Comics & Graphic Novel reading list v1.5
Feb. 27th, 2006 04:04 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
orangerfulUpdated 09/10/06
Okay, I'm reposting this so I can have an up to date list and a link to it in my lj info so I actually, you know, update the thing.
Please post any suggestions or new finds here too, so I can review them for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
novel_graphics
Original Series:
Sandman series by Neil Gaiman - I think I've read almost all of the books in this series, but it was so long ago I'm going to start over. This is what started my search for more "mature" graphic novels.
Death: The High Cost of Living by Neil Gaiman - not quite as strong as the Sandman stories, but still a good read. Anything in that universe is a good read.
The Watchmen by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons - just finished this last week, a GN that everyone mentions when they are talking about "serious works". It was okay, but not something I'll to read again.
Y The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughn & Pia Guerra - I LOVE this series. It's just flat out GOOD. I have read thru book 6, it makes me laugh, cry, gasp, and cheer out loud, no joke!
Transmetropolitan by Warren Ellis & Darick Robertson - oh yes, I heart spider jerusalem.
Stranger's In Paradise by Terry Moore - a different kind of comic, nothing really fantastical about it, but these characters are so sweet and real.
Fray by Joss Whedon- not really sure if I should list this here or in the "spin off" section since it technically takes place in the Buffyverse...anyhow, fantastic book! Joss has such a visual style anyway, it works very well.
Kissing Chaos - this comic had a very other worldy feel about it, even though it was taking place in the present. It really felt like you were seeing it through the young woman's eyes. I read it and it gave me an eerie feeling. I'd like to read another one.
Lenore - weird. This was one of the first random ones I got. I was expecting a big story, but really it's just a lot of short, random scenes. and did I mention weird?
Ghost World - I didn't really like this one. It annoyed me. I remember the movie annoying me to. *shrug* I don't think I'm emo enough.
Runaways by Brian K Vaughan - Okay, I think I'm officially a BKV fangirl. I love 'Runaways'. I've read the first 4 tpb editions.
Global Frequency by Warren Ellis - I love this series too! I've read the first two TPB and I think it's a very cool idea. It felt like I was watching a movie, the writing was so real and the images so...alive? Good stuff.
Bone - Sadly, I couldn't even finish this one. It was just too much. I didn't the other Bone's so it made it hard to stick with it. It sorta felt like a kids book too.
Maus & Maus II - amazing use of the comic as a history telling device. I really liked it. Though, of course, it was very sad and disturbing, I think he did his father justice.
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore - Moore is a weird dude. I always feel like I need some sort of text book to go along with his comics, they have so many layers of stuff going on. This comic was very different, and I have no clue how they are going to make a movie out of it.
Persepolis & Persepolis II by Marjane Satrapi - another unique take on telling a true story thru a graphic novel. Satrapi's drawings are simple, yet unique enough to keep you reading.
Ex Machina by Brian K Vaughan - whoa. just wow. Takes your brain awhile to wrap around what this is all about, it's not quite what you expect from a comic book. Rocketeer meets Watchmen?
Ex Machina: Tag by Brian K Vaughan - not as strong as vol 1, imho, but still a good read.
Ex Machina: Fact vs Fiction by Brian K Vaughan - I really liked this one, BKV is a lot like Joss Whedon; he likes to hint at things and then bring them up several "episodes" later.
Batgirl : Year One by Scott Beatty - a nice retelling of the Batgirl story, good for people new to her story, but also enough foreshadowing that people who know of her future will enjoy it.
Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai - I've only read the first book in this series, but I enjoyed it. I really like his art style and the world he has created. Come one, he's a Samurai Bunny!
Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon - Joss + Xmen = so good.
Ultimate X-Men by Brian K Vaughan - superhero comics are hard to jump into, so I have to say I was lucky to have a basic understanding of xmen from the movies and cartoon series that helped me figure out who all the characters were. BKV gets to bring in Gambit! Gambit is awesome.
Mystique by Brian K Vaughan BKV's take on that sexy blue shapeshifter. This comic made me laugh, with Vaughan's quirky sense of humor and lots of xmen style action and subtext.
Mystique - Tinker Tailor Mutant Spy by Brian K Vaughan - continuation of Vaughan's story, not his best but how can you say no to Mystique?
Blankets by Craig Thompson - wow, what a beautiful book. Like Persepolis, from the outside the simple drawings make you think that perhaps it's just a simple story. Far from it. It's at once a familiar yet complex tale of first loves and growing up.
Good-bye Chunky Rice by Craig Thompson - another sweet story about growing up, though told in a different fashion. 'Chunky' is a little odd, since the characters are all creatures (mouse, turtle, fat guy) and you feel as though you've been plopped into the middle of a story right from the start, as Chunky says goodbye to his friends and heads off on a boat for an unknown destination. Touching moments and more beautiful artwork, if you liked 'Blankets', you'll enjoy this.
Batman The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller - one of the darkest and densest comics I've ever read, layer upon layer to text and subtext, social commentary,...almost more than I could handle. But it was good. And it actually gave me chills near the end as you examine what it means to be Batman and Superman.
Preacher by Garth Ennis - not for the faint of heart or stomach, Preacher is downright gratuitous when it comes to language, violence, and sexuality. That being said, the story (at least in the first TPB edition) was freakin' awesome! I could not put it down (though I did want to look away). I've read thru book 6 (War in the Sun) now and the action, humor, and disgusting scenes have not let up at all. Great series but one that must be read in moderation in order to keep your lunch down.
Fables by William Cunningham - so far I've read two in this series and have been underwhelmed, both by the story and the characters. I think it's a cute idea, that the fables are living in NYC and trying to start a new life, and then I thought it was going to be like Xmen with some social commentary, but then it felt like that opportunity just slipped by. I don't find the characters likeable so it's really stopped me from embracing the series.
Orbiter by Warren Ellis - a very interesting one-shot which on the surface we could say is about space exploration and continuing such programs. But it says so much more than that.
Buzzboy by John Gallagher - "the world's most upbeat superhero" is the tagline. He bubbles with classic TV references and pop culture jokes. Cute story, clever characters, good for a younger audience.
The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman & Tony Moore - think 28 days later, but with more people. And more zombie action. It's actually less about the zombies and more what happens when a random group of peole are thrown together. Very interesting and very frustrating at the same time. (I have read book 1-4)
Alias by Brian Micheal Bendis - fascinating story of a superhero who quit wearing tights and just does down to earth detective work. Very gritty, and real. (Thank you [Unknown site tag]Daredevil: Guardian Devil by Kevin Smith
Daredevil: Wake Up by Brian Michael Bendis - very stylized story that actually hardly features Daredevil, as it's told thru the eyes of a reporter who is his friend.
Daredevil: Underboss by Brian Michael Bendis - same gritty style as 'Alias', helps to be a little bit familiar with the marvel universe.
Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi - not a biography, but more of a peering thru the windows of an evening when the women are home alone and have had a little bit of wine, and let the youngest girl know what men are really like.
Full Metal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa - My first foray into Manga, and I gotta say, Wow! I know this is supposed to be one of the best series out there and I understand why, it grabs you and then starts running. Only thing, there is SO much going on all the time that I feel like I need to read them faster before I forget the subplots! Also, after watching a few discs of the anime series, there are some major differences in how they tell the story!
The Hood - Blood from Stones by Brian K Vaughan - okay, so I'm on a mission to read everything BKV has ever written. This was one of his first. You can see him struggling to find something unique but it doesn't pan out. Interesting concept though, and the trademark wit is there. But the character just isn't very likeable.
Nextwave by Warren Ellis - this comic is insane.![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
warren_ellis is insane. But I always crack up when Father Blood Drench RoboCrush gets "something in his eye".
Identity Crisis by Brad Meltzer - one of the 'Watchmen' wannabes that actually got the license rights. Interesting story, but I finished the book not liking any of the characters. Interesting read if only for the amount of praise it recieved.
Invincible by Robert Kirkman - This series started out very "average" in the story, in fact, it felt like a retelling of "The Incredibles" waiting to happen...but it takes a very unexpected turn and becomes a very mature story that's hard to put down!
Based on TV or film
Star Wars Tales vol 1, 2, & 3
Star Wars : Tales of the Jedi (dark lords of the sith, the sith wars, the golden age)
Star Wars : Prelude to Rebellion
Star Wars : Rite of Passage
Star Wars : Visionaries
Star Wars : Jedi Council, Acts of War
Star Wars : General Grievous by Chuck Dixon
Star Wars Clone Wars "When They Were Brothers" & "Last Siege, Final Truth"
BtVS : The Origin
BtVS : Blood of Carthage
The Ultimate Buffy the Vampire Slayer The Gift Cine-Manga
Tales of the Slayers
Tales of the Vampires
Serenity: Those Left Behind
On Order:
Hellblazer series (anyone want to reccomend a good run for this)
New X-men by Grant Morrison run
Wonder Woman (selected)
Hellboy series
Usagi Yojimbo series
The Authority by Warren Ellis
Planetary by Warren Ellis
Creature Tech by Doug TenNapel
John Constantine Hellblazer - Setting Sun by Warren Ellis
Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore
From Hell by Alan Moore
Stormwatch by Warren Ellis
52
Okay, I'm reposting this so I can have an up to date list and a link to it in my lj info so I actually, you know, update the thing.
Please post any suggestions or new finds here too, so I can review them for
novel_graphicsOriginal Series:
Sandman series by Neil Gaiman - I think I've read almost all of the books in this series, but it was so long ago I'm going to start over. This is what started my search for more "mature" graphic novels.
Death: The High Cost of Living by Neil Gaiman - not quite as strong as the Sandman stories, but still a good read. Anything in that universe is a good read.
The Watchmen by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons - just finished this last week, a GN that everyone mentions when they are talking about "serious works". It was okay, but not something I'll to read again.
Y The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughn & Pia Guerra - I LOVE this series. It's just flat out GOOD. I have read thru book 6, it makes me laugh, cry, gasp, and cheer out loud, no joke!
Transmetropolitan by Warren Ellis & Darick Robertson - oh yes, I heart spider jerusalem.
Stranger's In Paradise by Terry Moore - a different kind of comic, nothing really fantastical about it, but these characters are so sweet and real.
Fray by Joss Whedon- not really sure if I should list this here or in the "spin off" section since it technically takes place in the Buffyverse...anyhow, fantastic book! Joss has such a visual style anyway, it works very well.
Kissing Chaos - this comic had a very other worldy feel about it, even though it was taking place in the present. It really felt like you were seeing it through the young woman's eyes. I read it and it gave me an eerie feeling. I'd like to read another one.
Lenore - weird. This was one of the first random ones I got. I was expecting a big story, but really it's just a lot of short, random scenes. and did I mention weird?
Ghost World - I didn't really like this one. It annoyed me. I remember the movie annoying me to. *shrug* I don't think I'm emo enough.
Runaways by Brian K Vaughan - Okay, I think I'm officially a BKV fangirl. I love 'Runaways'. I've read the first 4 tpb editions.
Global Frequency by Warren Ellis - I love this series too! I've read the first two TPB and I think it's a very cool idea. It felt like I was watching a movie, the writing was so real and the images so...alive? Good stuff.
Bone - Sadly, I couldn't even finish this one. It was just too much. I didn't the other Bone's so it made it hard to stick with it. It sorta felt like a kids book too.
Maus & Maus II - amazing use of the comic as a history telling device. I really liked it. Though, of course, it was very sad and disturbing, I think he did his father justice.
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore - Moore is a weird dude. I always feel like I need some sort of text book to go along with his comics, they have so many layers of stuff going on. This comic was very different, and I have no clue how they are going to make a movie out of it.
Persepolis & Persepolis II by Marjane Satrapi - another unique take on telling a true story thru a graphic novel. Satrapi's drawings are simple, yet unique enough to keep you reading.
Ex Machina by Brian K Vaughan - whoa. just wow. Takes your brain awhile to wrap around what this is all about, it's not quite what you expect from a comic book. Rocketeer meets Watchmen?
Ex Machina: Tag by Brian K Vaughan - not as strong as vol 1, imho, but still a good read.
Ex Machina: Fact vs Fiction by Brian K Vaughan - I really liked this one, BKV is a lot like Joss Whedon; he likes to hint at things and then bring them up several "episodes" later.
Batgirl : Year One by Scott Beatty - a nice retelling of the Batgirl story, good for people new to her story, but also enough foreshadowing that people who know of her future will enjoy it.
Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai - I've only read the first book in this series, but I enjoyed it. I really like his art style and the world he has created. Come one, he's a Samurai Bunny!
Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon - Joss + Xmen = so good.
Ultimate X-Men by Brian K Vaughan - superhero comics are hard to jump into, so I have to say I was lucky to have a basic understanding of xmen from the movies and cartoon series that helped me figure out who all the characters were. BKV gets to bring in Gambit! Gambit is awesome.
Mystique by Brian K Vaughan BKV's take on that sexy blue shapeshifter. This comic made me laugh, with Vaughan's quirky sense of humor and lots of xmen style action and subtext.
Mystique - Tinker Tailor Mutant Spy by Brian K Vaughan - continuation of Vaughan's story, not his best but how can you say no to Mystique?
Blankets by Craig Thompson - wow, what a beautiful book. Like Persepolis, from the outside the simple drawings make you think that perhaps it's just a simple story. Far from it. It's at once a familiar yet complex tale of first loves and growing up.
Good-bye Chunky Rice by Craig Thompson - another sweet story about growing up, though told in a different fashion. 'Chunky' is a little odd, since the characters are all creatures (mouse, turtle, fat guy) and you feel as though you've been plopped into the middle of a story right from the start, as Chunky says goodbye to his friends and heads off on a boat for an unknown destination. Touching moments and more beautiful artwork, if you liked 'Blankets', you'll enjoy this.
Batman The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller - one of the darkest and densest comics I've ever read, layer upon layer to text and subtext, social commentary,...almost more than I could handle. But it was good. And it actually gave me chills near the end as you examine what it means to be Batman and Superman.
Preacher by Garth Ennis - not for the faint of heart or stomach, Preacher is downright gratuitous when it comes to language, violence, and sexuality. That being said, the story (at least in the first TPB edition) was freakin' awesome! I could not put it down (though I did want to look away). I've read thru book 6 (War in the Sun) now and the action, humor, and disgusting scenes have not let up at all. Great series but one that must be read in moderation in order to keep your lunch down.
Fables by William Cunningham - so far I've read two in this series and have been underwhelmed, both by the story and the characters. I think it's a cute idea, that the fables are living in NYC and trying to start a new life, and then I thought it was going to be like Xmen with some social commentary, but then it felt like that opportunity just slipped by. I don't find the characters likeable so it's really stopped me from embracing the series.
Orbiter by Warren Ellis - a very interesting one-shot which on the surface we could say is about space exploration and continuing such programs. But it says so much more than that.
Buzzboy by John Gallagher - "the world's most upbeat superhero" is the tagline. He bubbles with classic TV references and pop culture jokes. Cute story, clever characters, good for a younger audience.
The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman & Tony Moore - think 28 days later, but with more people. And more zombie action. It's actually less about the zombies and more what happens when a random group of peole are thrown together. Very interesting and very frustrating at the same time. (I have read book 1-4)
Alias by Brian Micheal Bendis - fascinating story of a superhero who quit wearing tights and just does down to earth detective work. Very gritty, and real. (Thank you [Unknown site tag]Daredevil: Guardian Devil by Kevin Smith
Daredevil: Wake Up by Brian Michael Bendis - very stylized story that actually hardly features Daredevil, as it's told thru the eyes of a reporter who is his friend.
Daredevil: Underboss by Brian Michael Bendis - same gritty style as 'Alias', helps to be a little bit familiar with the marvel universe.
Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi - not a biography, but more of a peering thru the windows of an evening when the women are home alone and have had a little bit of wine, and let the youngest girl know what men are really like.
Full Metal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa - My first foray into Manga, and I gotta say, Wow! I know this is supposed to be one of the best series out there and I understand why, it grabs you and then starts running. Only thing, there is SO much going on all the time that I feel like I need to read them faster before I forget the subplots! Also, after watching a few discs of the anime series, there are some major differences in how they tell the story!
The Hood - Blood from Stones by Brian K Vaughan - okay, so I'm on a mission to read everything BKV has ever written. This was one of his first. You can see him struggling to find something unique but it doesn't pan out. Interesting concept though, and the trademark wit is there. But the character just isn't very likeable.
Nextwave by Warren Ellis - this comic is insane.
warren_ellis is insane. But I always crack up when Father Blood Drench RoboCrush gets "something in his eye". Identity Crisis by Brad Meltzer - one of the 'Watchmen' wannabes that actually got the license rights. Interesting story, but I finished the book not liking any of the characters. Interesting read if only for the amount of praise it recieved.
Invincible by Robert Kirkman - This series started out very "average" in the story, in fact, it felt like a retelling of "The Incredibles" waiting to happen...but it takes a very unexpected turn and becomes a very mature story that's hard to put down!
Based on TV or film
Star Wars Tales vol 1, 2, & 3
Star Wars : Tales of the Jedi (dark lords of the sith, the sith wars, the golden age)
Star Wars : Prelude to Rebellion
Star Wars : Rite of Passage
Star Wars : Visionaries
Star Wars : Jedi Council, Acts of War
Star Wars : General Grievous by Chuck Dixon
Star Wars Clone Wars "When They Were Brothers" & "Last Siege, Final Truth"
BtVS : The Origin
BtVS : Blood of Carthage
The Ultimate Buffy the Vampire Slayer The Gift Cine-Manga
Tales of the Slayers
Tales of the Vampires
Serenity: Those Left Behind
On Order:
Hellblazer series (anyone want to reccomend a good run for this)
New X-men by Grant Morrison run
Wonder Woman (selected)
Hellboy series
Usagi Yojimbo series
The Authority by Warren Ellis
Planetary by Warren Ellis
Creature Tech by Doug TenNapel
John Constantine Hellblazer - Setting Sun by Warren Ellis
Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore
From Hell by Alan Moore
Stormwatch by Warren Ellis
52
