Recently, I don't know what it has been but I have been in the mood to try different things. Besides actually sitting down and watching some anime, I decided that I would try out some comic books. Now I am 22 years old and never, and I mean NEVER, read a comic book in my life. Maybe browsed one here or there but never actually read a full one. The one thing that got me interested was the new Se7en series that came out, I just ordered the first 3 and am excited for that. But now I am lost. I have no idea what to look for next. I don't want anything too old or out of print as I don't want to the pay the price. I want some comics that I can get the first issue of easily and start from the beginning. What I am interested in are the detective stories, horror stories, criminal stories. One that I would like to started reading is Madame Mirage when it is released. I also would like to check out Criminal.

So fellow comic book readers, I need your advice.

You could always buy some large lots on Ebay. You can often find deals on a variety of styles that way to try several different things out and see what you like. I would try to get lots that (including shipping) end up costing you less than $0.25 (twenty-five cents) per book. Like a lot of 100 books for $25 shipped. Also, you might consider going to a large Comic Book convention. See also www.dcbservice.com for great prices on online orders and on hardcovers and trade paperbacks. I just discovered them myself from others here.

Well, if you like detective, horror, and criminal stories, try Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell's From Hell.

A few more suggestions

Horror: 30 Days of Night
Criminal: Sleeper, 100 Bullets

Are you strictly talking monthly issues, or will trade paperbacks do?

As a former purchaser of monthlies, I only do Trades now. They keep the clutter of boxes to a minimum. Plus they are easy to resell.

Both Monthyl and trade paperbacks are welcome. I think I just like the new stuff. Mainly the new artwork that is out these days. Maybe I am wrong but it definitely seems like the comics from the 90s and on is much more detailed in the artwork and realistic.

Thanks for the suggestions so far I am going to start checking some of them out.

I would try eBay if you are looking for books from the 90s. There are thousands and thousadns of many of the more popular books from the time because of speculators. You should have no trouble buying large lots of them.

I am looking for new stuff as well, I just don't think I want to read anything from the 80s and earlier.

Horror: Walking Dead
Detective: Criminal, Gotham Central, Sleeper
Criminal:100 Bullets, Wanted

Two other books that are good gateway comics are Y The Last Man, Ex Machina ,and The Losers.

All of these books have come out post 2000 (well 100 Bullets is a little before I think) and are very current. Not to mention they are all traded so it makes reading them a snap. I always think it makes the most sense for someone new to comics to start with the fresh stuff and then work their way back.

Punisher from MAX is great for crime.
Horror: Zombie, Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th

I just posted posted this another thread, but I'll say it again: Pick up Preacher. The entire run is available in a few trades. Great stuff.