Reddit mentions of JLA (Book 1): New World Order

You might like JLA: New World Order for a straight-up story of well-known heroes having to think their way out of a puzzle that seems intractable.

I'm also fond of the old Madman comics - some of the supporting characters are totally REALLY brainy, and Madman himself isn't especially strong or superpowered in the conventional way. He has quick reflexes, and is a really fast learner.

You might also get something out of Swamp Thing, especially Alan Moore's run. The hero there is perfectly capable of "punching the bad guys" but in nearly all of the stories, the conflicts are more spiritual or cerebral - the solution comes about from understanding a thing, not beating a thing into a pulp. (There are some whatchacall "mature themes" in some of these books, but they really are good stories.)

This. Check out the 1st 4 issues (1st TPB) called [New World Order] (http://www.amazon.com/JLA-Book-New-World-Order/dp/156389369X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344754366&sr=1-3&keywords=jla+vol+1) is an absolutely brilliant, flash-bang intro to the team that no one has topped in the following 15 years.

I understand what you mean by impenetrable. Most people have to have an experienced comics fan introduce them to everything. If the employees at your LCS are friendly, however, they'll be happy to help you out.

Recently, both companies are launching initiatives that are new-reader friendly. I'm a DC fan so I'm going to be much more helpful with them, but I'll try my best with Marvel.

Some good titles from the DC New 52:

The first two trades of Action Comics

Wonder Woman

Batman

Stormwatch starting at issue 19

Flash

Earth 2

World's Finest (Powergirl is in here)

Green Arrow starting at issue 17

Justice League Dark

Vibe

Aquaman (I assure you, I am not joking. He is much more badass in the comics than in the majority of the public's perception)

Supergirl

Batwoman

Nightwing

Animal Man

I'd start with the Trinity to be honest. I don't recommend Superman's current title, the first two collections of Action Comics are preferable. Batman's and Wonder Woman's runs have been consistently good. Normally I'd point you in the direction of the Justice League, but I don't think the recent title is a good starting out point for new readers. You're better off picking up Grant Morrison's run. Here's the first book.

In terms of things that are a little different than standard superheroics, Justice League Dark is very magic-and-supernatural-oriented. Stormwatch is a sci-fi, set in the cosmos.

I'm new to Marvel, but what has been good for me so far are the current runs of:

Daredevil

Captain Marvel

The Indestructible Hulk

Hawkeye

Fantastic Four



Let me know if you want recs to any particular superhero or have anything in particular you're looking for genre-wise.

Justice League is a fun comic. I started with the New 52 series, this one to be precise. I'm only up to issue two, but I'd say its definitely a good place to start. Other than that, I found this a really awesome read. and you can never go wrong with Grant Morrisons take on things. All good books to get stuck into!

New World Order would have to be tweaked a bit considering we're using a different Flash and Green Lantern, but it did a good job of getting new readers very quickly up to speed and having a specific role for everyone to play in the new "Big Guns" Justice League.

Bonus: With the Martians being the focal point of the arc, it didn't have to beat new readers over the head to get them to understand the least popular Leaguer, Martian Manhunter.

Are you looking for an ongoing series or trades? It's a little bit older, but I would recommend Grant Morrison's Justice League run from the late 90's (first one: http://www.amazon.com/JLA-Book-New-World-Order/dp/156389369X).

Much as I love Brock Sampson, Batman took out an entire alien invasion single-handedly. Brock is screwed.