Welcome to Graphic Policy’s First Impressions where we take a look at a handful of comics in order to discern just how accessible they are for new readers, because every comic could be somebody’s first – and that’s the first question that’ll be answered with this feature. The second is whether youshould  start there because sometimes a book could be accessible to new readers but the quality could be less than average, and so each comic will receive a score out of ten based upon Graphic Policy’s typical ten point scale.

Where possible we’ll also be providing  recap of sorts for the relevant story beats up until the issue in question in order to help you figure out if the series is something you’re interested in, assuming we’ve read any part of the story thus far. All comics were provided for review purposes unless otherwise noted.

Old Man Logan #47 (Marvel)
Can a new reader start here? Kinda.
Recap, review: Even though the series is winding down, issues 46 and 47 provide as enjoyable read as Logan travels to Nova Scotia with Alpha Flight to combat a weird alien menace. It’s worth reading the two issues for that alone, but you can make do with starting here.
Rating: 8.8

Batman #54 (DC)
Can a new reader start here? Yup
Recap, review: At this point you should know Batman got ditched at the alter. This issue has Dick Grayson being there for Bruce, whether he’s wanted or not. And it’s one of the best things Tom King has ever written.
Rating: 9.8

Pestilence: A Story Of Satan #4 (Afterhock)
Can a new reader start here? I wouldn’t.
Recap, review: An unfortunate case of a sequel miniseries not living up to the standards of the first, A Story Of Satan is a disjointed jumble of various elements that’ll make no sense to a new reader – and barely any to an existing reader.
Rating: 6.4

The Amazing Spider-Man #4 (Marvel)
Can a new reader start here? Yes
Recap, review: Spider-Man and Peter Parker were separted  because of SCIENCE and, predictably it isn’t going well. The comic’s fun, though, and that’s what really matters.
Rating:8.8

Star Wars: Darth Vader #23 (Marvel)
Can a new reader start here? Yes
Recap, review: Even though this is the third part in the current story, because Darth Vader has become so synonymous with science fiction and redemptive villainy, you know who he is. This issue we’re fortunate enough to jump into the story at what can be read as a new beginning which, in conjuction with the exposition from the Emperor, allows new readers, like myself, to enjoy the adventures of Darth Vader without skipping a beat.
Rating:8.8

The Dreaming #1 (DC/Vertigo)
Can a new reader start here? No
Recap, review: So here’s the thing. This is a well drawn comic, but as someone who has never really immersed themselves into the Sandman lore, it is nigh on impossible to penetrate this story in any meaningful way – which means my desire to return is pretty minimal.
Rating: 6.9