Must-Read Comic Book Series for Beginners
Must-Read Comic Book Series for Beginners
Are you drawn to the world of comic books but find it daunting to begin?
Finding your perfect first comic book to introduce you to comics can be quite a challenge. This is true even if you seek guidance on a platform for comic book fans.
And lucky for you — you’re at the right place.
Opening Thoughts about Must-Read Comic Book Series for Beginners
As a comic book beginner, you don’t want to buy an issue that’s part of a larger story you know nothing about.
For instance, superhero series, like Spider-Man or Superman are common choices for comic newbies. But they have so many versions that new fans find it hard to know where to start.
Also, there are plenty of crossovers, meaning if you want to follow a particular character, you have to buy a few other characters’ books to get your favorite hero’s full story. These crossovers do well among die-hard fans, but for new comic fans, they create a significant entry barrier.
However, comics boast jaw-dropping artwork, exciting stories, compelling characters, and captivating plots that question your beliefs and evoke emotions. And it would be a shame to miss out on these artworks.
Therefore, we are here to help you pave your way into the world of comic books. We have compiled a list of the best comics that new readers can easily pick up and read. You won’t have to know everything about the universe or read hundreds of back-issues to understand the story.
#1 The Dark Knight Returns
The four-issue miniseries published in 1986 is considered instrumental in redefining Batman’s identity. Written and illustrated by Frank Miller with the help of Klaus Janson, The Dark Knight Returns features an aged Batman who comes out of retirement to fight a new gang called “The Mutants” who terrorizes the streets of Gotham City.
In the comic, Batman is grimmer and darker than ever before, and it set the tone for the Batman series for years. It impacted cinematic versions of the character as well. This iconic comic book is considered one of the greatest stories within DC comics. Moreover, it consistently received great praise, topping many lists as not only the best Batman comic but one of the best comics overall.
Truly, the Dark Knight Returns is a perfect choice for comic book beginners. In this book, it is effortless to catch up with all the characters and events in the story.
#2 Watchmen
Watchmen, published as a 12-issue series by DC Comics in 1986, represents Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ iconic deconstruction of superheroes. The comic series has been recognized as one of Time's 100 best novels — not just graphic novels, mind you — but novels in general.
Moreover, the comic inspired a feature-length film directed by Zack Snyder and the HBO series Watchmen. The story takes place during the Cold War when superpowers-less heroes have been outlawed. However, when former heroes begin to be killed, they have to come out of hiding and uncover the conspiracy.
Watchmen is an exciting story that explores a world of costumed vigilantes, political unrest, mystery, and conspiracy. It’s not just an amazing comic but also an influential and timeless piece of literature.
#3 Sandman
Coming from the pen of Neil Gaiman, the author of many celebrated comics and fiction, including American Gods and Coraline, Sandman is a highly acclaimed series that follows the adventures of Dream.
In the comic series, Dream interacts with various supernatural characters and explores themes of storytelling, mythology, and the nature of dreams. This comic book masterpiece has also been adapted into an eponymous hit TV series.
#4 Saga
Game of Thrones meets Star Wars, sprinkled with some Romeo and Juliet — welcome to Saga. Saga tells the story of Alana and Marko, two star-crossed lovers and new parents on opposite sides of a galactic war, struggling to raise — and save — their baby from bounty hunters, evil robots, and a life of violence.
The comic encompasses elements of fantasy, comedy, romance, and sci-fi, and depicts ethnicity, love, and gender roles, plus lots of action, magic, and violence. Published in 2012, Brian K. Vaughan’s engrossing story and Fiona Staples’ stunning artwork made the comic’s first issue an instant sell-out.
#5 Scott Pilgrim
Scott Pilgrim is an excellent place to start your comic book journey. This fun and lighthearted comic follows the story of Scott Pilgrim, a slacker and part-time musician who lives in Toronto and plays bass in a band.
After a traumatic breakup, he starts dating a delivery girl named Ramona Flowers. However, he soon discovers that Ramona possesses superpowers, as do her seven supervillain exes. To earn Ramona’s love, Scott must fight off seven evil ex-boyfriends.
The series was created by Bryan Lee O’Malley, and over the years, it gained a large cult following and received widespread acclaim. It was adapted into a film, a video game, and an animated series. The comic series emphasizes themes of accountability and forgiveness, demonstrating that love requires letting go and accepting one’s faults.
#6 Persepolis
Persepolis is a series of autobiographical graphic novels written by Marjane Satrapi. The novels portray her childhood and early adult life in Iran and Austria during and after the Islamic Revolution.
Through powerful black-and-white illustrations and whimsical, rounded drawings depicting the violent events before and after the revolution, Satrapi narrates a deeply personal story of resilience, identity, and the challenging realities of living under a repressive regime. The graphic novels were later adapted into a movie of the same name in 2007.
#7 The Walking Dead
Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead follows Rick Grimes, as he wakes from a coma to a full-force zombie apocalypse. The series depicts the struggles of humanity in the aftermath of disaster and has gained immense popularity, being adapted into an AMC television show that has become a pop-culture phenomenon.
It’s worth noting that there are significant differences between the comic and the show. So, even if you’re a fan of the TV adaptation, the comic book series is worth reading, as it offers unique interpretations of the story and introduces new characters that don’t appear in the show.
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