Should I...?

[Tobey]

I just got the complete collections of Fantastic Four and X-Men and started collecting Spider-man. I was wondering what was best, either reading each series through before starting the next one or tryong to read them chronically?

[Spiderx3000]

I just got the complete collections of Fantastic Four and X-Men and started collecting Spider-man. I was wondering what was best, either reading each series through before starting the next one or tryong to read them chronically?

You could check out the Ultimate Marvel Reading Order to help you out.

[Tobey]

Thanks, After seeing the list I feel I won't get a very good depth of the unicerse unless I read them all. Or do the solo series stand up on their own?

[Xistel]

Thanks, After seeing the list I feel I won't get a very good depth of the unicerse unless I read them all. Or do the solo series stand up on their own?

They hold up pretty well on their own, but I find it more engrossing if you read them in order

[Wolverine12]

I'd say in chronological order since you have the books and you can see the order here.

[Phelpzy]

In order, since the universe is small and overlaps

[Plawsky]

I could go on and on about the benefits to reading it either way. But those around here who know me will know that I love the chronological order. If you have access to EVERYTHING, including miniseries, I would say using the reading order is the way to go. It really makes it feel like you're reading something big, and that's a lot of fun to me. The switching back and forth between characters and occasional references to other stories makes the reading very engaging.

The downside is that you'll inevitably get hooked on one of the books more than the others, so you'll be frustrated when you have to take a break from it. Also, when reading the books alone, you get more of a feel for that one writer's longform storytelling. This is especially true with Ultimate X-Men. Millar's run got a lot better for me when I read it in order, without breaking it up around the Ultimates and USM. Similarly, BKV's run works very well together as a standalone book.

But I would say for your first run through, go with the reading order. Then go back and read it again! I've read everything in the UU at least 3 times now - twice with the reading order and once with each book one at a time - and I have a different experience each time.