Pop that champagne (if you’re of legal drinking age), it’s time for “So You Want To Read Comics”.  This is our weekly feature where we take a look at a single topic, then offer you two comic book recommendations that are great for new readers, based on that topic.  This week we’re looking at comics that came out in 2021, that are great for new readers.

So, there’s been a lot of entries into this feature at this point.  There’s been a lot of topics covered, opinions shared, explanations given, and stretches made.  But sometimes at the end of the day, you just want the new shiny thing.  That’s okay.  Getting into comics shouldn’t be predicated on having an extensive knowledge of storylines, the nature of the industry at the time of publications, or knowing why Wonder Girl has such a confusing origin(s).  So, here are a couple of series that came out this year and do not require you to go back any further than you want to.

Future State: Superman

Writers: Various
Artists: Various
Publisher: DC Comics

This might be a controversial choice. First, let’s explain what Future State is.  This year, DC wrapped up a big event that (once again) changed the nature of continuity in the universe. Part of the end of this event is a particular character seeing glimpses of all the various futures and possibilities that are out there for the DC universe, these views were presented as little miniseries with one to three issues each. What made this an interesting thing and good for new readers, is that they were presented like they themselves were long running comic book series and everyone was jumping in halfway through.  So even long time comic readers were coming into these as if they were brand new to comics as well. I chose Superman specifically because this collection has the most content and the stories inside do swing a bit in tone and feel so hopefully there’s something here that catches your attention.

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr

Writer: Ram V.
Artist: Filipe Andrade
Publisher: BOOM! Studios

This series originally hit the stands in April.  Since then, it’s been quietly building steam and collecting spots on “Best of 2021” across the internet.   This one tells the story of the Hindu personification of death who is fired and sent to earth as a mortal, because the person who will someday invent immortality for humanity, has been born.  What happens next has been a fanciful, yet grounded meditation on life and death, via the machinations of gods and other supernatural entities.  The Many Deaths of Laila Starr manages to both have deeper and more serious subject matter without becoming preachy or depressing, and have lighthearted characters who have a sense of humor without becoming cartoonish or insufferable.  This is a good one to get into whether you’re new to comics or not, but especially if the superhero stuff, isn’t the type of comic you’re most interested in.

How do you feel about these suggestions? How’d 2021 treat you? Let us know in the comments section below.

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