Back to the Source: Stepping into the World of Comics

by Brandon Jatico

After watching Marvel Netflix’s “Daredevil,” Citrus College business major Ben Anguiano found himself wanting to read comics again.

He isn’t alone. 

With the growing interest in comic book media, many people have begun searching for its source material. Jason Harris, manager of the Claremont comic book store A Shop Called Quest, has seen this firsthand.

“We always see a rise in sales when something related to movies or TV shows with comics,” Harris said. “Perfect example is ‘WandaVision.’ We couldn’t keep up with the demand of Scarlet Witch and Vision comics.”

Finding a starting point can be intimidating, as these characters’ stories have been going on for decades– something Anguiano experienced when he tried to read again. 

“I was buying comics when I was a kid, just looking at all the pictures of Spider-Man, but now that I’ve gotten back into it as an adult I had no idea where to go to see what the current story arc was,” Anguiano said. 

This confusion is common, and Peter Mellini, owner of Nostalgic Books and Comics in San Gabriel, has an idea why. 

“I think most people are conditioned to think they can only start reading comics (at) issue one, and a lot of big titles with the large issue numbers scares them off,” Mellini said in an email.

Finding a first issue nowadays is rare. Issues for comics range from anywhere to 1-1,000. The ongoing Batman series “Detective Comics” reached issue number 1,036 on May 25, 2021. 

Anguiano’s question of where to start was clear. He found the answer by asking the right people the right question. 

Anguiano asked the employee at the store where to start if he wanted to read Daredevil.

“He started telling me what the current run was and where to begin with that, and even recommended some of the more well-known stories that were already done,” Anguiano said.

Comic store owners and their employees have been reading for some time. Harris said he began reading at an early age, and Mellini said he’s been reading for close to 30 years. Comic books have been around longer than they’ve been alive, but their experience gave them the solution.

“Obviously the best way to start something is from the beginning, but when it comes to mainstream comics there are always jumping on points,” Mellini said. “Sometimes it’s when a new writer and artist take over; sometimes it’s just the start of a new story.”

Comic books offer creative stories ranging from those for all ages to more mature stories that deal with complex and real-world issues. There are all sorts of artistic styles that movies can’t replicate. 

Mellini said he loves the MCU, and some of their movie plots work better than the source material.

“But in a lot of cases, these movies are just scratching the surface of the bigger stories that were told in the comics,” Mellini said. “Comics are an art form; the ability to tell a story for decades, with multiple different writers and artists, is just an experience that can’t be duplicated on the screen.”

Comics offer expansive universes that many have shown to love and connect with beyond Marvel and DC. There’s something for everyone.

Visiting a comic shop instead of a major retailer supports businesses that can give much more to the customer. 

A Shop Called Quest, Nostalgic Books and Comics and many others with this personal touch were hurt by COVID-19. Extra support helps not only the stores, but the writers and artists that make the books while indulging in a rich universe and culture.