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It recently occurred to me that in my more than two years of writing this column, I’ve done much in attempt to educate readers about comics that deserve more attention, but little to help encourage those who do not read comics at all. Seriously, if you don’t already read comics, are you gonna know what you’re looking for? And I can only imagine how intimidating it could be walking into a seedy comic book store for the first time, with tons of crap hanging on the walls, books and toys strewn about the place, and seemingly little organization about the whole mess. So if you’ve ever happened upon this column and thought, "Well, that might be interesting," but just never had the impulse to actually get out there and explore, maybe this will help.

0. COMICS AREN'T ALL SPANDEX

Hopefully from reading this column in the past you’ve been able to gather that there is more to comic books than just superheroes. There are as many different styles of comics as there are genres of film and movies, and each has something to offer to different people.

1. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY COMICS TO READ COMICS

No, I’m not talking about stealing (not yet, anyway). I’ve found that even some of the smallest town libraries now have sections where you can check out graphic novels and trades (collections of individual issues). This is a great way to begin finding titles, writers, and artists that you like without having to spend tons of cash on stuff you might end up not liking. Pay attention to the credits of the stories you’re reading. If you like the story or art of one book, it stands to reason that you’ll like another story that creator was involved with.

2. FINDING THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE

Once you’ve found that writer/artist you like, the Internet has made it easy as pie to find more of their work. Search engines can lead you to lists of creators’ works, other books similar in style or subject matter, and other people who are interested in similar material.

After a while, there’s a good chance you’ll get to know what your tastes are and what it is that you do or don’t like. At this point, it may be time for you to find your local comic shop (hopefully you have one) and begin looking over the books coming out on a monthly basis. If you’re looking for something in particular, don’t be afraid to ask the store clerk if they carry it. Despite the common stereotype of the snooty comic shop guy, most are really there to help you.

3. KEEP AN OPEN MIND

Within every subcategory of every genre of comics, there’s good stuff and bad stuff. And not every story your favorite writer or artist does is going to be great. (Everybody has a flop once in a while, right?) Just don’t give up. Once you come to the point where you do feel comfortable shelling out your money for the books you like, try not to let a bad experience sour you.

4. SUGGESTIONS

These are some books, both past and present, that I’d like to recommend to new readers. These should be easily attainable either in single issue form or trade/graphic novel form.

• Y The Last Man (DC Comics/Vertigo, drama) - All the men on Earth suddenly and mysteriously die, except for one.

• Invincible (Image Comics, adventure/superhero) - A new kind of superhero story. It’s intelligent, funny, and dramatic. The first couple of issues will have you hooked.

• The Crow (James O’Barr, drama/action) - The violent and heartfelt story that inspired the movies. One of my favorite books of all-time.

• Fables (DC Comics/Vertigo, fantasy/drama) - The characters from the tales of your childhood have come to our world. Find out why.

Good luck and happy hunting!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER PRINT ISSUE #7, WHICH FEATURES THIS REVIEW AND MANY MORE!