Introduction to comics (when you are intimidated by them!) Part 1

2:59 pm HelenLJohnson 0 Comments

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Are you are intimidated by comics? Don't worry, so am I! Although I am much better now than I used to be, skirting around Forbidden Planet with eyes to the floor, I still get moments of 'imposter syndrome' where it just makes the experience more uncomfortable than it needs to be. So what should you do? This is part one of a two part blog post helping you to get started with comics. This week will be general tips on finding what you might like and how to combat that feeling of 'I shouldn't be doing this/I shouldn't be here'. Next week is a selection of comics that are perfect introductions. Justing putting it out there, I am by no means an expert and I have found my usual taste in comics; but hopefully the little things I have found helpful may be helpful to you too :).

Firstly, let's begin by becoming more familiar with some common terminology; knowing what you are asking or looking for can make all the difference!

Comics or comic books generally cover all genres and styles. The thinner styles are individual issues and are released most commonly as weekly, fortnightly or monthly publications. When the story is wrapped up in a standalone issue, this is a one shot. Multiple issues are called a series and often collected together in trade paperbacks as a cost and space effective option. These trade paperbacks are often in volumes and series may have multiple volumes. Think of these like your bonus DVD, they will often come with extras such as concept art, stories of development and a collection of cover art. It'll be easy to spot as they are all numbered with each volume following a story arc. The story arc is simple, it is the whole narrative tale that spans multiple individual issues. When multiple volumes are collected together, these are called a compendium. These weighty tomes are often quite expensive and sometimes includes pages printed in black and white when they were originally in colour. When a story is published in a book style first, this is a graphic novel (e.g. Scott Pilgrim) and can be stand alone or be part of a series. Many people now are turning to comics in a digital manner using sites such as comixology and humble bundle that can be read on e-reader devices. This is a great idea as a cost effective option, to collect a long running series or for when you are travelling. 

Comiconverse

Manga reflects the Asian style in art, publication and narrative style; often from Japan, Korea and China. The Golden Age of comics is the time between 1930/1940s. The Silver Age of comics are those published between 1950s/1960s. The Bronze Age are those from 1970-1985. Those from 1985 onward are called the Modern Age. These ages are good to know as they impact what kind of comics you are looking for and which bags and boards you need. Comic bags and boards are used to keep individual comics clean and protected. To further protect comics they can be placed in comic boxes.

Publishers:

The Big 6: Marvel, DC, Top Cow, Image, Dark Horse and MAD.

Those outside the big 6 are deemed independent titles.

If you need a further breakdown (especially with roles within comic production, see this post by Free Comic Book Day Website)

Finding Comics:

Geek and Sundry

So now you know a little bit of the lingo and how publishers are split, let's take a look how to find something you may enjoy.

1. Go to your local library

Yes, if you are not aware, in the UK libraries often now have a good selection of comics, especially main community libraries, and have a digital database for a larger selection of digital titles. I read the whole series of Fables like this and it is good to have a browse in an environment that may not feel as intimidating as a comic book shop or stall. It is perfect to find out what you might like without having to invest money.

2. Start with films, TV shows and games that you enjoy

Series that link with films, TV and games are a good way to feel like you are not a complete newbie. You will already be familiar with the world and characters so reading the story should be easier than trying to get to grips with a whole new world. Examples include Star Wars, Tomb Raider, Mass Effect and James Bond 007. Often, these are published by Dark Horse but can be with others. From here, you can find artists and writers that you like and find out what other publications they have contributed towards.

For the biggies of Marvel and DC, if you enjoy Thor or Wonder Woman, have a Google to see which series are recommended (and check that you are able to read them as a stand alone without feeling like you have missed out on too much) or take the latest complete series of that title. Especially for long running titles, there are often multi-verses and spinoffs and can be overwhelming. Sometimes the historical content can be a little hard to get into, so at the start stick to the latest ones unless a particular series is highly rated.

Polygon

3. Ask friends, YouTube and/or Twitter

If you have friends who are even mildly into comics, ask them what did they start with and any that they recommend. Also follow comic readers on twitter, they'll frequently tweet out what they are reading or recently bought and you can add them to your list. Very often for me, I'll get attracted by the cover art and want to know more about it. I found out about Monstress this way, a title I would have never seen unless I was just flicking though my wonderful twitter timeline of geekness! Another good source is YouTube with channel highlights such as comicstorian, comics explained and comicgirl19 who will do reviews and in regard to comicstorian, summarise whole series. So if you are struggling a story or not sure you'd like it, you can check it out first! If you are getting lost in a timeline, comics explained is your man.

4. Use your hobbies and interests as a starting point

Here comes almighty Google, just type in something you are interested in and 'comic' and see what comes up. Some might be hit or miss, but you'll get a feel for what is out there based upon themes and issues you are interested in.

5. Buck up the courage and ask.

If you are particularly nervous, go by the few tips mentioned previously. Once you have a feel of what comics are and what is available, you should find it easier to ask the person behind the counter what they'd recommend based on x,y,z that you have enjoyed or to have a browse in boxes at comic con. Sometimes, a personal recommendation is one of the best and at the end of the day, a good fan wants others to enjoy the same thing. Not to circle it off in an elitist manner.

So I hope this has been a good read for you, if you have any more tips or suggestions, please leave them below in the comments or tweet me @Lady_Scion. Coming up next is a selection of my favorite comics and suggestions on titles to start with.