Superhero Comics:
* Marvel:
* Spider-Man: Classic, relatable, and full of heart. Start with "Amazing Spider-Man" by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
* The Avengers: A team of iconic heroes, great for understanding the Marvel Universe. Start with "Avengers" by Brian Michael Bendis.
* Captain Marvel: A powerful and inspiring female hero. Start with "Captain Marvel" by Kelly Sue DeConnick.
* DC:
* Batman: Dark, gritty, and detective-focused. Start with "Batman: Year One" by Frank Miller.
* Wonder Woman: A feminist icon and powerful warrior. Start with "Wonder Woman" by Greg Rucka.
* Superman: The classic hero, full of hope and idealism. Start with "Superman: Birthright" by Mark Waid.
Independent Comics:
* Saga: A beautiful, epic space opera with complex characters and incredible art.
* The Walking Dead: A gritty, suspenseful zombie apocalypse story.
* Ms. Marvel: A fun, relatable superhero story with a young Muslim-American protagonist.
* Y: The Last Man: A thought-provoking story about a world where all males except one are dead.
* Sandman: A complex and surreal fantasy story with incredible characters and themes.
Graphic Novels:
* Persepolis: A powerful and moving memoir about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
* Maus: A heartbreaking and haunting graphic novel about the Holocaust, told through the lens of mice and cats.
* Fun Home: A coming-of-age story about sexuality, family, and identity.
* Blankets: A beautiful and poignant graphic novel about love, loss, and faith.
Tips for New Readers:
* Start with a single issue: Don't feel pressured to buy a whole collection. See if you like a particular story or artist before committing.
* Look for trade paperbacks: These collect multiple issues together and are a great way to get into a series.
* Check out your local comic shop: They're a great resource for recommendations and finding specific issues or trades.
* Don't be afraid to ask for help: Comic book stores are usually filled with helpful and passionate fans who are happy to guide you.
Remember, comics are a diverse and wonderful medium with something for everyone. Don't be afraid to explore different genres and find what speaks to you!