Comics

The Summer holidays are coming up for those of you who are not yet out of school. And what better thing to do in your holidays than read comics?
Well I guess you could go outside... and read comics.

So here's some basic myths about comics debunked followed by details on how you can get into comics that would interest you.

1. They are hard to read.
A common comment I hear from people is that comics are too hard to read, the thing is - they're not really. And that's not because I was brainwashed from a young age to understand them. Comic books are literally books, you just read them like books. Left to right and top to bottom. As soon as you get used to it you forget you're even doing it.

Action Comics, art by Andy Kubert, written by Grant Morrison

2. They are not all superheroes.

Secret Wars #1 cover by Alex Ross

Contrary to popular belief superhero comics don't dominate the medium. Well they do but... they don't. There are tons of superhero comics, and a lot of them are excellent, top of the medium stuff,  but the medium is not confined to this genre. There are plenty of comics from all genres, telling all types of stories for all types of audiences.

3. They not inaccessible to newer readers. 

Avengers #24 cover by Esad Ribic, notice the big #1 and the actually issue number in the right-hand corner.

Sure, comics have a huge back-catalogue and it's great to explore as you get more into the medium, but comics are made to be accessible to new viewers. The publishers actively try and get new people into reading their books, be it through reboots (not often), revivals, and re-releases. There are so many jumping on points available and in the age of the internet it is more than easy to find a place to start.

Now, where to start and where to get them.
The Auckland City libraries have a huge collection of graphic novels and comics for kids, teens, and adults, so it's an excellent place to start, since, often buying comics is a expensive hobby.

Where to start is a somewhat tougher question, there's not a 'one size, fits all' for comics, just like with books and films. And I could go on and on listing some of the best comics out there.

YES SHE DID. UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL BEATS UP THE MARVEL UNIVERSE COVER BY ERICA HENDERSON.

Now if you're interested in superheroes, well I grantee there is a great book starring each and ever one of the characters who has appeared on the big screen. Books like Ant-Man by Nick Spencer and Vision by Tom King and Gabriel Hernández are excellent small runs, around 3 to 2 books. While The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (coming soon to a streaming service near you), by Ryan North and Erica Henderson, is quite possibly the most constantly great comic coming out now, and has 6 books and counting.

Simply just type in a heroes name and find a vol 1. titled book.

Often superhero books are a great gateway to creator-owned work from writers and artist your like, but if you'd like not to read some superhero stuff - here's some options. Sci-Fi: Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughn and Cliff Chang, Fantasy: Birthright by Joshua Williamson and Andrei Bressan, Horror: Outcast by Kirkman and Azaceta

Paper Girl Book 1 Cover by Cliff Chang

But I could go on forever and ever so Google's your friend. And just looking through comics at the library. There's so many gems to be found, and if you don't even try - you're missing out.