Now I know what you are thinking… Kathryn, we’re reading a newsletter from our comic shop… we already read and love comics, I know… it’s a weird topic to pick but hear me out. One of the best parts of working with comics is getting to help someone find a story they will love. To hear someone say it’s their first time in a shop and to have them leave with something they are so excited about is magical (don’t worry it’s magical when our regulars do too). With all the craziness of this last year there has been so many opportunities for people to read and binge watch comic-based shows (even if the book is usually better lol). This has allowed us to welcome many first timers and when you’re new it can be overwhelming. So here are my two cents for that all important first step of picking that first one. Be free to forward to that one friend who is still on the fence about comics, lets see if we can push them to the dark side 😉.
Comic books might be one of the easiest things to fall into, there will always be something for everyone its just finding the right thing for you. Honestly, I constantly compare it to ice cream… there’s a style/flavor for every mood and everybody, and just because I love something you may not and vice versa. Now there’s a few different ways you can go about picking a book usually it comes down to character vs style (note there’s no wrong way). Let’s say we start with character, now I grew up with Batman the Animated Series being my favorite thing… especially classic Harley. Right now, if I walked into my shop, I have a few Harley stories to choose from including Batman the Adventure Continues (new stories in the BTAS universe) Batman White Knight Harley Quinn (the third installment of the White Knight Series), and a new Harley Quinn series.
All of these have perks…. Batman the Adventure Continues is written by two of the writers of the show cue nostalgic feels here; Batman White Knight Harley Quinn gives the option of having a lot of material I can dive into right now with all three parts available, go big or go home personalities look no further; and then there’s the new Harley, now this is coming off the Future State event that can be explored, but it is a relaunch so it makes for an easy jump in point for a lot of readers. Note you don’t always have to go back to read previous volumes and events, most books will reference previous issues if something might be confusing in the story and you can go back at your leisure.
Now on the other side of the decision coin, comes the great debate: floppies (single issues) vs trades/ graphic novels. The best way I have ever heard them compared is think of this like a tv show, you have your single episodes and your season box set (and sometimes there’s the whole series in one big thing… hello omnibuses). This mindset I’ve found also helps relieve worry about jumping into the story mid arch, because chances are you’ve discovered a show halfway through and loved it and had to back track, same rules apply here. This part of the equation just comes down to how much story do you want to take home? Chances are the TPB is most budget friendly in the long run while the single issues give you a little bit at a time to decide if the story is capturing you, again there is no wrong answer, just whatever makes you happiest.
So, you found a story you love, Awesome! Now what? Don’t worry we’re like those Netflix recommendations after your show ends, we have different ways we can branch out. Let’s say you started with Thor by Donny Cates… loved Donny’s writing style, congrats we just became best friends, but seriously in the meantime, I can show you several different Marvel titles to try next, or if you wanted something a little out of the box how about some of his indie titles like Crossover, Redneck or God Country. Loved the art, Nic Klein has done numerous mainstream Marvel characters that can be a jumping off point. Love the story of Thor but not so much the writing, don’t worry we can still be friends, and there’s an entire shelf of Thor titles that we can try again with.
Sometimes picking a title can be overwhelming, even staff members have a hard time sometimes picking what to read. The main thing to always remember that if you’re not enjoying something that’s ok and to try something else. There will never be a wrong way to enjoy comics, the most important thing the entire industry will ever want is for you to enjoy the experience.
Also if you’re still unsure about where to start that’s okay! Ask your local Graham Crackers about our mystery boxes! 100 single issue comics for $25 or less. We’ll find you something you like for sure!