How to Get Into Comic Books

If you've ever wanted to read comics but weren't sure where to start, I'M HERE TO HELP.
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[@ZiaComics]

This video should be required viewing for any potential comic book reader. I am seriously tempted to run this video on loop in my store.

[@bwertyc]

Did you do it? please say yes.

[@ManBoyMonkey]

Do it man. If you haven’t already.

[@ludan2573]

Do it

[@ayushshah2103]

just do it

[@warlord13000]

DO IT

[@austinschollaert6424]

One thing I would recommend for people getting into comics is that you should never subject yourself to one specific thing. For example when I started out all I read was Batman. This is definitely not the way to go. You should never subject yourself to one specific thing because it makes it a lot harder to appreciate the art form as a whole.

[@andywoodburn4555]

Still not sure how or where I got started again but my current favorites are Spawn, Vengeance Of Vampirella, Dark Nights Death Metal, Cable, and The Resistance. Saga is also a big favorite of mine and made me a serious reader again. Wish I'd discovered it before the hiatus because now I have no new stories to look forward to in that series. However I did recently pick up the last three volumes in the deluxe hard cover and I've been rereading the final three arcs. I also recently bought TMNT Color Classics Vol. 1 and most recently I've gotten back into some New 52 Batman with you guessed it, Court Of Owls. Comics are like movies and TV shows. There are so many genres you'd be daft to stick with just superhero stuff.

[@KingKhupacabra]

Agree, I started out with batman comics, with his best and most well known ones. Now I’m branching off with of DC comics that I’ve never thought I would get eg sandman, JL dark, green lantern, green arrow. Also I’ve gotten rlly interested into other comic brands, I’ve just ordered saga vol 1 from image comics so I can explore the different genres and media not just superhero comics like I mentioned. This embraces ur knowledge of comics in general.

[@nickhayley]

If you only have a handful of bucks, spending more than that isnt an option.

[@reginaldforthright805]

You won’t understand what comics can be until you read manga

[@houston-coley]

The production value in your videos just keeps getting better, Patrick. And I love how much they vary every week in style and tone. Thanks for this!

[@patrickhwillems]

Thanks! I know some people would prefer all video essays all the time, but it's the variety that keeps me excited about making them.

[@houston-coley]

by the way man, (I said this on Twitter), I'd love to hear your thoughts on my video essays! I really admire you as a creator and your opinion, so it'd be cool to hear from you.

[@patrickhwillems]

I fully intend to. I've had so many people sending me their videos and films and want to watch/respond to them all, there's just a lot to get through so it's taking some time.

[@MrMark1Smith]

Can i just say i love both your content

[@TheRishijoesanu]

Jonathan Hickman Fantastic Four -> FF -> SHIELD -> Avengers -> New Avengers -> Infinity -> Secret Wars Six years of goodness. Amazing. Peak Marvel.

[@hippopilot6750]

Nobody I know reads comics except me. I always thought I was doing it wrong so I only read short series and GNs. This video helped me out a couple years back. Thanks!

[@murphythestoryteller6378]

I would not start with Sandman by Neil Gaiman. It will set too high of a standard for people. I'm exagerating (a bit), but good recommendations overall :D

[@TheGeorgeD13]

Don't see how. I mean... it's good, but not THAT good.

[@kamilee4123]

Murphy the Storyteller I started Sandman just last month. It was mostly because I'm a big Neil Gaiman fan, and if you're someone who likes his stuff and hasn't read Sandman yet (somehow) go do it.

[@maximeteppe7627]

George daugherty: It really depends what you are looking for. It's not an easy read. It's not action packed. it's not always well drawn. It's chaotic. But it's one of the richest and imaginative i've found in british/american comics.

[@Q-Bits8]

The Sandman art just turns me off so bad. I LOVE the covers by Mc Kean, but the interior art by other artists - mehhh.

[@OlPalJoe]

I personally think it's a good idea to start with Invincible. you get a complete long running super hero story with stakes. its run by the same writers throughout and gives you a good sampling of everything you can get out of superhero comics without being bogged down by so much material.

[@SqweakySqwizard]

Following specific creators is honestly one of the best tips. I didn't know where to start when I started getting into comics, but I already followed a few writers that I thouroughly enjoyed non-comic work from, so reading their stuff was an awesome starting point for me.

[@superbogopop]

Same, there's two writers I always follow (Kelly Thompson and Mark Waid) and It's much more fun because they get me interested in stuff I normally wouldn't be into

[@rq2757]

Following creators and artists was really when the light went on in my mind and I felt like I "got it." I knew what stories I'd definitely buy based on a name, which ones to avoid, or which ones to take a chance on. It's a lot like getting excited for when writers and directors are slated for new movies.

[@silverdays2909]

That's how I go too

[@reginaldforthright805]

Subject matter and artist are both important. And artists’ works are uneven anyway.

[@seanm9306]

One of my concerns about the backstory wasn’t just history, but the crossovers as well. I was worried I may have to understand what led up to that point in the *other* characters’ runs to understand the crossovers. But after this video I realized, comic book writer are probably considerate enough to not put in too much stuff that needs explaining. And it’s a good introduction to characters I might want to read about

[@lionsgatecrash8990]

Pause...google comic title...Play....Pause...google title....Play....Pause.... (repeat indefinitely)

[@starrrburst]

The most accurate representation​ of me right now lol

[@ricksanchez525]

Wym

[@DrawItTooTV]

I have a hunch the Marvel execs saw your color grading video, took note of your critiques, and made changes. ;)

[@pankajjayasurana9017]

I don’t think they did

[@nithinravi4401]

Vol 1 movie was great

[@legofan60]

I feel like Image Comics is pumping out some gold right now.

[@patrickhwillems]

So much gold.

[@kevdillon23]

So much! Just finished Lazarus So far it’s insane.

[@skinflutey]

Jonathan M. I hear the licensed stuff at IDW has fallen in quality too. TMNT is still pretty strong though.

[@courtneyr1291]

Agreed. Image comics is the absolute best😎

[@courtneyr1291]

@Chosen One I started off with the American Vampire graphic novel series series by Scott Snyder. I also suggest Punk Rock Jesus the deluxe edition by Sean Murphy. They're both extremely good. I hope this helps. Happy reading🙂

[@NoahClevinger]

I’ve never read a single comic in my entire life (shocker) until I picked up all three of The Walking Dead compendiums. Instantly fell in love with the story. I’ve been a fan of the TV show for a long time, too. This video was just what I needed.

[@lazaronen1786]

“single issues cost around three dollars “ AHAHAHAHAHA...... *cries*

[@joshhernandez8771]

That's why I always go for the 1$ comics section in comic stores 💯

[@walterwhite8649]

A comic book store I went to, a single issue cost like 1 dollar or something

[@someonehadtosayit.3834]

2nd and Charles, if you live in Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, or Virginia, has 95c used comics

[@annebeckemeyer4182]

i’ve been into japanese manga for a while now and am looking into pursuing illustration as a career (i’m 18 years old), and i’ve always loved comics and the art style but like you said, didn’t know where to start! this video is really helpful i’m going to try getting into it, definitely need to ask my dad first because i know he has some comics somewhere haha!

[@kaiwilliams141]

This is one of the most well put together and thorough videos on getting into comics that I have ever seen. This is coming from someone who is already a comic reader. I didn't have a friend and learned so many of these lessons the hard way. Excellent work on the video.

[@bugenjoyer2187]

Honestly though, if someone asked me to recommend their very first movie, I’d go with The Raiders of The Lost Ark. I feel it’s the best all around movie ever. Either that or The Princess Bride.

[@TheWretchedMammoth]

Been reading comics for 28 years, this was a really good video but in terms of teen series I think Young Justice should've been recommended as well as Mark Waid's Flash run along with Geoff John's. Keep helping people through this medium, I hate the future but if it has to be at least this is a good thing brought by it.

[@santeriheiskanen5342]

(Teen Titans by Geoff Johns would have been great as well )

[@judealdred5237]

Couldn't agree with the library tip more, I am currently reading a compilation of the lee, ditko Spiderman for free, also I am new to comics

[@donov25]

Lee Ditko Spider-Man is a great run. Have you read anything else since?

[@MightyQuinn2021]

You look like Vsauce

[@MightyQuinn2021]

From far away

[@zenmastakilla]

Like, really far away.

[@Rindew]

@@zenmastakilla But how far is far? *Vsauce music plays

[@regirayquaza]

But what makes a good comic introduction?

[@Darko113]

"Hey Vsauce! Patrick here..."

[@DrMadd]

When I recommend superhero stories for certain characters (mostly DC) I usually make it a one off story. This way they can get a taste of what the medium is like without getting distracted by continuity. So for instance Long Halloween or Year One for Batman, All Star and For the Man Who Has Everything for Superman.

[@KingKhupacabra]

100% . Dc has one of the best one shot stories mostly for batman 😂🐐

[@reginaldforthright805]

I just advise them to steer clear of superhero books altogether because they’re invariably trash. Anyone who likes superhero comics has problems

[@happenable]

10:23 Recommendations... For my future self

[@marcusaurelius45]

Also I believe The Watchmen is a good place for beginners as it's very standalone and easy to read in a day or two. Besides its legendary plot that continues to haunt DC today

[@lauraortiz2133]

I'm 12 and can't wait to read my first comic, this video was really helpful, thanks! 😊

[@Rosgakori]

Also, perfect picks for X-Men comics. Astonishing X-Men & Wolverine and the X-Men are both fun, exciting and vibrant books. Whedon's is more like ongoing action movie with great bits of drama, while Aaron's really sell the title "Strangest Teens of All". Both come with hearty recommendation from me as well.

[@rockyweird]

I know at this point I'm the last one on the band wagon. This is a really good video I would and should show to my siblings and friends and co-workers who wanted to get into comics. As for recommendations I have three series where you can look up in trades and/or graphic novels. 1.) Astro City, an anthology series by Kurt Busiek where each issue/chapter shows the point of anyone who lives in a world full of superheroes. 2.) Tom Strong by Alan Moore and Chris Sprouse, a light hearted series that is a tribute to makes fun of pulp heroes. 3.) Irredeemable by Mark Waid and Peter Krause, a dark series about the world's greatest hero going bad while what's left of the world's heroes try to find ways to stop him. These are just some of the few I would start at vol 1 if anyone is interested. Other then that I'm enjoying this and other videos you've made so far.

[@kraziel]

Can you actually keep recommending comics all day? I would listen all day.

[@Mu3azOsman]

This is really dope! I only read "ultimate spider-man#1-5" when I found it on sale by chance now I know where to go from there

[@simont1299]

The New 52 was the best time to get in for me. Felt like I was able to jump in without having to know anything. I agree that following a writer or artist is the best way to go. I sometimes hated when an artist left a character I liked and the tone completely changed. Problem I found is that my subs grew to so many that it became cost prohibitive.

[@Elusive_Reclusive]

I walked into a bookstore one day, saw the cover for Habibi by Craig Thompson, opened it, flipped a few pages, closed it, bought it. I had never read a comic before in my life (despite being an illustrator : \ ) , but I knew whatever THIS was, i wanted to read it. I am now cracking open a door to graphic novels and comics that I didn't realize were so varied and groundbreaking. Also, because the fantasy and horror suggestions were a little sparse... read Julia Gfrörer. read everything she's done.

[@julian_frazer]

Great advice, even four years on. Pandemic is starting to wind down and shops are reopening, so yesterday I finally went to my town's comic store and picked up a couple of graphic novels, and now I'm buying another (The Fade Out) plus a Spawn traceback :)) have fun reading, everyone!

[@adamomasta-milsom6566]

Amazing video pat. I wish I'd had something like this 6 months ago when I was trying to get into comics. It was close to the DC rebirth launch so I decided to start there by reading a bunch of DC series and staying with the ones I liked. Though the advice about starting with trade backs would hav been really useful back then.

[@patrickhwillems]

They've finally started releasing trades faster recently (the first 2 Rebirth trades are already out for most Rebirth books) so it's pretty easy to catch up.

[@Tyler_W]

Patrick (H) Willems I saw the first Rebirth trades on a hugr rack at a comic shop on Free Comic book Day and I was thrilled to see they had released. The second volumes of some of these series are out too? I really like it when trades are out on a faster release schedule. I don't like having to wait 6 months to a year to get a collected edition after a storyline finishes. idk if wait times are that long but they can still be a really long time before release since story completion.

[@Foxarocious]

You vocalized and summarized exactly what I've been trying to tell people about comics all the way down to the "it's like saying you've never seen a movie" argument! Thanks for this video!

[@UggyStoopy]

SHort version: Read pretty much anything Brian K. Vaughn has done!

[@patrickhwillems]

Nailed it.

[@Timartyn]

I don't know if you've seen the Runaways show on Hulu, Patrick, but if you have, I'd be interested in seeing a video about your take on the series. I loved Runaways and it was my entryway into comics in middle school. The show fakes out the audience, making them think it will be a faithful adaption, but soon sets up a few dozen subplots, most of which the show never gets back to. Really bizarre series, and I was surprised to see many people defending it on Reddit. Anyway, I thought it could fit in with a video essay on what makes a good TV adaption or what makes bad television. Something like that.

[@kamenriderla4314]

No thanks. His Swamp Thing run was bad.

[@cfd6201]

Definitely! Runaways is AMAZING!

[@joaoviktor992]

Except 'The Hood' not bad, but not great either

[@NastieBoyFilms]

This is a great video that i'll be showing to students in my graphic narrative class as I get this question a lot. I didn't see any Daniel Clowes or Adrian Tomine comics in your recommendations. If you haven't read any of their work (although i'm sure you have) I'd recommend Wilson, Patience, Mr Wonderful, Ghost World, Killing and Dying, Summer Blonde & Optic Nerve. Or pretty much anything they've ever written.

[@gabrielmambo5436]

...Wait... libraries...are FREE???

[@Duvdeve]

I thought you need to pay for subscription or some thing Plus they probably don't have any comic books atleast in the country I live in.

[@elisabeth4912]

In my city they are free for children under 18 and students. Yearly subscriptions for adults are quite inexpensive, so I would call it a worthy investment for anyone who likes books.

[@irecon-_516]

What's a *LIBRARY*

[@HeadStronger-HS]

@@Duvdeve no you just have to pay the homeless guy out front to get in.

[@TheGingerburger]

@Justin A "anime" 😂 they aren't ANIMATION

[@AustinIuliano]

Patrick, I am really loving the new style of content. The informative long format is super cool. I love learning new things and this makes me feel smarter.

[@patrickhwillems]

Thanks, Austin! That means a lot. So glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@AustinIuliano]

Of course dude! I didn't even know that I wanted to learn how to make a movie intro like the matrix or that I wanted to get into comic books but your title got me interested. The well-researched information made me stick around.

[@azozazoz2131]

This is very helpful, this need gets more views! And yes, definitely pick Planetary, Jonathan Hickman's East of West and Fantastic Four

[@SAM-ru4vx]

just do DC Rebirth (deluxe Edition) trade. this is the reboot of DC comics.....then go to amazon and buy some more rebirth trade volumes to get the complete story arches .

[@azozazoz2131]

OLE SammyOLE DC Rebirth is not a reboot, it's more likely fixing all mess since The New 52 started

[@SAM-ru4vx]

You are correct. It is a good starting point for new people or those that haven't read comic in years.

[@Tyler_W]

OLE SammyOLE ha now we're getting into the semantics of reboots, retcons and relaunches. It's kinda complicated but I think it's easy enough to understand once you relatively understand the terms. Maybe I might be off somewhere and correct me if I am, but here's sort of how I've come to understand them. Rebirth was a relaunch and as we have clearly seen from the DC Universe Revirth issue and in certain issues of Titans, Superman and the current The Button storyline in Batman and Flash, Rebirth is also a gradual retcon. A relaunch can be accompanied by either a reboot like New 52, a retcon or neither, instead just being an organized starting point for readers which may or may not include renumbering of the issues. A retcon is a selective alteration to established overarching continuity that is otherwise being retained. An example of that is the retcon where Iron-man's origin story of where he got kidnapped and made his first armor was changed from originally taking place in Vietnam to Afghanistan. More recent examples are how Captain America's Hydra allegiances have been interwoven into his history and how Post-Crisis akd New 52 Superman's character and histories have been merged together into the current established New 52 turned Rebirth DC Universe, overlapping what came before for stories moving forward. Reboots are more or less a widespread reset or drastic alteration of all of or the majority of the established continuity which can be accompanied by a relaunched renumbering like the New 52 reality after the Flashpoint reboot or not at all like the transition to the Post-Crisis reality created by the Crisis on Infonite Earths reboot.

[@SAM-ru4vx]

but what do you tell a person who never read a comic book and only reference is either tv series or movie? do you tell them to check out the best story by the best writer or pick the most recent relaunch? hell marvel does cross promotions and retcons the whole company 3 times a year now. dc does it on what a 5 year cycle now. its confusing for new people to get into it. WHY MUST EVERYTHING IN MARVEL BE A "SECRET". its hard to find a starting point if the company stops a series after 12 issues. so what is the best option? just get trades of favorite characters? or grab one of the Omnibus? is digital subscription the best option?

[@heavenlyvanilla2968]

Oh my gosh you have no idea how much this video helped me. I've been wanting to get into comics for a while and decided to start with Spider-Man, but lost a lot of interest after looking at the amount of issues to read. I've got a lot more interest in reading now thanks to you. Also, super happy to see someone else recommend Bone. Barly anyone else I know has read it.

[@thesuperframe]

Oooo Jonathan Hickman's fantastic four is crazy good highly recommended

[@Tyler_W]

SUPER FRAME if you really get sucked into his Fantastic Four, then you can just as easily continue with FF, Secret Warriors, S.H.I.E.L.D., Avengers and New Avengers culminating in Secret Wars since they all have interweaving themes and overarching plot threads while you can still enjoy them all individually without having to read any of the others (although it might be a good idea to read Fantastic Four akd FF together and Avengers and New Avengers together)

[@TheRishijoesanu]

Jonathan Hickman Fantastic Four -> FF -> SHIELD -> Avengers -> New Avengers -> Infinity -> Secret Wars Six years of goodness. Amazing. Peak Marvel.

[@memmustafa18]

For some reason I've only read the 4th volume, I need to buy more!!!!

[@NelsonStJames]

You are crazy correct! I don't think anybody writes a better Dr. Doom.

[@gabrielidusogie9189]

Damn straight

[@ianbauder488]

My first comic was 20 years ago. I checked out Bone vol 1 from the library. It's still one of my all time favorites. Great recommendation!

[@masusu9683]

I started reading comics about two years ago. I had some of the problems you mentioned, but my main one was simply where to start. So I simply went to the library and looked around. I had read some of Neil Gaiman's books and recogniced the name, so my first comic was Sandman. Since then I've continually raided the comic section in the library and have read, or tried to read, most of what looked interesting (Its a small library so not as impressive as it sounds) to the point where I'm worried what I'm going to do when I don't find anything to read at the library, since comics costs way to much.

[@ernestoavalossosa8415]

One of the best videos about getting into comics (just missed Omnibus and Absolutes)

[@TheComicsClubInc]

Well done! I've been pushing comics for 30 years and this was a great breakdown and introduction to the hobby. We'll be sharing this video with all the "newbies" to the hobby. -- The Comic Book Pusher 😎

[@graydanger]

Giant Days was fantastic. I loved every single character there.

[@TVChild3]

It's such a weird question though. It's exactly like asking "I want to read novels and I don't know where to start". Comics isn't a genre, it's a medium. If you like a certain type of genre, like let's say detective stories, read comics about detectives.

[@leticiabrc]

I learned to read with comic books when i was like two or three. There is a kid’s series of comics here in Brazil that I was addicted (still am I guess), but only now I started becoming interested on reading superhero comics. I still don’t know exactly where to go but I think I’m figuring it out. Loved the video!

[@orfeas248]

you realy should do a series just recomending comic books! It would be very helpful and enjoyable!

[@SeanMacadelic]

Why do people always recommend video ideas that suck. You want him to do an entire series just recommending comic books!? Lol

[@DaddyGamerReviews]

Wish this video had been around a few years ago when I got started in reading comics. Early on I kept running into shop owners and other fans who would look at me annoyed that they were being asked for help. Like I wasn't worth their insight because I hadn't already been reading comics on my own for 20 years. Luckily I pushed through all that and found a few shops I really enjoyed and were helpful and now get to enjoy comics! Thank you for this, I will be sure to share it with anyone I know who shows an interest in comics, while also being "the friend with the comics"

[@JoeGlassComics]

These are some fantastic recommendations, and I think this video is really helpful for those considering getting into comics. Kudos, Patrick! I'd love to see a follow up video where you maybe illuminate some of the other aspects that confuse non-regular comic readers, like the preorder/pull list system, etc. I think there's a lot of scope to help a lot of folks break into a new found love of the medium :)

[@linkling-wn7qu]

I can't get in marvel comics or dc but other American comics or manga are really fun

[@NimTV]

I read Persepolis once, because I had to for one of my college classes. It was kind of interesting

[@NotADood]

I loved the movie.

[@NimTV]

Dru Smith I’ve never seen the movie but I should sometimes

[@malikrivers4884]

I think another easy way to get into comics is checking out free comic book day. You can get a bunch of single issue stories that the writers deliberately make to get new readers hooked. It’s a nice way to dip your toes in the water and see if you want more. Then you can start getting the trade paper backs and graphic novels and so on. Great video!

[@steven_heron]

Blankets made me cry. That's a great starting point.

[@mjacton]

This is the absolute best video for beginning advice for comics.

[@bobjuniorman5352]

When you're already super into comics but have never read a few of those suggestions and are now really compelled to check them out.

[@augustbergh]

Really great video! I will share this. I would also like to add 'Understanding Comics' by Scott McCloud as essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the medium on a deeper level.

[@DeyaViews]

I've been watching your videos plenty as of late, but I think this is the one that made me subscribe. The clear and concise and kind of educative style here is really good video production, and the recommendations are really appreciated! If you have any interest in non-American comics, would you consider a follow-up?

[@aahansen82]

Thank you! This is literally exactly what I came to KZbin to learn. This was the first result and was very informative and entertaining. Thank you! I'm doubly excited for my first Comicon in March, now!

[@mor68sg]

Synder/Capullo Volume 1 was the first ever comic I ever read. It is fantastic.

[@pineappleman335]

imnotthatimaginative court of owls👍💯

[@thinktank2039]

imnotthatimaginative same dude, court of Owls is the best!

[@normansmith9009]

Same here

[@marcolivellidavid6926]

First dc, i love it

[@paokalexthes]

Insanely good video. I recently got into comics and dug out similar tips from Reddit and other random forums and I can say everything you mentioned in this video is pure gold for new comic readers.

[@KeepOnDreamingDude]

Hey guys! Vsauce, michael here

[@harrymarkandjohn]

Great video! While I only started reading comics in my late 20s (around 8 yrs ago), I read many of your recommendations. Still, there is so much cool stuff, I will be coming back to this for sure. Great explanations, too. Just an additional recommendation for a comic about comics: Scott McClouds Understanding Comics. Very entertaining and it explains why the medium is so great...

[@obi3924]

if you want to get into dc rebirth. Just read DC rebirth #1. Then read any DC title you want

[@thatdude2508]

Yep

[@TheCapedArtist]

Exept for Batman, cuz the new 52 was awesome lol

[@thatdude2508]

True

[@Noname-ut1ye]

@@TheCapedArtist until issue 86 that is. Tynion is awesome and washed away the King stink besides some of the more...permanent things he did.

[@TheCapedArtist]

@@Noname-ut1ye I haven't read anything from the main time line since batman #69 lol. But yeah I heard it's good now

[@invadermedras]

Runaways was what really got me into comics besides what my dad got me to read as a wee kiddo... I'm glad to see that Patrick actually recommends it 🤩 it's such a comfort read for me that I honestly can't tell if it's good or not 😅 sooo yeah... super cool to see him rec it! and I hope more people discover and enjoy both it and Young Avengers!

[@agffth]

Awesome video. Thanks for making this. I just started reading comics and I’ve been struggling to figure out where to start with some characters. Your recommendations will help. Thanks!

[@batboy968]

It feels so relateble i am a big comic book fan. In the beginning it was really hard (i'm talking about 6 years ago), But now i have a few friends who are interested and now i'm there yoda in the world of comics. What also doesn't help is that i live in the netherlands where comics and geek culture in general is way less common. Sorry for the bad english and maby boring story XD

[@DamianParedes99]

he I started with Grant Morrison's Batman... it was rough... took me like 20 reads and a ton of Wikipedia to get it 😂😂😂 now I only read Indies got tired of the never ending stories of the big two but there are great gems there too...

[@patrickhwillems]

I really love Morrison's Batman but there is no way in hell I would give it to someone as their first comic.

[@DamianParedes99]

Yeah me neither but... I'm stubborn I had to understand what was going on between all that madness. Another great intro comic is Greg Rucka's Punisher I give it to anyone who likes the Netflix Series.

[@omkar_sawant]

Very very helpful guide, thank you!! I love that you added a recommendations part at the end. While hardcore comic readers might not agree with your taste, for people like me just getting into them it's a helpful path. :)

[@serkin2988]

I started with Scott Pilgrim because of the great movie. Now I love comics just as much as books.

[@Blackburn-Arts]

Same here

[@kevinsantos1381]

My crush is really into comic books and superhero movies, but I'm more of a casual fan that will typically only watch the movies (not even all of those tbh). I'm not saying I've got to like what she likes to "woo" her over, but it'd definetly be something for us to talk about. Thanks for the help

[@QuintessentialQs]

If you want to spend less money, go to the comic store and buy back issues. Most comic shops have a handful of "long boxes" with hundreds or thousands of single issues. The stuff from the late 70s through the early 2000s is really cheap per issue (usually between 50 cents and 2.00). Pick random issues with attractive covers and read them, if you like it, track down the surrounding issues and let your collection begin!

[@juanaguirre3702]

I’ve been reading Spider-Man, X-men, fantastic four, and avengers from their beginning and they’re awesome the fact that there’s so much content only makes me happy so I can see it all

[@redmoth6017]

Mark Waid's Daredevil is my shit. Great video!

[@restlessentertainment9760]

Red Moth Chris Samnee's line work in that series is beautiful

[@themadtitan7603]

Me too

[@peterscottallen5583]

Great video that would have been super helpful when I started reading but I feel that watchmen probably would be a good recommendation to put up there for after u read comics for awhile, that way u get some of the tropes which I feel makes that comic better. The same way that when u read Batman comics for awhile and get to know him the dark knight returns is really good instead of just reading that for the first time

[@epicgamer2727]

Everyone should read Saga. That is all

[@patrickhwillems]

Correct

[@ionlytypestarwarsmemes5841]

its so boooooooooriiiing the waiting has began

[@HannibalHanslaughter]

Malazan27 YEEESSS

[@eroshan]

Everyone should read Sandman.. and then Saga too

[@diegom-a7970]

Saga is good but not for everyone

[@Bandogphoto]

I am very new to this video, but it's a great intro to comics that I will share. The only issue I had with it is near the beginning when you say that comics don't have budget limitations to consider like tv shows. I make comics, and I make very few because art is expensive and I can only afford so much. If your favorite new comic suddenly gets cancelled, that's because it didn't sell enough issues to make it profitable (or profitable enough), and that means it's not worth paying the writer, editor, inker, colorist, letter, ect. to keep making that series because that budget can be used somewhere else. Marvel and DC have to worry about budgets too, even if they're smaller than television.

[@brunogiambroni1422]

I love Nimona!

[@Roman-ey3yi]

Check your local libraries guys, many graphic novels are available for borrow. You can look at your local comic shop and consider buying collections of old unwanted floppies from your lcs- they will be what you would get in a volume but cheaper.

[@ldsentertainment3130]

Thank you for putting all this together and helping us noobs out, but for recommendations, you never mentioned The Hulk. I was always interested in this hugely popular character but I’m very surprised he’s always overlooked on nearly every comics channel I browse.

[@joelpartee594]

The recent Immortal Hulk series was really good, and I hope it got a lot more people interested in Hulk. Certainly a very different take than the Hulk and Defenders stories I loved in the seventies and eighties...

[@NathanSeals]

I really like how you're experimenting and putting out a lot of content. Keep up the good work, Patrick!

[@Volvagia1927]

I would actually feel reticent recommending anything "mainline" Archie as your first recommendation if you're into Riverdale. I'd say tonally closer books like Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures with Sabrina or, even, Archie vs. Predator would be much better stepping stones, because Riverdale's trying to do the "moody teen drama thing." I'd recommend mainline Archie more easily to a friend who's, say, digging old Happy Days re-runs, because mainline Archie, no matter how it updates, is, primarily, a loose and light comedy series tied to old-school 50s-Americana.

[@patrickhwillems]

That's a good point. I love the Archie horror stuff.

[@Gemnist98]

I would actually recommend reading the mainline Archie comics (particularly the reboot version, since they're closer to Riverdale in style) BEFORE getting into Riverdale, since the show is already supposed to be a subversion of the comics.

[@leskobrandon8454]

I started with Spawn about a month ago, and I'm in love. ❤️ I can't really stand super heroes but there are SOOOO many badass comics out there if you are like me

[@MelMelodyWerner]

Addendum for the recommendations: Alternative comics are legit. If you like Transformers, Ghostbusters, Nancy Drew, Steven Universe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Invader Zim, Adventure Time, GI Joe, Power Rangers, Godzilla, Aliens, Predator, The Simpsons, Futurama -- they all have had well respected licensed comics recently. In terms of lesser known publishers; AfterShock, Vault, Black Mask, and Lion Forge (not an exhaustive list) all regularly put out unique, fantastic comics with production values that match the Big Two (Marvel & DC). Anything from them is usually a safe bet. ComiXology lends a fairly comprehensive list of comics a given creator has worked on. Otherwise, ComicVine is a good moratorium for that info. As far as subscription services go, ComiXology has their own which covers a wide array of books from more studios than just Marvel. Image Comics has its own subscription service if you like books such as Saga, The Wicked + the Divine, Chew, Deadly Class, and The Walking Dead. Comichaus is a much cheaper subscription service that focuses on independent comics and some alternative ones from big-name publishers like IDW and Dynamite. Madefire is really great if you are interested in motion comics and has a decent selection of free works to wet your whistle. Hoopla is great if you prefer digital to physical. As long as you have a library card in the US (dunno if it's also available elsewhere or if there are equivalents) you can use it, it's free, and you can rent a few comics each month depending on what limitations your local library has. It also has some novels, audiobooks, movies, etc. but they all pull from the same limit of monthly rentals. Webcomics are also a great, free way of getting into comics. Some are trash of course, but Line Webtoon and Tapas have excellent libraries (albeit Tapas's own content requires spending cash so it's not as cheap as LW). As far as individual recommendations go, here are some additional ones: Image: • Chew • Criminal • Wayward • The Private Eye • Invincible • The Wicked + the Divine • Plutona • Farmhand • Skyward • Flavor • Isola • Deadly Class • Black Science • Buzzkill • Rumble • Sunstone (50 Shades of Grey if it wasn't garbage) • Oblivion Song • The Strange Talent of Luther Strode DC/Vertigo: • Pride of Baghdad • Batman: Rebirth • New Superman • Get Jiro! (by the late Anthony Bourdain) • Aquaman: Rebirth • Super Sons • Punk Rock Jesus • Batman: The White Knight • Wolf Moon • Superman: Earth One • Gotham by Gaslight • Y: The Last Man Marvel: • Black Bolt • The Vision • Rocket • Rogue & Gambit and its follow-up, Mr. & Mrs. X • Venom (2018) • The Immortal Hulk (2018) • Deadpool (Marvel NOW!) • Domino (2018) • Uncanny X-Force • Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: Leah (short comic that's one of the biggest tearjerkers in comicdom) • Patsy Walker, AKA Hellcat! • Marvel Two-In-One (2017-) • Captain Marvel (2004) IDW: • Transformers • The Shrinking Man • The Spider King • Empire • Action Man • Darkness Visible BOOM!: • Diesel: Ignition • Judas • Sombra • Irredeemable & Incorruptible (two sister series) • Deathmatch • Mech Cadet Yu • Day Men • Black Market • Soldier Zero • Lucy Dreaming • Power Rangers • Suicide Risk Others: • Kaijumax • Invader Zim • The Sixth Gun • Voracious • Quantum & Woody! • Backways • 'Namwolf • 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank • Wasted Space • Deep Roots • Breathless • Nancy Drew • Anya's Ghost • Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong • The Adventures of Superhero Girl • Brody's Ghost (for weebs) • Anti-Hero Webcomics: • Scurry • Elf & Warrior • Witch Creek Road • Battlepug • Lackadaisy • Supersonic Girl • All That You Are • Saphie: The One-Eyed Cat • The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn • UndeadEd • Spark • Darbi

[@galatea___]

Thanks a lot for this!

[@sertaki]

Nice list, I will save it and consult it for future considerations. :D Thanks!

[@Noname-ut1ye]

I personally wouldn't recrommend Tom King's Batman.

[@xkumanekox]

I'm trying to avoid Marvel and DC related comics at the moment, because I'm more interested in reading stuff that are more out there for the time being, like Sandman and Scott Pilgrim, which I've already read (but haven't finished). But great tips and info, and thanks for the recommendations!

[@tialin..9312]

Wow. Just wow. So glad I ran across your videos!

[@hassanh8783]

Variant comics KZbin channel is a great way to get into comics, which explains the history of many superhero’s and superhero artifacts, with other and fresh contents too

[@SilverDOMO192837]

Scott Pilgrim is AMAZING, o couldn't recommend it more

[@akba666]

The library really is the best place to start. All the highly rated and commonly recommended stuff are there. Plus you really can't beat free AND LEGAL.

[@Hulavuta]

One coming of age/immigrant story I really like is Anya's Ghost. It's a Graphic Novel and so just one volume.

[@johnnyjosefsen7644]

For something offbeat people should read Black Hole and Last Look by Charles Burns, both have a weird horror like atmosphere while they deal with grounded characters and heavy adult themes. Alice in Sunderland by Bryan Talbot is also a very interesting read.

[@meyolyx]

Any recommendations for where to start reading Ant-man. I really loved the movie.

[@patrickhwillems]

Start with the first volume by Nick Spencer.

[@meyolyx]

Which one, Ant-man vol 1: Second-chance man, or astonishing ant-man vol 1?

[@patrickhwillems]

Ant-Man vol. 1 first, then go to Astonishing Ant-Man. Marvel has this annoying habit of relaunching series every year or so, which makes it confusing. Wikipedia lists the collected editions, which is super useful: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ant-Man_(Scott_Lang)#Collected_editions

[@meyolyx]

Thank you for taking your time to reply. I appreciate the help

[@DOHvideo2012]

You do a great job. As a person who finds most KZbin efforts to be sub par, I think you really do have a distinct and legitimate talent. You work could appear on TCM or AMC and it would be perfectly fitted for value and content. Good work sir.

[@clumsysandbocks5650]

The claim that comics are indigenous to America is bizarre. So far as I'm aware the comic strips did not originate from America, and France, England and Japan all have thriving comic markets.

[@CatOnFire]

America did not invent the comic strip or the concept of using panels of art to tell a story or make a point. However, America did invent the serialized comic book medium. Using sequential comic magazine publications to tell an ongoing story across months/years was a uniquely US creation. Modern comic strips used for satire and jokes originated in Glasgow and spread to England. However, the first comic strips used to tell ongoing action-adventure and mystery stories appeared in the United States. Also, the very first printed collection of comic strips (the first thing in the West that resembles the modern concept of a comic book) was a collection called "The Funnies" and it was printed by Dell Publishing in America circa 1920. At first, the format was used to sell collections of comic strips without the rest of the newspaper attached. This resulted in the sequential storytelling of comic books as a medium when the action-adventure and mystery stories were collected and published sequentially. Publishers began printing new material in the format as early as 1938, which is the same year that Action Comics #1 released, which ultimately defined the superhero genre in the medium of comic books. Japan also had comic strips dating as far back as the 12th century in some rare scrolls which depicted sequential scenes with no text, but these were done in pairs. They were essentially just artwork of an event drawn as a before and after pair, not a sequential story publication. During the Edo Period (1603-1867) Japan developed Kibiyoshi, which are more akin to modern picture books. Sequential art with text telling the bulk of the story. Japan's next step towards comics was the Toba Ehon, a book that used sequential pictures to show the everyday lives of people during the Edo Period. This is what we would call a graphic novel but it was not published in a serialized format and it was an actual book instead of a magazine. Japan went on to print more graphic novels and more picture books. The word "manga" became popularized due to the Hokusai Manga which was a publication of 15 volumes that began in 1814. However, this was just a collection of sketches by a popular artist. The Hokusai Manga did not use sequential panels to tell a story beyond a singular page and every page was a different scene that had no story relation to the prior pages. It was essentially just a serialized art showcase. Similar to western comic strips, Japan had similar steps towards modern comic books in the early 1900s. In 1902, there was a black and white comic page called Jiji Manga. In 1905, there was a satirical magazine called Tokyo Puck, based on the similar western magazine simply titled Puck, which had begun publication in 1876 in America. This publication did not tell a sequential story between issues, like many similar publications of the era. Japan saw a government crackdown on comics between 1920 and 1930 because many of the comic strips that were being made were very critical of the government. Leading up to and during WWII, the Japanese government shut down a lot of these publications and even made arrests. This led the art form to being relegated to propagandized comic strips and not much else for a while. Post WWII, Japan saw the already-established western serialized comic book market and these publications were an instant hit in the East. They began producing their own variant, which became what we know of today as serialized manga. That is essentially the history of the comic book medium. Other regions have similar variants of this story, taking steps towards establishing a similar medium in each countries own way, but it was US comic books that ultimately defined the genre worldwide.

[@bluewaffles9800]

Thanks, I just ordered the Walking Dead Compendium 1!

[@seamuslikesmovies8748]

How to get into comics: 1) Read comics 2) Profit

[@cfd6201]

I was introduced to the world of superheroes when I was brought to watch Avengers: Age of Ultron in theaters. Since then I have really started to get into the MCU and started reading comics with Astonishing X-Men, the “Crazy Runs In the Family” run of Moon Knight, Batman: The Killing Joke (deluxe edition), and Curse Words by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne. In 4 years I’ve evolved from the kid in my family who knew nothing about superheroes to the kid my parents ask questions about the infinity stones to.

[@pauldiamond1583]

Wait, Peter Parker is Spiderman!?!? Dude! Spoilers.

[@AnthonySands566]

As an already intermediate to advanced comic/manga fan, i have to say that this was an amazingly well put together video and will recommend it to anyone i know that wants to get more involved. Good shit dude.

[@aaronolivarez2677]

Just read anything with Cyclops.. cuz he was right.

[@Tyler_W]

I don't agree with all of Cyclops' actions over the past decade in his "radical phase" and he probably went to a few unnecessary extremes like trying to force kids to fight the sentinels instead of simply giving them the choice in Schism (if I remember that story right), but in a lot of ways he totally had a legit point. Wolverine was right in a lot of ways too but Cyke wasn't bust some crazy nutjob like sime of the writers oortrayed him to be. He was totally right when it came to Inhumans vs. X-men though. I like the Inhumans and all but seriously, screw those guys. Cyclops was right.

[@TheRishijoesanu]

Rightclops

[@DrewLSsix]

Aaron Olivarez #cyclopsdidnothingwrong

[@-ireuploadyourdeletedvideos]

nah son

[@dedg0st]

-FREE SPEECH IS DEAD- free speech is dead? can’t roll my eyes any harder at that. also, cyclops was mostly right.

[@spoontik2933]

Thank you very much for this video ! I am french and I started to read comics at the beginning in order to improve my english. So I started with The Walking Dead and I couldn't believe my eyes how excellent it is compared to the TV serie. I use to read a lot of manga but since I read The Walking Dead, I am looking for other comics as exciting. Your video is really helpfull :)