So you want to get into Marvel Comics but don’t know where to start. Well kids, pull up a chair and listen to your Auntie Bria because there are absolutely some good places to begin reading comic books and you won’t even have to go all the way back to the 1960s!* Will you likely want to jump on Wikipedia and do some research about some aspects of the history of these books or characters? Probably. It’s impossible to jump into a medium with such a long history as comic books without there being at least some sort of background you’d like to know more about. However, I think that each of these suggested titles can be picked up and read with minimal confusion. Each of these suggestions also takes place in the main Marvel Universe which is also referred to as the 616 verse. I also tried to refrain from any company wide arcs for reading ease.** With that, enjoy these suggestions and feel free to ask any clarification questions you might have in the comments.
Astonishing X-men
[Amazon – Comixology]
I have fondly referred to this book as my gateway drug to Marvel Comics. Not only have I used this book to get tons of my friends into comics but I consider it to be one of my favorite runs of all time. Written by Joss Whedon and with art by John Cassaday, Astonishing X-men takes the X-men back from the black leather street looks (thanks for that, X-men films) and back to their spandex superhero roots. Mutants have always been treated with at least some fear and distrust by the public and the X-men want to fix this.
Whedon brings together Cyclops/Scott Summers, Emma Frost, Wolverine, Beast/Hank McCoy, and Shadowcat/Kitty Pryde, a group of characters who certain have issues with each other but work together as a team because they have to astonish the world. It’s a story that not only can stand on its own but also one which will introduce you to the characters in a way that will leave you wanting to know more about them. Although Whedon’s run concluded back in 2007, it’s certainly a book worth reading if you’re interested in the modern X-men. Plus, as an added bonus, Whedon introduces us to some awesome new characters, namely Hisako Ichiki/Armor and Abigail Brand. If you have any interest in the X-men at all, this is the book to start with.