Where or how do you guys think I should start? I was thinking about just ordering the trades of Amazon, but if there is a cheaper or more all in one way of getting all of those back issues read I would love to hear it. Thanks in advance.

Omnibus. Buy it

^This. Alternatively, it's also on Marvel Unlimited if you don't mind reading comics online.

@protoroll: I can't tell you the best way to read it, but I can tell you Ultimate Spider-Man is a blast, particularly pre Ultimatum. If you dig it you may want to get into the Ultimates (Vol's 1 and 2 at any rate) as well. Good stuff.

the first 6 tpb's of USM by bendis and bagley are incredible

check em out

but honestly, its all good/great. the whole 111 issue run, there was nary a dud amongst them

Marvel Unlimited seems nice, but I don't think I can to pay for another subscription service yet. That omnibus is looking pretty good though, and my birthday is coming up on the 12th, so I can probably weasel the first one for free. Thanks for the advice guys. Want to catch up to the current run and this seems like the best way to do it. Any other required reading from this universe so that I can get caught up?

@protoroll: Marvel's Omnibus are absolutely beautiful books. I have the Age of Apocalypse Omnibus and it's wonderful. You don't need to have any previous reading. It was actually made to be a good starting spot. :)