I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING

[Rubiks-Q-Bert]

I decided to start collecting comics like my boyfriend does and I have No idea where to start or how to go about doing this. He collects Valiant and I am collecting everything else He doesn't want. So some help would be nice for a newbie.

Is it safe to assume you're a female?

RQB's girlfriend.

viewtopic.php?t=17841

you don't have to be nice just cause he said so. ok.

Eh, we're nice all the time......

LIAR!!!

[stone384]

Mouse Guard ROCKS...

Did you get the new series? Issues 1 & 2 are out, but I haven't read them yet. I am way behind on my reading and all the non-crossover books are kinda being back burnered. I read the first series in the trade and kinda wanna wait for all the issues of this series before I start and read the whole thing at once.

Eh, we're nice all the time......

....and funny, we are all really, really funny


m

[Chiclo]

He collects Valiant and I am collecting everything else He doesn't want.

Well, that rules out Image too.

I wish I had a worthwhile suggestion. I know a few girls that like comics and they all like X-Men.

[Knightt]

Mouse Guard ROCKS...

Did you get the new series? Issues 1 & 2 are out, but I haven't read them yet. I am way behind on my reading and all the non-crossover books are kinda being back burnered. I read the first series in the trade and kinda wanna wait for all the issues of this series before I start and read the whole thing at once.

Nope... and I am WAAAAYYYY over 300 books on my reading.

[stone384]

Y'know I was thinking...you said you are new to comics collecting. I don't know how new is new, but I think some basics may be in order to help keep things clear.

There are basically two types of comics. There are the monthly thin paper pamphlet style books and then there are trade paperback books.

The monthlies are what are usually known as comics. These are usually brand new stories told for the first time. They can be found new at a local comic store (LCS), in racks at book stores and a very few drug store type places. They come out on a regular basis(in theory). Monthly is the standard, but some come out more and others less often. The standard size is 22 pages and often tell part of a larger story, although there are often 'done in one' one issue stories. The new books start at $2.99 and go up from there.

The trade paperbacks (TPB) are also known as graphic novels, especially in mainstream terms. They can be found at the same places as well as online bookstores like Amazon.com. They come out in know set time frame. They are usually a collection comics gathered together to tell a complete story. For example if a story takes place in ABC comics 1-5 a tpb will collect all 5 of those issues so you get the complete story in one book. This is not always the case. Sometimes the story is so long that the trade will only collect the first part of the story and the next trade will finish it. They also print brand new stories in TPB form (the new stories are usually called Graphic Novels) like Pride of Baghdad (excellent story by the way). Prices range from $10-25+

I personally would recommend getting the TPB. If you have access to a bookstore you could go and browse the TPB there to get an idea about what you might like. They are usually a better value and tell complete stories or you can try the ebay/message board route. you should be able to get regular comics at a very low price (.50 ea) and in large amounts.

I think once you kind of identify they types of stories you enjoy we can help you out a lot more.

This is a mini summary of everything that has been listed:

Fables-Fables is a story in which fairy tale characters (snow white, big bad wolf hansel and gretel etc..) are fighting a war with each other. I highly recommend this. It is well written and drawn. There are a lot of tpb out and new issues come out every month. It is a comic printed by DC comics Vertigo label, vertigo is a label that is designed for non-superheroes comics.

Strangers in Paradise- Don't know, never read it. But it is in a similar vein with the rest of the suggestions.

Y the Last Man Standing is a story about the last surviving man of earth and his monkey (no, seriously). It is a sci fi kinda story. Well written and very smart. Again Vertigo title. Lots of tpb and published montly, but is slated to end in January (I think, issue #60 is the last)

Sandman is very sophisticated. It deals with a lot of high concepts. There are a lot of other classical literature referenced. Shakespear among others. Faries, God, the devil, dreams, mythical realms and beings are all elements that are explored. It can be a very dense read, but it is smart, beautiful comics in all its glory. It shows what the medium could be. It is not a quick read, but it is worth it. The entire series is available in multiple TPB. Again Vertigo

Swamp Thing is the story of a man that is transformed into a swamp monster. This title was the front runner to Vertigo books. It was a mature read before there was such a thing. The 70's series is a great read and creepily illustrated dealing with very mature themes.

Mouse Guard is a story about mice that are the guardian of a mouse city. It is filled with medevial knights themes. Honor, betrayal, mystery. The 1st series is out in tpb and the second series is being published right now with 2 issues out.

Liberty Meadows is a black and white comedy strip about a woman who takes care of and animal rescue. All the animals talk and have personalities. It is by Frank Cho and is very funny. Cho tends to draw women a bit busty, but if you can get past that, it is a great book. There are a bunch of tpb out. He still published regular issues, but they don't come out on a regular basis.

m

[superman-prime]

that whole land of oz logo should have gave who she was away
i dont know anyone else in kansas do you guys
oh and welcome to the hive minnnnnnnnd

[TKWill]

Many times it can be a little difficult to get a hold of TPBs at a decent price. If you save up some cash go through here and buy a few at a time. I have bought many of the trades that I own through here In Stock Trades. Most of there trades are significantly reduced in price. If you get a few at a time it will save on your shipping, heck I saved up, bought a hundred dollars worth and got free shipping. Might even like MAX Alias given your choice of dark mysteries.

I second Mouse Guard and RQB should be able to find a good deal for a hardback edition on ebay, he has a knack for such things.

[superman-prime]

cube is the ebay master

[Rubiks-Q-Bert]

je is the ebay master

Who?

[superman-prime]

you are

[Rubiks-Q-Bert]

you are

Nah. Just a matter of patience and searching for misspelled auctions.

[Lightning Strike]

I would recommend the first Bone TPB

[stone384]

Nope... and I am WAAAAYYYY over 300 books on my reading.

Please that is nothing. I have 5 small boxes worth of stuff that I have to read. Mostly Batman and Detective back issues. My latest addition to my addiction

m

[Dr. Solar]

I was gonna suggest Mouse Guard or Bone.

I also think "The Doll's House" is a good place to start Sandman as well as "A Game Of You".

Also, maybe check out "The Dark Phoenix Saga" if you want to try some older X-Men stuff.

[krazie14me]

some of these I have never heard of, but i guess thats what i get for being new to comics.

[ZephyrWasHOT!!]

I was gonna suggest Mouse Guard or Bone.

I also think "The Doll's House" is a good place to start Sandman as well as "A Game Of You".

Also, maybe check out "The Dark Phoenix Saga" if you want to try some older X-Men stuff.

I considered the Doll's House when making my recommendation, but....the subject is a serial killer's convention.

Granted, it's EFFING BRILLIANT....

But it's serial killers.

A Game of You is about as fairy tale as the series got, and it's also amazing.

[Lightning Strike]

I was gonna suggest Mouse Guard or Bone.

I also think "The Doll's House" is a good place to start Sandman as well as "A Game Of You".

Also, maybe check out "The Dark Phoenix Saga" if you want to try some older X-Men stuff.

I considered the Doll's House when making my recommendation, but....the subject is a serial killer's convention.

Granted, it's EFFING BRILLIANT....

But it's serial killers.

A Game of You is about as fairy tale as the series got, and it's also amazing.

Agreed. My favorite though is the first storyarc, with the setup and seeing Morpheus going around and gathering up his lost objects.

[ZephyrWasHOT!!]

I was gonna suggest Mouse Guard or Bone.

I also think "The Doll's House" is a good place to start Sandman as well as "A Game Of You".

Also, maybe check out "The Dark Phoenix Saga" if you want to try some older X-Men stuff.

I considered the Doll's House when making my recommendation, but....the subject is a serial killer's convention.

Granted, it's EFFING BRILLIANT....

But it's serial killers.

A Game of You is about as fairy tale as the series got, and it's also amazing.

Agreed. My favorite though is the first storyarc, with the setup and seeing Morpheus going around and gathering up his lost objects.

It's so brilliant...him going to Hell to retrieve his helmet, and running into Nada, and there being no fight....plus the astonishing #6 and #7 diner scene....plus the gorgeous Sam Keith art....it's the perfectly developed, perfectly paced story.

The ONLY thing....and I mean the ONLY thing....is that the first issue could have been expanded over 3 issues, it was THAT meaty a story.

But other than that....brilliant, brilliant stuff. Best stuff of the late 80's.

[Lightning Strike]

I was gonna suggest Mouse Guard or Bone.

I also think "The Doll's House" is a good place to start Sandman as well as "A Game Of You".

Also, maybe check out "The Dark Phoenix Saga" if you want to try some older X-Men stuff.

I considered the Doll's House when making my recommendation, but....the subject is a serial killer's convention.

Granted, it's EFFING BRILLIANT....

But it's serial killers.

A Game of You is about as fairy tale as the series got, and it's also amazing.

Agreed. My favorite though is the first storyarc, with the setup and seeing Morpheus going around and gathering up his lost objects.

It's so brilliant...him going to Hell to retrieve his helmet,

My favorite part of that issue is when Morpheus goes to leave and Lucifer says something like "Millions of demons stand about you, what makes you think we'll just let you leave here?" and Morpheus says "Tell me Lucifer, what kind of power would Hell have if those imprisoned here were not able to dream of Heaven?". And then he calmly walks out of Hell.

[Dr. Solar]

I was gonna suggest Mouse Guard or Bone.

I also think "The Doll's House" is a good place to start Sandman as well as "A Game Of You".

Also, maybe check out "The Dark Phoenix Saga" if you want to try some older X-Men stuff.

I considered the Doll's House when making my recommendation, but....the subject is a serial killer's convention.

Granted, it's EFFING BRILLIANT....

But it's serial killers.

A Game of You is about as fairy tale as the series got, and it's also amazing.

Some chicks go for the psycho stuff

[krazie14me]

I was gonna suggest Mouse Guard or Bone.

I also think "The Doll's House" is a good place to start Sandman as well as "A Game Of You".

Also, maybe check out "The Dark Phoenix Saga" if you want to try some older X-Men stuff.

I considered the Doll's House when making my recommendation, but....the subject is a serial killer's convention.

Granted, it's EFFING BRILLIANT....

But it's serial killers.

A Game of You is about as fairy tale as the series got, and it's also amazing.

Some chicks go for the psycho stuff

it's not all power puff stuff!!! excitment helps too.

[X-O HoboJoe]

I was gonna suggest Mouse Guard or Bone.

I also think "The Doll's House" is a good place to start Sandman as well as "A Game Of You".

Also, maybe check out "The Dark Phoenix Saga" if you want to try some older X-Men stuff.

I considered the Doll's House when making my recommendation, but....the subject is a serial killer's convention.

Granted, it's EFFING BRILLIANT....

But it's serial killers.

A Game of You is about as fairy tale as the series got, and it's also amazing.

Some chicks go for the psycho stuff

it's not all power puff stuff!!! excitment helps too.

OK, then: From Hell and Cherry Poptart.

[ZephyrWasHOT!!]

I was gonna suggest Mouse Guard or Bone.

I also think "The Doll's House" is a good place to start Sandman as well as "A Game Of You".

Also, maybe check out "The Dark Phoenix Saga" if you want to try some older X-Men stuff.

I considered the Doll's House when making my recommendation, but....the subject is a serial killer's convention.

Granted, it's EFFING BRILLIANT....

But it's serial killers.

A Game of You is about as fairy tale as the series got, and it's also amazing.

Some chicks go for the psycho stuff

it's not all power puff stuff!!! excitment helps too.

OK, then: From Hell and Cherry Poptart.

And Faust.

[X-O HoboJoe]

I was gonna suggest Mouse Guard or Bone.

I also think "The Doll's House" is a good place to start Sandman as well as "A Game Of You".

Also, maybe check out "The Dark Phoenix Saga" if you want to try some older X-Men stuff.

I considered the Doll's House when making my recommendation, but....the subject is a serial killer's convention.

Granted, it's EFFING BRILLIANT....

But it's serial killers.

A Game of You is about as fairy tale as the series got, and it's also amazing.

Some chicks go for the psycho stuff

it's not all power puff stuff!!! excitment helps too.

OK, then: From Hell and Cherry Poptart.

And Faust.

Damn, we forgot the Poison Elves stuff.

[stone384]

See! I told you. A bunch of funny, funny people around here!

m