As I have come to understand the world of web comics is far too huge than I expected. I would love to read every comic out there but it's close to impossiible. So I generally pick two to three genres & base my search off of them.Mine would be.

Fantasy

Western

Manga

What would your top 3 preferred genres be when it comes to selecting webcomics?

I tend to gravitate towards story comics rather than gag-strips but, within that, I don't really draw a distinction between one genre and another.

My favourites include comics from all sorts of genres: SciFi, fantasy, romance, western, superhero, WW2, crime and wrestling. If you limit yourself to one or two genres, you can miss out on some excellent stories!

I usually tend to avoid some genres instead of wanting to read a specific one. I like when a comic(or anything really) is a mix of many genres. Genres like fantasy, science-fiction, western are just backgrounds to me. It tells about the settings and environnment, but I'm far more concern about the characters and what happens.

I do have a preference for fantasy/science-fiction/surreal environements over real life/realism.

Before coming to DD I would have said sci fi, fantasy and super hero.

Now I have been reading a lot more, what really makes certain comics stand out it the feel or the characters

I read Shades as DAJB was the first person to comment on my comics, Glad I did as it is a cracking comic.

I can't remember how I stumbled onto Broken things but the art grabbed my attention and the character writing and mystery kept me reading.

Something like Harkovast wouldn't have gotten a look in a while ago, anthro bad. But having given it a chance it is one I look forward to every new update.

There are many comics I have no idea of how to classify as the skim around a number of genres.

I gravitate toward anything with endearing characters and unique artwork. I read comics in a lot of my "hated genres" because they break my biases with good characters and unique artwork. I don't care if it's more western or eastern inspired as long as it has it's own character.

Although my preferences span genres, I think you could call all of them adventure. I don't care for drama. I like fights and chase scenes and general adrenaline moments. Not so many that it can be called "action," though. I need a story, not just a thrill ride. Oh, and some realistic light humor moments... but that's part of having endearing characters. (Yeah, I'm really picky.)

In terms of gag strips, I read almost none. Intellectual humor is probably my thing, and I'm afraid it isn't too common to find literature jokes among webcomics. I can't stand shock humor or stale old jokes everyone does over and over again.

DAJB
I tend to gravitate towards story comics rather than gag-strips but, within that, I don't really draw a distinction between one genre and another.

That is what I go for as well though I must admit I've come across some pretty funny gag oriented scripts. I can understand there are tons of great stories heere, but time to check them out is very limited. sO what I usually do is pic 10-12 comics & make sure I go through every page. Once those are over I start another search.

demontales
I usually tend to avoid some genres instead of wanting to read a specific one. I like when a comic(or anything really) is a mix of many genres

So do I. Like i said I search alot of categories but these are specific ones I like. However consider this thread as a worst case scenario, say drunk duck only allowed you to select three categories. Which ones would you go for then.

Genejoke: I totally agree. No matter how great the story & comic can get instantly dull if it doesn't have character that aren't vibrant or ones that a person can relate too. Take Shadow Sprinters for example, the basic story evolves around two teams battling for the prize but the way the characters intereact throughout that manga makes it so very interesting. It's one of my faves here on DD. but like i said this is simply a hypothetical worst case thread where you just pick your top 3 genres.

usedbooks: Really well said. Maybe I'll try that someday. Theres genres like Romance & drama that I avoid as well. Just not my thing especially when it comes to webcomics unless the art is extremely captivating.

I go for many genres, though I tend to rather like science fiction, fantasy and some horror. I also prefer comics with well thought out characters, good storylines and a few interesting twists that put the genre on its head. Having good art helps as well, though I will check out other art styles if the story/characters are engaging.

I don't normally check out super hero comics, but as I've said to DAJB, Shades is something a bit different and one of my all time favourites.

However consider this thread as a worst case scenario, say drunk duck only allowed you to select three categories.

If I had to chose only 3, would probably be adventure, fantasy and sci-fi.

Well technically my favorite genre's are action, drama, and sci fi. Buuut. As someone above said, it doesn't really apply that way on DD. The comics I'm reading right now religiously Would be
Malefic By Genejoke, a horror webcomic.
Dead fingers by Peipei, kinda actionny, with drama, and a few other things.
And the two that are waaay out of my confort zone
TAG by nigbun a cute webcomic lol
and Barry reviews webcomics which is a comedy\parody

I normally have a bias for manga-styled comics. But for story, I like anything with drama, angst, history (or alternate history), philosophy, religion, etc.

However... give me ANY comic that is anti-New World Order and I'd like it instantly no matter how poorly drawn it is.

Speculative fiction. What the hell is that, you ask? It's a sort of umbrella term for fantasy, science fiction, horror, and stories that, while certainly not realistic, don't quite fit into any of the three (trust me, you'll know these when you see them). I do enjoy the rare historical comic, too, but it has to be both well-written and visually pleasing.

As for art styles, I'm pretty flexible as long as the art works for the story. Nothing can turn me off a comic faster than really poor art.

Gag strips or stories? I prefer stories, but I've been known to read high-quality gag strips like "Calvin and Hobbes."

Science Fiction

Superhero

And anything other than Horror and Romance!

Sci-fi, Action Adventure, and almost vigilante-type superhero comics. Not quite superhero (only one I read that's actually superhero is Acrobat), but more like they fight a certain evil for a certain cause. Now that probably defines protagonist for most of you, but I'm speaking more or less about the unique protagonist. One that doesn't do it necessarily because he/she has to save the world, but because something else, something connects them to that cause. Also, if they are more like a normal person (pretty much w/o superpowers) then it makes it all the more cool, for me.

I would really like to get into some good anthro comics (not furry, mind you. that's a completely different thing) because I feel that with anthropomorphic characters, there's so much more you can do with character creation/design. Your not limited to changing color, hair style, random marks on body, clothes, etc. You have all that, plus a species, etc, etc. So for anybody that doesn't like those sorts of characters, just think of it that way. Sadly, Hark is the only one here on DD that I know of that uses it to his advantage. I know another comic that does (Grand Hunter), but it's more Sonic-styled than actual anthro. But I only don't mind it because I used to follow the artist back when I was into that.

But in all honesty, genre doesn't really matter all too much. Only genre I'm pretty much guaranteed not to read is Shoujo/Romance. If it has elements of that in the story, that's fine with me. I'm just not into the whole lovey-dovey thing.

Let's see...

Always story comics over gag.

I like comic where the main characters are in some kind of danger. I'm not much for slice of life comics.

Fantasy, Horror, transformation, and scifi.

Those are some great choices guys. Thanks for sharing them with me. :)

JillyFoo: I know this is out of context, but you're avatar rocks! :D

Hmm. I'll read most fantasy and supernatural comics, though there are a few that I am not a fan of. And then of course there's the fancomics (for series I follow, natch) and manga-esque comics, though those are more styles than genres. Also, strangely, I really enjoy superhero comics, despite the fact that I haven't ever been into the print superhero comics... odd.
I generally like comedic comics more than overly-dramatic comics, though it is important that what I'm reading actually has a plot.

occultist furry

actually i like one-and-done strips