If you happen to be reading this, I hope that means you've read my past article of getting into comic books and that means you are interested enough that you want to a starting point on what to start reading first. In which case you've come to an excellent place! First off , I must disclose that my knowledge is mostly in DC and Image. I know some Marvel, and little of the other publishers, so if your looking for more Marvel recommendations, you may have not come to an excellent place. That being said I'll get right to it. Below is list of comics I enjoy an incredible amount. You should not limit yourself to this list as their are plenty of comics I have not gotten around to reading and want to very badly.
I recommend:
"Batman: The Killing Joke"
"The Killing Joke" is a seminal Batman piece that serves as The Joker's unofficial origin story. In it Joker's path to darkness is detailed and he goes beyond to prove a point that, "Everyone is one bad day away from being just like the Joker."
"Batman: Year One"
"Batman: Year One" serves as an origin to not Bruce Wayne, but as Batman and Commissioner Gordon, showing off their respective first years as Gotham's Guardians
"Superman: American Alien"
I am not the biggest fan of Superman, so let it be known that if I'm recommending him to a reader it's probably fantastic. This is the case for "American Alien." In a seven-issue miniseries by the talented Max Landis, Clark Kent is an alien on foreign land and these seven issues show him coming of age with these fantastic powers. Each issue touches on a powerful aspect of coming into adulthood, all of which range from heartwarming to brutal to tear jerking.
"Wonder Woman Rebirth"
Wonder Woman is another hero I know little about. That's why I recommend her "Rebirth" series. DC has relaunched their superhero continuity and it has been successful. Wonder Woman's rebirth is great for any newcomer since the story tackles her jumbled origin and she is unsure as to which one is real.
"The Flash: Rebirth" (2009-2010)
This book is not to be confused with the current Flash rebirth. This tale takes place after Barry Allen returns from the speed force after sacrificing himself to save earth. It's a story of acceptance and legacy and is a must read for any Flash fan
"Green Arrow: Year One"
Batman isn't the only one with his own year one. "Green Arrow: Year One" is the story that is Green Arrow's origin. Billionaire Playboy Oliver Queen is abounded on an island and must use his talent for archery to survive. It's one of the best Green Arrow stories in existence.
"Spiderman: Kraven's Last Hunt"
Kraven is one of Spider-Man's most formidable foes but has never been able to best the Wall-Crawler. That is until one night he sets out to replace the spider. This is an excellent look into Spider-Man's relationships with his villains, and the surprising motives his villains have.
"Marvel's Civil War"
Recently adapted in theaters, the First Civil War pits Steve Rogers against Tony Stark, as they are both in opposite sides of a conflict that would make heroes reveal their identities and work for the government.
"Saga"
"Saga" tells the tale of two lovers, who shouldn't be together, as their opposite species are at war. Saga may sound very romantic, but it tells an interesting, brutal, and suspenseful story about the power of love.
"Invincible"
"Invincible" is about a boy who gains superpowers and fights crime along his alien father. While the premise itself seems boring, Invincible has the light heartedness that make it fun to read and twists that destroy your world. It is a superhero comic for those who dislike the typical superhero comic tropes.
"Fables"
"Fables," a comic from the Vertigo imprint from DC, is the story of how your favorite fables and nursery rhymes take actual form and live among us. The Big Bad Wolf is the sheriff and Snow white it's the mayor of Fabletown, a neighborhood in New York City that is strictly for the likes of your fairy tale creatures. It's gritty, mature, sexy, and at times very witty.
"Sex Criminals"
Two people discover they can stop time when they orgasm. These people meet each other and together decide to use this power to rob a bank. Need I say more?
"Archie" (2015)
A modern reimagining of one of comics oldest, this version of "Archie" has all your favorite characters like JugHead, Betty, and Veronica, the mysterious "Lipstick Incident" pulls Archie and Betty apart. This comic will make you laugh, cry, and probably laugh again.
"Atomic Robo"
Have you ever thought of a Robot fighting Nazi's? How about one with an incredible sense of humor and an immense hate for Stephen Hawking! Atomic Robo is a funny comic about a robot from WWII trying to find his place in the modern world. It's one I didn't expect to like and now I'm madly in love with it.
"Chew"
"Chew" is a cop drama about Agent Tony Chu, a cibopath. He can get psychic impressions from any food, except for beets. He lives Ina world were all chicken is outlawed due to an outbreak of bird flu that killed millions of American citizens. He uncovers a conspiracy that may change the world as we know it. "Chew" is gritty, grotesque, and at many times hysterical and is a must read.
