What was the first comic book you ever read?

The first comic book that many people read often depends on their age, location, and exposure to certain genres or publishers, but there are a few iconic series that frequently come up as people’s introductions to comics:

1. Superhero Comics (DC/Marvel)

• For many readers, especially in the U.S., the first comic they encountered was a superhero comic from Marvel or DC Comics. Popular choices include:
• Superman (Action Comics #1)
• Batman (Detective Comics #27)
• Spider-Man (The Amazing Spider-Man series)
• X-Men or The Avengers

2. Archie Comics

• For a lot of younger readers, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, Archie Comics was their first exposure to the medium. Its light-hearted, slice-of-life stories about teenagers like Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead were a mainstay in grocery stores and schools.

3. Manga (Japanese Comics)

• Many readers, particularly in recent decades, first encounter comics through manga. Some of the most popular first manga include:
• Naruto
• Dragon Ball
• One Piece
• Sailor Moon
• Manga has become a major entry point for new readers due to its global popularity.

4. Tintin or Asterix (Franco-Belgian Comics)

• For readers in Europe and beyond, Tintin by Hergé or Asterix by Goscinny and Uderzo were often the first comic books they encountered. These adventure stories were widely translated and remain popular among children and adults alike.

5. Calvin and Hobbes or Peanuts (Newspaper Comics)

• While these are technically comic strips rather than full comic books, many readers first encountered comics through collections of Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson or Peanuts by Charles Schulz. These iconic strips often served as a gateway to longer-form comics.

Ultimately, the first comic book people read varies widely, but these examples reflect some of the most common experiences for first-time readers.