19 Comic Books To Turn You Into A Comics Reader

What to know: It's an epic space opera following a star-crossed married couple and their little mixed baby as they run from both sides of a war. This is one of those comics that's on practically every rec list for newbies: It's gorgeous, thoroughly beloved, a smash hit – and one of those works that you can't find an easy substitute for on TV or in films. It's a triumph of the medium, basically.

Suggested by BeatemMellark.

What to know: The Kamala Khan Ms. Marvel became iconic at what felt like record speed. Following Marvel's first Muslim superhero, Ms. Marvel reads like a funny, scrappy teen coming-of-age story centered on a heroine for the ages. And trust us when we say there's a reason it's one of the main comics of note these days.

Suggested by kirackennedy.

What to know: It kind of feels like season 2 Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Following a team of teen superheroes as a parasite takes over all the adults of the world, it's pithy teen fare at its best. It's thoroughly beloved for a reason. Let's let Kate Bishop's iconic opening scene sum it up: "I have no powers and not nearly enough training. But I'm doing this anyway. Being a superhero is amazing – everyone should try it."

Suggested by anonymous.

What to know: This series follows a superhero with SQUIRREL POWERS. Yes, that's silly – but it's also more badass than you'd think. This is a newer run, and it pretty much reads like the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt of comics. Let some fuzzy sitcomy goodness into your life.

Suggested by Rorry Johnston.

What to know: Again, the basic concept is enough. Girl meets boy. Girl and boy fuck. Girl and boy discover that they can (literally!) stop time with their orgasms. Girl and boy decide to use this power to rob a bank and save a library.

Suggested by Jessica Ann Lawson.

What to know: It's a post-apocalyptic event where the extinction even is the death of all men – except, of course, one. This is another one of those comic books that gets rec'd in seemingly every newbie bundle. There's a reason for that: It's gripping and full of cliffhangers while also being tender, hilarious, and chock full of emotion. It's one of those rides you can binge-read and then share with everyone who so eagerly pushed it into your arms in the first place.

Suggested by Derek Elliot.

What to know: This is not the MCU's Clint Barton. This is the essential Clint Barton, the beloved Clint Barton. You need to get to know him – and, perhaps even more, you need to get to know Kate Bishop. Just trust us on this. Once again, there's a reason Fraction's Hawkeyes are so intensely adored.

Suggested by Keely Naze.

What to know: Basically, god in this universe are incarnated as pop stars every ninety years – but they only get to live for two. Would you trade dying young for two years of unimaginable power and the adoration of the entire world?

Suggested by Ashley Cox.

What to know: The introduction of Miles Morales as Spider-Man certainly made waves, and they're absolutely ones to watch. Jump onto the mantle with him and watch him build his own lasting legacy.

Suggested by anonymous.

What to know: This one's a dark comedy, but let's let the ComiXology blurb speak for itself: "A pack of booze-guzzling, death-dealing battle maidens-for-hire, and

they're in the business of killing all gods' creatures for profit." I mean. What more do you need?

Suggested by Keely Naze.

What to know: As with a lot of the mainstays, it's hard to pinpoint the exact right place to jump in with a character as storied as Batman. So why not choose one by a creator (Scott Snyder, not to be confused with Zack) who's well-regarded?

Suggested by Ahmed Ali Akbar.

What to know: The basic concept of Bitch Planet is that all the "misbehaving" women get sent off to a separate planet. It's revenge fantasy galore. "Think Margaret Atwood meets Inglourious Basterds," as its ComiXology blurb puts it.

Suggested by Jessica Ann Lawson.

What to know: As the ComiXology blurb puts it, "the amazing creative team of writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely join forces to take Superman back to basics and create a new vision of the World's First Superhero."

Suggested by Courtney O'Grady.

What to know: It's one of those classics. It's about the actual dreamlord of its title. And, y'know, that Neil Gaiman guy's pretty well-regarded, I think he's got a bright future ahead of him.

Suggested by Katie Mayer.

What to know: If you're looking for something that relatively directly inspired an onscreen superhero, here ya go. There are differences between page and screen of course, but this is the main source material where Jessica Jones took the form of the character beloved in the Netflix series.

Suggested by elucidation01.

What to know: If you're looking for something to read right before it hits television, here's one. Preacher premieres on AMC in June, produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, with Dominic Cooper starring. As for the actual concept, it's about a preacher who loses his faith and gains the ability to make people do whatever he says.

Suggested by MistressMissy.

What to know: When it comes to the X-Men, there are approximately 10 katrillion places to start. But that can sometimes be the very problem – because that's hella intimidating. So here is one option, with a handy bridge (Joss Whedon) to tie you to other mediums and creators you may be more familiar with.

Suggested by Aidan9999.

What to know: This series follows a bunch of teens who discover that their parents are supervillains. A movie used to be in the works, with Vaughan attached to write, but it's been largely sidelined for now – leaving a lot of people longing to see this well-loved comic brought to life.

Suggested by Mike Hinson.

What to know: It's literally a bunch of girls at summer camp. A supernatural summer camp! The ComiXology blurb bills it as "one of those punk rock, love-everything-about-it stories that appeals to fans of basically all excellent things." So that may well be you, especially considering how critically acclaimed this series is.

Suggested by Anonymous.