Here's what it means:
* Multiple Runs: A comic book series might have multiple runs, especially if it's been around for a long time. A new creative team, a major change in the storyline, or even a publisher shift could lead to a new volume being started.
* Continuity: Vol numbers help readers understand the continuity of a series. For example, if a character's origin story is in Vol. 1, then the story in Vol. 5 picks up from that point.
* Collections: When comics are collected into trade paperbacks (TPBs) or graphic novels, the volume number often reflects the grouping of issues.
Examples:
* "The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1" refers to the original run of the Spider-Man comic series.
* "The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2" indicates a new run of the series, which might feature a new creative team, different storylines, or even a different artistic style.
It's worth noting that not all comic book series have volume numbers. Some might simply continue as a single, continuous series without using volume distinctions. However, for popular and long-running titles, volumes provide a useful tool for understanding the different eras and phases of a comic book's history.