Getting Into Comics

[Quasimod0]

I've never really been a comic reader, just a few here and there. But I'm interested in getting into the newest Star Wars comics. Do you guys have any advice on where to begin?

 

[PunyGod]

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[Mike Murdock]

Yeah, if you want to get into the Star Wars comics, the easiest way to do it is to start reading the Star Wars comics. Either find a local comic shop or order a subscription online. As mentioned, there are three right now. In addition, Princess Leia is a limited run that should end soon (I forget what's replacing it), but it's still relatively straight forward.

 

[Quasimod0]

If I start a subscription for one of the Star Wars comics, do I also get the comics previously released in the year?

 

[OcStat]

No, they'll start you on the next issue after they process the subscription. If issue 5 is on the stands, the first issue you would probably get in the mail would be maybe #7?

The Star Wars books are pretty sought after at the moment, they can be pricey hunting down the first couple of books I'd you missed them. But there is the digital comic service comiXology (I believe, don't use it myself), you can download digital versions of almost anything for like a buck or two.

 

[Lord]

Princess Leia and Kanan seem to be limited series, so maybe you should wait till they are over and pick the TPB. Star Wars and Darth Vader are both going to last for a long time. My favorite so far is Darth Vader, as it's dark and implements stuff from the Prequels into the dark times of the Empire, as well as offering very entertaining bad guys, with a sort of "dark" C3PO, there was also a "Dark" Chewbacca from what i remember, he was working with Boba Fett, though i don't remember what happened to him.

He main Star Wars title feels more like a direct sequel to Episode IV though, and in a way they are more cinematic, even the upcoming Kenobi story seems like something that could have been told on the big screen. If i had to recommend, i would advice you to try the main Star Wars title first, then if you want to read more, dwelve into Darth Vader.

Would be kickass to see Disney adapting some of these stories into animation to release on Netflix or another platform that would allow fans to enjoy these stories in animation.

 

[Quasimod0]

Thanks for the tips guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[PunyGod]

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[SpideyInATree]

Or get Marvel Unlimited if you're behind that far. I'm so behind on comics anymore that I'm usually six months behind anyway and having Marvel Unlimited is perfect for me. Plus you get all the back issues of pretty much Marvel's entire back catalogue. They just recently got the Star Wars comics on there and I've slowly been digging in myself.

 

[OcStat]

Digital is definitely the way to go. Not just for comics but for all media (music, movies, books, games, etc). Reduce the clutter in your life.

Get an account on Comixology. They sell everyone's comics. You'll find apps for Marvel and DC too but they are just fronts for the same Comixology account.

Problem with digital media for me, is what happens with all the stuff you own but don't physically have, when those services are discontinued?

 

[PunyGod]

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[OcStat]

Its a common excuse people bring up but you have to ask yourself how often do you really re-use your media. Do you see yourself re-reading your entire comic collection 30 years from now?

I used to have a 1000 DVD collection about half of which I never even got around to watching before I sold them. And out of the rest there were maybe two or three movies that I could see myself re-watching on a regular basis.


Most people consume media once and then move on.

Movies I can see, I used to have a lot more DVDs too, mine were stolen but after mourning I realized it wasn't too bad. Even the stuff I still have, usually spend more time staring at them thinking of what to watch before the lady just puts on Netflix. And any physical copy nowadays comes with a digital copy.

But I do actually read my comics again often. And I admit I haven't spent any time looking over the details of comixology's service, but, say your tablet craps out...are you able to just log-in on a new device and open your purchases? What happens if they go under?

And the fact that they, if I recall correctly, charge the same cover price as a physical book is bogus. Marvel includes digital copies for free which is awesome. I haven't taken advantage of those yet but it's nice to have the option. 7 long boxes take up a lot of space and you know there's people out there with dozens.

I guess it depends on what you are really aiming for, I enjoy collecting. If you are just wanting to read them, there's definitely perks to the digital route. Especially being able to find sold out issues that aren't marked up.

 

[Mike Murdock]

Its a common excuse people bring up but you have to ask yourself how often do you really re-use your media. Do you see yourself re-reading your entire comic collection 30 years from now?

I can see myself picking and choosing what to read and reading some of my favorites 30 years from now.

I have Marvel Unlimited, which is a subscription fee to read an unlimited amount of comics. I'm not owning them, which is why there's no limit to the numbers I can read per month. But if I'm owning them, I'd like to actually own them (which is why Daredevil, for me, is purchased via physical medium). That being said, it's worth pointing out that physical comics must be maintained as well or else they'll degrade. But at least that's within my control.

 

[PunyGod]

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[OcStat]

Every Marvel comic I've bought since Now! started has included a digital copy. DC does select titles, and even then you need to make sure it's marked, and costs another dollar.

I only have a smart phone, no tablet or PC, laptop or any of that. So that keeps me from plunging into the digital realm wholeheartedly too. I bet they look damn good on a decent size screen.

 

[PunyGod]

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[sdc10]

Every Marvel comic I've bought since Now! started has included a digital copy. DC does select titles, and even then you need to make sure it's marked, and costs another dollar.

I only have a smart phone, no tablet or PC, laptop or any of that. So that keeps me from plunging into the digital realm wholeheartedly too. I bet they look damn good on a decent size screen.

I dont see myself ever switching fully to digital. Ive tried a free trial of marvel unlimited and read it on my laptop but it just doesnt do it for me. I found it made reading a bit tougher going from panel to panel, and sometimes the view would change as I was trying to scroll and technical things like that. Perhaps the experience is better on a tablet but I dont ever see myself owning one of those. I can definitely see the benefits of going digital in regards to having so much material in one place and the convience of space saving, but I dont think its for me.

Though I do have to admit I recently received a kindle paperwhite e-reader and have made the switch to digital in regards to regular books but again, as far as comics go, reading it on a screen doesnt do it for me.

 

[PunyGod]

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[sdc10]

Laptop? Er no. You gotta get a tablet. Not just for comics either. It takes a while to realize it but it completely changes how you use media and the internet.

I just cant justify a tablet when I already have multiple other devices that do everything that I would want to do on a tablet. Except read comics of course, Im still buying trades for that