I read the first 3 books in hardback, and if anything I wish I’d started with the audiobooks. The Narrator does such a great job of creating a vibe that differs so much from what I envisioned when I was reading it, particularly with the character of Mordecai who I’d thrown a Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer on, but whose Southern drawl I think creates a relationship with Carl that was not there for me in the first 3 books.
I am now listening to the audiobook any time I can, and doubling up with the hardcover when I can sit and just listen since I really enjoy having the text in front of me during the chats, stats and achievements, and it allows me to retain more details which I feel really shines with these books.