Comic Books 101 - Getting Started

Will explains the best ways to start reading comics. If you're a new reader or a lapsed one then this is the episode for you!
Continued from the Q&A episode • Your Questions, Answered!
Last week's episode: DC Comics News • DC Update for January ...
Star Wars and Batman Trivia in the Wulff Den • Star Wars Trivia - In ...
• Batman Trivia - In the...

[@AjaySharma-sy8te]

You kinda look like Keanu Reaves xD

[@WulffDen]

+Ajay Sharma 8-)

[@MrRayguyX]

Ajay Sharma I thought the same thing. lmao.

[@kurtstributer]

LOL damn you I wanted to say he does :D

[@Sh1ranu1]

Woah He like.... Neo or something

[@fan9775]

No

[@NavAK_86]

This man knows his stuff.

[@russellmachan3861]

Well he may no his stuff but there's a lot of New Testament in comics down what a fume that was about of 2020 is year

[@AlexGledhill237]

Digital is shit, nothing beats an actual paper comic

[@diegomariacardona8273]

Totally agree

[@devyn3195]

yep

[@dunka12]

most of the love of comics i have is the stacks and books i have in my house. They are as much books, as they are inspiration, decoration, and a collection bug. Gotta have whole series. And by god, it's such a different experience reading them.

[@spidergwenstarwars6504]

Agreed, I especially love that old comic book smell from my older comics.

[@wowiewoo1868]

I think they're garbage too but I can see the benefits. For one, you can read old comics that you'll probably never even get to touch a physical copy of.

[@grey_2361]

It would be amazing if I wasn't a broke high school student xD. thanks for the video btw c:

[@ignskeletons]

Grey _ if you can afford $6/mo you can do the “Unlimited” digital plan with Comixology, his recommendation for Batman “Hush” is on the service

[@somecomicnerd9575]

@@ignskeletons your 3 years late, And im a entire year late to this comment, So were both late now! Yay.

[@Riceandgravy]

the thing is i love the feel and physical having of a comic, buying digital is so much easier and i could read alot more and pay alot less as on amazon you can return after 14 days but then i would have nothing to show for it. I think i will continue buying trades and omnibus/compendiums.

[@bankablemilk2188]

I know just how you feel I have to have the paper trades and I hate reading it on digital

[@821lancevance]

rice andgravy or you can download the pdfs for nothing

[@insitakaya1672]

@@821lancevance From where?

[@821lancevance]

@@insitakaya1672 thepiratebay or other torrent sites

[@insitakaya1672]

shell Wasn't expecting a reply since the comment was from over a year ago, but thank you! I misunderstood what you were trying to say, but I actually torrent everything lol...

[@JamesDrake2]

Literally said out loud "that was a great video". As someone just starting out, I appreciate it.

[@727-k6i]

image comics must reads!!!--- twd--- southern bastards---saga--- scalped---east of west--- chew--- invincible those are good

[@NavAK_86]

+daryl dixon No Spawn?

[@gotohellaaron]

I've been to this one comic book store twice and I couldn't find an Image Comics section.

[@tevailan4567]

This video was made a while ago, so maybe Marvel Unlimited wasn't as much of a thing then, but I feel like Marvel Unlimited should be considered if someone's interested in reading digital comics as it is by far the most affordable way to read tens of thousands of Marvel Comics. DC Universe also has some good comics on it though their selection is no where near the size of Marvel Unlimited

[@lorddranos1]

"don't read any story that has the word CLONE in the title" LMAO!! too funny.

[@821lancevance]

bad advice to go digital. no way I am spending 1000s of dollars on pdf files with 0 resale value

[@TheFLAMEXD]

I've always been trade paperback.

[@ENC98TV]

Unless you really like reading comics weekly I would recommend trades. For most story arcs it's a better part of a year or more before the arc ends. I find this makes it very hard to follow. Also for collecting I prefer the look of a bookshelves full of trades vs tons of issues.

[@PhillipCummingsUSA]

great video man. Subscribed.

[@WulffDen]

Thanks!

[@karlaacosta8283]

Have you purchased any comics from amazon? I really want to order some but i'm kind of worried. Any suggestions of where to buy them? I did just get my first deadpool volume but it was rather pricey and i bought it at a comic book store. $35 for a volume. Yup.

[@amoney9608]

Anyone else hate the big thick books they don’t really have that comic feel in my opinion😂

[@daltonmckinzie8054]

At Walmart I got justice league new 52, super man unchained new 52, and superman and Wonder Woman all of $5 in total

[@gotohellaaron]

I didn't realize Walmart even sold comic books. Is this in Canada? And in what section of Walmart do they sell them?

[@shinymewtwo1367]

gotohellaaron the book section

[@wombywill1424]

@@gotohellaaron the pokemon/tcg/nerd section. Is where I found them

[@britrulog8234]

here in 2020 trying to get into comic books, nice video :D

[@lorddeecee]

Bring this series back GOAT 🐐

[@lazy_rainbow5158]

I can never find single issues because there are literally no comic book stores in Dubai. The only places I can buy trade paper backs in kinokuniya book world

[@alexeiniven6271]

Was wondering if your a fan of spawn cause I've heard that it's a good read

[@RDICKINSON08]

Thanks for the Video .... I'm in the exact situation as the guy who sent in the question, and you gave a great breakdown and pro tips and what to consider when getting into comics.

[@mattsgeekbrain]

Comic Books 101 is good to know. When the uninitiated find out your a hardcore fanboy they always want to talk about it and possibly become one. Its a fun conversation because i love being a goodwill ambassador for the comics industry.

[@squidsona8509]

I dont like digital copys.

[@lisahoward1754]

thank you for sharing I am now reading MARVEL now and I love it

[@ronaldeatman6603]

This is good but really the best Xmen shit is anything with Chris Clearmont "Uncanny" and or New X-Men (2001 series)

[@Madbandit77]

+Ronald Eatman Claremont (sp), but you're right!

[@hrisi9801]

comic book stores are coming more rare?

[@thomasmiller5002]

Could you recommend a starting point for Batman comics? Thanks

[@zareefhaider6451]

Knightfall

[@connorfarrugia839]

Good video. I would recommend instocktrades for trades as well. This is a good source for new readers.

[@mattsdelatorre]

Thanks Will, this was great. Just downloaded comixology. About to start reading Hush in class because I am that excited! You and bob keep these vids coming. I've watched them all!

[@winnars]

Hush Rules - Joe

[@Mr.Digit115]

if i was starting out, as far as classics go, tpbs of watchmen, alan moores swamp thing,....and ff masterworks covering 45-75ish., lastly, master of kung fu omnibus #4 is also good.....imo.

[@tashahough1465]

I've never thought about buying or collecting comic books but I've always loved watching the more popular films eg batman etc an I seen the trailer for suicide squad and I'm so intrigued on Harley Quinn's story what comic books would you recommend for me to buy and read first for her storyline?

[@WulffDen]

+Tasha hough definitely start with Mad Love by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini. After that check out the current series by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner

[@tashahough1465]

+The Wulff Den Thankyou! And Thankyou for replying! Subbed 😊😊

[@savannahdesiree4320]

What are some good online comic stores? I've been reading trades for about a year and want to get into reading monthly issues but the closest comic book store is three hours away.

[@WulffDen]

+Savannah Desiree Amazon is great for trades. If you want single issues try mycomicshop.com or eBay. Or check to see if the publisher offers subscriptions. They'll mail the newest issue right to your door

[@morgtheeditor8755]

Jesus will is literally bob in this video

[@andywoodburn4555]

I bought The Man Who Laughs and Hush for my girlfriend and we have yet to read them and I have yet to hunt down The Long Halloween. My next day off is Friday for my birthday and I might be stopping at Half Price Books and besides Saga trades I may be looking for the Long Halloween finally so I can read all 3 of your recommendations. I've also heard good things about Dark Knight Returns and Year One. Truthfully I'm more of a Deadpool/Saga/Spawn fan and the odd Spidey book, but I'm always looking for new books to try. I also want to try Astonishing X-Men as that book sounds really neat being written by Joss Whedon, whose responsible for so many nerdy properties. For the record, I HATE the new X-Men and the direction its headed in and it made me think, "This is so dry. I thought comics were supposed to be fun." Anyway, I'm also looking for Sin City: The Hard Goodbye because it was my favorite segment in the Sin City movie and Volumes 2-4 of Cable's second run series from 2008-2010 i.e. Messiah War.

[@RMendBell]

Just got massively into Xmen recently ...continuity help!! How do I start comic series? Where do I jump in? How do I track the story arc? Help please !

[@CBG3000]

I’m new to comics! My question is-> what’s are good comics to read involving Clark Kent , not to much Superman. But focuses on Clark Kent story. Don’t know if that even exist? I’m a new reader and I will like to start with a good story. Thank for you help!

[@tsohgallik]

The problem with digital comics is the actual physical comic book price... why pay full price when the book is going to read in about 20minutes and on a tablet or phone? Problem is that they need money to upkeep everything. I think the worst culprit currently is the Dark Nights Metal books, $5 +tax :(

[@leeioh]

I will never purchase digital comics or digital books! They don’t work for me. I never read them and when I do they hurt my eyes and I can never fully pay attention to what is happening. I understand paper does destroy trees but I feel that is better then stressing over digital publishment. To make paper more eco friendly I will make paper out of hemp cannabis in the future. I will forever purchase paper copy. FOREVER Literally if paper copy’s were to stop being published (they never will stop) I will stop reading. I only read because books are on paper and I love a paper reading!!!

[@TheFrozenhammer]

great guide man! just getting prepared for my wallet to get ten times lighter lol

[@jimervin387]

Very instructive, knowledgeable guy but no thanks, not my kinda stuff. I just collect comic books from their early 10 cents years when they had cartoon characters or western heroes or maybe TV stars I could relate to. Anybody ever hear of Dennis The Mennis?

[@theQuickining]

if you watch this video with youtube's subtitles/CC on it is really funny, I recently started collecting some trade paperbacks I started with DC's new 52 line and have picked up some stuff by IDW

[@godofwarkratos]

Singles r more expensive but allows early release and control of what the reader collects. It's more fun to hunt down singles. Tpb doesn't necessarily mean the volume will collect all singles appropriately. I'd say 8/10 it will, but not all back issues will be collected into a tpb. Online is easy, and takes no physical space. It's easy to access, however you don't ever own the comic and can never have the physical copy in your hands.

[@moneyman64]

Physical comics are better.It's better to actually have the comic books in your hands.Collecting comics is awesome.

[@jabbrewoki]

You act like Ebay doesn't exist. You can find extensive floppy (single issue) runs of second tier and third tier characters far cheaper than trade paperbacks some times.

[@zipgow]

I find that many people’s first comic is Watchmen, which is a terrible start. One of the best things about it is its color palette, which is subtly different from the standard 4 color palette of its day. Then, there are the ways that the Golden Age comics characters compare to the Silver Age comics and how their differences reflect changes in American history.

[@leeioh]

Remember that going digital means you are not gaining any type of value! Digital products will never truthfully go up in value because digital products can be made infinite. Remember that digital isn’t cared for so when going digital you will not give a shit about the product because it isn’t really there.

[@victorvercetti1886]

haha you're awesome bro

[@Jay_Rule]

Let's collab Wulff!

[@alicesaxson2684]

Good advice but ultimate spider Man stinks and so does everything after one more day Peter wasn't Peter after that I personally. Loved the clone stories not the ending but awesome characters

[@theepilecticdomo6406]

And Batman Endgame

[@MikeCreepyPasta]

This may just be me but I honestly hate single issues so fucking much 😂 I just want trades and omnibi

[@AsgersWeb]

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN is fucking amazing

[@josecostamartins2019]

will it be okay to skip Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis????????????

[@beverlymarsh233]

if you want to get into comics, and you like and know star wars start with some of those some are amazing like vador down or obi and anakin and most people know star wars so the characters and references arent hard to understand and there is a wide range of light heated all the way to really dark comics in star wars

[@WizKoulikov]

I still defend there were good parts of the Clone saga.

[@falloutaddicted8383]

i like tpb just got into comics again and this format is the best to got into the storys plus they are more to read befor you need to buy the next digital is cool for reading missed issues and new stuff

[@drumtap2792]

This video was so helpful for a newbie like me. Thanks for taking the time to do this :)

[@ryanlandes6849]

A decade later and this video still holds up as great advice..

[@Swagss]

I'm on the hunt for all the 2099 individual comics

[@Swagss]

2099 Spider-Man

[@wowiewoo1868]

I found a lot of them at my local Half-Price. Thought about getting it but didn't know if it was worth it since it sounds kinda eh. I might go back and get them tbh.

[@Swagss]

WowieWoo I only want them because I like Spider-Man and the futuristic Spider-Man is so cool

[@himomma2]

Thanks man-very helpful ☺️

[@MarioUcomics]

I actually like the Clone sage. And it's one of the few Spider-man comics I actually kept

[@Ultinuc]

But it's sooo unnecessarily long. It's probably not as bad as people make it out to be, but still. Then again, it could be shorter than I recall hearing about.

[@Groovepocket80]

This was super helpful. Thanks bro.

[@nandaka9010]

Why is this is being recommending this to me now?

[@bakerward1977]

Which do you prefer? Paperback or hardback comics? I went with paperback because I wanted that classic magazine style. Did I make The right decision ?

[@WulffDen]

+Baker Ward the right decision is the one that makes you happy.

[@pandoranbias1622]

What about the killing joke?

[@nicmaslanik9374]

This really helped me

[@alexgarza675]

@ the Wolff den there's a channel call comicstorian that we'll give you a heads up on all story arch without spoiling the story.

[@Ultinuc]

Essentially the entire thing he does is spoil stories, but with a cool voice and background music.

[@Asubii]

How do you know if it trade paperback I was checking for green lantern rebirth and it just says paperback does that mean it is

[@WulffDen]

Alessandro Barahona trade paperback is just the general term (i honestly don't know the origins of the term). if it says it's available in paperback that probably just means it's softcover instead of hardcover.

[@555AllenWoods]

Some good advice, i also think sub`ing to the comic book you want from DC or Marvel, this way its in your mailbox every month. Bad thing is you have to wait up to 6 to 8 weeks before you get the 1st copy in your mailbox. Plus Plus Sub`ing is cheaper than book stores and news stand prices.

[@ComicBooksandVideoGameNerd96]

I've been reading book since I was 9 years old and what got me into comic books was the video game X-Men Legends and what made me by that game was that I grew up watching the cartoon from the 90s on Fox Kids and X-Men evolution also obviously I grow at the movies

[@JambleBramble]

I can be a major completionist. I started reading comics by going through every X-Men book in order. I'm just past Uncanny 300 and I'm doing the same with Spider-Man, though I'm being more choosy. Also, Deadpool, which the last couple years have made me question with all his new books. Point is, as I'm recently becoming a consistent comic reader, are there any characters or stories that, while good, aren't worth reading everything from, or ones you'd recommend being choosy about, like GL. Aside from Emerald Dawn, not much pre-Johns interested me.

[@Matt-je9cj]

Will: I need Comic Books 201! - Please tell me there are more batman stories like Hush and more Whedon Xmen? I've exhausted your recommendations and have branched out. Most recently finished up the Killing Joke and wasn't a huge fan. Teach me the ways!

[@yarlzxmyrsh]

Definitely want to check out Hush now. Superman Red Son actually made me give Superman a chance, and I'm really digging Superman Unchained right now.

[@caf110]

I buy all my comics digitally except walking dead which I have 3 compendiums and the rest in trades. I couldn't imagine trying to store all the comics I've bought digitally in my apartment. Also save a lot of money so that's a plus as well

[@cyberpunkholiday]

Joss Weden X-men? Come on, man. Not the best at all, ever, no way. Jesus Christ I need to start a KZbin channel.

[@theiathegreatest]

When I started readin comics way back in the 2012 and my 1st comic was Alan Ford and then i also started reading Bonelli Comics. If you can find Dylan Dog,Brad Barron and Dampyr in english read them eaven if it's pyrated just read it. You won't regret it

[@RaikouRosario]

Look at your hair!!! 👀😂🤘

[@lachlanlindsay806]

Any recomendations for Black Panther other then the Ta-Nehisi Coates and Cristopher Priest ones as I've allready ordered them.

[@sampar5]

I've decided now that I'm just going to buy the Batman and Nightwing comics by volumes, then only buy single issues if I like the cover art or the issue in general. This video helped a lot so thank you!

[@AlkQubit]

What's the best mystery subscription box for trade comics and graphic novels? Most of the comic of the month type subscriptions seem to only offer single issues.

[@VeryAwesomeStuff]

There are so many ways to read comics. Issues, trades, digital physical... I love 'em all!

[@tjhan143]

Sir Wulff got a question for you on twitter. Hope you answer me. Newbie on comics here

[@veggav]

Everytime people talk about comic books they talk about super heroes and that sucks. Comic bookscan be so much more than a few marvel or dc characters.

[@StyrozCutter]

Woah, I jsu realized this is the same guy I watch all my nintendo videos from!

[@Darksiderz85]

When you talk about single issues being hard to find, why not talk about pull list. Most shops will love to accommodate a pull list because it helps them know what to order and it is guaranteed sales.

[@jameshibbit1341]

Thanks for the video Will, just ordered Astonishing Xmen Vol 1 as well as The Man Who Laughs and are arriving sunday. super exited :D

[@EarthQuakeGaming9000]

So recently I bought second chance antman and it contains books 1to 3 but I can find the next ones anywhere. I'm pretty sure there's another one because it ends on a cliff hanger and I want to know what happens so badly!! Great video it's very helpful that they put multiple books into one for a new collector like me.

[@elindigeno1215]

I'm new to comics thanks to the walking dead. After that I started to read the all new Wolverine and my local comic store did not have issue 14-23. I went to that same app that you mention and within one day I was all caught up. Tom Taylor is doing amazing job with that series. I am not a fan of digital, but it seems like digital is the best way to get any issue at any time.

[@ComicDJ]

Saga is always my #1 recommended comic to people. It's one of the best comics ever

[@henkez6960]

Superman for all season by Jeph Loeb is also a great way to start reading superman!

[@TheGuyBlogcom]

Great video man, definitely will be sharing for comic book starters

[@ignskeletons]

You were great on HBO’s “Silicon Valley”

[@StrengthLegacy]

Dude, first, great video, that was entertaining. Secondly, what if I wanna go all out and read the whole fucking thing from the very first comics, is that something that can be done?

[@WulffDen]

StrengthLegacy it's possible, and going digital would be the easiest way to do it. but you're going to need a lot of free time.

[@Night-rage]

+StrengthLegacy Look for an omnibus of whoever you are interested in:)

[@Mr_Kelly]

2019 anyone?

[@YourTime4GameZ]

great video

[@GameKingFaiz]

Has anyone told you that you look like Gilfoyle from the show Silicon Valley?

[@WulffDen]

+GameKingFaiz I've been told that. No one in this house can touch my system architecture and networking & security skills.

[@GameKingFaiz]

+The Wulff Den I don't care what Russ Hanneman says, but this guy👆, this guys fucks!! 😂😂

[@EveBakikhanova]

thanks for your work, great video :)

[@bayley8698]

the flash

[@nuclear804]

Thanks for this, fellow New Yorker :)

[@TheFrozenhammer]

mate, whats the difference between trade paperbacks, story arcs and bundles

[@WulffDen]

sir! a story arc is a specific story that occurs in an ongoing comic. for example, the the court of owls was a story arc that occurred in the ongoing batman series (batman vol 2 issues 1-11) a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in a monthly comic book, reprinted in book format. to use the court of owls again, those 11 issues were collected into 2 trade paperbacks after their original release. bundles are just a collection of comics sold in one package. usually bundles are created by the comic stores themselves. as to which to get, bundles or trades, thats a matter of preference.

[@frederikahle2237]

The Wulff Den are there only those 11 issues of the court of owls?

[@WulffDen]

Yes, but some of the other bat books did a court of owls tie in. side from nightwing (issues 8 and 9), none of the other books are all that important. and honestly, you'll be just fine with the main court of owls story (batman 1-11)

[@TheFrozenhammer]

+The Wulff Den I really tried listening to your advice but mate, The minute I found the comic book store in my city, I ended up buying Batman: The man who laughs, the long Halloween and the first two volumes of Saga by Brian K . Vaughan... I dunno man, something about reading the physical copy instead of having it on the ipad =/