I was thinking of picking up the first trade since I really like marvels b-list villains more then anything. The thing is that I'm kind of worried its gonna suck alot of ###. I know that taste is subjective so I was hoping to get some feedback on it by asking people to tell me about its style and mood and what other comics it reminds them of.

Now waht trade the first appearances of the thunderbolts {Justice Like Lightning} or the new thunderbolts either way its worth ur money the thunderbolts has been a sleeper series for a while the writing has been awesome since the satrt except maybe a few issues here and there

I have only read the last 2 issues of Thunderbolts, and they were amazing! I'm not sure if it's the same writer that started the series. If it is, then go for it!

The series is quite good. I didn't read it the first time arround, but the current series has some great stories and writing.

I love how you aren't quite sure which way Zemo is going to swing. Is he still just as villainous as ever, has he turned over a new leaf, or does he think he's turned over a new leaf yet is still a villain?

The book has a great team dynamic, and feels like the sort of stuff that made Marvel 'Marvel'.

I started with the "Justice Like Lightning" trade about two years ago and have since collected the entire run of the series. So yes, I'm going to recommend buying it.

The book has only had two writers; the current, Fabian Nicienza, is the second. Kurt Busiek is the first.

Starting with the New Thunderbolts trades is fine, but the series really reads like a series of novels. If you like what's going on now, you will love what came before.

Skip the "How to Lose" issues and trade. It was a failed re-launch of the title with different characters as a sort of super-villain Fight Club. Yech. But don't miss the essential Avengers/Thunderbolts miniseries, which bridges the gap between the original series' endiong (issue 75) and the New Thunderbolts series.

T-bolts has had its ups and downs, but I had to say the first 40 issues or so are pure gold. And most of what's happened since the re-launch has also been excellent. If you like 2nd and 3rd (and even 4th) tier characters, T-bolts is just what the doctor ordered.

I'll second that! Those vintage Thunderbolts are a very interesting read.

I too have loved Thunderbolts since its beginning (notwithstanding the unrelated "Fight Club" issues). The characters are likeable (or loathable, in the case of Zemo) and the team dynamic is one of the more entertaining in Marvel Comics today. It's one of the few Marvel books that I go through the trouble of pre-ordering on a monthly basis.

The only warning I'd have for the new reader is that there are usually quite a few nods to past continuity. If you're the sort that likes their comics "history free," your mileage will seriously vary as far as the T-Bolts are concerned.