Comic Book Confusion

I’m dipping my foot into the world of comic books, slowly but surely.  Apparently, I started off at what people who know comic books tell me is the top, Sandman.  I’ve been warned that I may be let down by others, but after finishing Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed Sandman several people recommended Saga.   Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of you who recommended this.  I’m loving it.

Published by Image Comics, written by Brian Vaughn and illustrated by Fiona Staples, this series has won three Eisner awards and a Hugo for Best Graphic Story.  You get this great star-crossed lovers plot line.  Their worlds are at war, and a relationship between them threatens all the propaganda and indoctrination of the masses both sides have built up to sustain said war.  Lying cats, bounty hunters, ghosts, and the drama of keeping a newborn alive while on the run keep things fast paced and interesting.

So interesting my frustration nearly got the better of me when I couldn’t find more after volume 1.  See I have no idea how this comic book publishing thing works, and while there’s a used book store that usually carries a good selection, my first foray into a comic book store was…well, I understand the stereotype a bit more now.  Also, it smelled weird.  There are a couple of other stores in town I want to check out, and someone said something about having a standing monthly order to get new issues.

I’ve also picked up a few issues of other things here and there, but I’ll go back and be unable to find anything else in the series…hence frustration.  What do you think?  Truthfully, I’d rather give my money to a local business, but is it worth not finding the new stuff?  I’m almost to the Barnes & Noble, trade paperback stage…there’s just so much, and I really don’t know where to start.

I need some assistance here, people.  I know I like X-men, all the members of the Avengers, and Deadpool seems hilarious too, but I don’t know where to begin.  I picked up a few issues of The Winter Soldier and I really liked that too, but haven’t been able to find anything else.  Apparently, I’m keeping things on the Marvel side for right now.  (Also, because I think DC is stupid for not giving us a Wonder Woman movie, but that is an entirely separate issue.)  So many options, so many crossovers, so much confusion!   Recommendations?  Help!

‘Til next time,

Jessica

P.S. I did find Saga volumes 2 and 3, so I think I’m caught up?