New to the Comic hobby, questions

[walter5o9]

Hey guys so I have been a closet comic book freak for a long time but finally decided that I would open myself to collecting/reading them.

My collection right now is very small as I just started this week and have only one other thats been in storage for years (The Death of Superman).

My questions are
1) To me there are so many comics and story lines out there, where do I begin? I mean I know what/who I like Spider-man/Deadpool/Batman/Superman/Punisher but it seems like there are 5 or so storylines going on am I right in this or am I confusing myself. EX. The Amazing Spider-man, Ultimate Spider-man, Superior Spider-man....where do I begin?

2) I would also like to know whats coming out, whats new and how to learn about new series coming out. How do I go about doing this?

3) Protection methods? Right now I have them in Bags and Boards. Was going to buy a long box but I dont have nowhere near enough to fill it. Is my current methods ok for storage?

Finally Ill share with you my start to my collection. Again I just started this week.

Superior Spider-Man #1 variant Skottie Young baby cover
Ms. Marvel (3 issues)
Ms. Marvel variant cover (2 issues)
Tomb of Dracula #13 (first appearance of Blade)
Howard the Duck (Personal favorite, though not the most sought after book. What I like is how Disney at one point was suing Marvel over copyright infringement because of how much Howard looks like Donald. Funny part is, flash forward to today....Disney owns Marvel).

If you think I should know anything further or any suggestions please let me know, Im all ears.

 

[will-411]

I can't help you much on the collecting side of things, but I will say, the $60 a year I spend on Marvel's Unlimited Collection on line is well worth it. Gives you access to 1000's of comics that have been digitally scanned and uploaded for reading. Many of the key issues in runs are included, and it includes most new comics, 3 or 4 months after they hit the shelves. This week included the start of the Infinity cross over event for example (there are usually 10 to 12 new books added every week).

There are also wiki's out there if you are hard core about trying to understand how the things all tie together. Keep in mind, Marvel's Ultimate comics are a completely different universe from the mainstream Marvel universe, so they can be enjoyed separately. The unlimited collection online has near complete runs of the Ultimate universe comics, included the 4 and 6 issue mini series' that exist.

I'll have to leave the collecting nuts and bolts to someone else.

Cory

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

I think your first step should be go to a comic shop and browse through some comics. Get a feel for what you like. For new comics I like going to the newsarama site, it gives great info and previews of upcoming comics.

Another option is to read older comics that are favorites to the industry. Some stories like DD Born Again, Batman Year One, Watchmen, V, Return of the DK are all popular time proven favorite storylines. If interested in some different stuff besides super hero I recommend Maus (buy the trades), Usagi Yojimbo and Bone. Again you can buy collected ed and trades for cheap these can give you an idea of what you like at cheap prices. Same goes for every new title, they all come in trades its a cheap way to jump on a series for a cheap price.

 

[quincy]

I'll second the use of online resources. I don't really care for Marvel Unlimited as a service; I feel that creates an obligation. I'll spend easily the $60 over the course of the year on other digital (Marvel) comics, but that expense targets what I'm interested to read. I am not criticizing Cory's choice - that works for him, and I'm relating why it doesn't work for me.

As you might surmise though...I am at Comixology's beck and call. Watch the sales, watch the bundles. There's great deals to be had if you strike while the iron's hot. For example, you can bet your bottom dollar that we'll see a lot of Cap, X-men, Spidey and Thanos-related sales over the year to pump those movies. In point of fact, one of the better bundles available now is a GOTG bundle.

And of course, there's a crapload beyond Marvel and DC. Some of my favourites include Saga, Chew, Satellite Sam, Nowhere Men, Jupiter's Legacy, Manhattan Projects, Secret History, Archer and Armstrong, and more besides. I'll second some of Scott's suggestions, especially Maus: that is possibly the most powerful comic-style story I've ever read.

But really, your best friend is the sale. At 99 cents, you'll find yourself a whole lot more willing to try a new title.