After the Lights Come Up:

Where to Start When the Movie Ends, an introduction to help you get started reading comics

There is no denying that superheroes have once again flown, punched, and and charmed their way back into the public spotlight, with tales of fancy and inspiration saturating the silver screen. As one friend of mine put it, “The time of the Nerd has come,” with every corner of pop culture being influenced by what was once thought to only be found in the deep depths of parents’ basements. For some time now, superhero blockbusters dominate the box office, claiming some of each year’s highest grosses, thrilling audiences with spectacular special effects and high flying action. Stories are usually good to great, calling viewers to hope that good will triumph over the evil of the day and that with the right heart, a hero can arise within the common man.

But when the credits roll and the lights come up, where can you go from there?

This is for those who find themselves loving the stories, heroes, and spectacle that the big screen has been offering, but find the wait between movies uncomfortably long. There is a solution to your problem! There are decades of comic books just waiting to satisfy your hunger for superhero adventure!
I know what you may be thinking. You think, “But comic books are for kids. They have pictures. And the stories aren’t for people over the age of fourteen.” Well let me put your mind at ease. Comic books are for everyone! If you enjoy the heroes you see in movies, why wouldn’t you like to read about them? Why not see them developed more deeply and take on challenges the screen would struggle to capture. Much like novels made into movies, comic books can be far richer than their live action counterparts. The quality of writing varies, as with any medium, but most stories are aimed at a fairly mature audience. Comics like “The Winter Soldier”, the source for this summer’s Captain America film, is as rich and developed as its counterpart, if not more so. There has never been a better time for encouraging your love of all things super than now!

The real problem is knowing where to buy comics and what stories are good entry points, simple to jump in and enjoy without the hassle of reading years upon years of issues (X-Men, I’m looking at you!). The answers to such questions is mere lines below. Silence the doubt in your mind and continue onward, perhaps you won’t have to wait another year for your superhero fix.

First, where to buy comics is simple. Amazon is great for comics. They even have Kindle Comics.

If you have a smart phone or tablet, a popular app for digital comics is Comixology. I am not certain how the app is functioning currently, as they recently changed much of its format. In the past it was a popular and easy way to get your digital fix, with numerous free comics to try.

Then there are book stores and local comic shops. Personally, I do much of my buying at my local comic shop and Amazon. Amazon has some great markdowns on many books, so money can be stretched. Some people may feel strange going into a real comic store, breaking some social question about your personal cool-factor. Don’t believe the stereotype. There are girls in comic shops as well as nerds and the cool guys. And many shops have various discounts as well.

It matters not where you buy comics, so long as you find what you’re looking for and enjoy your favorite hero! And trust me when I say that there is a comic for everyone. So whether the comic is for you, your spouse, or your children, know you will find something suitable.

Now, to help you get started reading comics! Here are a few good stories for the heroes you already love and some you don’t!

An introduction to help get you started reading comics

• Batman: The Long Halloween

• • Written and Illustrated by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
    This is considered one of the greatest Batman stories of all time. It is a near perfect depiction of the Caped Crusader, highlighting his skills as a detective and various villains. Christopher Nolan, director of The Dark Knight film franchise, said this was one of his greatest inspirations for its depiction of the criminal underworld which Batman constantly faces off against. The Long Halloween is a must read for anyone who considers themselves a Batman fan.

• Superman: Secret Origin

• • Written and Illustrated by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank
    The title says it all. This is a look at the origins of Clark Kent, better known as Superman. This is known for taking a deeper look into this time as a youth in Kansas, learning as his powers develop. This is for both fans of Superman and for those who want to know more about him.

• Superman: Last Son of Krypton

• • Written and Illustrated by Geoff Johns, Adam Kubert, and Gary Frank
    Calling all fans of General Zod. Another book written by the great Geoff Johns, Superman: Last Son of Krypton is one of my personal favorites. A little foreknowledge can be helpful, but is not necessary for this read. If you like huge hitting superhero action there is plenty to go around. The story is also touching, as Clark discovers the possibility of another Krypton survivor and the realization that he may not be alone after all.

• Iron Man: Extremis

• • Written and Illustrated by Warren Ellis and Adi Granov
    Extemis is the comic that inspired the the armor and Stark style found in the Iron Man motion pictures. If you’re infatuated with that billionaire playboy philanthropist, this should be a good place to find him hanging out. The Iron Man 3 film tried to use parts of this plot but certainly did not do the book the justice it deserved. See for yourself.

• Thor: Season One

• • Written and Illustrated by Matthew Sturges and Pepe Larraz
    For those who enjoyed the first Thor movie, this will not be anything exceptionally new, but warmly familiar. Like Superman: Secret Origins, all of Marvel’s Season One titles are meant to introduce the character and give a sort of origin story. If that sounds like your type of tankard, drink deep, ye fans of the God of Thunder!

• Thor: God of Thunder, Vol. 1

• • Written and Illustrated by Jason Aaron and Esab Ribic
    Grab your grog because it’s hammer time! Okay, this book is far less ridiculous than the phrase you were just subjected to. In fact, if you like epic in the sense of EPIC story, EPIC action, and EPIC adventure, this is a great place to start! The unique aspect of this Thor story is that it takes place over three generations of Thor, and not how you’d expect. We see young Thor before he has earned the right to wield his hammer, Avengers Thor, and old Thor who has taken Odin’s place on the throne of Asgard. Sound like a bit much? It would be if handled by anyone other than Jason Aaron who makes this truly epic story simple and enjoyable to follow. Watch as an enemy from Thor’s past rises to plague him all the way into his future with one goal in mind: the destruction of every god who ever lived! You want to read this. Seriously. Trust me.

• Captain America, Vol. 1: Winter Soldier Ultimate Collection

• • Written and Illustrated by Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting, and Mike Perkins
    If you enjoyed this summer’s Captain America film, this is the comic that inspired it all. Ed Brubaker decided to take the classic tale of Captain America and Bucky from WWII and give it a new and welcomed twist. Brubaker’s style is a bit grittier than the standard Cap fare, and the tone is one of espionage and intrigue. This is a solid read. Great story. Great characters. Great action. This is what comics are about. Oh, and the Red Skull is still around, so fear not a repeat of the movie.

• Spider-Man: Blue

• • Written and Illustrated by Jeff Loeb and Tim Sale
    This is a love letter to Gwen Stacy. Everything from Spider-Man’s origin to his most heartbreaking loss, Spider-Man Blue is a retelling of the key moments from Spidey’s history. This is fantastic and an absolute must for all lovers of Peter Parker and the ladies in his life. Yes, he fights the lizard and goblin and those whom you would expect, but this story is so much more than fights and tights. This is where the heart of all storytelling lies; in connecting with the reader on a personal level. This is one of the only comic books that has brought tears to my eyes. I can almost guarantee it will to yours as well.

• The Ultimates: Ultimate Collection

• • Written and Illustrated by Mark Millar and Bryon Hitch
    The Avengers. The movie that truly brought all the hype to its awesome summit and solidified the idea that Marvel movies were must see summer and fall flicks. Nearly everyone loves the Avengers for its fun team, charismatic characters, and wildly entertaining action sequences. This is probably the one story that most greatly influenced the creation of The Avengers movie franchise. It is a bit heavier and more political than most other comics on this list, but that is what makes it so meaty. It brought the characters into the new millennia, rehashing some important plot points from the past while still creating new ones. If you’re looking for something “grown-up” and as Avengers as it gets, look no further! You’ve hit the jackpot.

I was going to continue this list with a few more entry comics that didn’t focus on movie related characters, but I believe I will save those for a later time. Perhaps once a week I will post a few comics worth looking into. If this is at all interesting to you, sound off in the comments bar so I know to move forward.
Thanks and I hope this can help a few of you find something new to enjoy!