How to Get Into Comic Books (13:40) | Patrick Willems
Consider your intent/commitment. Think about your favorite shows, movies, books, etc. Do you seek quality storytelling or encyclopedic superhero knowledge? Plan to collect? Do you have the time/money to read 50 or 500 comics per character?
Don’t try to read everything at once. There’s too much. Forget about catching up, continuity, universes, etc. for now. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle one small piece at a time until you finally start to see the big picture. Older comics can be an acquired taste for modern audiences, so they aren’t always ideal starting points. Creative teams change often, characters get re-worked, and origins are re-told.
Pick an interesting character/team and seek their most popular/acclaimed stories. Focus on self-contained/complete stories. You will encounter unexplained references/characters/events—just keep reading or Wiki. Don
The Flash (Rebirth) | #1-ongoing | 2016-2017 | Williamson
by Tigertemprr 2018-11-10
Introduction to Comics
How to Get Into Comic Books (13:40) | Patrick Willems
Consider your intent/commitment. Think about your favorite shows, movies, books, etc. Do you seek quality storytelling or encyclopedic superhero knowledge? Plan to collect? Do you have the time/money to read 50 or 500 comics per character?
Don’t try to read everything at once. There’s too much. Forget about catching up, continuity, universes, etc. for now. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle one small piece at a time until you finally start to see the big picture. Older comics can be an acquired taste for modern audiences, so they aren’t always ideal starting points. Creative teams change often, characters get re-worked, and origins are re-told.
Pick an interesting character/team and seek their most popular/acclaimed stories. Focus on self-contained/complete stories. You will encounter unexplained references/characters/events—just keep reading or Wiki. Don
by Tigertemprr 2018-11-10
First, thanks so much for putting effort into your request for recommendations post. Providing preferences and ratings like that really helps.
> Im a fairly new comic reader
> Batman: Hush 9/10
> The Dark Knight Returns 4/10
Everything checks out here, lol. Obviously, everyone has different tastes, but I think you'd be surprised how often these scores swap after new readers revisit these stories years later.
Even if you didn't like Miller's DKR, you should still try his Batman: Year One.
Which Deadpool run, specifically, did you start with?
We didn't really learn much about you from the last time you posted. It'd be a lot easier to recommend something you'd like if we knew more about your preferences/experience. What are your favorite movies, TV shows, games, books, etc.? Which are your least favorite? Do you like short stories? Do you like long, sprawling stories that require a lot of commitment (time and financially) to multiple series over years? Do you really require origins and closure (e.g. did you enjoy the original Star Wars trilogy even though it started in the middle of a grander story)?
> it "was" an ongoing series Means there must be some origin story and somewhat of a closure
"ongoing" just means it was released as single issues (monthly) during it's initial publication. It does NOT imply there was an origin and closure, at least in the traditional sense. Every time a new writer starts their "run" of a series, it can either be a fresh start, a continuation of the previous writers' story, a little of both, etc.
--
The Garth Ennis Punisher (Max) run has an origin story in Punisher Born #1-4 and then 60 issues of interconnected story arcs with a finale and extras. It's self-contained and in a separate universe. It's also my (and many others) favorite run on Punisher.
Garth Ennis is finally free to make brutal, violent, and unhinged Punisher stories under the mature readers Max imprint. Frank Castle discovers his true self in Vietnam and uses the loss of his family to wreak havoc on a dark, seedy, criminal underbelly including mafia families, human traffickers, assassins, Nick Fury sponsored international missions, corrupt cops, etc.
--
You mentioned liking X-Men in the other thread. I think there's two decent places to start with them (both in the main 616 universe):
Classic Essentials
If you don't mind 1970's writing/art, then start with Claremont's long, acclaimed X-Men run:
How to Get Into Comic Books (13:40) | Patrick Willems
Consider your intent/commitment. Think about your favorite shows, movies, books, etc. Reading primarily for enjoyment or encyclopedic knowledge? Collecting? Have the time/resources to read 50 or 500 comics per character?
Don’t try to read everything at once. There’s too much. Forget about catching up, continuity, universes, etc. for now. Older comics can be an acquired taste for modern audiences, so they aren’t necessarily ideal starting points. Writers change often, characters get re-worked, and origins are re-told. Remember, there are many great characters, creators, publishers, etc. to explore.
Pick an interesting character/team and seek their most popular/acclaimed stories. Focus on self-contained, complete stories in one corner of the universe. There will be unexplained references/characters, just persevere or Wiki. Don’t let the tangled web of shared-universe comics overwhelm you. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle one small piece at a time until you finally see the big picture.
Discover your preferences and let them guide you. Don’t get stuck preparing/over-analyzing, just start reading. Do you like/dislike old/new comics? Specific writers/genres? Cartoony/realistic art? Familiar/weird concepts? References/self-contained? All-ages/mature content? Follow these instincts. Didn’t understand a reference? Maybe read that next.
Acquire/Buy comics:
Digital: Marvel Unlimited ($10/mo or $70/yr for all but new releases), Comixology, e-library (free), webcomic (free)
Well, you didn't really give us much to work with. What are your favorite movies, TV shows, comics (if you've already read some), books, games, etc.? In lieu of that answer, here are some general recommendations:
This was edited out to remove speech bubbles. I tried to be as close as the original art as possible.
Anything else is just color correction due to the artifacts in the digitalization process.
Then vectorialized and rasterized at 20K resolution.
Original creation by Jeph Loeb (writer), Tim Sale (artist)
Download this as wallpaper here: https://hubblewise.deviantart.com/art/Batman-fights-Solomon-Grundy-747878910
DISCLAIMER:
I do not own the rights to the original art. DC and everyone involved in the creation of this comic book do. I do not sell these and you shouldn't either. Stay within the safe boundary of the law in your country. I created this for fun and passion, not to make money off it, you may use it as wallpaper but NOT to print posters or sell the image digitally. If you came in contact with someone who wanted to sell you this page do not buy it, it would be illegal to do so.
by WiseComics 2018-11-10
Catwoman attacks Poison Ivy | This is from Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
No edits, just vector remaster. Released in 8K quality.
As usual this was created for your wallpaper-ing pleasure.
You can request your own page wallpaper by sending me a DM with the page screenshot or telling me which one it is. Be aware I won't do it if I don't own the comic as I do this only for the ones I've bought.
You can find me on Twitter & Instagram @WiseMMO
PLEASE do buy this volume, it's definitely a Batman must-read.
I do not own the copyrights of the original art. The creators I listed do. The sole purpose of this work is to let everyone be able to know and love comics as much as I do and use some of the pages we all love as phone / desktop wallpapers, entirely for free. I make sure 100% I will not earn a dime from this, nor do I want to. Please report to me if you see anyone trying to sell these images digitally or physically. I will report to the appropriate people.
What are your top 5-10 movies, TV shows, books, games, etc.?
Here's a general guide:
Introduction to Comics
How to Get Into Comic Books (13:40) | Patrick Willems
Consider your intent/commitment. Think about your favorite shows, movies, books, etc. Reading primarily for enjoyment or encyclopedic knowledge? Collecting? Have the time/resources to read 50 or 500 comics per character?
Don’t try to read everything at once. There’s too much. Forget about catching up, continuity, universes, etc. for now. Older comics can be an acquired taste for modern audiences, so they aren’t necessarily ideal starting points. Writers change often, characters get re-worked, and origins are re-told. Remember, there are many great characters, creators, publishers, etc. to explore.
Pick an interesting character/team and seek their most popular/acclaimed stories. Focus on self-contained, complete stories in one corner of the universe. There will be unexplained references/characters, just persevere or Wiki. Don’t let the tangled web of shared-universe comics overwhelm you. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle one small piece at a time until you finally see the big picture.
Discover your preferences and let them guide you. Don’t get stuck preparing/over-analyzing, just start reading. Do you like/dislike old/new comics? Specific writers/genres? Cartoony/realistic art? Familiar/weird concepts? References/self-contained? All-ages/mature content? Follow these instincts. Didn’t understand a reference? Maybe read that next.
Acquire/Buy comics:
Digital: Marvel Unlimited ($10/mo or $70/yr for all but new releases), Comixology, e-library (free), webcomic (free)
Did you mention "new comics" because you're more interested in the DC universe as a whole? Are you trying to stay up to date/current? IMO, DC's best comics are a little older and the smaller story arcs are much more digestible/serve as a better hook for readers new to DC in general.
Unfortunately, I didn't learn anything from "wide variety of movies and TV shows" so the list above will be pretty general (something similar to what you'd find in a Google search). If you can elaborate on why you liked those 4 comics, why don't like other comics you've tried, your top 5 stories from other media, etc., then we could provide much clearer direction. For example, if you enjoy movies like Star Wars or Guardians of the Galaxy, then Geoff Johns' Green Lantern would be a good fit. With the exception of Spider-Man, the comics you listed are relatively dark/edgy/90s flavor. Batman seems like the obvious recommendation for that.
How to Get Into Comic Books (13:40) | Patrick Willems
Consider your intent/commitment. Think about your favorite shows, movies, books, etc. Do you seek quality storytelling or encyclopedic superhero knowledge? Plan to collect? Do you have the time/money to read 50 or 500 comics per character?
Don’t try to read everything at once. There’s too much. Forget about catching up, continuity, universes, etc. for now. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle one small piece at a time until you finally start to see the big picture. Older comics can be an acquired taste for modern audiences, so they aren’t always ideal starting points. Creative teams change often, characters get re-worked, and origins are re-told.
Pick an interesting character/team and seek their most popular/acclaimed stories. Focus on self-contained/complete stories. You will encounter unexplained references/characters/events—just keep reading or Wiki. Don
Introduction to Comics
How to Get Into Comic Books (13:40) | Patrick Willems
Consider your intent/commitment. Think about your favorite shows, movies, books, etc. Do you seek quality storytelling or encyclopedic superhero knowledge? Plan to collect? Do you have the time/money to read 50 or 500 comics per character?
Don’t try to read everything at once. There’s too much. Forget about catching up, continuity, universes, etc. for now. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle one small piece at a time until you finally start to see the big picture. Older comics can be an acquired taste for modern audiences, so they aren’t always ideal starting points. Creative teams change often, characters get re-worked, and origins are re-told.
Pick an interesting character/team and seek their most popular/acclaimed stories. Focus on self-contained/complete stories. You will encounter unexplained references/characters/events—just keep reading or Wiki. Don
Batman
Flash
Introduction to Comics
How to Get Into Comic Books (13:40) | Patrick Willems
Consider your intent/commitment. Think about your favorite shows, movies, books, etc. Do you seek quality storytelling or encyclopedic superhero knowledge? Plan to collect? Do you have the time/money to read 50 or 500 comics per character?
Don’t try to read everything at once. There’s too much. Forget about catching up, continuity, universes, etc. for now. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle one small piece at a time until you finally start to see the big picture. Older comics can be an acquired taste for modern audiences, so they aren’t always ideal starting points. Creative teams change often, characters get re-worked, and origins are re-told.
Pick an interesting character/team and seek their most popular/acclaimed stories. Focus on self-contained/complete stories. You will encounter unexplained references/characters/events—just keep reading or Wiki. Don
First, thanks so much for putting effort into your request for recommendations post. Providing preferences and ratings like that really helps.
> Im a fairly new comic reader
> Batman: Hush 9/10
> The Dark Knight Returns 4/10
Everything checks out here, lol. Obviously, everyone has different tastes, but I think you'd be surprised how often these scores swap after new readers revisit these stories years later.
Even if you didn't like Miller's DKR, you should still try his Batman: Year One.
On to recommendations:
Marvel
DC
Or skip to the 2016 re-launch DC Universe: Rebirth event and then any Rebirth series #1.
Other
Or any of the Valiant 2012 superhero universe reboot comics like Bloodshot, X-O Manowar, or:
Which Deadpool run, specifically, did you start with?
We didn't really learn much about you from the last time you posted. It'd be a lot easier to recommend something you'd like if we knew more about your preferences/experience. What are your favorite movies, TV shows, games, books, etc.? Which are your least favorite? Do you like short stories? Do you like long, sprawling stories that require a lot of commitment (time and financially) to multiple series over years? Do you really require origins and closure (e.g. did you enjoy the original Star Wars trilogy even though it started in the middle of a grander story)?
> it "was" an ongoing series Means there must be some origin story and somewhat of a closure
"ongoing" just means it was released as single issues (monthly) during it's initial publication. It does NOT imply there was an origin and closure, at least in the traditional sense. Every time a new writer starts their "run" of a series, it can either be a fresh start, a continuation of the previous writers' story, a little of both, etc.
--
The Garth Ennis Punisher (Max) run has an origin story in Punisher Born #1-4 and then 60 issues of interconnected story arcs with a finale and extras. It's self-contained and in a separate universe. It's also my (and many others) favorite run on Punisher.
Punisher (Max) | Born #1-4, #1-60, etc. | 2004-2008 | Ennis
--
You mentioned liking X-Men in the other thread. I think there's two decent places to start with them (both in the main 616 universe):
Classic Essentials
If you don't mind 1970's writing/art, then start with Claremont's long, acclaimed X-Men run:
Modern Essentials
--
If you just want something short and sweet:
If you just want to follow a list from start to finish for a character you like (Batman):
--
If you're interested in Marvel superheroes, check out the Marvel Comics Reading Guide in the /r/Marvel sidebar.
Introduction to Comics
How to Get Into Comic Books (13:40) | Patrick Willems
Consider your intent/commitment. Think about your favorite shows, movies, books, etc. Reading primarily for enjoyment or encyclopedic knowledge? Collecting? Have the time/resources to read 50 or 500 comics per character?
Don’t try to read everything at once. There’s too much. Forget about catching up, continuity, universes, etc. for now. Older comics can be an acquired taste for modern audiences, so they aren’t necessarily ideal starting points. Writers change often, characters get re-worked, and origins are re-told. Remember, there are many great characters, creators, publishers, etc. to explore.
Pick an interesting character/team and seek their most popular/acclaimed stories. Focus on self-contained, complete stories in one corner of the universe. There will be unexplained references/characters, just persevere or Wiki. Don’t let the tangled web of shared-universe comics overwhelm you. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle one small piece at a time until you finally see the big picture.
Discover your preferences and let them guide you. Don’t get stuck preparing/over-analyzing, just start reading. Do you like/dislike old/new comics? Specific writers/genres? Cartoony/realistic art? Familiar/weird concepts? References/self-contained? All-ages/mature content? Follow these instincts. Didn’t understand a reference? Maybe read that next.
Acquire/Buy comics:
Marvel
DC
Or skip to the 2016 re-launch DC Universe: Rebirth event and then any Rebirth series #1.
Other
Well, you didn't really give us much to work with. What are your favorite movies, TV shows, comics (if you've already read some), books, games, etc.? In lieu of that answer, here are some general recommendations:
Marvel
DC
Or skip to the 2016 re-launch DC Universe: Rebirth event and then any Rebirth series #1.
Other
Flash
Marvel
DC
Or skip to the 2016 re-launch DC Universe: Rebirth event and then any Rebirth series #1.
Other
Recommendations
You can skip to the 2016 Rebirth re-launch with the DC Universe: Rebirth event and then any Rebirth series #1.
DC Vertigo/Wildstorm (mature readers):
This was edited out to remove speech bubbles. I tried to be as close as the original art as possible. Anything else is just color correction due to the artifacts in the digitalization process. Then vectorialized and rasterized at 20K resolution.
Original creation by Jeph Loeb (writer), Tim Sale (artist)
Please buy this comic, it's really good:
Amazon - https://toptalkedbooks.com/amzn/1401232590
Comixology - https://www.comixology.com/Batman-The-Long-Halloween/digital-comic/48364?ref=c2VhcmNoL2luZGV4L2Rlc2t0b3Avc2xpZGVyTGlzdC90b3BSZXN1bHRzU2xpZGVy
Download this as wallpaper here: https://hubblewise.deviantart.com/art/Batman-fights-Solomon-Grundy-747878910
DISCLAIMER:
I do not own the rights to the original art. DC and everyone involved in the creation of this comic book do. I do not sell these and you shouldn't either. Stay within the safe boundary of the law in your country. I created this for fun and passion, not to make money off it, you may use it as wallpaper but NOT to print posters or sell the image digitally. If you came in contact with someone who wanted to sell you this page do not buy it, it would be illegal to do so.
Catwoman attacks Poison Ivy | This is from Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
No edits, just vector remaster. Released in 8K quality.
As usual this was created for your wallpaper-ing pleasure.
You can request your own page wallpaper by sending me a DM with the page screenshot or telling me which one it is. Be aware I won't do it if I don't own the comic as I do this only for the ones I've bought.
You can find me on Twitter & Instagram @WiseMMO
PLEASE do buy this volume, it's definitely a Batman must-read.
Comixology: HERE
Amazon: HERE
DC: HERE
Please support your local comic book store, they get money, the artists get more money!
DISCLAIMER:
I do not own the copyrights of the original art. The creators I listed do. The sole purpose of this work is to let everyone be able to know and love comics as much as I do and use some of the pages we all love as phone / desktop wallpapers, entirely for free. I make sure 100% I will not earn a dime from this, nor do I want to. Please report to me if you see anyone trying to sell these images digitally or physically. I will report to the appropriate people.
What are your top 5-10 movies, TV shows, books, games, etc.?
Here's a general guide:
Introduction to Comics
How to Get Into Comic Books (13:40) | Patrick Willems
Consider your intent/commitment. Think about your favorite shows, movies, books, etc. Reading primarily for enjoyment or encyclopedic knowledge? Collecting? Have the time/resources to read 50 or 500 comics per character?
Don’t try to read everything at once. There’s too much. Forget about catching up, continuity, universes, etc. for now. Older comics can be an acquired taste for modern audiences, so they aren’t necessarily ideal starting points. Writers change often, characters get re-worked, and origins are re-told. Remember, there are many great characters, creators, publishers, etc. to explore.
Pick an interesting character/team and seek their most popular/acclaimed stories. Focus on self-contained, complete stories in one corner of the universe. There will be unexplained references/characters, just persevere or Wiki. Don’t let the tangled web of shared-universe comics overwhelm you. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle one small piece at a time until you finally see the big picture.
Discover your preferences and let them guide you. Don’t get stuck preparing/over-analyzing, just start reading. Do you like/dislike old/new comics? Specific writers/genres? Cartoony/realistic art? Familiar/weird concepts? References/self-contained? All-ages/mature content? Follow these instincts. Didn’t understand a reference? Maybe read that next.
Acquire/Buy comics:
Marvel
DC
You can skip to the 2016 re-launch with DC Universe: Rebirth and then any Rebirth series #1.
Other
Batman
Doctor Strange
Batman - Modern Essentials
If you want to start with newer comics, then you can skip to the 2016 Rebirth re-launch with the DC Universe: Rebirth event and then any Rebirth series #1. I'd recommend Nightwing and Batman.
Alternatively, if you're not super strict about the "new" comic thing, I'd actually recommend reading some older/popular/acclaimed comics like:
Since you mentioned Spawn and The Darkness (non-DC/Marvel), I also think you'd dig DC imprint comics (Vertigo/Wildstorm):
Did you mention "new comics" because you're more interested in the DC universe as a whole? Are you trying to stay up to date/current? IMO, DC's best comics are a little older and the smaller story arcs are much more digestible/serve as a better hook for readers new to DC in general.
Unfortunately, I didn't learn anything from "wide variety of movies and TV shows" so the list above will be pretty general (something similar to what you'd find in a Google search). If you can elaborate on why you liked those 4 comics, why don't like other comics you've tried, your top 5 stories from other media, etc., then we could provide much clearer direction. For example, if you enjoy movies like Star Wars or Guardians of the Galaxy, then Geoff Johns' Green Lantern would be a good fit. With the exception of Spider-Man, the comics you listed are relatively dark/edgy/90s flavor. Batman seems like the obvious recommendation for that.
Popular/acclaimed modern essentials:
You can skip to the 2016 Rebirth re-launch with the DC Universe: Rebirth event and then any Rebirth series #1.
Modern DC events/crossovers:
Introduction to Comics
How to Get Into Comic Books (13:40) | Patrick Willems
Consider your intent/commitment. Think about your favorite shows, movies, books, etc. Do you seek quality storytelling or encyclopedic superhero knowledge? Plan to collect? Do you have the time/money to read 50 or 500 comics per character?
Don’t try to read everything at once. There’s too much. Forget about catching up, continuity, universes, etc. for now. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle one small piece at a time until you finally start to see the big picture. Older comics can be an acquired taste for modern audiences, so they aren’t always ideal starting points. Creative teams change often, characters get re-worked, and origins are re-told.
Pick an interesting character/team and seek their most popular/acclaimed stories. Focus on self-contained/complete stories. You will encounter unexplained references/characters/events—just keep reading or Wiki. Don
Marvel
DC
Or skip to the 2016 re-launch DC Universe: Rebirth event and then any Rebirth series #1.
Other