spydes
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Fighting the nerdy fight!
Posts: 56 
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Post by spydes on Jan 31, 2015 22:30:40 GMT -5
Hi All!
As a person who has discovered the wonder of comic reading within the past year, I thought it might be a nice idea to create a thread to offer general advice to others who may also be new and in need of a guiding hand. Obviously, I am by no means an expert, but I will list a few lessons that I have learned and tricks that I have found useful in my pursuits thus far. However, as I am sure that there is collectively a great wealth of experience amongst the forums, I would invite others to join in so that we might create the most useful resource possible. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Tips for New Comic Enthusiasts:
1. Visit as many local shops/cons as possible. This is not only an opportunity to learn what is on the market and add to your budding collection, but also a great way to meet other people who share a passion for comics. Feel free to ask the staff about their recommendations. A good shop owner will be more than happy to point you in the right direction of something you will enjoy.
2. Buy discount comics. Whether it be fifty-cent bins of back issues or deeply discounted pre-orders and trades, finding bargain comics is easier than you may think. Many publishers also offer first-issue reprints of their most popular titles for only a dollar. By targeting low-cost books, you will be able to build a library and get exposure to many different writer/artist combos. Don't be afraid to sample something that may not interest you superficially. You will be amazed at how often a book will surprise you, and it is important to try out the full spectrum as you develop your own reading tastes.
3. Check-in on what's happening. Obviously you have dabbled in comics podcasts, and that is a great way to learn. There are also numerous websites dedicated to comics, not to mention these very forums. In particular, you may want to seek out the various "Best of..." lists that are published at the conclusion of a calendar year. These resources are all a great way to benefit from the collective experience and find content that comes highly recommended.
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Post by Tony on Feb 1, 2015 3:42:22 GMT -5
The first words out of my mouth to someone who's new to comics but is rearing to get into them and maybe has read/found a couple of things that they like already would be "Don't buy single issues. Like, don't even start with that shit. Seriously. Once you start on singles it snowballs, your pull-list inevitably swells, and the next thing you know you're stacking full longboxes into tetris-esque constructs in some corner of your house that you'll never again see the floor of; it's a total and absurd waste of money, you'll never read or even open most of those issues ever again, and you're unlikely to even see the covers again more than once in a blue moon unless you put them up on the wall as art. Single issues are the devil.
You want to get into comics, check out a bunch of series' from a variety of genres and companies, talk to everyone you can wrangle into a comics conversation (including the people at your friendly-est friendly local shop; if those people are dicks, try a different shop), listen to podcasts, google and look at some Top Comics Of The Year lists from the last several years, see what your local library has on their comic shelves and flip through that stuff, look at cbr previews and try to zero in on a few artists or art styles that immediately appeal to you ('cause if you don't like the art, you're very unlikely to love the book, regardless of how good the writing is), and then track down, buy, and read the trade paperbacks of the books that you think look good, starting at vol 1. Image vol 1's are usually $10, and they put out the best books in the business right now anyways; start there. Enjoy"
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Post by Simon on Feb 1, 2015 4:04:05 GMT -5
This is a great idea! I'm sure it'll help a tonne of people. Here's another one:
Check your local library.
The local library is a great source for books, and because they're free they're a great way to check out things you usually wouldn't give a second chance. Also if a library doesn't have a book you can ask a curator to order something in for you, I can't speak for everyone but my library is great for it and I live in a city whose only tourist attraction is the WORLDS SOUTHERN MOST STARBUCKS so I'm sure you'll have a much easier time getting books.
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Post by harmonica on Feb 1, 2015 4:17:48 GMT -5
as someone who lived in a region without any comicbook shops whatsoever and even bookshop/librarys around do not have any western comics i cant recommend Marvel Unlimited enough to get started reading. of course you need to be interested in marvel stuff. just dive in and try everything and if you are like me and want to start at the beginning, which is pretty much impossible and NOT recommended, start with annihilation and end up with Guardians of the Galaxy.
Also start listening to podcasts (make sure the podcasts have different tastes), roam forums and follow your favourite creators on twitter (make sure you follow gillen, mckelvie and Zdarsky there should be a reality tv series just about them talking its crazy entertaining sometimes). talking and reading/listening about comics is as fun as reading them, also you get pointed to awesome creator owned stuff. if something peeked your interest go to online delivery services of comics or comixology.
Welcome to the awesome world of comics.
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spydes
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Fighting the nerdy fight!
Posts: 56
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Post by spydes on Feb 1, 2015 10:07:26 GMT -5
...track down, buy, and read the trade paperbacks of the books that you think look good, starting at vol 1. Image vol 1's are usually $10, and they put out the best books in the business right now anyways; start there. Enjoy This is great advice, Tony. And if you check out instocktrades.com, they typically will offer Image Vol 1's at an even greater discount ($5-6 each!). You can't beat that price as a cheap entry point into a series or title. |
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spydes
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Fighting the nerdy fight!
Posts: 56
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Post by spydes on Feb 1, 2015 10:13:23 GMT -5
Check your local library.The local library is a great source for books, and because they're free they're a great way to check out things you usually wouldn't give a second chance. Also if a library doesn't have a book you can ask a curator to order something in for you, I can't speak for everyone but my library is great for it... Thanks for this idea, Simon! I hadn't even considered using the library as a resource for comics. I am definitely going to look into the selection at my local library as soon as possible. As I said, in my experience one of the best things to do is to get your hand on all types of cheap comics to better establish your style. It doesn't get much cheaper than free!  Perfect suggestion, and exactly the type that I was hoping this thread would generate. Keep 'em coming! |
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spydes
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Fighting the nerdy fight!
Posts: 56
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Post by spydes on Feb 1, 2015 10:17:03 GMT -5
...i cant recommend Marvel Unlimited enough to get started reading. of course you need to be interested in marvel stuff. just dive in and try everything... ...follow your favourite creators on twitter... Online resources and direct interaction with the creators (via Twitter, Instagram, etc.) are also great recommendations, Harm. Thanks for contributing! |
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skylynx
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Posts: 94
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Post by skylynx on Feb 1, 2015 15:15:41 GMT -5
Downloading free comics on apps like Comixology (if that still works these days) helped me find new stuff. I got into Y the Last Man after reading issue 1 for free on there.
Web comics are also great things to see out.
I agree on the 50p bins. I often dip into those and grab random issues of stuff just to get a feel for if I like the artwork/dialogue, and from there get trades if I can.
This might sound lame but I find it useful on Amazon to check the 'customers also bought' section when looking for trades and reading the reviews.
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Post by BarefootRoot on Feb 2, 2015 6:22:13 GMT -5
to echo others:
look for sales on comixology. a lot of good stuff will go on sale for $0.99 (or free) and it makes for great bang for your buck.
be careful if you like getting singles. there is so much good stuff out there right now that it's easy to let your list grow too fast.
and one from me: don't be afraid to quit a book. There are several I really wanted to like over the last year that just didn't pan out and the worst thing you can do is continue to buy them when you don't really enjoy them. there is no shame in admitting that a book just isn't your cup of tea.
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Post by Huw on Feb 2, 2015 8:32:44 GMT -5
The way I've learned to handle what I read is to take notice of which writers work resonates with you most.
You will find that some writers work more often than not strikes the right note with you and is always enjoyable for you. For example, I'll always buy anything that Scott Snyder, Kelly Sue Deconnick and Matt Fraction write as their books always are always enjoyable to me.
Totally agree about not being afraid to drop books. Even if you become attached to something, if you stop enjoying it for whatever reason ( eg. change in creative team) then drop the book and pick something else up. You can always return to the book once the creative team changes again, or pick up the trade if it improves.
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Post by toxicsooner on Feb 3, 2015 0:42:17 GMT -5
Lot of good stuff in here, I wish I would have had some of these tips when I started getting back into comics. Couple of things I would add:
1. If you want to read marvel or DC don't get sucked into the continuity/history vortex and don't let it intimidate you. Find a solid place to start and jump on, sites like comicvine and wikipedia are good resources for the history of your favorite characters.
2. digital comics through comixology and the darkhorse app are great for testing new titles. The prices usually drop after a issue has been out for a month and you won't fill up your house with books you don't like. If you're a Marvel guy, like me, Marvel Unlimited is awesome. you could read books on this and never finish.
3. Read what you like, everyone else be damned. Don't be pressured to read something just to be trendy or cool.
4. If you see a title that peaks your interest, don't be hasty. give it a couple of issues to get a feel for it. Some titles start slow and take a little time to develop, but don't be afraid to drop something that is not for you.
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Post by BringTheFunk on Feb 6, 2015 22:26:19 GMT -5
This is a great idea! I'm sure it'll help a tonne of people. Here's another one: Check your local library.The local library is a great source for books, and because they're free they're a great way to check out things you usually wouldn't give a second chance. Also if a library doesn't have a book you can ask a curator to order something in for you, I can't speak for everyone but my library is great for it and I live in a city whose only tourist attraction is the WORLDS SOUTHERN MOST STARBUCKS so I'm sure you'll have a much easier time getting books.100% here. I often don't have the time or can't justify the expense to keep up with some stories as they are released in single issue format. And I'm not a collector. Given that I'm late to the party that way, and I'm still catching up on classic storylines, the library is an invaluable resource for me. They don't always have the newest collected volumes as they are put out, and they might not have everything you might be interested in (i.e. new or indie/not as popular stories) but my library has a surprisingly good selection. I've read all of Locke and Key, I'm on the last few volumes of Preacher now, Superior Spider-Man, Wolverine and the X-Men, among many others this way. And while it may not be "supporting the industry" financially, you can always request books for your library to buy. They often buy multiple copies.... So in way you're still doing your part, getting those great stories, and saving tons of space in your longboxes and saving money. But in general, I mean.... Support your local library! |
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Post by TealProductions on Feb 25, 2015 13:31:56 GMT -5
I would suggest visiting a local comic shop or convention and look for the cheapest boxes of comics you can find. Peruse them fro things that look interesting or even to back fill things you have already become interested in.
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Perfect suggestion, and exactly the type that I was hoping this thread would generate. Keep 'em coming!
