Day 53: Five Marvel comics

If you like: Doctor Who, The Americans, Nancy Drew, dogs named Pizza.

I was standing in line, waiting so Maggie Stiefvater could sign a book for my sister, eavesdropping on the teen girls behind me, as one does while waiting in lines at book signings.

They were talking about Marvel Entertainment.

The movies or comics, one asked.

The movies, the other said. She wasn't sure where to start with the comics.

Social skills dictated I didn't say anything because 1. No one likes a know-it-all. And 2. The first rule of eavesdropping is not to let people know you're eavesdropping.

But wherever they are, I'd like those girls to know it's easier than ever to get into Marvel comics. They're available online and at the library and at Barnes and Noble. They've got more women working for them. And the art is more...artsy?

Here are five series that make good starters (and none of these have headlined in a movie yet):

Hawkeye, written by Matt Fraction, illustrators include David Aja, Janier Pulido, Annie Wu: Forget about Jeremy Renner, these are the best Hawkeyes. And yes, that should be multiple. Matt Fraction started the Hawkeye revival with a series of stories about what Clint Barton is doing when he's not with the Avengers. Fraction focused on a character who was wry, caring and a little dumb about his personal life. He also brought in not-a-sidekick Kate, the other Hawkeye.

Fraction has humor and pathos while the artists bring kinetic action and awesome outfits.

Marvel gave writers and illustrators room to get creative with Hawkeye and the result is a series that's easy to get into no matter how familiar you are with other comic books, and it keeps you hooked for the ride.

Start with the Fraction series, move on to All-New Hawkeye by Jeff Lemire and Ramon Perez, then go to Kelly Thompson's Hawkeye, which transitions into West Coast Avengers.

Ms. Marvel, written by G. Willow Wilson, illustrators include Adrian Alphona, Takeshi Miyazawa: This is a great series for any teen who wants to try the comics after becoming fans of the movies, games, Funko figurines, etc. Kamala Khan is just like you! Except, she lives in a world where there really is an Iron Man, Wolverine and Captain Marvel.

When she develops powers of her own, the geek girl decides she needs to use them to help people.

Is it easy? No. But it's not easy being a teenage girl, especially a Pakistani-American teenage girl in Jersey City, and Kamala relies on her own inner strength as she figures out how to be her best self.

The series is quirky and heartfelt, a lot like its heroine.

She-Hulk, written by Charles Soule, illustrated by Javier Pulido: This was kind of a surprise hit for me. Does superhero lawyer series sound like fun to you? Soule has actual lawyer training and he brings a technical expertise that is interesting.

What sold me on the series, though, is a main character who is big and green and proud. Jennifer Walters has none of that "woe is me" angst that the other Hulk struggles with.

Not that life is coming up roses at the moment. Deciding to leave her law firm to start her own practice, Walters needs help finding cases so she can pay the bills. She's joined by Patsy, aka Hellcat, who makes as much trouble as she helps.

The other great thing about this series is the art by Pulido. Take a moment to enjoy a close-up of She-Hulk's eyes when she does get angry, or a walk-and-talk through a building that's a two-page spread.

I haven't had a chance to read the new She-Hulk series, but it's written by Mariko Tamaki, so that's promising already.

Silver Surfer, written by Dan Slott, illustrated by Michael Allred: If you like Doctor Who, you're going to like this series. The Silver Surfer is an alien with a complicated past who meets up with nice human Dawn, who accepts a chance to travel around the universe and see new worlds.

There's less of the rock-em-sock-em superhero comic in this, more people talking about their feelings. Slott and Allred have fun playing with time and space, but it's still very grounded in character.

It's also definitely a romance. Dawn helps the Silver Surfer be Norrin Radd, to get in touch with living instead of just moving without purpose. And Norrin challenges Dawn while always having her back.

The Vision, written by Tom King, illustrated by Gabriel Hernandez Walta: I picked this one up because it was on so many "best comic book" lists. And you know what? It's one of the best comic books.

There isn't a man vs villain conflict in this. It's man versus himself. Or robot versus itself? The Vision is not quite human but he wants to be, so he builds himself a family with wife, daughter and son.

I suppose I'll leave it to you to decide if they turn out to be unable to properly mimic humans or are perhaps too human.

But it's a tightly plotted, beautiful fall into chaos and tragedy. Reminds me of the TV show The Americans. Not for kids.

Others to try: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Howard the Duck, Black Panther, Moon Knight, Runaways.