Graphic novels, some advice needed

[TheBigCheese]

Hi guys

I was wandering round the thoroughly depressing remnants of Borders the other day and found volumes two and three of Astonishing X-men selling at a silly price.

After being incredibly impressed with the artwork in them I bought them and have since bought volumes one and four for the set.

After setting down to read the first one last one night it seems unfortunately to be carrying on from some earlier storyline.

From what I can gather the X-Men split and a new team is being reformed, a couple of major characters have died which is having big repercussions in these books.

Does anyone know, or could you point me in the right direction of a place that might be able to tell me what I need to buy first to get the storyline from the beginning?

I've looked at the Wiki but it seems rather complex with multi layered storylines and two distinct versions with differing timelines so I don't really know where to start.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[Shamikebab]

I've read them without reading anything else, you don't need it really. I did have to look up a bit about Emma Frost as I knew very little about her.

Oh and Whedon = awesome.

 

[TheBigCheese]

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I've gathered it's not *necessary* but I like things to be well rounded and filled out a bit. Feel like I'm missing out on the bigger picture with it all.

The story does seem well written so far, I'm almost at the end of volume one...trying to put off reading the rest if I can get what I need bought and delivered before Christmas.

 

[Loosecannon]

vol 5 is out now too, but its not by Whedon.

You will probably find a lot of the stuff prior to vol 1 is House of M crossover series. I think Messiah complex could be part of it too.

 

[Phoen1x]

Yup, see if you can get hold of House of M and Messiah Complex, they will give most of the back story, then fill in with others as and when you like, for example Divided We Stand.