Comic Books

[R4GNOR0K]

I have never really been into comic books; after a visit to my local comic book shop, many of the comics look interesting. I have picked up a couple of comics, but I have tried to stay away from Marvel and DC's big characters. This is mostly because of continuity. I know people have said this before, but continuity of all of the characters and their story arcs is quite intimidating. I don't know where do start. Can any of you comic fans help me. While your at it can i have some suggestions as well. So far I have read:
Blackest Night (only the first one)
Crisis on Infinite Earths (first one)
The Darkness
Elephantmen
Ex Machina
and Fall of Cthulu

 

[twistedmic]

Though he is a major Marvel character, I suggest that you start reading 'The Punisher'. either the twelve issue run 'Welcome Back Frank' which was published by Marvel, or The Punisher MAX. The MAX publishing line is basically an R-rated Marvel line of comics. There's language, nudity and graphic violence.
The Punisher MAX is set in a more real (no superheroes) modern time and can easily be followed even if you haven't read the other Punisher lines before it.

 

[Joepow]

I highly suggest the Watchmen. Very good comic, and you don?t have to worry about continuity(for now, a sequel is in the works).

 

[Cybele]

I've never been much into comics either. Continuity issues aside, the art style of most comics isn't quite my thing.
And then I got The Absolute Sandman v.1 for my birthday.
Good stuff!

 

[Sonicron]

Wanna read an excellent comic book series that's self-contained and already finished (so you don't always have to wait for new issues to hit shelves)?
Give "Transmetropolitan" a go. Believe me, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Hollock]

I read a lot of hellboy. Most of the stories are self contained shorts as he goes on various missions with the BPRD ( paranormal detectives)

 

[SenseOfTumour]

If you can, hit your local library, some stock graphic novels ( collected sets of comic books ), and Transmetropolitan, Preacher, The Boys, Y - The Last Man, are all great and not standard superhero fare, and there's no doubt a ton more to recommend.

I've gained access to so much great stuff for the sum of zero money Also padded out my bookshelves by buying ex library stock.

I did however buy the 9 book series of Preacher as it's worth every damn penny and more, and I imagine I'll do the same for 'The Boys'.

 

[Samwise137]

The problem with comics nowadays (and really since the late 80's), as I'm guessing from your post you've seen, is that you have to read about six different monthlies to truly understand what's going on. I, personally, am an avid reader of Batman but in order to keep up properly, a true Batman fan needs to AT LEAST read Batman, Batman and Robin, and Batman, Inc. Don't get me wrong, they're all GREAT stories but gone are the days when one can be a casual collector and spend less than 20$ a month on the best titles.

That said, I have to recommend the Dark Horse and Image lines. Your best bet would be to attend Free Comic Book day (1st Saturday in May) at your local store and pick up some stuff you've never heard of before. Generally speaking, I was impressed with my haul last year.

 

[Lex Darko]

Instead of reading western comics you might want to try manga instead they are much easier to follow unlike most Marvel and DC comics which have 4 different versions of each major character and more retcons than the Xbox 360 has games.

My suggestions for western comics would be to skip the individual comics and just buy the trades (basically a collection of the issues of one comic put into one bound book).

Some good comics that are sold in trades are:
Y the last man (really easy to follow)
The Runaways
Wanted
The marvel civil war (but only buy the trades of the main story the side stories just make it harder to follow)

For manga series:
Soul Eater
Bleach (it's gotten much after the aizen arc)
Naruto
Claymore
Highschool of the Dead

 

[CaptainCrunch]

Disenchanted by big name heroes?
Tired of ad hoc continuity?

Transmetropolitan
Kick-Ass
Preacher

Still like big name superheroes, but interested in a new perspective?

The Boys (not for the faint of heart)
Superman: Red Son (and other Elseworlds)
Justice League: New Frontier
Justice
Kingdom Come

When in doubt, if it has <url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Ross>Alex Ross artwork, odds are it's fucking awesome.

 

[Valagetti]

Comic Books (graphic novels) have always been something pretty cool to me. But since I live in New Zealand, I don't have much of a variety to choose from. Or its going into anime, which bores me to death.

 

[birdboy]

OOH Elephantmen, fun stuff...

I'll second (or is it now third?) Transmetropolitan, and add in that anything that Warren Ellis does is great (skip Ignition City though) with a special mention for Planetary, great stuff. Y the Last Man is good, as is Fables. But Fables doesn't appear to have an ending in sight, so I'd start reading it quick if you don't want the continuity to go crazy (and you like the idea of fairy-tales in New York)

As for starting in superheroes, I'm not sure, Marvel's Ultimate Universe comics are fairly recent (2002 I think they started) so you can get into those much more easily Ultimates is very good (now available in mega book as well)

Also, buy The Sandman and Hellboy comics, really good!

 

[Sarah Kerrigan]

I can suggest basically anything from Top Cow productions. WItchblade, The Darkness, Artifacts, Rapture, ect. All of them are amazing.

Also The Walking Dead.

 

[WingedFortress]

Start off with Batman : Year One by Frank Miller. Then read the Jeph Loeb/Tim Sale Batmans. Alan Moore has good one(The Killing Joke) and pretty much from there you could jump into most batman stories with at least a solid understanding of Batman as a character. He's my favorite, so obviously I felt I'd lead with that, but don't feel compelled to read the big stars if they seem too intimidating. Even I roll my eyes at the continuity sometimes.

As mentioned above, pretty much Watchmen, Sandman and Preacher are like, must reads. Watchmen and Preacher in particular really changed the game for me when I read them the first time.

One writer in particular I've always been a fan of is Garth Ennis. His work becomes a bit obvious, and definitely follows some pretty rigid themes with the more read of his work, but he's so damn good at making characters likable and badass that I forgive him. He's done some really good work with the Punisher as well.

Scalped is kind of a notable series to look into, as is the unknown soldier. Unknown soldier is done now Im pretty sure..and make sure your getting the one put out in the last 5 years. Theres a decades old one as well. Scalped is still running as far as I know.

Transmetropolitan is alriight...Im a bigger fan of the writer than I am the series though. Some of the Hunter S. Thompson references come across as a little too showy. But Warren Ellis is a master at his craft.

Constantine is a good series to follow. Lots of different stories, lots of different writers, lots of different artists. Pretty much has something for everyone.

Also, Swamp Thing is loved by many. I for one, haven't read much, but understand that the name Alan Moore is a HUGE deal in this industry. And for damn good reason.

I feel like Im forgetting a TON of series and books to recommend...but my collection is in storage at a friends house. Just go down to your local comic shop, keep looking for things that jump out at you, and don't be scared of the dude behind the desk. He might look like the most anti social guy on the planet, but thats the man who can really make a trip to the store worthwhile.

Happy Reading!

 

[WolfThomas]

My advice is to find writer that you like and follow them. Some of the best writers (in my oppinion obviously) are:

Warren Ellis (Next Wave: Agents of Hate, The Authority, Transmetropolitian, Ultimates Galactus Trilogy), Garth Ennis (The Boys, Preacher), Alan Moore (Watchmen, V for Vendetta, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Miracleman), Grant Morrison (All Star Superman, Animal Man, The Invisibles) Mark Millar (Kickass, Wanted, Ultimates 1 and 2, Superman : Red Son, The Authority) Neil Gaimon (Sandman, Marvel 1602, Miracleman) and Brian K. Vaughn (Y - The Last Man, Runaways, Ex Machina).

Also Cable and Deadpool is a fantastic comic.