If you’re new to comics in 2025 and feel overwhelmed by 80+ years of superhero history, don’t worry — you’re in the right place. I also wasted time (and money) starting with the wrong books… until I discovered the perfect beginner-friendly gateway titles.
These top 10 comics for beginners are:
Self-contained
Easy to understand
Critically acclaimed
Fun and beginner-friendly
Let’s dive into the list.
Best Comics for Beginners
| Rank | Title | Writer / Artist | Pages | Reading Time | Amazon Price (2025) | Genre | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watchmen | Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons | 416 | 6–8 hours | $14–$22 | Superhero / Deconstruction | Medium |
| 2 | Batman: Year One | Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli | 144 | 2–3 hours | $9–$15 | Superhero | Easy |
| 3 | Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal | G. Willow Wilson & Adrian Alphona | 120 | 1–2 hours | $8–$14 | Teen / Superhero | Very Easy |
| 4 | Saga of the Swamp Thing | Alan Moore | 200+ | 4–6 hours | $12–$20 | Horror / Superhero | Easy |
| 5 | Persepolis | Marjane Satrapi | 352 | 5–7 hours | $11–$18 | Memoir | Very Easy |
| 6 | Maus | Art Spiegelman | 296 | 5–7 hours | $12–$19 | Historical Memoir | Easy |
| 7 | Bone (One Volume Edition) | Jeff Smith | 1300+ | 18–25 hours | $28–$45 | Fantasy / All-Ages | Very Easy |
| 8 | Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft | Joe Hill & Gabriel Rodríguez | 158 | 2–3 hours | $10–$16 | Horror / Fantasy | Easy |
| 9 | Y: The Last Man Vol. 1 | Brian K. Vaughan | 128 | 2 hours | $9–$15 | Sci-Fi / Drama | Easy |
| 10 | Spider-Man: Blue | Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale | 144 | 2–3 hours | $11–$18 | Superhero / Romance | Very Easy |
Top 10 Comics for Beginners 2025
1. Watchmen — Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons
A masterpiece and one of the most influential comics ever.
Even though it looks intimidating, it’s completely self-contained — no prior reading required.
👉 Check price on Amazon
2. Batman: Year One — Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli
The definitive Batman origin story.
Dark, grounded, and perfect for fans of The Batman (2022).
👉 See latest deal on Amazon
3. Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal — G. Willow Wilson
One of the most beginner-friendly superhero books ever.
Kamala Khan is relatable, funny, and refreshing.
👉 Buy Now on Amazon
4. Saga of the Swamp Thing — Alan Moore
A mix of horror, romance, and superhero storytelling.
Start with the beautiful Absolute Edition (2025).
👉 Check availability
5. Persepolis — Marjane Satrapi
A powerful memoir about growing up during the Iranian Revolution.
Easy to read and extremely emotional.
👉 Get Persepolis on Amazon
6. Maus — Art Spiegelman
The only comic to win the Pulitzer Prize.
A heartbreaking but essential graphic novel about the Holocaust.
👉 Get Maus Complete Edition
7. Bone (One Volume Edition) — Jeff Smith
A massive fantasy epic that’s perfect for all ages.
The 1300-page edition is one of the best deals in comics.
👉 Buy the full Bone saga
8. Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft — Joe Hill
Magic keys. Demons. Family tragedies.
A perfect horror/fantasy gateway comic.
👉 Start Locke & Key here
9. Y: The Last Man Vol. 1 — Brian K. Vaughan
What if every man on Earth suddenly died… except one?
A gripping sci-fi adventure.
👉 Buy Volume 1
10. Spider-Man: Blue — Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale
A beautiful and emotional love letter to Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy.
Short, touching, and beginner-friendly.
👉 Get Spider-Man: Blue
Marvel vs DC: What Should Beginners Start With in 2025?
DC Comics
More standalone
Darker tone
Easier to follow
Best picks: Batman: Year One, Watchmen
Marvel Comics
Bright, character-driven
Strong emotional storytelling
Best picks: Ms. Marvel, Spider-Man: Blue
Best advice:
Start with characters you already enjoy from the movies.
Where to Buy Comics Cheap in 2025
Amazon — fastest + frequent discounts
InStockTrades — 30–42% off
Local comic shops — support your community!
FAQ
Q1: What’s the best comic for absolute beginners?
Ms. Marvel Vol. 1, Batman: Year One, or Persepolis.
Q2: Are graphic novels easier than single issues?
Yes — most are self-contained stories.
Q3: Do I need to start with issue #1?
Not with these. All are beginner-friendly.
Q4: How much does it cost to start reading comics in 2025?
Around $150–$200 for all 10 books if you shop smart.
Q5: Are these good for teens?
Yes — especially Ms. Marvel, Bone, and Spider-Man: Blue.
(If you want, I can add 10 more FAQs.)
Final Thoughts
Don’t overthink it — just pick 2 or 3 from this list and start reading.
These books are the perfect gateway into one of the best hobbies on Earth.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).
Which comic will you read first?