When future earthlings pop in an early 21st-century film on a 5-D Red-ray hologram disc (the latest technology will mean you’ll have to rebuy all the movies you already own on 4-D), they’ll be forgiven for assuming everyone dressed in spandex in our day.
We are currently living in the age of the superhero. Big time.
This summer brings a whopping total of 10 movies based on comic books.
Want to get a head start on the adventures? Then hit up one of the many comic shops around town, which carry a huge assortment of graphic novels, monthly periodicals and — depending on their bent — cater to a diverse fan base, from classic fanboys to Brooklyn hipsters.
Comic shops can seem like foreign countries — tough to navigate if you don’t speak the language. The Post asked storeowners for an accessible recommendation to go along with five of this summer’s comic-related movies.
1 Comic Book Jones (2220 Forest Ave., Staten Island)
Vibe: Clubhouse stocked with shelves of books and mostly superhero comics.
If you’re looking forward to “Thor,” out in May, read: “Thor Vol. 1” by J. Michael Straczynski and Olivier Coipel. “This is where they restarted ‘Thor,’ ” owner Tiger Eadicicco says.
2 Jim Hanley’s Universe (4 W. 33rd St., between Fifth Avenue and Broadway; 299 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island)
Vibe: Sprawling selection of current comics, indies, toys, T-shirts and other nerd-centric merchandise.
If you’re looking forward to June’s “Green Lantern,” read: “Green Lantern: Secret Origin” by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. Bonus: Newer editions are adorned with a Ryan Reynolds cover photo.
3 Midtown Comics (Three stores in Manhattan, midtowncomics.com)
Vibe: The Times Square location is a gigantic pop culture mecca, with two floors of books, comics, manga and toys.
If you’re looking forward to June’s “X-Men: First Class,” read: “The Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1: Gifted,” by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday. “It’s a great jumping-on graphic novel for the uninitiated reader, written by Whedon, the creator of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ ” says owner Gerry Gladston.
4 Forbidden Planet (840 Broadway, at 13th Street)
Vibe: Veteran store piled high with current comics, anime and toys.
If you’re looking forward to August’s “Conan the Barbarian” read: “The Savage Sword of Conan Vol. 1,” by Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith. “Great art, just great adventure stories,” manager Jeff Ayers says.
5 Bergen Street Comics (470 Bergen St., Park Slope)Vibe: The laid-back store houses a well-curated set of comics and graphic novels, with an emphasis on indies.
If you’re looking forward to July’s “Captain America: The First Avenger,” read: “Captain America Vol. 1: Winter Soldier,” by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting. Owner Tom Adams says, “It’s the series that made Captain America popular for the first time in years.”