By Lauren Barbour
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Back when I first got interested in reading comics, I remember encountering some initial difficulty figuring out just how I was going to get my hands on a series to read. If you’re having the same problem, I now have some answers (just based on my previous experiences).
Comics can be purchased either as single issues or volumes, which are usually a collection of five or six issues. Single issues are best bought either when you really want to keep up with a series or aren’t sure if you want to commit to a whole book; volumes are good for collecting a single storyline in one place. For example, this Daredevil volume collects issues of both “Daredevil” and “The Amazing Spider-Man” because of a crossover between the two series. It should also be mentioned that because the prices of single issues can vary anywhere from 99 cents to around 4 dollars, whether it’s cheaper to buy the volume or the issues depends.
If you’re pressed for storage or prefer books that are more low maintenance in terms of taking care of them, I’d recommend volumes. If you’re not entirely sure about how much you’ll like a series and just want to take a quick peek, single issues might be the way to go. It should be noted that single issues with variant covers (alternate art) can be purchased but volumes often include extra art like character designs and page drafts as well. It all depends on what kind of reader you are. Either way, I hope you find an option you’re comfortable with.
With that said, no matter what form you choose to buy them in, here are a few suggestions for reading material.
Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers is my hero. She’s Kamala Khan’s hero. She’s just. Such a hero in general, and a pretty awesome one at that. The 2014 run kicks off with Carol taking on the role of deep-space adventurer; the Guardians of the Galaxy actually appear in the first couple of issues, if that makes any of this sound more appealing. (Not that the series needs it.) You may recognize her as part of the Avengers, but her solo series is where Carol gets even cooler.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman
If you’re not looking for a long-term investment, this series will probably appeal to you more. Sensation Comics are more like a group of oneshots, all drawn by different artists, all featuring Wonder Woman. The stories usually span one to three issues and aren’t connected, so it’s great if you just want to jump in, or pick and choose the ones you want to read. My favorite issue so far is issue 7, which was drawn by Marguerite Sauvage, although the “Girls’ Day Out” story in issues 26 and 27 are close competitors.
Quantum and Woody
This series by Valiant features two brothers brought together in the wake of their father’s murder to become the disastrous crime-fighting duo Quantum and Woody. And I really mean disastrous. It’s hilarious. So if lots of action paired with petty sibling rivalry sounds interesting, give it a try. (Did I mention there’s a goat? Because there’s also a goat.)
Happy reading!