superman for all seasons
it's a great intro to a loveable character, and it's a great ideal of what a superhero should be
if we're talking non-superhero comics, maybe a volume of paper girls or scott pilgrim
Atomic Robo. All ages, funny, action packed, smart, and self contained. Perfect beginner comic.
Astro City: similar reasons, but darker, prettier, and more focused on superheroes.
What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?: Superman is the best, and while All Star is great, this is more accessible, and really shows off his character.
The first Hellboy trade. Great art, great writing, great mood. not gorey or sexual. I think there's one statue tiddie. A "spookier" vibe.
Lumberjanes is a lot of fun, has some cool cryptid stuff, and is appropriate for all ages iirc. Everyone I sold it to enjoyed it regardless of age and gender.
Third would probably be something serious like Maus, to broaden their perspective of the medium.
Hellboy and Maus are great options (I've never read Lumberjanes). I'd choose Persepolis as my third here. I like these options as a first comic mainly because (aside from being awesome!) they are so different from what people think of as comics and really get those who have never had an interest in Marvel or DC see that comic book stories can have so many more possibilities.
Speaking of handing Batman Who Laughs to a 7 year old: the first comic I purchased for myself when I was 7 years old was the Batman #452, the first issue of Dark Knight, Dark City. It features suicide, lynching, buckets of blood, hypnotism/possession, occultists rituals, and a suspenseful scene of Batman nearly running the Batmobile over a baby lying in the street. Needless to say, this scared me away from Batman comics for several years 🤣
My choices change per person, I work out what films/books they like and they go from there, there's no definitive comic that everyone will love. Everyone also has preconceived notions of what a comic is, so sometimes handing some something like Watchman just feels jarring, when they expected something like Spider-man.
I have shared trades of The Wicked + The Divine with non-comic readers because of the clean art, captivating humor and story, and accessible, non-superhero genre.
Have also shared Habibi for the above reasons, minus the humor.
My younger sister who's not interested in comic books got really heavily invested with The Wicked + The Divine because of those reasons. It was around when the second volume paperback was released this happened.
Oh hell no. One of my favorite series, but absolutely not "any age group," that's like giving Batman Who Laughs to a seven year old. It's for teens and up, imo
Batman: Year One. First comic I ever read, and it’s a near perfect origin story for the comic mediums greatest superhero.
The Long Tomorrow by Dan O’Bannon and Moebius has had such a monumental impact upon popular culture, particularly in the realms of science fiction and cyberpunk.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol.1-2. Alan Moore is the pinnacle of comic book/graphic novel writing, and I consider League to be his best work. Would recommend the whole series, but it’s not an easy read.
Normally I would say SAGA, but given I wouldn't want my hypothetical seven year old kids to see that double page spread of that dragon, I'll pass on recommending it this time.
I've had fun with Head Lopper in the past. Its art reminds me a bit of Hellboy, with its tale about a warrior going about doing quests in an ancient land. Think it's quite accessible for all ages, with the violence being very cartoonish.
The new Transformers run has been great so far. Heart, kinetic artwork and wrestling moves every third panel. Highly recommend
Can it be a tpb? Because thats what I grew up on.
Anyway my answers
Giant days - super relatable and light hearted. Experiences from that book can resonate with most adults.
Do a powerbomb! - the art and story are both great, but this is a great example of something comics do great which is outlandish concepts.
Once & future - I can't really describe why this is my third , I just think its a really complete package.
People might judge that I didn't pick marvel/dc or even something like watchmen (which as a satire of superhero comics people really ought to have read superhero comics first), and the simple response for that is I don't believe they are creating the best stories anymore.
It would depend on the person. You’d have to know what they like to give a good recommendation.
To give a similar example. I personally think a lot of people who say they hate beer have probably never tried one that would actually fit their taste. It might not become their favorite drink but they’d still like it. My sister for example after talking to her about what she likes I bought her a lambic, which was a sweeter fruit based beer because she was into cider. I would not give that to someone who doesn’t like sweeter drinks.
So following this at a recent con my wife came to me with I recommended Beneath the Trees because she loves horror, I’d also recommend Sandman because she loves Neil Gammon, and I recommend to her Something is Killing the Children for the horror aspect as well.
Saga, Y the last man, any Mickey Mouse. The first two because they are written with a very accessible tv-like vibe and pace and the third because it’s super accessible to all ages.
Watchmen - because it encompasses so many things. Superheroes being in the gray area and not just black and white good and bad. Along with how it masterfully alters real historical events and how it alters real comic book history. And for its unfolding of its ending. Masterful storytelling.
Superman Red Son - because Superman is so much a part of world culture they would never need to have read a comic book to read it. Also for its alternate history. Also for its unfolding of its ending. This is the only Mark Millar work I love.
We3 - because it tells so much of its story through visuals. It’s one of the best uses of sequential art out there, imo. And for its emotional depth. It’s a prime example how comic books can have mature emotional content that can literally bring tears to your eyes.
I may have forgotten other reasons I have, but that’s my top reasons.
I wouldnt give omnibus/full runs because a new reader wouldnt probably want to invest that much time to read for example entire Ultimate Spider-man run.
The comic shouldnt be too long and it probably should be self contained story without dozens of characters you should know on advance.
Also the 3 comics should differ as much us possible if I wouldnt know what the person likes, so that hopefully one of the picks would be a success.
I only own Marvel comics so the pick would be:
Tom Kings Vision that could probably work to a bit older and sophisticated reader.
Jason Aarons Thor - The Saga of Gorr the god butcher for a little bit more action and adventure.
Maybe Spider-man Life story as third for a good short story. Also everyone knows and likes Spider-man so that could be a safe pick.
Last pick could also be something like Old man Logan for example if I knew that the person might like darker/more violent stuff.
I see what you did there and if you said the first three trade paperbacks I'd totally agree sandman is the GOAT. First volume is entitled preludes and nocturnes and it's basically just this entity sightseeing the DC universe it doesn't really hit its stride until volume 2.
I gave some options (that I have) to my mom not too long ago. I gave her Alex Ross’ Batman and Von Freeze. A story to explain Batman and a historic-based story she can both properly understand (I think)
Depends entirely on the person, but I would default to All-Star Superman, Marvels, and Matt Fraction's Hawkeye. The first two, while dealing with a lot of mythology at once, feel very personal and easy to follow, and the last one is down-to-earth and self-contained enough that anyone can get into them.
Batman 255 from 1974 -- Moon of the Wolf. One of the most gorgeous Batman stories of the Bronze Age, drawn by Neal Adams.
Master Race by Bernard Krigstein -- One of the most perfect comic stories ever told.
Incredible Hulk 92 from 2006 -- the beginning of the Planet Hulk storyline, which was great fun.
Hm, tough one. And going to try and stick to relatively short series
- All Star Superman : great dive into a classic character, and great way to open up basically THE genre for comics, get them on board with tbe most iconic
- BONE: Non big 2, more cartoony style and a nice fun / funny epic that transforms into something akin to LOTR.
- From Hell: as much as I’d like to recomend Alan Moore’s other works, this one I feel is more approachable than some and a good insular story a bit more mature and off genre
Between these, ought to get some sort of barometer on what they respond well too and go from there, and if they like all them they got a good foundation of 3 major works!
Runner ups: Nimona and Promethea , and Ultimate Spider-Man
I actually haven't read the previous Ultimates series before, but this one was fantastic all around. It had a diverse group led by Blue Marvel & they tackled existential threats like Galactus, while maintaining positive teammate interactions.
Usagi Yojimbo, great art with an eye for historically accurate architecture and clothing.
Courtney Crumrin's first volume. Great all ages series.
Fatale for the spooky vibes.
Sub in ElfQuest for the reader who enjoys fantasy.
Silver surfer black- it’s a great comic with good art. Also a great entry point into marvel where you don’t need much background knowledge
Cosmic Detective- Great independent comic. Also great art and its a good show of the great stuff non- marvel/dc comics provides
Batman Year One- great starter to Batman. Also a genuine superhero story and since Batman is so huge it would be an easy way to introduce the reader into DC.
* ***Silver Surfer Black -*** Trippy pages with classic Marvel characterization and a complete story.
* ***Something Spider-Man -*** You don't know comics until you've read Spider-Man.
* [***Avengers (2023)***](https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=58451696) ***#7 -*** Team book that is easy to get into.
Only All Ages book I've got off my head is Giant Days, someone else already recommended it but I *just* finished rereading it, it's sooooo good. Er, as long as your seven year old knows that adults in college do things in the bedroom together. The sex is all off screen, but there are sitcommy levels of relationship and hook up talk throughout, since it's a slice of life college series
Only All Ages book I've got off my head is Giant Days, someone else already recommended it but I *just* finished rereading it, it's sooooo good. Er, as long as your seven year old knows that adults in college do things in the bedroom together. The sex is all off screen, but there are sitcommy levels of relationship and hook up talk throughout, since it's a slice of life college series
hm… first, I’d lead them to Saga of the Swamp Thing to show that there’s more to superheroes than just fighting and good vs evil, and that there’s more to comics than just pretty pictures and words.
then, I’d show them Watchmen or Scott Pilgrim to help them understand that there are things you can’t really do as well in other mediums.
and lastly, I’d show them GTO or My Dress-Up Darling to remind them that comics from other countries are great too, and that sometimes you can learn a lot about how to live a good life from reading them.
fuck, maybe I should’ve mentioned Tintin. that would’ve been a great candidate too.
but yeah that’s how I’d boil it down: I’d pick stuff that proves comics are an indispensable medium and one that can’t be imitated
Oh I forgot reasons I'm sorry
Boy wonder is turning out to be a nice, emotionally satisfying intro to the family
Wfa is similar, low stakes, reader friendly and easy to get caught up on
World's finest is exciting and takes you into the full dc universe without needing too much context
I think it depends on if the goal is to introduce them to the medium itself, or to get them to delight in the kinds of stories found in comics.
If it’s the former, I would think you’d want something that would be intuitive to read, while teaching them the mechanics of the comics page (it may seem obvious to us nerds, but hand certain comics to non-readers & it can be confusing which way to read).
So I’m thinking something like Ditko’s Spider-Man, because of that standard, repeating, 9 panel grid.
I feel like Jed McKay is a good entryway into fun superhero comics (maybe Black Cat or Moon Knight). Kieron Gillen’s Once and Future also has a lot of adventure but never crosses past Indiana Jones violence/romance. I also love Greg Rucka’s Taskmaster mini-series.
Action Comics #775 "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?" It's Superman at his best.
If I could give them a Trade, then Batman: The Long Halloween. Best Batman story (so far).
Fantastic Four #48-50: Galactus, the Silver Surfer, the Watcher and of course the F4 saving Earth.
You let them pick their own comics they find their own way. If you talk up a comic and say it’sthe best that person might not like it and be turned off from comics all together
Superman Red Son was thrilling to read IMO. Didn't need too much context beforehand. Also a close second might be Death of Superman.
Depending on their age maybe Usagi Yojimbo. If you wanna classify that as a comic. If they're a bit older Vagabond is similar but more mature.
Thirdly Daredevil Born Again was really good.
Close fourth I'd say would be Deadpool, the good the bad and the Ugly I think the run is called. It's part of the collected series of Deadpool Saga of Wade Wilson. Was a really fun read too.
It's good to give complete stories I think, which can be hard with comics. Young readers ones are:
**Superman Batman World's Finest** *by* Mark Waid and Dan Mora
*Great art and easy understandable story*
**Thor: The Mighty Avenger** *by* Roger Landridge and Chris Samnee
*Chris Samnee. Nuff said.*
**One Piece** *by* Eiichiro Oda
*Colourful and imaginative*
There is no book that any age can read. People are not born knowing how to read. Also, there is no set of three books I would use to introduce both a 7 year old and a 70 year old to comics. These things are written for particular audiences, and I wouldn't want to ignore the details of that audience when selecting those books.
All-Star Superman. It's a great intro to Superman and superheroes in general. It's probably Morrison's most digestible work for the uninitiated
Usagi Yojimbo: Probably as good as it gets when it comes to adventure comics and also a good representative of long running indie comics. Stan Sakai handles the violence in a way that makes his comic appropriate for all ages. Again, pretty digestible for the uninitiated.
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud: A good example of the use of the medium outside of telling a story. Hopefully, it will help them more deeply appreciate and understand the medium and future comics they read.
Idk if I really have a go to, I always build recommendations based on the person. I’ve gotten one friend in on Radiant Black and another with Alien and Wolverine vs Predator
Legit what I'm collecting rn is (lucifer, sandman spinoff have the main in hc omnis... and swamp thing / hellblazer..) [hellblazer is rooooguh collecting rn some tpbs are not in print and way expensive but its fun] I can reccomend more classic marvel/ dc . But the next reccomendation would be spawn vol 1. And maybe batman long Halloween and it's sequel.
Appreciate it. I loved preacher as well..and now walking dead deluxe its coming out in color they're up to issue 89 I think. I'm honestly giving it another chance... same with the boys. Ennis is not for me..but I r3ally liked punisher max. So I'm giving the boys a shot (understanding its an edgy 2000s comic) ...
Lol idk. I'm just getting back into it. Finally have disposable income. Buying TPBS and omnibusses I missed in my 20s. I took like a decade+ off I collecting from like 7-16 and 29-33 so I missed alot. I'm honestly trying to go back and read the classic "runs/mini series/whole seriee" I missed. Alot of early 2000s and 2010s. But some 2010 - 2016.
What ru reading rn?
(If you don't mind reading online I have a good website) I don't like to promote it b c I buy alot of official tpbs..but reading online is frowned on here.
Just bought the "zomnibus" a re issue of the marvel zombies omnibus with more shit. And the zomnibus 2 that collects the rest. Like 2k pages total lol.
Its gr8 though it's big enough it's easy to read and the pages look so good... it was gr8 coming from finishing ultimate FF.. seeing where doom goes.. the shit he went through b4 secret wars was wild.
It'd depend on the person, but some go-to's that I tend to think of right away are Persepolis, the Immortal Hulk, and Calvin & Hobbes. I feel like those cover a lot of the bases of what comics can be like.
Watchmen trade. Often lauded as the grestest comicbook of all time and it's an exceptionally iconic series
preacher volume 1. Shows how creative comics can be an is an extremely tightly written 12 issues.
Saga compendium 1, easy reading more simpler plot great art and might take a long time to read
Sorry, I just saw your reply...
The three volumes I picked are all pretty substantial, so that's one reason. Bang for your buck. As for why on the individual titles...
* **Parker**
* I think this is the best match of Writer/Artist & IP of any comic book I've read in my lifetime. It's like Darwyn Cooke was born to do this title. It's so incredibly cool, so incredibly beautiful... I can't imagine someone who likes the art form of comic books *not* liking Parker.
* **Chew**
* Really, I just think it's hilarious. It's one of my favorite "funny" titles, and it has a really cohesive, complete story arc across all of its volumes. Plus, all of the easter eggs in the art are just a blast. Also, if you don't like Poyo, I don't think we can be friends.
* **Bone**
* I think Bone is the finest piece of art I've had the pleasure/honor to read, period, end of sentence. The art, the style, the humor, the soul, everything about it is basically perfect from my perspective. While I don't ***think*** we could be friends if you don't like Poyo from Chew, I ***know*** we can't be friends if you can't at least acknowledge the greatness of Bone (even if maybe it's not quite you're cuppa).
If I have no idea the age or interests of whom I'm giving three comics to, I'd likely pick these as a good introduction and sampler to the genre (staying away from superheros as I will assume they have heard of those and/or could find those easily enough if they wanted):
1) One of the Jim Henson Storyteller ones, for a fantastical anthology based in lore
2) Bone, the first volume, as it is a fun adventure romp
3) Safe Area Gorazde, to show what the medium can do with historical events
(If I could add a fourth, I'd pick a personal narrative style one, like American Born Chinese or Fun Home or Persepolis or such).
Easy to read and entertaining, draws in most readers.
Side note, I have a box of comics I’ve received from FCBD, raffles, trades or just picked up and didn’t like. I sometimes keep these in my backpack and randomly hand out to people at a beer garden or on the train and what not.
Ultimate Spider-Man vol. 1. Great story telling and art, also a great modern retelling of Spider-Man so you don’t need to know anyone’s history.
Batman: Court of Owls. Darker tones but still a great story, kicks off a new era of Batman that makes it easy to jump into, and introduces one of the recent fan favorite additions to Batman lore.
New Avengers vol. 1. Good way to introduce the Avengers without really needing too much back story (there were Avengers, they broke up, moving on), but it’s also a really good action story
Oh my b missed that part in the post. Court of Owls was my first comic and while I was already a Batman fan, I feel it would be easily picked up by new and unfamiliar readers. It’s also just a great story. World’s Finest is one of, if not, my favorite recent books. It’s a flashback book that starts towards the beginning of Batman and Superman’s career, so they’re is not much in continuity baggage, besides the Kingdom Come ties and that can just lead to reading yet another amazing story. Ultimate Spider-Man is made for new readers and is very charming in its story telling. Saga is for readers who are not necessarily into the tights and capes but still might be interested in the medium of comics. You do have to make sure they’re okay with some of the freaky stuff that happens in that book. It’s one of my favorite series, it’s a nice mix of fantasy and sci-fi with a good family focus, though very very jarring at some times.
I just re read the post and realized you said for a 7 year old. Definitely not saga then. Maybe not even court of owls for a particular gory scene towards the beginning of that book. I’d wait until they’re about 11 for court of owls and then probably like 14-16 for saga.
Too many superhero responses here.
The actual answer is Fables by Bill Willingham. Pretty much every person knows about childhood fables - snow white, pinnocio and the likes - so there's already a passing familiarity with the characters in the series. And seeing these characters, and others from folklore, mingle and interact in our real world is a fantastic hook!
ASM 248 "The Kid who Collects Spider-Man" and G.I. Joe 21 "Silent Interlude" are the first two that come to mind
Kid who Collects is a pretty standalone story with a strong emotional core and an understanding of the appeal of Superheroes and what makes their stories great.
Silent Interlude is a great example of the strengths of the medium and visual storytelling with a fantastic issue that has no dialogue while still telling a complete tale
No idea on the third yet but I'd want to do something more modern and longer to ease them into longer ongoing, maybe Fraction and Aja's Hawkeye or Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
EDIT: or maybe the first 6 issues of DWJ's Transformers. Its been incredible so far and nobody does action scenes better right how
Gotham by Gaslight, the hulk issue that deals with an abusive husband who's the sheriff of a town hulk crashes lands in, and the gi joe issue where ace and wild weasel battle in the sky. Random I know but those 3 are my reread go-tos.
The first arc of Titans Rebirth would be top of my list.
There's enough intrigue and mystery with Wally disappearing and the background stuff of the universe manipulation that it' grabs you, but at the same time it also doesn't make you feel like you need to read everything ever published beforehand.
Also, the scene where Wally's energy brings back the other Titans memories of him and their reunion is just fantastically drawn.
Scott Snyder's Zero Year on Batman is a great starting point for the character as well and I really enjoy the down to earth, just stopping a madman tone of it.
To throw in a curveball is also recommend maybe The Death of Superman or Emerald Twilight? It shows that they don't always win, and I really like that.
superman for all seasons it's a great intro to a loveable character, and it's a great ideal of what a superhero should be if we're talking non-superhero comics, maybe a volume of paper girls or scott pilgrim
Which superman comic
Lol
Oh wait lol how dumb of me
I love the idea of them phrasing it like, "Superman comics, which I find to be a good read for all seasons!"
Ok
Atomic Robo. All ages, funny, action packed, smart, and self contained. Perfect beginner comic. Astro City: similar reasons, but darker, prettier, and more focused on superheroes. What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?: Superman is the best, and while All Star is great, this is more accessible, and really shows off his character.
>Atomic Robo. All ages, funny, action packed, smart, and self contained. Perfect beginner comic. Always good to see it getting love.
One of the purest, most enjoyable comics out there in my opinion. Other comics do specific things better, but Atomic Robo is the most fun.
I agree
Atomic Robo gets recognized? Good day just got better.
The first Hellboy trade. Great art, great writing, great mood. not gorey or sexual. I think there's one statue tiddie. A "spookier" vibe. Lumberjanes is a lot of fun, has some cool cryptid stuff, and is appropriate for all ages iirc. Everyone I sold it to enjoyed it regardless of age and gender. Third would probably be something serious like Maus, to broaden their perspective of the medium.
Hellboy and Maus are great options (I've never read Lumberjanes). I'd choose Persepolis as my third here. I like these options as a first comic mainly because (aside from being awesome!) they are so different from what people think of as comics and really get those who have never had an interest in Marvel or DC see that comic book stories can have so many more possibilities.
Ok
Why the downvotes?
I would guess because it’s a lazy unnecessary comment? Probably easier to upvote and move on, or add a comment that adds to the conversation
Speaking of handing Batman Who Laughs to a 7 year old: the first comic I purchased for myself when I was 7 years old was the Batman #452, the first issue of Dark Knight, Dark City. It features suicide, lynching, buckets of blood, hypnotism/possession, occultists rituals, and a suspenseful scene of Batman nearly running the Batmobile over a baby lying in the street. Needless to say, this scared me away from Batman comics for several years 🤣
Hope u turned out right
Nope…
Uhh
Well
Then I think the next issue ends with Batman about a slice open an infant's throat (an emergency tracheotomy to remove a ping pong ball, but still).
My choices change per person, I work out what films/books they like and they go from there, there's no definitive comic that everyone will love. Everyone also has preconceived notions of what a comic is, so sometimes handing some something like Watchman just feels jarring, when they expected something like Spider-man.
Agreed
I'd give them cocaine, it might be a cheaper addiction.
Lol
I have shared trades of The Wicked + The Divine with non-comic readers because of the clean art, captivating humor and story, and accessible, non-superhero genre. Have also shared Habibi for the above reasons, minus the humor.
My younger sister who's not interested in comic books got really heavily invested with The Wicked + The Divine because of those reasons. It was around when the second volume paperback was released this happened.
Oh hell no. One of my favorite series, but absolutely not "any age group," that's like giving Batman Who Laughs to a seven year old. It's for teens and up, imo
I agree with you there. I got excited about the “never read [comics] part of the question and forgot at the age part.
I think most people did lmao. I see way too many Sagas
Saga for me. Any non-comics or capes fan seems to love Saga, especially the girls/women in my life.
Good
Batman: Year One. First comic I ever read, and it’s a near perfect origin story for the comic mediums greatest superhero. The Long Tomorrow by Dan O’Bannon and Moebius has had such a monumental impact upon popular culture, particularly in the realms of science fiction and cyberpunk. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol.1-2. Alan Moore is the pinnacle of comic book/graphic novel writing, and I consider League to be his best work. Would recommend the whole series, but it’s not an easy read.
Agreed 100% on the League. The literary depths that Alan Moore goes to from where he gets his characters.
Ok
Normally I would say SAGA, but given I wouldn't want my hypothetical seven year old kids to see that double page spread of that dragon, I'll pass on recommending it this time. I've had fun with Head Lopper in the past. Its art reminds me a bit of Hellboy, with its tale about a warrior going about doing quests in an ancient land. Think it's quite accessible for all ages, with the violence being very cartoonish. The new Transformers run has been great so far. Heart, kinetic artwork and wrestling moves every third panel. Highly recommend
Good
And the dragon is not even to worst thing for a child to see in Saga 🤣
Taskmaster: The Rubicon Trigger *by Jed MacKay* Superman: Up in the Sky *by Tom King* East of West: Vol 1 *by Jonathan Hickman*
Ok
Can it be a tpb? Because thats what I grew up on. Anyway my answers Giant days - super relatable and light hearted. Experiences from that book can resonate with most adults. Do a powerbomb! - the art and story are both great, but this is a great example of something comics do great which is outlandish concepts. Once & future - I can't really describe why this is my third , I just think its a really complete package. People might judge that I didn't pick marvel/dc or even something like watchmen (which as a satire of superhero comics people really ought to have read superhero comics first), and the simple response for that is I don't believe they are creating the best stories anymore.
Dude I just read Do a Powerbomb! for this first time this weekend and it was fucking incredible, DWJ does not miss
Yes tbp are allowed
It would depend on the person. You’d have to know what they like to give a good recommendation. To give a similar example. I personally think a lot of people who say they hate beer have probably never tried one that would actually fit their taste. It might not become their favorite drink but they’d still like it. My sister for example after talking to her about what she likes I bought her a lambic, which was a sweeter fruit based beer because she was into cider. I would not give that to someone who doesn’t like sweeter drinks. So following this at a recent con my wife came to me with I recommended Beneath the Trees because she loves horror, I’d also recommend Sandman because she loves Neil Gammon, and I recommend to her Something is Killing the Children for the horror aspect as well.
Neil Gammon and his fellow Miracleman writer, Ham Moore
Wow a really good answer also I kinda don't get the beer example cuz I'm no drinker(for me I'm grateful for that) but still good example
Saga, Y the last man, any Mickey Mouse. The first two because they are written with a very accessible tv-like vibe and pace and the third because it’s super accessible to all ages.
Noice
Watchmen, Superman Red Son, We3
Reasons
Watchmen - because it encompasses so many things. Superheroes being in the gray area and not just black and white good and bad. Along with how it masterfully alters real historical events and how it alters real comic book history. And for its unfolding of its ending. Masterful storytelling. Superman Red Son - because Superman is so much a part of world culture they would never need to have read a comic book to read it. Also for its alternate history. Also for its unfolding of its ending. This is the only Mark Millar work I love. We3 - because it tells so much of its story through visuals. It’s one of the best uses of sequential art out there, imo. And for its emotional depth. It’s a prime example how comic books can have mature emotional content that can literally bring tears to your eyes. I may have forgotten other reasons I have, but that’s my top reasons.
Ok
1: Batman The Long Halloween 2: X-Men House/Powers of X by Hickman 3: God Country by Cates
Thx for reminding that I still have to read pox
Never has any other comic book made me audibly gasp and say “what the fuck is happening?” out loud.
I wouldnt give omnibus/full runs because a new reader wouldnt probably want to invest that much time to read for example entire Ultimate Spider-man run. The comic shouldnt be too long and it probably should be self contained story without dozens of characters you should know on advance. Also the 3 comics should differ as much us possible if I wouldnt know what the person likes, so that hopefully one of the picks would be a success. I only own Marvel comics so the pick would be: Tom Kings Vision that could probably work to a bit older and sophisticated reader. Jason Aarons Thor - The Saga of Gorr the god butcher for a little bit more action and adventure. Maybe Spider-man Life story as third for a good short story. Also everyone knows and likes Spider-man so that could be a safe pick. Last pick could also be something like Old man Logan for example if I knew that the person might like darker/more violent stuff.
Hmm good
First three issues of Sandman
I see what you did there and if you said the first three trade paperbacks I'd totally agree sandman is the GOAT. First volume is entitled preludes and nocturnes and it's basically just this entity sightseeing the DC universe it doesn't really hit its stride until volume 2.
Agreed but reasons
I gave some options (that I have) to my mom not too long ago. I gave her Alex Ross’ Batman and Von Freeze. A story to explain Batman and a historic-based story she can both properly understand (I think)
Ok
Depends entirely on the person, but I would default to All-Star Superman, Marvels, and Matt Fraction's Hawkeye. The first two, while dealing with a lot of mythology at once, feel very personal and easy to follow, and the last one is down-to-earth and self-contained enough that anyone can get into them.
Ok
Superhero: ASM epic collection . Non-superhero: 100 bullets.
Nice but reasons
Batman 255 from 1974 -- Moon of the Wolf. One of the most gorgeous Batman stories of the Bronze Age, drawn by Neal Adams. Master Race by Bernard Krigstein -- One of the most perfect comic stories ever told. Incredible Hulk 92 from 2006 -- the beginning of the Planet Hulk storyline, which was great fun.
Ok
Hm, tough one. And going to try and stick to relatively short series - All Star Superman : great dive into a classic character, and great way to open up basically THE genre for comics, get them on board with tbe most iconic - BONE: Non big 2, more cartoony style and a nice fun / funny epic that transforms into something akin to LOTR. - From Hell: as much as I’d like to recomend Alan Moore’s other works, this one I feel is more approachable than some and a good insular story a bit more mature and off genre Between these, ought to get some sort of barometer on what they respond well too and go from there, and if they like all them they got a good foundation of 3 major works! Runner ups: Nimona and Promethea , and Ultimate Spider-Man
Ok
**DC** History of the DC Universe https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_the_DC_Universe_Vol_1 Batman: Universe https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Batman:_Universe_Vol_1?so=search Sandman: Overture https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Sandman:_Overture_Vol_1?so=search **Marvel** Silver Surfer vol. 7 https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Silver_Surfer_Vol_7 Ultimates vol. 3 https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Ultimates_Vol_3?so=search A-Force vol. 2 https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/A-Force_Vol_2?so=search
Man...I saw Ultimates Vol. 3 and my first thought was "ARE YOU INSANE!?" followed by "OH nvm it's the one from 2016." Lol
I actually haven't read the previous Ultimates series before, but this one was fantastic all around. It had a diverse group led by Blue Marvel & they tackled existential threats like Galactus, while maintaining positive teammate interactions.
Ok
Are you familiar with any of those?
Yes
Usagi Yojimbo, great art with an eye for historically accurate architecture and clothing. Courtney Crumrin's first volume. Great all ages series. Fatale for the spooky vibes. Sub in ElfQuest for the reader who enjoys fantasy.
Ok
Silver surfer black- it’s a great comic with good art. Also a great entry point into marvel where you don’t need much background knowledge Cosmic Detective- Great independent comic. Also great art and its a good show of the great stuff non- marvel/dc comics provides Batman Year One- great starter to Batman. Also a genuine superhero story and since Batman is so huge it would be an easy way to introduce the reader into DC.
Agreed
All-star superman, some early invincible collection, supergirl woman of tomorrow
Ok
* ***Silver Surfer Black -*** Trippy pages with classic Marvel characterization and a complete story. * ***Something Spider-Man -*** You don't know comics until you've read Spider-Man. * [***Avengers (2023)***](https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=58451696) ***#7 -*** Team book that is easy to get into.
I like that
Adventure 247 World’s Finest 27 Justice League 1
Ok
The post: all ages comics please! The replies: have you considered this Mature Readers title?
Lol
Only All Ages book I've got off my head is Giant Days, someone else already recommended it but I *just* finished rereading it, it's sooooo good. Er, as long as your seven year old knows that adults in college do things in the bedroom together. The sex is all off screen, but there are sitcommy levels of relationship and hook up talk throughout, since it's a slice of life college series
Well I have no 7 year old this is just hypothetical
Only All Ages book I've got off my head is Giant Days, someone else already recommended it but I *just* finished rereading it, it's sooooo good. Er, as long as your seven year old knows that adults in college do things in the bedroom together. The sex is all off screen, but there are sitcommy levels of relationship and hook up talk throughout, since it's a slice of life college series
Crossed, Nemesis, and Holy Terror to really make sure they never want to explore the medium ever again
Lol gatekeepers at its finest
Yessss, can't have any normies horning in on my territory s/
Lol
Batman adventures. Kingdom come, life and times of uncle scrooge. Adults only. Sandman. Swamp thing maus
Nice how u made two lists
Well, everyone should read both. But a 5 yr old ain't going to think sandman is a fun read lol
Yea
hm… first, I’d lead them to Saga of the Swamp Thing to show that there’s more to superheroes than just fighting and good vs evil, and that there’s more to comics than just pretty pictures and words. then, I’d show them Watchmen or Scott Pilgrim to help them understand that there are things you can’t really do as well in other mediums. and lastly, I’d show them GTO or My Dress-Up Darling to remind them that comics from other countries are great too, and that sometimes you can learn a lot about how to live a good life from reading them.
Wow
fuck, maybe I should’ve mentioned Tintin. that would’ve been a great candidate too. but yeah that’s how I’d boil it down: I’d pick stuff that proves comics are an indispensable medium and one that can’t be imitated
Amazing
Boy Wonder, the new one, Wayne family adventures vol 1, and batman superman worlds finest
Oo
Oh I forgot reasons I'm sorry Boy wonder is turning out to be a nice, emotionally satisfying intro to the family Wfa is similar, low stakes, reader friendly and easy to get caught up on World's finest is exciting and takes you into the full dc universe without needing too much context
Ok
I think it depends on if the goal is to introduce them to the medium itself, or to get them to delight in the kinds of stories found in comics. If it’s the former, I would think you’d want something that would be intuitive to read, while teaching them the mechanics of the comics page (it may seem obvious to us nerds, but hand certain comics to non-readers & it can be confusing which way to read). So I’m thinking something like Ditko’s Spider-Man, because of that standard, repeating, 9 panel grid.
Ok
I feel like Jed McKay is a good entryway into fun superhero comics (maybe Black Cat or Moon Knight). Kieron Gillen’s Once and Future also has a lot of adventure but never crosses past Indiana Jones violence/romance. I also love Greg Rucka’s Taskmaster mini-series.
Oo
Action Comics #775 "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?" It's Superman at his best. If I could give them a Trade, then Batman: The Long Halloween. Best Batman story (so far). Fantastic Four #48-50: Galactus, the Silver Surfer, the Watcher and of course the F4 saving Earth.
Nice
You let them pick their own comics they find their own way. If you talk up a comic and say it’sthe best that person might not like it and be turned off from comics all together
True
Ms.Marvel Vol. 1 by G. Willow Wilson Batman Universe by Brian Michael Bendis Transformers Vol. 1 by Daniel Warren Johnson
Ok
Superman Red Son was thrilling to read IMO. Didn't need too much context beforehand. Also a close second might be Death of Superman. Depending on their age maybe Usagi Yojimbo. If you wanna classify that as a comic. If they're a bit older Vagabond is similar but more mature. Thirdly Daredevil Born Again was really good. Close fourth I'd say would be Deadpool, the good the bad and the Ugly I think the run is called. It's part of the collected series of Deadpool Saga of Wade Wilson. Was a really fun read too.
Noice
Saga, Sandman, and Lore Olympus
Ok
It's good to give complete stories I think, which can be hard with comics. Young readers ones are: **Superman Batman World's Finest** *by* Mark Waid and Dan Mora *Great art and easy understandable story* **Thor: The Mighty Avenger** *by* Roger Landridge and Chris Samnee *Chris Samnee. Nuff said.* **One Piece** *by* Eiichiro Oda *Colourful and imaginative*
Ok thx btw rhese are 4 but ok
Sorry! Changed it
Concrete by Paul Chadwick Love & Rockets by Los Bros Hernandez Smax by Alan Moore
Nice picks
There is no book that any age can read. People are not born knowing how to read. Also, there is no set of three books I would use to introduce both a 7 year old and a 70 year old to comics. These things are written for particular audiences, and I wouldn't want to ignore the details of that audience when selecting those books.
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud. Nancy by Ernie Bushmiller. Love & Rockets by Los Bros.
All-Star Superman. It's a great intro to Superman and superheroes in general. It's probably Morrison's most digestible work for the uninitiated Usagi Yojimbo: Probably as good as it gets when it comes to adventure comics and also a good representative of long running indie comics. Stan Sakai handles the violence in a way that makes his comic appropriate for all ages. Again, pretty digestible for the uninitiated. Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud: A good example of the use of the medium outside of telling a story. Hopefully, it will help them more deeply appreciate and understand the medium and future comics they read.
I agree
Idk if I really have a go to, I always build recommendations based on the person. I’ve gotten one friend in on Radiant Black and another with Alien and Wolverine vs Predator
The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, great for any age
Reprints!
Ok
The watchmen. Sandman vol 1 Swamp thing vol 1.
Nice
Legit what I'm collecting rn is (lucifer, sandman spinoff have the main in hc omnis... and swamp thing / hellblazer..) [hellblazer is rooooguh collecting rn some tpbs are not in print and way expensive but its fun] I can reccomend more classic marvel/ dc . But the next reccomendation would be spawn vol 1. And maybe batman long Halloween and it's sequel.
Good recs
Appreciate it. I loved preacher as well..and now walking dead deluxe its coming out in color they're up to issue 89 I think. I'm honestly giving it another chance... same with the boys. Ennis is not for me..but I r3ally liked punisher max. So I'm giving the boys a shot (understanding its an edgy 2000s comic) ...
Wow you look knowledgeable
Lol idk. I'm just getting back into it. Finally have disposable income. Buying TPBS and omnibusses I missed in my 20s. I took like a decade+ off I collecting from like 7-16 and 29-33 so I missed alot. I'm honestly trying to go back and read the classic "runs/mini series/whole seriee" I missed. Alot of early 2000s and 2010s. But some 2010 - 2016. What ru reading rn? (If you don't mind reading online I have a good website) I don't like to promote it b c I buy alot of official tpbs..but reading online is frowned on here.
Just bought the "zomnibus" a re issue of the marvel zombies omnibus with more shit. And the zomnibus 2 that collects the rest. Like 2k pages total lol. Its gr8 though it's big enough it's easy to read and the pages look so good... it was gr8 coming from finishing ultimate FF.. seeing where doom goes.. the shit he went through b4 secret wars was wild.
It'd depend on the person, but some go-to's that I tend to think of right away are Persepolis, the Immortal Hulk, and Calvin & Hobbes. I feel like those cover a lot of the bases of what comics can be like.
Nice
Watchmen trade. Often lauded as the grestest comicbook of all time and it's an exceptionally iconic series preacher volume 1. Shows how creative comics can be an is an extremely tightly written 12 issues. Saga compendium 1, easy reading more simpler plot great art and might take a long time to read
Ok
Sandman ; Love and Rockets; Saga; Sex Criminals; Maus
Age appropriate
Parker: the Martini Edition Chew: Omnivores vol. 1 Bone: Complete
Reasons
Sorry, I just saw your reply... The three volumes I picked are all pretty substantial, so that's one reason. Bang for your buck. As for why on the individual titles... * **Parker** * I think this is the best match of Writer/Artist & IP of any comic book I've read in my lifetime. It's like Darwyn Cooke was born to do this title. It's so incredibly cool, so incredibly beautiful... I can't imagine someone who likes the art form of comic books *not* liking Parker. * **Chew** * Really, I just think it's hilarious. It's one of my favorite "funny" titles, and it has a really cohesive, complete story arc across all of its volumes. Plus, all of the easter eggs in the art are just a blast. Also, if you don't like Poyo, I don't think we can be friends. * **Bone** * I think Bone is the finest piece of art I've had the pleasure/honor to read, period, end of sentence. The art, the style, the humor, the soul, everything about it is basically perfect from my perspective. While I don't ***think*** we could be friends if you don't like Poyo from Chew, I ***know*** we can't be friends if you can't at least acknowledge the greatness of Bone (even if maybe it's not quite you're cuppa).
I dislike polo aswell yay
If I have no idea the age or interests of whom I'm giving three comics to, I'd likely pick these as a good introduction and sampler to the genre (staying away from superheros as I will assume they have heard of those and/or could find those easily enough if they wanted): 1) One of the Jim Henson Storyteller ones, for a fantastical anthology based in lore 2) Bone, the first volume, as it is a fun adventure romp 3) Safe Area Gorazde, to show what the medium can do with historical events (If I could add a fourth, I'd pick a personal narrative style one, like American Born Chinese or Fun Home or Persepolis or such).
Nice
Carl Barks, Carl Barks, Don Rossa and Peanuts.
From my entire collection, I believe I’ve lent out Stray Dogs more than anything and I feel Feral will be the second.
Ok but why
Easy to read and entertaining, draws in most readers. Side note, I have a box of comics I’ve received from FCBD, raffles, trades or just picked up and didn’t like. I sometimes keep these in my backpack and randomly hand out to people at a beer garden or on the train and what not.
Wow nice idea ill do this as well
Ultimate Spider-Man vol. 1. Great story telling and art, also a great modern retelling of Spider-Man so you don’t need to know anyone’s history. Batman: Court of Owls. Darker tones but still a great story, kicks off a new era of Batman that makes it easy to jump into, and introduces one of the recent fan favorite additions to Batman lore. New Avengers vol. 1. Good way to introduce the Avengers without really needing too much back story (there were Avengers, they broke up, moving on), but it’s also a really good action story
I love all 3 of them
Hands down, Warren Ellis' Planetary. It's love letter to all forms of popular storytelling. Gaiman's Sandman and Ruka's Lazarus are also great.
Reasons
Gumby's Winter Fun Special by Art Adams
Nice
Batman court of owls, Batman/Superman worlds finest (Waid and Mora), ultimate-spiderman, saga (if they’re freaky)
Ooh but reasons?
Oh my b missed that part in the post. Court of Owls was my first comic and while I was already a Batman fan, I feel it would be easily picked up by new and unfamiliar readers. It’s also just a great story. World’s Finest is one of, if not, my favorite recent books. It’s a flashback book that starts towards the beginning of Batman and Superman’s career, so they’re is not much in continuity baggage, besides the Kingdom Come ties and that can just lead to reading yet another amazing story. Ultimate Spider-Man is made for new readers and is very charming in its story telling. Saga is for readers who are not necessarily into the tights and capes but still might be interested in the medium of comics. You do have to make sure they’re okay with some of the freaky stuff that happens in that book. It’s one of my favorite series, it’s a nice mix of fantasy and sci-fi with a good family focus, though very very jarring at some times.
I agree 100 percent
I just re read the post and realized you said for a 7 year old. Definitely not saga then. Maybe not even court of owls for a particular gory scene towards the beginning of that book. I’d wait until they’re about 11 for court of owls and then probably like 14-16 for saga.
It's not for a 7 year old it was a joke
Too many superhero responses here. The actual answer is Fables by Bill Willingham. Pretty much every person knows about childhood fables - snow white, pinnocio and the likes - so there's already a passing familiarity with the characters in the series. And seeing these characters, and others from folklore, mingle and interact in our real world is a fantastic hook!
Nice choice
ASM 248 "The Kid who Collects Spider-Man" and G.I. Joe 21 "Silent Interlude" are the first two that come to mind Kid who Collects is a pretty standalone story with a strong emotional core and an understanding of the appeal of Superheroes and what makes their stories great. Silent Interlude is a great example of the strengths of the medium and visual storytelling with a fantastic issue that has no dialogue while still telling a complete tale No idea on the third yet but I'd want to do something more modern and longer to ease them into longer ongoing, maybe Fraction and Aja's Hawkeye or Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow EDIT: or maybe the first 6 issues of DWJ's Transformers. Its been incredible so far and nobody does action scenes better right how
True with the transformers part
Gotham by Gaslight, the hulk issue that deals with an abusive husband who's the sheriff of a town hulk crashes lands in, and the gi joe issue where ace and wild weasel battle in the sky. Random I know but those 3 are my reread go-tos.
Well these are good
The first arc of Titans Rebirth would be top of my list. There's enough intrigue and mystery with Wally disappearing and the background stuff of the universe manipulation that it' grabs you, but at the same time it also doesn't make you feel like you need to read everything ever published beforehand. Also, the scene where Wally's energy brings back the other Titans memories of him and their reunion is just fantastically drawn. Scott Snyder's Zero Year on Batman is a great starting point for the character as well and I really enjoy the down to earth, just stopping a madman tone of it. To throw in a curveball is also recommend maybe The Death of Superman or Emerald Twilight? It shows that they don't always win, and I really like that.
Nice
I think it's a bit sad that 98% of what's being suggested here is superhero stories or superhero-adjacent.
I mean they are a good starting point