Given Hollywood's obsession with the comic book industry over the last several years, the medium has grown significantly in popularity. Along with that popularity, respect has come at a slower pace, but continues to develop. Comic books are finally being taken as a serious art form.
For those interested in learning more about comic books and enjoying some of the best the industry and art form have to offer, it can seem a daunting task. Picking up a random X-Men or Batman comic at a nearby comic book store will probably confuse and irritate those unfamiliar with the characters. The following tips can help a person try to slowly break into an art form that at times can be chaotic and confusing.
Start With Stories, Not Serialization
The vast majority of comic books published in the United States are through either DC Comics or Marvel Comics. While both have published a notable number of tales in mediums as diverse as Romance, Horror, and Western, the vast majority of stories currently published by these companies are about popular superheroes, such as Superman or Spiderman.
Most of these popular heroes have long convoluted pasts. Consider the following: Batman first came into existence in 1939, and since that time he has averaged well over an appearance a month in DC Comics. How could one possibly hope to follow his entire history?
For newcomers, it's easier to read contained stand alone tales, whether they are about superheroes or not. Most stand alone stories today are published as Graphic Novels, which can either be a collection or previously published comic books, or an entirely new tale.
Some popular choices for good comic book reads without the prerequisite of any backstory would be Watchmen, Y: The Last Man (start with volume one),and Batman: The Long Halloween.
Talk to a Comic Book Store Owner
While comic book retailers have received a somewhat negative connotation, which is largely based on the one depicted in the Simpsons cartoon, most store owners are incredibly helpful and appreciative of new readers.
Because there isn't a large chain of comic book stores like there are large book store chains, most shops are staffed by the owner, who has a vested interest in finding you a graphic novel you might like to read. By going into a store and explaining your interest in reading a couple of comic books to get a sense of the medium, the man behind the counter can probably offer you more than enough recommendations.
Don't Sweat the Small Superheroes
Eventually you may find yourself eager to break into one of the worlds of the big two publishers. While reading a comic book set in either the DC or Marvel universe, you will inevitably come across a character, place, or concept you've never heard of previously, and that is not properly explained. While you could probably spend the better portion of a lifetime trying to research every friend or foe that's ever appeared in the pages of these worlds, you're likely better off letting the minor details go and enjoying the story for what it is.
By doing a little bit of research and starting with some comics that don't demand knowledge of a complicated back story, those interested in learning more about this medium can enjoy discovering a unique and under appreciated art form.
