Looking into collecting DC or Marvel

[MD-Blu]

For a guy who's new at collecting comics and is looking into getting and start being a collector of comic books, any suggestions on where I should start at? I don't believe I have any comic book stores that's near/close to me, so I may have to buy them off the internet, also between the 2 DC and Marvel, which one is the better to have/collect?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Jpapp25]

If you want to just jump in and start reading stories for Marvel to see which characters or series you like, I'd recommend getting the Marvel Unlimited service. There are thousands of series runs on there and it's only 9.99 a month for unlimited use. I've been collecting for years and this has helped me figure out which back issues or trades id like to get before investing in physical copies.

For DC, I usually get the first volume of trades now days before I add a series to my pull list. You can usually find good deals on used trade paperbacks on eBay. I'd recommend Batman or Detecive Comics from the New 52 for Batman (my favorite DC character). Justice League started pretty strong as well.

As far as which to collect (DC vs marvel) it pretty much comes down to what characters you like. Both companies have fun series and characters that appeal to different people. If you like big crossovers and events you might prefer Marvel as they constantly are having cross title events. This might also turn some people off from Marvel. In regards to DC, they have many events contained to different major books. For example, the Batman family of books has had a few crossovers that are primarily contained to those books (batman, Detective comics, batgirl, etc.). Justice league has done the same.

Over the past few years I have started reading many more independents than Marvel/DC. They are usually easier to jump into as there isn't as much history. I would highly recommend Saga from Image as another series to look into getting into. Great scifi/family drama and extremely well written story.

One site I constantly use for back issues is comiccollectorlive.com. You can usually find some good deals on there for single issues.

[Blaze_Chamberlin]

If you'received looking at DC, I would choose a character and Google the top rated stories for them. Batman, for example, has the Knightfall storyline that is really good and available in trade.

[MD-Blu]

Thanks Jpappa25 and Blaze Chamberlin for your suggestions, appreciate them. I'm leaning towards going the DC route since my favorite DC character is Batman.

[GC Riot]

Originally Posted by MD-Blu

Thanks Jpappa25 and Blaze Chamberlin for your suggestions, appreciate them. I'm leaning towards going the DC route since my favorite DC character is Batman.

If you're into Batman then you should check out the official Batman thread in this section, as it has some great suggestions.

[MD-Blu]

Originally Posted by GC Riot

If you're into Batman then you should check out the official Batman thread in this section, as it has some great suggestions.

Thanks for the link.

[AGH]

Fun. A new reader. You're in for a treat. In my opinion, the below list is essential to anyone beginning a Bat collection.

Batman
Gotham Central (Books 1-4)
No Man's Land (Books 1-4)
The Long Halloween
Dark Victory
The Black Mirror
Year One
The Dark Knight Returns
Hush