little story sorta set in the X-corner of the Marvel U. Not too much in the way of continuity to worry about.

Another X-related book that was pretty great was Maddrox by Peter David, which later turned into X-Factor. But I liked the original mini a lot.

Oh, is there a reason why you're only interested in Marvel heroes? There are some awesome DC books. Even if you don't like the DCU with all of its crazy continuity, they've got some out of continuity books like Superman: Secret Identity or Red Son that I think are outstanding.

[SteveCan]

Hey, I was wondering if I can get in on all these recomendations. I'm a comic noob for the most part, I read comics when I was a kid (I'm 23 now) but that pretty much consisted of Archie comics, and the ocasional Batman\Spiderman\Superman single issue that I'd buy with my allowance at the local flea market.

When the movie Sin City came out I got the first graphic novel and absolutly loved it, that lead to the second one which I enjoyed as well. The comic shop I bought these at was out of the way, and a shop which didn't seem like a very good place for new people to discover comics, so I kind of stoped at that point. Then came January of 08 when I discovered a comic shop closer to my home and that had a much better atmosphere than the other store for new comic readers. This came at about the same time I discovered Revision3 and the iFanboy podcasts. So my comic discovery can now continue.

Since January I've purchased Absolute Kingdom Come, Batman: Year One, Absolute Batman: The Long Halloween, Marvels, and Fables TPB #1. I'm much more interested in trades and graphic novels than single issues, actually I have pretty much zero interest in getting into single issues. I'd like to buy books that have quality writing, and are well established... preferably one's that have complete story arcs, if you know what I mean.

Obviously as someone who had read very few comics, I'm not particularly fimiliar with continuity, or some of the lesser known characters in comics, so I'd love to find some trades that could educate me on some of that stuff. As far as super hero comics go, I'm probably most interested in DC than Marvel, although I do have some interest in Spiderman, X-Men, and Iron Man (movie was awesome BTW). Team books or solo books it doesn't really matter, although I'd love to get a mix of both if I could.

Some of the books that are on my list to buy are:
-Absolute Watchmen
-Absolute Dark Knight
-Absolute The New Frontier
-From Hell
-300
-Maus
-Box Office Poison
-Alias
-Animal Man
-Justice League International
-the rest of the Sin City line
-the rest of the Fables line as well as the prequell book and Jack of Fables

I'd love to get some more recomendations, as well as your opinions on some of the books I have on my wishlist.

Thanks,
Steve

[mattk]

Hey Steve, it looks like you've got most of the DC stuff that i've read covered (i'm on the newer side of things too) - I thought as far as Marvel though i would throw the following recs your way to think about:

-Astonishing X-Men (Joss Whedon writing is fantastic)
-Ultimates 1 & 2 (avengers story out of Marvel continuity that I loved for the action and large plot)
-Captain America (the Omnibus is probably my favorite purchase I made, this is by far the best continuing story i've read and made me switch from your mindset of monthlies to having to buy it every month)
-Ultimate Spiderman (ongoing, but plenty of HC's to check out and everyone loves them)

[SteveCan]

Hey Steve, it looks like you've got most of the DC stuff that i've read covered (i'm on the newer side of things too) - I thought as far as Marvel though i would throw the following recs your way to think about:

-Astonishing X-Men (Joss Whedon writing is fantastic)
-Ultimates 1 & 2 (avengers story out of Marvel continuity that I loved for the action and large plot)
-Captain America (the Omnibus is probably my favorite purchase I made, this is by far the best continuing story i've read and made me switch from your mindset of monthlies to having to buy it every month)
-Ultimate Spiderman (ongoing, but plenty of HC's to check out and everyone loves them)

Thanks Matt!

Is the Joss Whedon who writes Astonishing X-Men, the same Joss Whedon that created Buffy? If that's the case, I'll have to seriously consider getting that. Also is that a currently ongoing series that other writers have written, or is it in a trade with just Whedon's stories, are the multiple editions I should buy? Sorry if these questions seem stupid.

The Captain America Omnibus seems like something I'd be interested in, I forgot to mention that I'm also looking at the Frank Miller Daredevil Omnibus as well. And my comic shop seems to have a huge collection of Marvel omnibus editions. One thing that does bother me about comics, that I've only recently learned is all these superhero's dying and someone else taking over name. It's just something that I find strange, and sort of makes me weary about getting into those books. Captain America being one of these cases, and the other being the Flash.

As for the Ultimate books you suggested. I recently watched the iFanboy episode about Marvels Ultimate lines, and the fact that they are removed from regular Marvel continuity bothers me for some reason. IIRC in Ultimate Spiderman Peter Parker is a webmaster at the Bugle, not a photographer... WTF? Sadly in that same episode the guys also mentioned that the "true" Spiderman stories kind of suck now. I'm sort of interested, right now anyways, to start reading some "classic" completed story arcs in trades.

Thanks again Matt, and keep the suggestions coming guys!

[ConorKilpatrick]

Is the Joss Whedon who writes Astonishing X-Men, the same Joss Whedon that created Buffy? If that's the case, I'll have to seriously consider getting that. Also is that a currently ongoing series that other writers have written, or is it in a trade with just Whedon's stories, are the multiple editions I should buy? Sorry if these questions seem stupid.

Yes, that is the same Joss Whedon who is finishing up his run on Astonishing X-Men. He wrote Astonishing X-Men 1-24 and the upcoming Giant-Sized Astonishing X-Men #2 that wraps up the series.

Volume 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Astonishing-X-Men-Vol-1-Gifted/dp/0785115315/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209943137&sr=8-3)
Volume 2 (http://www.amazon.com/Astonishing-X-Men-Vol-2-Dangerous/dp/078511677X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209943137&sr=8-4)
Volume 3 (http://www.amazon.com/Astonishing-X-Men-Vol-3-Torn/dp/0785117598/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209943137&sr=8-2)
Volume 4 (http://www.amazon.com/Astonishing-X-Men-Vol-4-Unstoppable/dp/0785122540/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209943137&sr=8-1)

If you're a fan of Buffy you might want to check out the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series, which is the official season 8. Joss has written most of that one too

Volume 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Buffy-Vampire-Slayer-Season-Eight/dp/1593078226/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209943240&sr=8-1)

[teddyteddy]

I'm 27 years old, but new to comics. I'm a huge Joss Whedon fan and this led me to check out Astonishing X-Men, which I have loved. This sparked my interest in reading EVERYTHING I can get my hands on.

I am perfectly willing to read as much as I have to and buy as many books as I need to. What I'm looking for isn't just a "good jumping in point."

And so I ask you, where do I start? I have already started reading all of the books on all of the top ten lists out there. DKR, Watchmen, and more. That's not what I'm asking about. Because of my slight obsession with continuity, I have become interested in Marvel's Ultimate Universe because I can realistically read EVERYTHING. I understand that this is not possible in the main Marvel and DC Universes.

I want to get "caught up" with the current worlds. I'm in no hurry. I'll read as much as I have to. Even "bad" books if they're essential to the history. How many years back do I have to go to truly understand what's happening in DC? When did they last throw it all out the window and reboot? How about Marvel?

I know that some of you will say to forget about it and just find a good story and go with it. I wish my brain worked that way.

I know there are a lot of experts on this board, please help me out!

[ngower]

After going to the comic stores/Borders, etc frequently and looking at all the Civil War, House of M, etc books that I'd have to read (a.k.a. buy) to get into in order to get caught up in the Marvel Universe, I think it's time to give up. I've always been a DC guy anyways, so now I think I'm going full steam into DC.

I saw Identity Crisis and it looks like something to pick up, won't need any further reading for that will I? I think I'm also going to pick up the Dark Knight Returns, and when I finish up reading the two (yes a whopping two!) GL issues from Rebirth, I'll pick up Sinestro Corps trades. I like the whole Fables, DMZ, etc type of comics that are standalone, but I'm really shifting focus to DC exclusively.

I guess what I'm asking here, is what PURELY DC books (trades first to get caught up, or any ongoing series that won't break the bank) should I pick up? I ****ing love Geoff Johns, and want to get into JSA, but it seems like it's a bit far in and would require a relatively big investment.

Just give me some recommendations and as always, I'll be a happy young man :)

[SnowOxx]

I actually just got Infitite Crisis. I think Identity came before it. I dunno if I don't have enough back story, but it seems kind of hard to follow. I may of read it after 5 other trades, so maybe I should reread it.

I just purchased Infitite Crisis, 52 Vol 1, JSA- Thy Kingdom Come and The Next Age, New Avengers Vol 1 HC, and Supreme Power. I loved all but Infitite Crisis seems to be over my head for now.

Oh yeah, Ngower, I got DMZ Vol 1-4, they are all freaking awsome, i cant wait till the next trade comes out (I dont like buying the singles)

[GungaDin]

I actually just got Infitite Crisis. I think Identity came before it. I dunno if I don't have enough back story, but it seems kind of hard to follow. I may of read it after 5 other trades, so maybe I should reread it.

I just purchased Infitite Crisis, 52 Vol 1, JSA- Thy Kingdom Come and The Next Age, New Avengers Vol 1 HC, and Supreme Power. I loved all but Infitite Crisis seems to be over my head for now.

Oh yeah, Ngower, I got DMZ Vol 1-4, they are all freaking awsome, i cant wait till the next trade comes out (I dont like buying the singles)

Yeah... Infinite Crisis went over most people's heads... And that includes the ones who were following it closely... It's really steeped in continuity and backstory and... stuff... It's not you, it's the story.

[GungaDin]

I'm 27 years old, but new to comics. I'm a huge Joss Whedon fan and this led me to check out Astonishing X-Men, which I have loved. This sparked my interest in reading EVERYTHING I can get my hands on.

I am perfectly willing to read as much as I have to and buy as many books as I need to. What I'm looking for isn't just a "good jumping in point."

And so I ask you, where do I start? I have already started reading all of the books on all of the top ten lists out there. DKR, Watchmen, and more. That's not what I'm asking about. Because of my slight obsession with continuity, I have become interested in Marvel's Ultimate Universe because I can realistically read EVERYTHING. I understand that this is not possible in the main Marvel and DC Universes.

I want to get "caught up" with the current worlds. I'm in no hurry. I'll read as much as I have to. Even "bad" books if they're essential to the history. How many years back do I have to go to truly understand what's happening in DC? When did they last throw it all out the window and reboot? How about Marvel?

I know that some of you will say to forget about it and just find a good story and go with it. I wish my brain worked that way.

I know there are a lot of experts on this board, please help me out!

Before I get to your "real world" comments, I just want to make sure you're reading Buffy Season Eight and Angel: After the Fall (unless you don't want to, but read Buffy...) and his Runaways stuff... Also, Joss's Fray is fantastic... read that.

So your "real world" question... Ron's said it before, I'll say it here. Just jump in and start reading... Work your way through some stories and tell us what you like of and we can tell you what to pick up from that and what you like there... The running joke is X-Men, but I'm no X-junkie/authority...

[GungaDin]

After going to the comic stores/Borders, etc frequently and looking at all the Civil War, House of M, etc books that I'd have to read (a.k.a. buy) to get into in order to get caught up in the Marvel Universe, I think it's time to give up. I've always been a DC guy anyways, so now I think I'm going full steam into DC.

I saw Identity Crisis and it looks like something to pick up, won't need any further reading for that will I? I think I'm also going to pick up the Dark Knight Returns, and when I finish up reading the two (yes a whopping two!) GL issues from Rebirth, I'll pick up Sinestro Corps trades. I like the whole Fables, DMZ, etc type of comics that are standalone, but I'm really shifting focus to DC exclusively.

I guess what I'm asking here, is what PURELY DC books (trades first to get caught up, or any ongoing series that won't break the bank) should I pick up? I ****ing love Geoff Johns, and want to get into JSA, but it seems like it's a bit far in and would require a relatively big investment.

Just give me some recommendations and as always, I'll be a happy young man :)

You don't have to read all of Civil War. That's just unrealistic. Use wikipedia and dive in (deja vu...) because you're really not missing much... Start with New Avengers and work your way to now (Secret Invasion) and also read Captain America...

Also, there's two trades of Johns JSA you HAVE to read (that's where I started) which is "The New Age" and "Thy Kingdom Come" to catch up to the now... And PLEASE tell me you've been reading his Action Comics (like the Legion of Super Heroes arc... that was amazing...)

[teddyteddy]

Before I get to your "real world" comments, I just want to make sure you're reading Buffy Season Eight and Angel: After the Fall (unless you don't want to, but read Buffy...) and his Runaways stuff... Also, Joss's Fray is fantastic... read that.

Yes, I'm reading Buffy 8 and Angel. I've decided to read Runaways from the start rather than jump right to Joss. I'm through the first two trades and loving it. I'll be getting to Fray.

So your "real world" question... Ron's said it before, I'll say it here. Just jump in and start reading... Work your way through some stories and tell us what you like of and we can tell you what to pick up from that and what you like there... The running joke is X-Men, but I'm no X-junkie/authority...

I know, I know. And I'm doing this to some degree. But that's not good enough for me. I feel a need to know where these characters come from. I know that there are big events, and I know that many of them have been practically removed from continuity. I am willing to go back. I don't need to be caught up anytime soon. To understand DC, do I have to go back to Crisis on Infinite Earths to understand how the world is set up? Or is Identity Crisis far more relevant and the best place to start.

I understand that these aren't questions with obvious answers, but I have to ask anyway.

My students talk about House of M, Civil War, and more. I want to read these, but I feel that just jumping into CW wouldn't be good enough. I want to know how we got there. Marvel actually seems a little more obvious to me (though I'm a total outsider), but I want to get into it all.

I'm willing. Just point your finger!

Thanks,
Teddy

[paper]

We will not be enablers! Continuity obsession is a disease! A self-inflicted disease! We mustn't encourage it. Just jump in.

It's basically impossible to pinpoint an exact place to start.

Okay, one clue. New Avengers. Number one.

[Valoharth]

I know, I know. And I'm doing this to some degree. But that's not good enough for me. I feel a need to know where these characters come from. I know that there are big events, and I know that many of them have been practically removed from continuity. I am willing to go back. I don't need to be caught up anytime soon. To understand DC, do I have to go back to Crisis on Infinite Earths to understand how the world is set up? Or is Identity Crisis far more relevant and the best place to start.

I understand that these aren't questions with obvious answers, but I have to ask anyway.

My students talk about House of M, Civil War, and more. I want to read these, but I feel that just jumping into CW wouldn't be good enough. I want to know how we got there. Marvel actually seems a little more obvious to me (though I'm a total outsider), but I want to get into it all.

I'm willing. Just point your finger!

Thanks,
Teddy

Well if you want to have a basic knowledge of these characters and what not It might be a good idea to pick up the Marvel Encyclopedia and the DC one too but don't read through it. Use it like you would an Encyclopedia and when you come to a character or event that you don't know, look it up. And you could always come to the boards here and ask about something if you want to know.

My other advice is jump right in on the current and buy back trades and back issues as you see fit. You will learn as you go, its how I do it. I'm doing it with Dr. Strange as we speak, I picked up the essentials about a year ago after reading the Order by BKV and decided I wanted to know more about him. It's taken me a year to read the old books because, well they can be hard to read sometimes.

[teddyteddy]

Okay, maybe there is no perfect place to start. I'm okay with that. I'm not obsessed. :-)

You suggest New Avengers Number One. From the VERY quick research I just did, this almost seems to be the backbone of the entire universe. I really appreciate your suggestion. However, is there anything I should read to find out WHY we need New Avengers in the first place?

And what about Captain America #1? Is that before or after New Avengers #1? It's very likely I'll be reading both.

Marvel and DC don't happen to publish official timelines, do they? That would help a lot.

[GungaDin]

I know, I know. And I'm doing this to some degree. But that's not good enough for me. I feel a need to know where these characters come from. I know that there are big events, and I know that many of them have been practically removed from continuity. I am willing to go back. I don't need to be caught up anytime soon. To understand DC, do I have to go back to Crisis on Infinite Earths to understand how the world is set up? Or is Identity Crisis far more relevant and the best place to start.

I'm with Paper on this... Continuity obsession is the way of the past... But here's a compromise: read books, tell us who you like, and we'll tell you what to pick up to get more on that person. For example, if you like the Question series or Renee Montoya we could tell you to pick up Gotham Central... Just start reading and the more you read the more you'll pick up... If you want more on a specific character ask us and we'll point you to some good books for that character...

For events, I picked up House of M without knowing much... Maybe Avengers Disassembled? The end of an era?

Also: New Avengers, from the beginning. Paper ain't wrong.

[GungaDin]

You suggest New Avengers Number One. From the VERY quick research I just did, this almost seems to be the backbone of the entire universe. I really appreciate your suggestion. However, is there anything I should read to find out WHY we need New Avengers in the first place?

Two words: Secret Invasion

And what about Captain America #1? Is that before or after New Avengers #1? It's very likely I'll be reading both.

Marvel and DC don't happen to publish official timelines, do they? That would help a lot.

It doesn't matter... Captain America is VERY standaloneish. He appears in both books but there isn't much crossover at all. They're two separate stories happening at separate times and that continuity isn't really important.

[ConorKilpatrick]

You suggest New Avengers Number One. From the VERY quick research I just did, this almost seems to be the backbone of the entire universe. I really appreciate your suggestion. However, is there anything I should read to find out WHY we need New Avengers in the first place?

The New Avengers came out of the Avengers Disassembled story line which itself came out of House of M which came out of... you get the idea. You'll never be able to start at the beginning. At some point you just need to jump in. New Avengers #1 is actually a good place to start. Everything going on now - Civil War/Secret Invasion - pretty much stems out of that book.

And what about Captain America #1? Is that before or after New Avengers #1? It's very likely I'll be reading both.

Captain America #1 and New Avengers #1 were published the same month at the end of 2004.

Marvel and DC don't happen to publish official timelines, do they? That would help a lot.

There's no such thing, continuity is too muddled. It doesn't fit together in any official way. You can follow the dates they were published and that's about it. Anything else is going to lead to madness.

[teddyteddy]

Okay, I get it.

I'm clearly the annoying new guy who doesn't understand what this stuff is all about. Hopefully I'll be in your shoes one day. You guys are great and I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my lame questions.

New Avengers #1 it is. I'm jumping in with that. If anyone has any other similar suggestions, let me know.

Now, for DC. I have watched every episode of iFanBoy over the last couple of weeks and I am constantly hearing the terms Pre-Crisis and Post-Crisis. So, it seemed obvious to me that this "Crisis" was a big deal that I need to know about. Looking into it a little more, I realized there was a problem. There's a whole lot of books with the word Crisis in them!

Is there a DC book you could all point me towards that would give me a great starting point? I think I remember Josh saying "Identity Crisis" was good for this. But I can't be sure. Any advice?

[GungaDin]

Okay, I get it.

I'm clearly the annoying new guy who doesn't understand what this stuff is all about. Hopefully I'll be in your shoes one day. You guys are great and I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my lame questions.

New Avengers #1 it is. I'm jumping in with that. If anyone has any other similar suggestions, let me know.

Now, for DC. I have watched every episode of iFanBoy over the last couple of weeks and I am constantly hearing the terms Pre-Crisis and Post-Crisis. So, it seemed obvious to me that this "Crisis" was a big deal that I need to know about. Looking into it a little more, I realized there was a problem. There's a whole lot of books with the work Crisis in them!

Is there a DC book you could all point me towards that would give me a great starting point? I think I remember Josh saying "Identity Crisis" was good for this. But I can't be sure. Any advice?

Identity Crisis is a GREAT place to start... Anything after that that has anything to do with Green Lantern, JSA, or Geoff Johns is hyperly good quality...

"The" Crisis was (most recently) Infinite Crisis and that laid the groundwork for the current status quo of the DCU, but it's really continuity heavy (in the sense that you have to a ton to really understand all the things that happen in it. Before that one was Crisis on Infinite Earths (a bit dated, but still decent) which was the status quo for the twenty years after it (1985-2005).

Post-Crisis refers to many, many things... Typically if it's in the 90's or late 80's it's post-Crisis (for Infinite Earths), Post 2005ish is Post-Crisis for Infinite. The first half of the decade is Pre-Crisis for Infinite Crisis, and Pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths is anything before 1985 which is the Silver Age, Bronze Age, Golden Age... etc.

[ConorKilpatrick]

"The" Crisis was (most recently) Infinite Crisis and that laid the groundwork for the current status quo of the DCU, but it's really continuity heavy (in the sense that you have to a ton to really understand all the things that happen in it. Before that one was Crisis on Infinite Earths (a bit dated, but still decent) which was the status quo for the twenty years after it (1985-2005).

Post-Crisis refers to many, many things... Typically if it's in the 90's or late 80's it's post-Crisis (for Infinite Earths), Post 2005ish is Post-Crisis for Infinite. The first half of the decade is Pre-Crisis for Infinite Crisis, and Pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths is anything before 1985 which is the Silver Age, Bronze Age, Golden Age... etc.

That's not really true. Anyone who says Pre-Crisis or Post-Crisis is referring to Crisis on Infinite Earths, not Infinite Crisis. That specific term applies to that specific event. If it's said any other way it's being used wrong.

[teddyteddy]

Okay Conor, you're the big DC guy. I'm a total newbie, but totally committed. Give me a point where I should jump in. Does it make sense to start with Identity? And if so, where will that lead me? 52?

I'm very interested in 52, but I'm willing to start before that if it will help.

Point!

[KnightFall]

Hello everyone like a lot of people here i am returning to the world of comic books last time i remember reading then was back in the mid to late 90's. I remember reading X-Men and a few Star Wars comics but i like to see what else is out there any suggestion that anyone can offer me would be most appreciated. O and if you guys need to ask me any questions feel free to drop me a line.

[ConorKilpatrick]

Okay Conor, you're the big DC guy. I'm a total newbie, but totally committed. Give me a point where I should jump in. Does it make sense to start with Identity? And if so, where will that lead me? 52?

I'm very interested in 52, but I'm willing to start before that if it will help.

Point!

How basic is your knowledge of DC characters? Do you know the names and basically who they are? If so I'd start with Identity Crisis. That leads to Infinite Crisis. You might want to skip reading Infinite Crisis (it's very knowledge-heavy. It features almost everyone and doesn't really explain who they are). 52 springs from Infinite Crisis. If you want to get to 52 you could read Identity Crisis, either read Infinite Crisis or read about it on Wikipedia or something, and then go to 52.

[teddyteddy]

You make it sound as though 52 isn't essential to the current on goings in the DCU. If that's the case, I'm willing to skip it.

I know the main guys. I've scene the movies. I've read Kingdom Come, DKR, and a couple more.

Let's say I wanted to eventually read and understand the upcoming Final Crisis. What would you tell me to read now to get ready?

[GungaDin]

You make it sound as though 52 isn't essential to the current on goings in the DCU. If that's the case, I'm willing to skip it.

I know the main guys. I've scene the movies. I've read Kingdom Come, DKR, and a couple more.

Let's say I wanted to eventually read and understand the upcoming Final Crisis. What would you tell me to read now to get ready?

Ummmmm... 52 is a lost year of stories and it's just good comics. It's four volumes and it's SO good... It touches on a lot of stuff that's still playing into the universe...

For Final Crisis? That's a tough one... Maybe the last few issues of Countdown (6-1, perhaps... not the whole thing, methinks... That's 51 issues) and DCU #0... It's supposed to stand alone, so you shouldn't need to much...

Death of the New Gods! I think you'll need that...

[SnowOxx]

I got Batman Face The Face awhile back, and was wondering what books came before it and after it. I really like it, but I want more.

[ConorKilpatrick]

I got Batman Face The Face awhile back, and was wondering what books came before it and after it. I really like it, but I want more.

Batman Face the Face was made up of Batman #651-654 and Detective Comics #817-820.

You probably don't want to look to the issues beforehand because Face the Face takes place a year after the previous issues.

[SnowOxx]

how about any books that continued the story afterwards, or any other good batman trades

[ConorKilpatrick]

how about any books that continued the story afterwards, or any other good batman trades

The next Detective trade is

Batman: Detective (http://www.comicbookdb.com/issue.php?ID=90007)

The next Batman trade is

Batman and Son (http://www.comicbookdb.com/issue.php?ID=105498)

The both feature new writers taking over for James Robinson. Paul Dini on Detective and Grant Morrison on Batman. The story from Face to Face isn't really continued so much.

[SnowOxx]

cool, thanks for all the help

[teddyteddy]

I'm with Paper on this... Continuity obsession is the way of the past... But here's a compromise: read books, tell us who you like, and we'll tell you what to pick up to get more on that person. For example, if you like the Question series or Renee Montoya we could tell you to pick up Gotham Central... Just start reading and the more you read the more you'll pick up... If you want more on a specific character ask us and we'll point you to some good books for that character...

I read DKR about a month ago as one of my first books. I thought it was amazing. This weekend, I read Batman: Year One, and I liked it even MORE than DKR. I was just blown away by it.

So I'm looking for more Batman. I know there's a lot of good books out there, so I'm asking all of you what you would recommend?

Also, I really want to read Superman. Are the Man of Steel books a good place to start?

[ngower]

Just got back from my LCS and picked up:

Invincible TBP #1 - $12.95
Queen and Country TBP #1 - $11.95
The Man With No Name #1 - $3.50
Secret Invasion #2 - $3.99
The Invincible Iron Man #1 - $2.99
Glamourpuss #1 - $3.00

I had DMZ TBP #1, Avengers Invaders #1, Sercret Invasion: Fantastic Four #1, X-Men Origins: Collosus #1, and the Booster Gold TBP #1 in my hand, but I wasn't looking to spend that much today. I'll certainly pick up the DMZ TBP and Booster Gold TBP next pay day, in addition to catching up with back-issues of Booster Gold and (if I can find it!) getting Logan #3. I have a feeling I'm going to love Invincible, it's just hard to find the trades at any of the book stores near me, and the nearest LCS is kinda crummy and a bit hard to get to (it's right near Main St., so there's always a lot of traffic. It's about 8 minutes away, but takes about 45 minutes to get to).

I looked for John's JSA trades, but they only had some of the later ones. I looked for "The Kingdom Come" or w/e it's called. I really want to get into JSA (or any of Johns work, I ****ing love him!).

So anyways, rate what I got and recommend anything else I should continue with. I know this would be better off in the "what did you buy" thread, but as I'm a noobie, I figured it'd be more appropriate here.

[ngower]

Quick question: Is 52 necessary in understanding the DC Universe?

I intend to get GL:SC War soon enough, but I wanted to know what else from DC I absolutely MUST read in order to get what's going on now?

It seems like Infinite Crisis...or anything with "Crisis" in it seem to be important, 52 is, and just about anything by Johns should be read.

I want to get the two Johns JSA books and Sinestro Corps War's 1st book next week (I try and get a trade or two every week, in addition to a few issue 1's or something I'm into), so next week I was thinking JSA, 52 and Sinestro.

I know I ask a lot of questions, thanks for sticking in there with me:o

[SnowOxx]

I just got 52 Vol 1. You have to of read Infitite Crisis to really get what happened in the first Vol, and probably in the rest of them. 52 is I think what happened during the year after Infinite Crisis. Now for the Johns JSA books, I would say maybe Kingdom Come. In the Second volume you will need to know what happened in Kingdom Come to make sense of basically that volume. Sorry, I haven't read any Sinestro Corps, but plan on buying it maybe today. Oh yeah, if you like Kingdom Come, get Justice. Same art style and kind of a a contiuation of what happened in Kingdom Come.

[gobo]

Does anyone know any well written sort of Agatha Christie style mystery comics?

Watching Dr. Who this week really wet my whistle for some more, I'm going to break out my Poirot DVDs but I figured I'd see if there are any comics in the same vein

[Labor_Days]

http://i27.tinypic.com/14c63wj.jpg

[gobo]

Not Agatha Christie style at all :)

But thanks

[paper]

What's your definition of Agatha Christie style, because that's on the nose, dude.

[Labor_Days]

Do you mean to say, "no costumes"?

Because Club Of Heroes was a total AC style romp. And it was excellent.

[gobo]

Oh sorry I thought you were just talking about Batman specifically!

I'll go check that arc out.

[SnowOxx]

I just got Green Lantern Rebirth. I loved it, what book(s) come after it.

[Valoharth]

I just got Green Lantern Rebirth. I loved it, what book(s) come after it.

The Green Lantern Series by Johns I think there are a couple of trades out for it. The first couple of story arcs of the run are a bit of a let down but it gets better, way better. It's currently one of the strongest books being published by DC right now.

[SnowOxx]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I also got Captain America Omnibus (read it all in one sitting, boy I had a bad headache afterwards) and Punisher MAX Vol 1 (freaking sweet, now I am going to have to buy like 8 or 9 more volumes). For Captain America, it seems like it ends where the Death of Captain America picks up, is that where its going?

[GungaDin]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I also got Captain America Omnibus (read it all in one sitting, boy I had a bad headache afterwards) and Punisher MAX Vol 1 (freaking sweet, now I am going to have to buy like 8 or 9 more volumes). For Captain America, it seems like it ends where the Death of Captain America picks up, is that where its going?

Yeah. After the Omnibus are two super fantastic trades entitled "The Death of Captain America: Act I (http://www.amazon.com/Death-Captain-America-Vol-1/dp/0785128492/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211136490&sr=8-2)" and "The Death of Captain America: Act II (http://www.amazon.com/Death-Captain-America-Vol-2/dp/0785128506/ref=pd_sim_b_title_1)"... Two issues after that, and you're caught up to the main book...

[SnowOxx]

Cool, I thought those two were the next ones, but just wanted to be sure before I bought any more books. Thanks for the help.

[Revalk]

Hey all,
I'm not a comic reader, in general. I've got a little bit of manga (I know, it's different!), and I've got a couple random comics I've picked up, like the V for Vendetta book, but I don't really read comics on a regular basis.

However, that said, I'd like to become a comic reader.

So, basically I'm just asking for an explanation of how comics are released, and in what formats. For example, I know that comics generally come out weekly as single issues. There's also Trade Paper Backs.. and I assume this is a collection of single issues thrown together into one? How often do they put these out? If I want to follow a comic, but don't want to buy the single every single week, and I'm going to be waiting forever to get stuff? Anyways, any info I can get on that kind of thing would be cool.

That aside, I'm trying to decide what comic to start with. I'm a big fan of X-Men. I've got all five seasons of the animated series :) but that aside, I don't know much about the comics. I'm not much for start something half way through, so I'd *like* to start at.. well the beginning. I realize that X-Men started in the 60's or something like that, but is there any way for me to get re-issues or something?

I'd like to start with maybe one super hero/capes and cowls type of series, like X-Men, and another more serious type, similar to V for Vendetta and that kind of thing. Any suggestions for this?

Anyways, anything you guys can tell me would be great. Or, if there is anything else a comic reader should know, tell me now :)
Oh, and if anyone lives in Montreal and knows a good comic shop, lemme know. I'm English, soo... :)

Revalk

[Labor_Days]

Please, check the sticky (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12078&page=24)at the top of the forum for all questions concerning comic recommendations and explanations.

Now then...

For example, I know that comics generally come out weekly as single issues. There's also Trade Paper Backs.. and I assume this is a collection of single issues thrown together into one? How often do they put these out? If I want to follow a comic, but don't want to buy the single every single week, and I'm going to be waiting forever to get stuff? Anyways, any info I can get on that kind of thing would be cool.

Yup, comics come out weekly. However, a particular comic book series (typically) comes out once a month.

For example, Uncanny X-men comes out once a month but Marvel (the publisher) puts out all sorts of books on a weekly basis. A good number of these are X-men titles. So one might pick up Uncanny X-Men in the first week of a given month, X-Men Legacy in the second, X-Factor in the third, et cetera.

I say "typically" comics come out on time because sometimes (ok, often) a particular book can be delayed a few weeks. Or months. Or years. Astonishing X-men is a good example of this. It never comes out on a month-to-month basis.

Trades and collected editions are tricky. Depending on the series and publisher, a trade may take up to 6+ months to collect a limited arc of a particular book. And even then you are not guaranteed to have all the single issues collected in the trade over that title's single issue run.

For instance, you may have to wait 8 months for a trade of a Batman story arc that occurred in single issues two years ago. And this trade may skip a few fill in issues during that title's single issue run.

Generally, trades are about 6 months out from the single issue run and collect a complete story arc. You simply have to be on top of things. Look at the previews, see what is and is not collected in a volume, look at the news sites, et cetera.

That aside, I'm trying to decide what comic to start with. I'm a big fan of X-Men. I've got all five seasons of the animated series :) but that aside, I don't know much about the comics. I'm not much for start something half way through, so I'd *like* to start at.. well the beginning. I realize that X-Men started in the 60's or something like that, but is there any way for me to get re-issues or something?

Starting at the beginning is impossible unless a series is very new or an independent series. Titles such as X-men or Batman go back so far and have so many dependent titles to get the full story- you would be reading the entire back catalog of the title's publisher. That would take years and one would still be no better than if they had just gone to wikipedia.

Generally, just pick the comic book title that most appeals to your taste and jump in when a new arc starts. Part of the fun in comic books is figuring it out as you go. Wikipedia and the interwebz can fill in the blanks.

Dudes here have been reading comics weekly for years and still don't know vast chunks of a title/publisher's history.

There are collected trades of old Marvel and DC titles. But again, this would take a long time to read through, be expensive and still will never give you a *complete* overview of any given title. If you have the money and time go for it though.

I'd like to start with maybe one super hero/capes and cowls type of series, like X-Men, and another more serious type, similar to V for Vendetta and that kind of thing. Any suggestions for this?

Hm. Seems like you should pick up some X-men books. There is more than one title concerning the X-men though. Uncanny, Legacy, Astonishing, X-Force, X-Factor, GeNext and First Class are all X-men titles that are in current continuity that are released week-to-week. Then there are the X-men limited and spin off series, which is another mess entirely. None of these are good comic books. In fact, they are representative of everything comic books should not be.

Still, it's your dollar, pick whatever you like in the Marvel section. There is bound to be a mutant or Wolverine in just about anything Marvel publishes.

There are no other books like V For Vendetta. Alan Moore is one of a kind. More adult books in such a vein are found in your Vertigo (a DC imprint), Icon (a Marvel imprint) and independent publisher sections.

There are a lot of things to recommend depending on what you like. Which you should elaborate on to give us a better idea for suggestions or just read the sticky thread. ;)

[Revalk]

Thank you, thank you, and thank you for the length and full reply! Cheers :)

You've pretty much covered everything, and clearly!

Hm. Seems like you should pick up some X-men books. There is more than one title concerning the X-men though. Uncanny, Legacy, Astonishing, X-Force, X-Factor, GeNext and First Class are all X-men titles that are in current continuity that are released week-to-week. Then there are the X-men limited and spin off series, which is another mess entirely. None of these are good comic books. In fact, they are representative of everything comic books should not be.Wow, haha. What would you consider good comic books right now? (That said, I realize this is your personal opinion and all that). You seem pretty knowledgeable, and I'd be interested in taking a look at whatever you're into right now.

Edit: And oh god, now that I think of it, if I'm buying singles every week or two, wow is this going to take up a lot of space!

Edit.. again: As far as general interests go for suggestions, I'm into music a lot. I'm not sure if there's any comics involving rock and roll and that kind of thing, but I play a few instruments, and I'm going through school for studio work ;) Other then that, I like the idea of a lot of different heros within a comic, where there are lots of characters going on, and a big plot they're all tied together in. I like intelligent heroes. Not like what the Hulk has always seemed to me, as a big, dumb, angry hero, that doesn't think things through much (though maybe the Hulk's not always like that!).

[gobo]

Young Liars just started 3 months ago and it has a very rock and roll vibe so far and may be worth giving a look at.

Oh since you're from Canada, I'm not sure if this week comics will be out Wednesday or Thursday for us because of Victoria Day

[viperseatlotus]

If you like x-men i would get the astonishing x-men trades (vol3 by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday). I believe there are 3 trades out now with a 4th one coming out soon. I would of course support your LCS first so see if they have them or can order them if not then check them out on amazon or half.com.

As far as music is concerned...the guys did an entire episode based on some music comic books:

http://www.ifanboy.com/podcasts/video/iFanboy_-_Episode__49_-__Playlist_

check that out.

[ngower]

I'm relatively new to the comics world as well (been heavily reading for about 3 months now, been a superhero geek for the longest time though) and this is what I would suggest:

Booster Gold

The first trade just came out and I believe it's issues 0-6. Issue #9 just came out this past wednesday, so you're looking at spending a relatively low amount of money for what is arguably one of the best DC series out right now.

Green Lantern

Start off with the Rebirth trade, then the Sinestro Corps trades, then try and get some back issues...it's tricky because the gap between the last trade and the newest issue is pretty big, but this is my favorite series. Geoff Johns is amazing.

Invincible

This is very new-user friendly. It's by Image comics, so you won't need to know all the backstory of the DC or Marvel universe respectively. I believe there are something like 8 trades out right now, and the story is just phenomenal! Definitely worth a look.

Queen and Country

Again, it's not something you'd need a backstory for. It's a Bourne/Bond type of series involving a British spy agency. One of the best stories to come out in the past 5 or so years (based on what I've read about the rest of what's come out).

Secret Invasion

Ok, warning, you need to do A LOT of research to understand what the hell is going on. In the back of the first issue there is a list of the books that explain the backstory. I recommend picking it up, reading Wiki articles for all the books mentioned, then jumping in.

---
Those are some personal recommendations, but I also recommend just looking for #1's of anything that looks interesting. Also, you might want to look into the "DC Universe" issue that was like $0.50, it explains the entire DC Universe as it stands now, but it would also spoil some big events if you haven't read them already.

[gobo]

We should probably get a mod to move this whole thread into the main reccomendation thread.

Anyway I wouldn't recommend Booster to a new reader. It's VERY continuity dependent, you see all sorts of events in the history of the DCU

[ngower]

We should probably get a mod to move this whole thread into the main reccomendation thread.

Anyway I wouldn't recommend Booster to a new reader. It's VERY continuity dependent, you see all sorts of events in the history of the DCU

I enjoyed it...just think it's incredibly well written. I suppose you're the higher authority though as I'm a n00b :D

[gobo]

Oh I think it's fantastic, I'd just be hesitant because of all the continuity :)

[RaceMcCloud]

I'm going to be boring and recommend the Ultimate Spider-Man trades. They're awesome, self-contained and easy-access for new readers.

[Revalk]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I think I found a local shop that's got a pretty good selection, and I'll definitely be checking some of these out. I'll let you know what I get! (Excited!)