Gem, right on with this content. As someone who is just getting into comics in my 30's because of people such as yourself and other content creators out there. This is invaluable information, I had to learn a bit of this on my own but without you touching on it in other videos I never would have known.
Had to pause the video and comment this. I love the few times you ask us (the viewer) why they did something that way, and you pause, then reply with “ I don’t know” 😂. That pause and response is killing me. Thankyou for the content I started collecting a variety of history books, comics and manga and love watching your stuff!
Absolute Sandman brought me to this channel and I never thought I'd get into traditional comics but after going through Sandman and then Alan Moore's stuff I'm hooked. Thank you for what you do AND saving me an ass of money.
I usually go for TPB mainly because i dont shop for comics weekly, I usually go by monthly, so my best bet to stay up to date would be to go with Volume TPBs, prices aren't that bad also (sometimes).
I love the new setup. Looks like a nice cozy spot to talk to us from. Looking forward to seeing the different theme displays too. The street fighter mortal kombat display is a great start!
It kind of irks me the way they do all these different editions, I feel like they are just taking advantage of newcomers and exploiting collectors. Anyway great video, I’m sure this will help a lot of people.
Thanks for sharing this...I never knew the difference, and just assumed that all of them were called an omnibus and that they just collected all of the major stories of a particular character.
Hey dude, just found your channel and am a huge fan. I’ve been collecting comics since I was super young and never even realized the difference between these! I always like to collect the whole series in order. Great video!
Thanks so much for these videos! I just started collecting and have mostly trade paperbacks but I'm looking to get Sandman and those omnibus volumes are looking mighty tempting. I saw they released all 10 paperbacks to be collected in one slip case..but I love how those omnibus volumes look...decisions decisions...
Thanks for having all the various styles all next to each other. I just recently started getting books that were not just TPB's and noticed how different the sizes were. I had NEVER noticed that Marvel doesn't do smaller HC books, only the larger formats!
robvanspunkmeyer That is correct but runs such as Marvel Masterworks and Premieres aren't always the best to get nowadays (but Panini have started a line in the UK called Marvel Premium which is cool I guess)
@@stormblade2895 aye! And quite frankly I'm not sure if I understood the original comment correctly. Did he never notice that Marvel did hardcovers or that Marvel doesn't do them anymore?
robvanspunkmeyer He said that he knows they do hardcovers that are bigger than the size of standard comic (like an OHC) but he says that they don't really do hardcovers the size of a standard comic.
Another awesome video Gem 💎 I’ve been reading comics for years in single issues and it’s very informative to watch this because I was wanting to get more into buying different formats when it comes to comics. I know what you mean about double dipping, the one series I have in both single issues and TPB is the whole Old Man Series. It truly is an addiction lol. My three favourite things that I read is the Old Man series, Ultimate Spider-Man and the monthly Iron Man and Daredevil series. P.S. after watching many videos the other be set I was happy to buy was the Daredevil by Frank Miller slip case, such an awesome set 😁
Just found this video and truly appreciate it! One kind of an in between size is the Image Oversized Hardcover Edition (e.g. Deadly Class and Black Science) that is quite a bit larger than their normal sized hardcovers like the Saga one you showed. I really like those a lot as well as the Dark Horse Library Editions.
I know this is old, but it's worth noting that Marvel have their "Premiere Editions" which is has tpb/comic sized pages, but it has boards and a DJ so it sit's slightly higher on a shelf. I only mention it in case anyone sees one for sale and expects to get an OHC delivered and then they end up with a tpb sized book.
nice video. Two other differences in the high-end Hard Covers is the paper quality and the behind-the-scenes materials included. A TPB or standard omnibus might be reprinted on newsprint or lower quality paper, while the expensive HCs should have really nice paper, and reproduced at an enlarged size to highlight the art as you said. And most of the Absolute editions have a wealth of supplemental materials, like scripts, pencil arts, sketches, alternative endings, etc.
I have X-Men: The Adamantium Collection and it’s my favorite book in my collection. So many great stories from just about every era, that can for the most part be read on their own and don’t really tie into a big crossover event or anything. Some of the issues end on cliffhangers, but it was a great way to start my collection. Checked a lot of boxes off my list.
Great video man. What confuses me sometimes is when companies will release the same story but in several different versions. TMNT especially, those reprints from IDW seem all over the place.
Could have really used this when I started back up a few months ago. It was a good video though and should really help people. thx Gem man. Have a great one.
@@GemMintCollectibles Huge Fan Of your Channel Bro Just Join In as a Member Bro!! I would Love to Interview You for my Page on Facebook Called N.E.R.D Never Ending Research Division where I also Cover Comics, Marvel and DC Universe TV and Movies Plus Kaiju(Godzilla Universe) and More!!!! I would To Talk to you on Collectables and Value with you Please Text me or Messager Inbox at Jesus Millan!!! As well join my Group Page
this video really did help...Absolute Editions will be my go to, why would I NOT want to read the entire story? its like buying a 4k movie but it's missing 10 minutes here and there.
I just wanted to say thanks for this info. As someone just getting into the medium this helps enormously being that I just assumed omnibus a absolute were just different words for the same thing.
I wish they'd come out with Peter David's run of Hulk. this was very informative. maybe next you can get into the prices of these, what they cost usually.
Paperbacks usually between 15-30 depending on size Hardcovers 25-40 OHC 30-60 Omnibus' 70-150 Absolutes 90-110 And im not sure about the library editions and all that from darkhorse and image Usually can find anything in print for about 40% off
I use to collect single issues and my main thing lately has been the marvel unlimited app.. I love the way you can easily read and flip thru with the app but I'm thinking of getting into these books
I wish I could afford these lol. What I really wish though is that my local library offered these larger collected versions or just more comic books in general. We need public places to read comic books!
Another great video! Sometimes the line blurs between omnibus and absolute format. For example, the Sandman Absolutes. I also wondered why Avengers Vs. X-Men isn't called an "omnibus." This may remain one of life's eternal mysteries!
Right. What I meant is that the Sandman Absolutes can be looked upon as omnibuses (based on the content) but the Sandman omnibuses are not Absolutes(based on the height of the book)...if that makes sense.
Honestly I've read trades and a few omnibuses for years. But only got my first single issue comic in decades. I tend to prefer reading omnibuses due to the larger art, then trades, then single issues. There have just been some ongoing series I have been getting into that I just couldn't wait on. :) Great vid I can share with newbies.
Great video of the most common collected editions. Please note, that Marvel Comics did a lot of hardcovers up until a few years ago (i.e. Premiere Edition, Library Edition) in standard comicbook size, with dustjacket. Eventhough they aren't printed anymore, chances are a lot of comicbook stores still have them on stock and they are still in circulation in the used books-market. I wonder if the Monster Sized Editions from Marvel Comics are the same size or larger than the Wolverine Adamantium Collection? I don't have the Adamantium collection. Treasury Editions (a format from the 70's) also seem to be coming back in demand for current works..
Pretty good walk through I think you could have added the compendium when talking about TPB. I know Walking dead did them over 5 years ago but how wide spread it was is kind of fuzzy for me.
I will stick with the formats between the single issue and the omnibus, due to the money and the space in the house. I recognize the value of single issues, but the collected are more practical, more durable, and much cooler. Omnibus never was my thing, but I keep my mind opened; I will buy one if I find de arc/saga really great. Thanks for the video.
Love the concept of this video, but you forgot a couple of the larger formats: The Artist Edition/Artifact Edition/etc (wiki page here:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artist's_Edition) on average measure 12"x17 (but can be as big as 15"x22") and the Marvel Platinum/Adamantium/Vibranium fits this category as does the recently released by Marvel budget priced Fantastic Four: Behold Galactus which retailed for $49.99 and measured 13 41/64" x 21 1/4".
So omnibus has all the events from other comics related to the story the omnibus is showing in the front cover. For example if I buy the long Halloween hardcover I will only get that story but if I buy the omnibus it comes with other story’s related to it
Very informative, really appreciate this video Gem, thanks. Maybe for future informative videos you can go into detail of the different prices for each type of omnibus, absolute, etc. Rarity, Limited editions, low print runs, what is considered a grail? Just a suggestion.
i know, im slacking. i actually can do the messiah complex/war + x-force. I thought i needed to finish x-necroshia, but it doesnt seem like it connects that much.
I mainly get trades saving hardcovers for the stuff I really like. I hate getting marvel trades. They always only give your 4-5 issues for $16 and they charge more for 6-7. DC will always give you 6-8 for the same price. Instocktrades does help mitigate the price from marvel but still a feel bad spending that much for a few issues. My only omnibuses I have are the green lantern by Geoff John's, hack/slash and the punisher max series. Thinking about upgrading the boys collection.
i was going to show those, i belive those can be different sizes actually. the marvel covers ones that I have are taller than absolutes, but not as big as the adamantium ones
Not to knock on the larger formats, but to me those seem like a novelty then a practical way to read any of those stories. Omnibuses make sense, just have the entire event/tie ins in a single package, but when we get too the Adamantium/Vibranium versions I find them impractical for their size and thickness.
Great video. I have never read a comic book but niw that I'm painting all these super hero statues I'd love to read about some of these characters. Any recommendations on where to start as a complete newb to comics? I'd be intrested in Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and anything X-Men. Thanks in advance and I have really been enjoying your channel and statue reviews.
thanks matt... i think spiderman you can start with the first issues. Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus vol 1 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. If you want something more modern, the McFarlane ASM run is being reprinted in the next few weeks. Or even Ultimate Spider-man would be good. X-Men, I'd start with the Uncanny X-Men vol 1 by Chris Claremont. Superman, I started with death of superman, theres an omnibus for that. Batman, Id read the New 52 run by Scott Snyder...there are trade paper backs for that.
Кино
![Darren Waller - Who Knew (Her Perspective) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GytDjB8u6bM/mqdefault.jpg)
I forgot to mention that the Absolute Editions ususally have a built-in ribbon for a bookmark
Omnibi like cacti
Do you know what's the best way to get the main story of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman
What's your top 3 favorite foods
@Mr Nukes thank you for this question! that’s the exact series i wanted and i couldn’t figure out which was better.
OIER
Gem, right on with this content. As someone who is just getting into comics in my 30's because of people such as yourself and other content creators out there. This is invaluable information, I had to learn a bit of this on my own but without you touching on it in other videos I never would have known.
I agree man. In 30s here, and there's so much content out there I don't even know where to start. This channel and users have already helped bigly.
When you pulled out the biggest one I was like “that’s no book! That’s a tome!!!”
Had to pause the video and comment this. I love the few times you ask us (the viewer) why they did something that way, and you pause, then reply with “ I don’t know” 😂. That pause and response is killing me. Thankyou for the content I started collecting a variety of history books, comics and manga and love watching your stuff!
I also appreciated that, lol.
I didn’t even know about vibranium editions from Marvel DAMN THATS A HUGE BOOK!
Insane
Some runs can cover multiple omnibuses. Geoff John's green lantern run is contained in three omnibuses for example.
You clarified what I'm going to get, thanks, between Omnibus and Absolute. Omnibus all the day.
Just came across this clip. Super helpful Gem. Thanks for sorting all that out for this old man. Stay minty!
As someone who just recently decided to look into comics, this was very helpful. Thank you.
Absolute Sandman brought me to this channel and I never thought I'd get into traditional comics but after going through Sandman and then Alan Moore's stuff I'm hooked. Thank you for what you do AND saving me an ass of money.
I usually go for TPB mainly because i dont shop for comics weekly, I usually go by monthly, so my best bet to stay up to date would be to go with Volume TPBs, prices aren't that bad also (sometimes).
I love the new setup. Looks like a nice cozy spot to talk to us from. Looking forward to seeing the different theme displays too. The street fighter mortal kombat display is a great start!
I normally buy regular hardcovers, but I'm gonna start buying only omnibus's from now on. This video was very helpful.
It kind of irks me the way they do all these different editions, I feel like they are just taking advantage of newcomers and exploiting collectors. Anyway great video, I’m sure this will help a lot of people.
That Adamantium collection 😍😍
I know I'm late, but man, as a French guy who moved in this country just a couple years ago, it is so helpful.
My favorite new place for content. Appreciate the effort.
awesome, appreciate it
Thanks for sharing this...I never knew the difference, and just assumed that all of them were called an omnibus and that they just collected all of the major stories of a particular character.
This is a GREAT resource for comic book readers.
They should do a chronological one just for the heck of it. Would be dope to read the first 500 issues in a row of like Spiderman
Cheers for the help dude! Love your videos, helps a lot with deciding which comics to get and which versions, keep it up man.
Awesome video. I buy all these formats, but hadn't thought about how complex all the types are till watching you run through them.
Man I'm hooked the honesty is awesome. "A way for them to charge twice for an issue" haha good stuff
Great video really helps out on deciding what format I want to collect comics in!
Hey dude, just found your channel and am a huge fan. I’ve been collecting comics since I was super young and never even realized the difference between these! I always like to collect the whole series in order. Great video!
Thanks so much for these videos! I just started collecting and have mostly trade paperbacks but I'm looking to get Sandman and those omnibus volumes are looking mighty tempting. I saw they released all 10 paperbacks to be collected in one slip case..but I love how those omnibus volumes look...decisions decisions...
Changed my mind..just ordered the first absolute volume of Sandman. I have no regrets
I just started collecting comics and this is very helpful. Thanks Gem.
Thanks for having all the various styles all next to each other. I just recently started getting books that were not just TPB's and noticed how different the sizes were.
I had NEVER noticed that Marvel doesn't do smaller HC books, only the larger formats!
it is worth noting that Marvel did regular-size HCs constantly for about 15 years.
robvanspunkmeyer That is correct but runs such as Marvel Masterworks and Premieres aren't always the best to get nowadays (but Panini have started a line in the UK called Marvel Premium which is cool I guess)
@@stormblade2895 aye! And quite frankly I'm not sure if I understood the original comment correctly. Did he never notice that Marvel did hardcovers or that Marvel doesn't do them anymore?
robvanspunkmeyer He said that he knows they do hardcovers that are bigger than the size of standard comic (like an OHC) but he says that they don't really do hardcovers the size of a standard comic.
yes, indeed. all good!
Thanks for the insight, I'm trying to get into big collections.
Very helpful my friend, you explained it perfectly.
Great video Gem, very informative, thank you for doing this.
Another awesome video Gem 💎 I’ve been reading comics for years in single issues and it’s very informative to watch this because I was wanting to get more into buying different formats when it comes to comics. I know what you mean about double dipping, the one series I have in both single issues and TPB is the whole Old Man Series. It truly is an addiction lol. My three favourite things that I read is the Old Man series, Ultimate Spider-Man and the monthly Iron Man and Daredevil series. P.S. after watching many videos the other be set I was happy to buy was the Daredevil by Frank Miller slip case, such an awesome set 😁
This is super informative Steve! Thank you very much for this.
Great vid bro. I can see a newer collector being helped out immensely
Just found this video and truly appreciate it! One kind of an in between size is the Image Oversized Hardcover Edition (e.g. Deadly Class and Black Science) that is quite a bit larger than their normal sized hardcovers like the Saga one you showed. I really like those a lot as well as the Dark Horse Library Editions.
I know this is old, but it's worth noting that Marvel have their "Premiere Editions" which is has tpb/comic sized pages, but it has boards and a DJ so it sit's slightly higher on a shelf. I only mention it in case anyone sees one for sale and expects to get an OHC delivered and then they end up with a tpb sized book.
Marvel also has their long ongoing hardcover "Masterworks" line. They're the same dimensions as a standard size comicbook.
nice video. Two other differences in the high-end Hard Covers is the paper quality and the behind-the-scenes materials included. A TPB or standard omnibus might be reprinted on newsprint or lower quality paper, while the expensive HCs should have really nice paper, and reproduced at an enlarged size to highlight the art as you said. And most of the Absolute editions have a wealth of supplemental materials, like scripts, pencil arts, sketches, alternative endings, etc.
Thank you so much for this. Very informative especially for me who never knew much of omnibus and an absolutes
Great video and very helpful, thank you for taking the time to upload this !
Hell yeah! Awesome vid & channel. Explained perfectly. Subbed.
I have X-Men: The Adamantium Collection and it’s my favorite book in my collection. So many great stories from just about every era, that can for the most part be read on their own and don’t really tie into a big crossover event or anything. Some of the issues end on cliffhangers, but it was a great way to start my collection. Checked a lot of boxes off my list.
Uncanny X-Force is one of my favorites as well! This was very helpful. Thank you.
az always dropping that knowledge helping the peeps out keep it up keep it fresh
Great video as usual! I’m a total sucker for an absolute edition. Recently picked up the Jeph Loeb/Jim Lee classic, Absolute Hush.
Thank you so much for making this video and explaining the differences
Great video man. What confuses me sometimes is when companies will release the same story but in several different versions. TMNT especially, those reprints from IDW seem all over the place.
yea that happens a lot. A story comes out in single issues, then collected in tpb, then gets an OHC, then an omnibus.
Could have really used this when I started back up a few months ago. It was a good video though and should really help people. thx Gem man. Have a great one.
Thanks you explained alot! I was just asking a friend and he didn't even know. Lol but you def. Cleared it all up.
I’m new to comic books. This was really helpful. Thank you!
This must be the best yt channel ever, gem mint boy, keep it up bro
yoooo thanks Luis!
@@GemMintCollectibles Huge Fan Of your Channel Bro Just Join In as a Member Bro!! I would Love to Interview You for my Page on Facebook Called N.E.R.D Never Ending Research Division where I also Cover Comics, Marvel and DC Universe TV and Movies Plus Kaiju(Godzilla Universe) and More!!!! I would To Talk to you on Collectables and Value with you Please Text me or Messager Inbox at Jesus Millan!!! As well join my Group Page
this video really did help...Absolute Editions will be my go to, why would I NOT want to read the entire story? its like buying a 4k movie but it's missing 10 minutes here and there.
Thank you for the help you’re the 🐐 going to pick up some omnibus and library editions now 👌🏽
i love how 'new comic reader' friendly your vids are. slowly getting into them myself and... its def a hard medium to start at first
Indeed😊
ALWAYS HERE TO SUPPORT 💪💪
I have been considering starting a collection of comics. Thank you for this information.
lots of great info! love the videos man!
That's what's up!!! Very informative video my man!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
thanks for watching!
I just wanted to say thanks for this info. As someone just getting into the medium this helps enormously being that I just assumed omnibus a absolute were just different words for the same thing.
Not at all😊
Trying to collect some Absolute Batman releases and this helps a lot, thanks man!
I wish they'd come out with Peter David's run of Hulk. this was very informative. maybe next you can get into the prices of these, what they cost usually.
damn...shoulda talked prices here. ah, next time.
Paperbacks usually between 15-30 depending on size
Hardcovers 25-40
OHC 30-60
Omnibus' 70-150
Absolutes 90-110
And im not sure about the library editions and all that from darkhorse and image
Usually can find anything in print for about 40% off
i think the LEs are usually $50
Great video didn't know there were so many different formats. In Mexico the publishing house does whatever it wants with the formats
Televisa en específico
Very informative video 😎🤟🏽
I use to collect single issues and my main thing lately has been the marvel unlimited app.. I love the way you can easily read and flip thru with the app but I'm thinking of getting into these books
I wish I could afford these lol. What I really wish though is that my local library offered these larger collected versions or just more comic books in general.
We need public places to read comic books!
This is a great overview bro. Hope this vid get you ton of views 👍
thanks, i have a feeling it will do well.
Another great video!
Sometimes the line blurs between omnibus and absolute format. For example, the Sandman Absolutes. I also wondered why Avengers Vs. X-Men isn't called an "omnibus." This may remain one of life's eternal mysteries!
x-men OHCs are notorious for this. Why are the Inferno books not omnibubs? or fall of the mutants. Sandman actually has absolutes and omnibus.
Right. What I meant is that the Sandman Absolutes can be looked upon as omnibuses (based on the content) but the Sandman omnibuses are not Absolutes(based on the height of the book)...if that makes sense.
Honestly I've read trades and a few omnibuses for years. But only got my first single issue comic in decades. I tend to prefer reading omnibuses due to the larger art, then trades, then single issues. There have just been some ongoing series I have been getting into that I just couldn't wait on. :) Great vid I can share with newbies.
Got sweaty hands just by watching these, thanks for the info!
Great vid. Very helpful..
Great video of the most common collected editions. Please note, that Marvel Comics did a lot of hardcovers up until a few years ago (i.e. Premiere Edition, Library Edition) in standard comicbook size, with dustjacket. Eventhough they aren't printed anymore, chances are a lot of comicbook stores still have them on stock and they are still in circulation in the used books-market. I wonder if the Monster Sized Editions from Marvel Comics are the same size or larger than the Wolverine Adamantium Collection? I don't have the Adamantium collection. Treasury Editions (a format from the 70's) also seem to be coming back in demand for current works..
If someone already posted the info I provide, sorry (haven't read all comments)..
Pretty good walk through I think you could have added the compendium when talking about TPB. I know Walking dead did them over 5 years ago but how wide spread it was is kind of fuzzy for me.
Excellent review. Subbed!
thanks for the sub
Great selection - you missed off the IDW artist editions (such as MAD one which is huge) as well as the mega-sized Marvel books (Behold Galactus etc)
very helpful, thanks man!
Awesome video brother thanks for your video I really enjoyed this video. Keep up the great work
thanks for the video! that shao kahn in the back? badass.
I will stick with the formats between the single issue and the omnibus, due to the money and the space in the house. I recognize the value of single issues, but the collected are more practical, more durable, and much cooler. Omnibus never was my thing, but I keep my mind opened; I will buy one if I find de arc/saga really great. Thanks for the video.
Good review big dawg. Damn good !!
Great video. Thanks. Any chance you could do a Usagi Yojimbo Collection video?? Pretty please 👍🏻
yea for sure
awesome content!
Great information, many thanks.
Just picked up fear agent 1 and 2. Have yet to read it yet but the book is massive.
Big Hit Cards no man I have to get to those
Love the concept of this video, but you forgot a couple of the larger formats:
The Artist Edition/Artifact Edition/etc (wiki page here:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artist's_Edition) on average measure 12"x17 (but can be as big as 15"x22") and the Marvel Platinum/Adamantium/Vibranium fits this category as does the recently released by Marvel budget priced Fantastic Four: Behold Galactus which retailed for $49.99 and measured 13 41/64" x 21 1/4".
So omnibus has all the events from other comics related to the story the omnibus is showing in the front cover. For example if I buy the long Halloween hardcover I will only get that story but if I buy the omnibus it comes with other story’s related to it
Very informative, really appreciate this video Gem, thanks. Maybe for future informative videos you can go into detail of the different prices for each type of omnibus, absolute, etc. Rarity, Limited editions, low print runs, what is considered a grail? Just a suggestion.
yea should have talked prices...they do vary, but something for next time
So informative bro...good shit
Your vids are the shit! great stuff. And keep up the recent reads/discussions man!
i know, im slacking. i actually can do the messiah complex/war + x-force. I thought i needed to finish x-necroshia, but it doesnt seem like it connects that much.
All good. Can always do another short recent reads of X-Necrosha some other day. But do what you gotta do.
So helpful, thank you very much!
I mainly get trades saving hardcovers for the stuff I really like. I hate getting marvel trades. They always only give your 4-5 issues for $16 and they charge more for 6-7. DC will always give you 6-8 for the same price. Instocktrades does help mitigate the price from marvel but still a feel bad spending that much for a few issues. My only omnibuses I have are the green lantern by Geoff John's, hack/slash and the punisher max series. Thinking about upgrading the boys collection.
Gem, nice and informative video.
Quick question, are the artist and artifact editions about the same size as the Adamantium collections?
i was going to show those, i belive those can be different sizes actually. the marvel covers ones that I have are taller than absolutes, but not as big as the adamantium ones
Learned here, thank you.🤙
I needed this explanation in my life so bad 😂
i had to subscribe to you after this man keep it up
Not to knock on the larger formats, but to me those seem like a novelty then a practical way to read any of those stories. Omnibuses make sense, just have the entire event/tie ins in a single package, but when we get too the Adamantium/Vibranium versions I find them impractical for their size and thickness.
One year ago! This video needs more views and more likes!
amen
This was helpful. Thank you.
Gem 💎 dropping the knowledge 👍🏽. Shout out on the Crisis on Infinite Earths Deluxe Edition, point!!
points!
Fantastic explanation
Great video. I have never read a comic book but niw that I'm painting all these super hero statues I'd love to read about some of these characters. Any recommendations on where to start as a complete newb to comics? I'd be intrested in Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and anything X-Men. Thanks in advance and I have really been enjoying your channel and statue reviews.
thanks matt... i think spiderman you can start with the first issues. Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus vol 1 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. If you want something more modern, the McFarlane ASM run is being reprinted in the next few weeks. Or even Ultimate Spider-man would be good. X-Men, I'd start with the Uncanny X-Men vol 1 by Chris Claremont. Superman, I started with death of superman, theres an omnibus for that. Batman, Id read the New 52 run by Scott Snyder...there are trade paper backs for that.