Beginner’s Guide to Comic Books: Where to Start?
Welcome to StartWithComics—your guide to diving into the world of comic books without getting overwhelmed.
Whether you’re drawn to Spider-Man, Batman, or massive crossover events like Secret Wars or Crisis on Infinite Earths, this is your gateway to it all. We help you read smarter, skip confusion, and get straight to the good stuff.
Explore our hand-picked beginner guides, character breakdowns, and reading roadmaps tailored for new readers.
Start With Marvel Comics
If you’re ready to swing into the Marvel Universe, start here:
- Ultimate Spider-Man Reading Order
- Best Marvel Comics for Beginners
- Marvel Events Reading Order
- Marvel Comics Timeline in Chronological Order (2025)
Or browse by character:
- Spider-Man
- X-Men
- ➕ View All Marvel Characters
Start With DC Comics
Prefer DC? You like Gotham and the Justice League? We’ve got you covered:
Explore iconic characters:
- Batman
- Superman
- View All Marvel Characters ➕
New to Comic Events?
Crossover events can be confusing. Start with these simplified reading paths:
- Crisis on Infinite Earths Explained
- Secret Wars Reading Order
Must-Reads for Beginners
- What is a Trade Paperback (TPB)?
- What is a reboot in comics?
- Understanding Comic Book Continuity
- New to omnibuses? Here are beginner-friendly picks with great binding, value, and iconic stories—plus where to buy them.
- Comic Book Formats Explained—All the Formats, All in One Guide
Still Unsure Where to Begin?
Try this:
▶️ DC vs Marvel: Which Is Better for Beginners?
FAQ
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Do I need to start at issue #1?
No. Most comics are written in short arcs. Our beginner guides tell you which story arcs to start with.
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What’s better — print or digital?
Both are great, but digital is more convenient and cheaper for beginners. Print is best for collectors or people who want physical books.
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Are comics hard to follow?
Not if you start in the right place. We’ve broken it all down so you can enjoy the stories without feeling overwhelmed.
Start Reading Today
Use the links above to jump into your first guide. Whether you’re interested in superheroes, sci-fi, horror, or slice-of-life stories, there’s a perfect comic for you—and we’re here to help you find it.