Serious question: Is it gatekeeping or good advice when a long-time fan says you should read the original run before the new series?

2 comments

2 Comments

Why not just ask them if you'll be lost without the old stuff first? I've seen this play out a hundred times, and it really depends on the series. Some of those old runs are huge, and a new fan might get burned out trying to catch up before they even start the new one. My rule is, if the new series is a direct sequel with the same characters, read the old stuff. If it's a reboot or a new story in the same world, just jump in and look up what you don't get as you go. It's more about helping someone save their time than it is about keeping them out.

danielmartinez1d ago

Read an interview with Brian Bendis actually. He said even he doesn't expect people to read 20 year old back issues. Said it's bad for the hobby. Just jump in and Google stuff. That stuck with me. Some old runs are like homework. Take Ultimate Universe stuff. With the new Ultimate line, you can start from scratch. No history needed. But for something like Amazing Spider-Man, you probably need the last few arcs. Depends on the writer too. Hickman makes you do research.