How do I get up to speed with an ongoing series? #
The best place to start is the first issue or the first trade paperback (TPB) of an ongoing series. However, this is sometimes not the most feasible option when it comes to long-running series (e.g. Action Comics, Hellblazer, Amazing Spider-Man).
For long-running series, the best place to start is the beginning of the most recent story arc. Story arcs usually last 4 to 6 issues, and are subsequently gathered into collected editions called trade paperbacks. New story arcs can also happen when a new writer comes on board. You can check your favorite publisher’s site to see where the current issue is with respect to the story arc, or to check which TPB you want to start on if you prefer collected material.
How can I stay informed of comics news? #
There are a lot of different comics’ news sites, some focused more on reviews, some more on rumors and “scoops”, and some more on straight news and interviews
AIPT (News, interviews, previews, reviews)
Bleeding Cool (News, rumors, leaks)
Comic Book Resources (News, interviews, previews, reviews)
Comics’ Beat (Broader industry coverage, including indie comics)
IGN Comics (News, interviews, previews, reviews)
Newsarama (News, interviews, previews, reviews)
The Comics Journal (Formal, essay-based approach to comics news and reviews, very in-depth interviews)
What software should I use to read digital comics? #
In the past, community members have recommended:
Perfect Viewer(Android)
ComicRack(Windows, Android)
CDisplay (Windows)
MComix (Linux, Unix, Windows)
QComicBook (git-hub link) (Linux)
Comical (Mac OSX, Windows, Linux)
SimpleComic (Mac OSX)
Comic Zeal (iPad, iPhone)
http://comicreader.mobi/ (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, Windows Mobile, Blackberry)
ComiCat (Android, Kindle)
YACReader (iPad, iPhone, Windows, Linux and Mac OS X)
Chunky Comic Reader (iPad)
ComicGlass (iPad)
Cover (Windows/Windows Phone)
What should I do with comics I no longer want? #
Unfortunately for some of us, comic books simply don’t retain value and therefore shouldn’t be considered a financial investment. This holds especially true for any published after (roughly) 1980. Unless you’ve got a copy of Action Comics number 1 in there, this leaves you with a few options:
Sell them with the expectation you will get pennies for each dollar you spent purchasing the book initially. Selling large collections that contain a few gem issues may average $1 per issue. If you do have a few high-value items, it might be a good idea to get them appraised before selling. For approximations on value, check ComicsPriceGuide.com, the Comic Book Realm, or ebay.
Donate them to a hospital or library.
Craft projects like this.
Hang on to them until the time comes when all comics are released in only digital formats.
You can trade your comics at /r/comicswap.
Where to buy comics #
Here’s a list of places where you can buy comics, including collected editions of comics and graphic novels.
Note that many, but not all, of the following websites ship internationally.
Additionally, if there’s a particular publisher whose comics you’re looking for, be sure to check a search engine for their official site!
New comic books #
Search for local comic shops near you!
Note that Amazon also has a large selection of digital comics, and most of them link to your ComiXology account if you have one–it’ll say whether or not this is the case on each comic’s page. Additionally, their prices are frequently better for digital collected editions than one can find on ComiXology, but not always.
Forbidden Planet International
Used comic books #
Alibris (aggregate search)
BookFinder (aggregate search)
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Digital comic subscription services #
Hoopla (primarily partnered with public libraries)