Support NeoGAF

[lo escondido]

I'm trying to start getting into comics but I have no clue were to begin. I have picked up some graphic novels, but my main question is how due start reading actual comics, I was looking at DC comics website and see things like BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #193, I'm just starting and i dont want to read 192 comics to get up to this point. Were do I begin?

 

[nomoment]

http://new.ga-forum.com/showthread.php?t=54114

 

[lo escondido]

http://new.ga-forum.com/showthread.php?t=54114

Definitely getting that.

 

[FortNinety]

You know, I really do believe that many people would be willing to take the plunge back into mainstream comics if there was just some avenue to find out what the fuck is going on, such as myself. One or two recommendations are fine and all, but I was some more comprehensive info.

 

[Spike Spiegel]

Start small.

What do you want, first of all? Are you looking at Batman specifically?


EDIT: Unless I'm mistaken, Legends of the Dark Knight is just an anthology series. A different team of artists/writers comes on board with each new story, telling tales that aren't necessarily bound by continuity or what's going on in the official Bat-books. A lot of the stories are of the "untold tales" variety.

LoDK #193 is part 2 of a 5-part story with Mister Freeze. If you start there, try to find a copy of #192 as well, and then look for the next 3 issues.

 

[lo escondido]

Start small.

What do you want, first of all? Are you looking at Batman specifically?


EDIT: Unless I'm mistaken, Legends of the Dark Knight is just an anthology series. A different team of artists/writers comes on board with each new story, telling tales that aren't necessarily bound by continuity or what's going on in the official Bat-books. A lot of the stories are of the "untold tales" variety.

LoDK #193 is part 2 of a 5-part story with Mister Freeze. If you start there, try to find a copy of #192 as well, and then look for the next 3 issues.

Thanks, Batman is my favorite superhero but I'm not really looking at that comic, I was just trying to say I can't find a starting point.

The superhero's I'm mainly intersted are Batman, Superman, Spiderman but I'm open to any other ones.

 

[nitewulf]

are there any good spiderman graphic novels?
im really getting into graphic novels now...i got tintin vol. 1 (plan to get all), got sin city, batman dark knight returns (FANTASTIC) and year 1 (ROCKS), i got ultimate spiderman vol 1 (not a graphic novel...its good, but not sure i like the really young spidey, worth getting the follow-ups?).
also, should i get V for Vendetta next? i need some serious, action oriented graphic novel recommendations.

 

[Spike Spiegel]

Thanks, Batman is my favorite superhero but I'm not really looking at that comic, I was just trying to say I can't find a starting point.

The superhero's I'm mainly intersted are Batman, Superman, Spiderman but I'm open to any other ones.
Today 08:20 PM

Uh... Batman then.

First, take nomo's advice.

Okay. Hmmmm... God, where to start. A rundown of the regular monthlies, maybe?

Detective Comics
Batman
Batgirl
Robin
Nightwing
Catwoman
Gotham Central
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight
Batman: Gotham Knights
Superman/Batman

Each title serves its own purpose and explores a different aspect of the Bat-Universe. Naturally, Detective Comics and Batman are the primary titles that focus on the Dark Knight. Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing, and Catwoman need no explanation, and a lot of the time they're not really connected to what's going on in the primary books at all. Gotham Central (still?) follows the investigations of the GCPD and their interactions with the city's costumed crimefighters. Legends of the Dark Knight as I mentioned is a creative showcase anthology series. And Gotham Knights... if I'm not mistaken (and I may be, I've never read GK), it's supposed to connect the different books together in continuity, by borrowing story elements from them all. And Superman/Batman, of course, pairs the "World's Finest" duo on a variety of adventures while exploring their tumultuous friendship.

So if all you're interested in is the man himself, go with Detective Comics and Batman.

Right now, Detective Comics is in the middle of the 12-part “City of Crime” story arc, so it’s probably not a good idea to jump on there unless you’re willing to track down 7 or 8 back issues. Batman, on the other hand, just finished the “Family Reunion” tale, so this month’s #642 will begin a new story. Feel free to pick that one up.

To get caught up on what’s currently happening with Batman, prepare to part with some moolah. Maybe nomo can back me up on this (or not), but I think it’s a good idea to read the “Hush” and “War Games” story arcs, which are both available in multiple TPB volumes. “Hush” is probably the closest thing you’re going to get to a jumping on point for current Batman continuity, and it was pretty much a “who’s who” of the Bat-Universe. And “War Games” was a major shake up of Batman’s world, setting the stage for current and future events in Gotham City. And if you’re really serious about this, then track down copies of Batman #635-641; they may be pricey given the Red Hood’s true identity, but he’ll be a major figure in Gotham for the coming months.

On a larger scale within the DC Universe, Batman plays a pivotal role in DC’s upcoming mega-event known as “Infinite Crisis.” To get involved with this, you need to start with the incredible Identity Crisis, which will be available as a HC in September if you don’t want to spring for the 7 expensive backissues. Then, seek out DC's Countdown to Infinite Crisis, which sets the stage for 4 separate miniseries that will lead into the Crisis. Then track down OMAC Project, which focues on Batman's part in this particular tale. And don't miss current issues of JLA, which deal with some of the fallout from Identity Crisis re: Batman and the old Justice League.

Hope that wasn't too overwhelming. It sure looks it. @_@

 

[Ponn]

are there any good spiderman graphic novels?
im really getting into graphic novels now...i got tintin vol. 1 (plan to get all), got sin city, batman dark knight returns (FANTASTIC) and year 1 (ROCKS), i got ultimate spiderman vol 1 (not a graphic novel...its good, but not sure i like the really young spidey, worth getting the follow-ups?).
also, should i get V for Vendetta next? i need some serious, action oriented graphic novel recommendations.

Try to pick up a few good Xmen graphic novels. Dark Phoenix Saga, Days of the Future Past, try to pick up the Age of Apocalypse book after you get a good grinding in the universe first though so you can get the full effect of changes. And marveldirectory.com will be your friend.

Batman has quite a few good novels, Year One, Dark Knight Returns, Hush, etc..I honestly don't know about Spider-man though. I actually have most of the comic storylines in my comic book collection so I never tried looking for any graphic novels. Seriously try to pick up the collections and graphic novels when possible. Don't go into it thinking you can actually make any money off of comics. Oh yea just thought of a couple more, Thanos Quest and Infinity Gauntlet.

 

[nitewulf]

nah, not looking to make money actually, just wanna read some good stories. but im really not into x-men (well the movies are good)...thats why im specifically looking for stuff thats not constumed super hero based...aside from spiderman/batman i cant stand them.

 

[Scoobert]

I want to get into comics also, but I want to get into something that is new. It's not out for awhile, but is Wildsiderz a decent start?

 

[Littleberu]

Buy Gotham Central Vol 1 and 2 PLEASE. This thing got me into comics. Seriously.

 

[Swordian]

I want to get into comics also, but I want to get into something that is new. It's not out for awhile, but is Wildsiderz a decent start?

Judging by those pictures, no.

 

[Dead]

I want to get into comics also, but I want to get into something that is new. It's not out for awhile, but is Wildsiderz a decent start?

wtf, this is what Jeff Scott Campbell has been up to? :|

 

[Spike Spiegel]

Wildsiderz by J. Scott Campbell


It's not something I would buy, but that's just me. What matters here is what you think. If it's interesting to you, then go for it -- and ignore the snobs.

 

[lo escondido]

Uh... Batman then.

First, take nomo's advice.

Okay. Hmmmm... God, where to start. A rundown of the regular monthlies, maybe?

Detective Comics
Batman
Batgirl
Robin
Nightwing
Catwoman
Gotham Central
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight
Batman: Gotham Knights
Superman/Batman

Each title serves its own purpose and explores a different aspect of the Bat-Universe. Naturally, Detective Comics and Batman are the primary titles that focus on the Dark Knight. Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing, and Catwoman need no explanation, and a lot of the time they're not really connected to what's going on in the primary books at all. Gotham Central (still?) follows the investigations of the GCPD and their interactions with the city's costumed crimefighters. Legends of the Dark Knight as I mentioned is a creative showcase anthology series. And Gotham Knights... if I'm not mistaken (and I may be, I've never read GK), it's supposed to connect the different books together in continuity, by borrowing story elements from them all. And Superman/Batman, of course, pairs the "World's Finest" duo on a variety of adventures while exploring their tumultuous friendship.

So if all you're interested in is the man himself, go with Detective Comics and Batman.

Right now, Detective Comics is in the middle of the 12-part “City of Crime” story arc, so it’s probably not a good idea to jump on there unless you’re willing to track down 7 or 8 back issues. Batman, on the other hand, just finished the “Family Reunion” tale, so this month’s #642 will begin a new story. Feel free to pick that one up.

To get caught up on what’s currently happening with Batman, prepare to part with some moolah. Maybe nomo can back me up on this (or not), but I think it’s a good idea to read the “Hush” and “War Games” story arcs, which are both available in multiple TPB volumes. “Hush” is probably the closest thing you’re going to get to a jumping on point for current Batman continuity, and it was pretty much a “who’s who” of the Bat-Universe. And “War Games” was a major shake up of Batman’s world, setting the stage for current and future events in Gotham City. And if you’re really serious about this, then track down copies of Batman #635-641; they may be pricey given the Red Hood’s true identity, but he’ll be a major figure in Gotham for the coming months.

On a larger scale within the DC Universe, Batman plays a pivotal role in DC’s upcoming mega-event known as “Infinite Crisis.” To get involved with this, you need to start with the incredible Identity Crisis, which will be available as a HC in September if you don’t want to spring for the 7 expensive backissues. Then, seek out DC's Countdown to Infinite Crisis, which sets the stage for 4 separate miniseries that will lead into the Crisis. Then track down OMAC Project, which focues on Batman's part in this particular tale. And don't miss current issues of JLA, which deal with some of the fallout from Identity Crisis re: Batman and the old Justice League.

Hope that wasn't too overwhelming. It sure looks it. @_@

Thanks a lot!

 

[lo escondido]

On the Marvel side what it the House of M all about.

 

[Bowser]

On the Marvel side what it the House of M all about.

Well from the way I've heard others talk about (I used to be in comics, and I'm just getting back in also) it's shit. Complete and utter shit. Looks like the only thing useful about it is being able to sell House of M #1 for about $10 to some saps on eBay.

 

[Guzim]

Slightly off topic, but I happened to find an ond copy of Wizard and saw a lot on Gen 13. What the hell ever happened to that comic?

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

I want to get into comics also, but I want to get into something that is new. It's not out for awhile, but is Wildsiderz a decent start?

Looks like Visionaries 2K5!

Fuck that shit, this is just Scott Campbell fucking himself by indulging in how many celebrity charicatures he can churn out at a snails pace. Oh look! Halle Berry. Seth Green. Jack Black. It was kind of funny in Danger Girl when he had the few homage characters. Now that's his stock and trade.

I used to like Campbell, but he can take his focus group tested, designed for toys/cartoons/video games, celebrity fluffing bullshit and stuff it up his ass. Or get a god damned job at Mad Magazine where that sort of shit is required to make a living.

WildsiDURZ is gonna fuckin' bomb. Deservedly so.

 

[Spike Spiegel]

Slightly off topic, but I happened to find an old copy of Wizard and saw a lot on Gen 13. What the hell ever happened to that comic?

Gen 13 lasted for about... 80 issues, I think? All I know is that Adam Warren took over writing the book towards the end. After that, they rebooted the series with a new cast of teenagers (plus Fairchild) in 2002; that lasted for about a year.

Maybe someone else knows what went on; I stopped reading G13 after the first year or so.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

If you want self-contained Spider-Man, I recommed the Ultimate Spider-Man trade paper backs. The whole series is collected in volumes, and you can buy one or two to see if you like it. It's not the "regular" Spider-Man, but instead it's a new continuity (there's also X-Men, Avengers (called Ultimates) and Fantastic Four comics in this universe.