How to Start Reading Graphic Novels

In 2020 I decided I would start reading graphic novels. I was hesitant at first because I knew very little about comics/graphic novels beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and navigating decades of superhero comics seemed overwhelming. Plus, superheroes have never been my go-to for reading material. I’ve always preferred high fantasy stories about monsters and elves. My first experience with Marvel was on screen, and I had little interest in exploring the comics that inspired those movies. That changed when I came across other bloggers talking about graphic novels, and I started to get curious. I decided to take the plunge by starting with Monstress by Marjoie Liu and Sana Takeda. I’ve since read or started 4 other stories. I’ve learned a lot since I first picked up Monstress with no idea what I was getting into, so I’ve decided to share what I’ve learned about how to start reading graphic novels.

How to Start Reading Graphic Novels

Lessons from my first read, Monstress by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda

1. Start with a series that has a defined beginning and end

As I mentioned in my introduction, a big reason I was hesitant to start reading comics was that I was overwhelmed by everything I thought I needed to know before starting. If I want to start by reading the Spiderman comics, where do I start? Do I look for the very first original series about Spiderman, or can I start with something more recent? Do I read about Peter Parker first, or can I start with Miles Morales?

Now, I realize reading Marvel doesn’t really require starting at the very beginning, but because there are just so many options, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed. I recommend starting with a smaller comic series that has a defined beginning and end. It doesn’t have to be a completed series (Monstress is ongoing), but since I didn’t need to worry about the story building off of a prior series, I could start Monstress without doing any research.

2. Start in a genre you’re comfortable with

Reading graphic novels is already new, so there’s so it’s good to start in a genre you’re familiar with so you’re not taking on too much. Fantasy is my favorite genre, and I’m familiar with all the usual plotlines, tropes, and other conventions. This made my transition into graphic novels much easier.

If you’re thinking about picking up you’re first graphic novel, look for a genre you’re familiar with. I’ve seen everything from contemporary rom-coms to 80s themed horror, you’re sure to find something up your alley.

Lessons from my first DNFed graphic novel, Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

3. Dont’t start with the classics (unless it’s something you’re actually going to like)

I was disappointed by Watchmen, but when I really thought about it, I shouldn’t have been surprised. Watchmen is a classic because of its groundbreaking critical take on the superhero genre. Since I have little knowledge of the history of superhero comics, this theme fell flat for me. The story also takes on a very nihilistic tone, which I don’t care for.

If you’re going to start with a classic, I recommend you learn from my mistake and at least pick one that aligns with my first two points: a genre you’re familiar with and that doesn’t rely on previous series.

Lessons from The Sandman by Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith, Mike Dringenberg, and Malcolm Jones III and The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

4. Use your library!

I haven’t finished reading The Sandman series and you know why? Because comics are expensive! I can’t afford to buy new volumes as fast as I can read them. Recently, I found out my library has some of the graphic novels I’ve been planning on reading, and it has been such a godsend. I was worried I would have a hard time seeing the pages/art on my phone, but I didn’t have any trouble.

If you want to start reading graphic novels without breaking the bank, I definitely recommend seeing what your library has to offer.

5. Don’t be afraid to read slowly or skim back through the story if you need to

If you’re like me, paying attention to images and text at the same time won’t come naturally. I found that while I was reading The Sandman and The Girl from the Sea I often missed important details in the images because I wasn’t used to looking there for a story. I find it helpful to take a second after reading the text to look closer at the image. It’s hard because my eyes just want to jump ahead to the next piece of dialogue, but definitely worth it! I also like to flip back through the graphic novel just to look at some of the images. This refreshes my memory a bit on what I read and helps me think about how the art is telling a story without getting distracted by dialogue.

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Have you read any graphic novels/comics? What would you recommend for beginners? Let’s chat in the comments!