NEW READERS: Where are you coming from?

[Scottyrep]

I'm a lapsed fan. I buy comics irregurarly, mostly independent stuff from Vertigo, Image, vaarious Manga, some Marvel/DC.
I've read all the big titles in the past, but the new 52 drew me back in. What turned me off in the past is these mega events that have no lasting repercussions, or the changes are quickly retconned. The smaller stuff can have lasting changes, but the bigger stuff has to handle their properties differently.
Also, not really a continuity issue, but I like titles that have a definitive beginning and end, not where the comic began some time ago and writers
really have nothing new to add to the character but just keep it going.
Something I don't understand is once comic companies find a character that
sells well, they want to market them to death. How many comics can Wolverine/Deadpool/Superman/Batman appear in one month...? but I'm optimistic about Dc's future.

[CompSciGuy]

I'm a big comics fan but mostly stuck with Marvel and a number of independents over the years. Most of my DC Comic reading came from reading some of the more famous stories collected in TPB form (Kingdom Come, Batman: The Long Halloween, Frank Miller's Dark Knight books, etc.). I started getting into DCU again after getting Green Lantern: Rebirth (after I first saw the trailer for the movie), and after trying out the DCU Online MMO. From there I read more Green Lantern, picked up the trades for 52, and also started reading Batgirl (but stopped after I heard about the relaunch plans). I did give the new Batgirl comic a shot after reading an interview with Gail Simone, and will be picking it up on a regular basis again, lol.

I've actually liked a good portion of the relaunch comics I've picked up so far, but unfortunately, I'll have to trim down my ongoing list to 5 or 6 titles from DC until my finances improve. I actually sold a good chunk of really bad X-Men comics (written by Chuck Austin) to help fund my new purchases, lol.

[Oathkeeper]

Been reading comics for a few years now. Just never really never figured I'd join a forum for discussing comics. I figured this would be a good time to since I'm already a member on various fourms for some of my other hobbies.

[Flinkman]

I'm a lifelong Marvel lover (mainly the mutants and classic heroines), but since I've read comics for about 20 years now, I'm fairly familiar with the Bat-Universe even though I never really gave the comics a shot. Batman the animated series is incredible, and at least 4.5 of the movies were good. I never really loved Batman himself, but I do love his supporting cast and villians. A "fresh start" for Nightwing, Batgirl, and Catwoman appealed to me instantly. I've also been exposed to a little bit of Black Canary, mostly due to my friend's affinity but also because of TV again too. First in the ill-fated Birds of Prey show and then again on Smallville. Once I learned Poison Ivy, was joining the cast I decided to give Birds of Prey a shot too.

For the most part I enjoyed them all. Batgirl and Birds of Prey were both great, despite Ivy not even appearing in the latter. Nightwing was a rehash of an origin I'm pretty familiar with, but I like Dick Grayson enough to come back for more. Of my initial round of purchases only Catwoman wasn't a big win, but I'll give it a few more tries.

Because of the goodwill those issues generated for me, I decided to pick up Voodoo as well. I have fond enough memories of Wildcats from the Playmates action figures in the 90's lol, Voodoo and Grifter being my favorites. I really enjoyed the simple "alien espionage" angle it kicked off with and, maybe because it's one of the more "blank slate" titles to come out of DCnU, I think I loved it the most. Was Grifter any good? Maybe I should give it a whirl too.

5 DC books purchased in a month...that is 5 more than I've ever purchased in my life. I don't know if I'll stick around for the long haul with any of them, but I'm certainly intrigued enough to follow for now.

[TAG]

I’m a long-time Marvel fan who has been reading since the mid-70’s. Although loyal to Marvel, I did follow Wolfman/Perez's Teen Titans (and beyond). Got more involved with DC after reading Miller’s Dark Knight, but never truly connected to the DC characters like I did with Marvel. However, within the last two years I’ve been disenchanted with Marvel’s treatment of the characters that I grew up with. In addition to not recognizing my favorite heroes and having to deal with endless event comics, I missed the aspect of continuity and consistency in comics. So after being out of comics for a few months, DCnU was announced and I was hooked. I realize I’m one the old timers on the board, but it’s great to be excited about reading comics again. I also look forward to sharing my thoughts with other new readers regarding DC’s new universe.

[Reservoir Angel]

Only very rarely read comics before. My comic bookshelt consists of 5 Hellboy trades, 2 Moon Knight trades (that I keep telling myself to get rid of) and V for Vendetta.

My interest in comics comes from Linkara on "Atop the Fourth Wall". If I'd never found him I wouldn't be interested at all.

[CameronP]

I stopped reading DC stuff on a regular basis thanks to Countdown to Final Crisis. 52 enthralled me, and I hoped Countdown would do the same so I gave it one too many chances. When I realized how much money I wasted on that abominable series, I was too disgusted with myself to continue reading comics.

Being a huge Superman fan, I came back briefly to read Action and Superman not so long ago, but I was turned off by the fact that Superman was missing from his own titles. I was not interested in reading about Mon-El in Superman. I was more open to reading about Chris Kent's stint as Nightwing in Action Comics but without any interaction between him and Superman going on, I saw no point in continuing.

The hoopla over this reboot got me to start a pull list again, but I'm not sure how long I'll stick around.

[Dustin Neal]

Welcome all new member. I'm new again thanks to the New 52.

[Epione]

I really love reading and have read fantasy books my whole life, but I never even thought about reading comic books. I never knew where to start. I've grown up with a fascination for Superman and 3 years ago I found myself buying the Action Comics: Volume 1 collection. I read it and enjoyed it, but it didn't get me hooked on comics books.

I have a friend that talks nonstop about superheroes and I would listen to his stories and analyses with interest. When he told me about The New 52 I didn't even think twice about buying the first comic: Justice League. I read it, loved it, and was hooked. I bought about 20 #1 issues and will be buying most of those #2 this month.

The New 52 gave me the starting point I needed (and really that was all I needed).

I'm 21, I'm female, and completely new to comic books. I would say DC did a great job getting a new comic book reader out of me.

[Dr.Wheatie]

Collected and read in the late 80's then simply lost interest for 20+ years. Did not read a lot of DC stuff at the time. Loved Green Arrow the Longbow Hunters. Read Captain Atom, Flash and some Sandman. My youngest of 4 kids is now 3 and is obsessed with "super heroes." Fortunately got him steered away from Power Rangers towards the major Marvel/DC heroes. I started to do some searching online and realized I am more of a DC guy and was thrilled to see the NEW 52 coming out. Timing for me was perfect to get into comics again.

After reading reviews and many posts here at CBR I consider my absence from comics a distinct advantage. I've enjoyed every issue I have read. Some of the complaints I've read...

"The art is so 90's" I skipped the 90's comic-wise. Compared to the late eighties the art, inks and layouts are awesome.

"The Joker again!?" It's all fresh for me. The DC #1 cliff hanger blew me away.

"What did they do to Kori?" Okay that aspect of Red Hood and the Outlaws was a bit weird. Like I was watching anime porn. But I didn't know Starfire before except the animated Teen titans (big 38" difference there!). I loved the comic. I have actually gone back to research Jason Todd and the Red Hood character and watched Under the Red Hood on netflix. Why does everyone hate Jason Todd and Red Hood so much?

I have a pull list at my local store...

Detective Comics
Batman
Batman and Robin
Dark Knight
Night Wing
Red Hood and the Outlaws
Flash
Green Arrow
Captain Atom
Justice League
All Star Western

I will continue to follow all of them for now. Plus I have developed an interest in going back to read the Blackest Night comics and tie-ins and as stated the Red Hood history. At least in this case DC's plan reeled in another fish hook line and sinker.

[Dirkner]

Just coming back myself after being away from comics for about 3 years now.

The thing that brought me back is the new 52 and the fact I can just pick then up in digital form the same day they come out. I like the idea of being able to read with I pick up anywhere without dealing with trying to keep a paper collection around.

I'm going to be trying the 100% digital route for comics from now on. I've really been enjoying them so far and its just so much more convenient and portable that I'm in love! Reading at home on PC or just on my phone while on lunch at work has been quite fun.

Picking up 16 DC books right now and so far I'm enjoying them all. Can't wait to get back into the community talking about them and just having fun with the world.

[Munkiman]

Man, I just love all of this.

"What did they do to Kori?" Okay that aspect of Red Hood and the Outlaws was a bit weird. Like I was watching anime porn. But I didn't know Starfire before except the animated Teen titans (big 38" difference there!). I loved the comic. I have actually gone back to research Jason Todd and the Red Hood character and watched Under the Red Hood on netflix. Why does everyone hate Jason Todd and Red Hood so much?

Under the Red Hood is an epic movie. You should also try the first Batman and Robin trade, Batman and Robin: Batman Reborn, if you like Jason Todd - the second arc in the collection, "Revenge of the Red Hood," is one of his best stories, though the art isn't the best. Basically, Jason gets a psycho teen girl sidekick named Scarlet and tries to replace Batman as Gotham's #1 hero. It's awesome. And the first arc in the trade is even better, the beginning of the Dick Grayson/Damian Wayne Batman and Robin team, with awesome art by Frank Quitely, who you will learn to love.

[krisis]

Man, I just love all of this.



Under the Red Hood is an epic movie. You should also try the first Batman and Robin trade, Batman and Robin: Batman Reborn, if you like Jason Todd - the second arc in the collection, "Revenge of the Red Hood," is one of his best stories, though the art isn't the best. Basically, Jason gets a psycho teen girl sidekick named Scarlet and tries to replace Batman as Gotham's #1 hero. It's awesome. And the first arc in the trade is even better, the beginning of the Dick Grayson/Damian Wayne Batman and Robin team, with awesome art by Frank Quitely, who you will learn to love.

I just read that and freaking LOVED IT, but I was confused as to when Todd becomes a pseudo good guy again - assuming pretty much all Morrison stuff is being kept intact by the relaunch. Help?

[Munkiman]

I just read that and freaking LOVED IT, but I was confused as to when Todd becomes a pseudo good guy again - assuming pretty much all Morrison stuff is being kept intact by the relaunch. Help?

Do you mean how did he change between Batman and Robin and Red Hood and the Outlaws? He didn't really, he was always a "pseudo" good guy even in B&R. He's still an anti-hero who uses guns and kills baddies in the relaunch, and that's how it ought to stay! (Though in a better book!)

[krisis]

Do you mean how did he change between Batman and Robin and Red Hood and the Outlaws? He didn't really, he was always a "pseudo" good guy even in B&R. He's still an anti-hero who uses guns and kills baddies in the relaunch, and that's how it ought to stay! (Though in a better book!)

Really? He seemed a little more on the evil side in B&R, I guess, but I didn't really have a lot of context. Also, who's to say how good or not he is in RH&O, since he's effectively just a merc as we see him, which jives with B&R.

Does he make a significant appearance elsewhere between B&R and RH&O? I mean, I could look it up on ComicBookDB, but I mean appearances worth reading in light of the reboot.