Support NeoGAF

[Duck of Death]

I have just finished reading Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbonsand the damn thing makes me want to read more comic books/graphic novels. I used to read Knights of the Dinner Table back in my role-playing days and occasional issues my grandpa gave me, but other than I'm a beginner when it comes to comic books. I'm starting another graphic novel by Alan Moore, V for Vendetta, but I don't want to limit my comic book activity to his genius.

My problem is, I don't know where to start. There are so many comic book series and graphic novels available it's insane. So, I think I will avoid the "big ones" like Superman, Spider-Man, etc.. Since I am just now starting comic books, I think it would be fun to start out with a contemporary series that I could actually read as a developing serial.

So, do any of you comic book fans know of any new series/serials that I can begin with? Anything relatively new that I won't have to read 20 issues or so to catch up with the story? Or any recommendations in general?

Thanks!

 

[iapetus]

You will read Neil Gaiman's Sandman series. Now. You will then return and thank me for recommending it.

You're welcome.

 

[Seth C]

Read "Preacher." It isn't a developing story, but it is a completed story, so you can read it from start to finish. I also highly recommend both "Invincible" and "The Walking Dead" from Robert Kirkman, despite the fact that I don't mich like the guy. I do, however, thank him for the trade paperbacks he gave me.

 

[iapetus]

Speaking of such things, another series that I read alongside Preacher and that's about as relevant as they come these days is Transmetropolitan. It doesn't hurt that it's pretty damn good as well.

Sorry this isn't helping with ongoing series - I'm not reading anything at the moment.

 

[Seth C]

Oh, and Conan is only to about #11 I think. It's fantastic, read it.

 

[nomoment]

Try Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris' Ex Machina. #5 just came out last week, which completes the first arc. At this point, early issues should be fairly easy to come by.

Here's a bit of information about the book:

Set in our modern-day world, EX MACHINA tells the story of civil engineer Mitchell Hundred, who becomes America's first living, breathing super-hero after a strange accident gives him amazing powers. Eventually Mitchell tires of risking his life merely to maintain the status quo, retires from masked crimefighting and runs for mayor of New York City, winning by a landslide. But Mayor Hundred has to worry about more than just budget problems and an antagonistic governor, especially when a mysterious hooded figure begins assassinating plow drivers during the worst snowstorm in the city's history!

I think it's safe to say that comic book critics have been unanimously hailing Ex Machina as the best new series of 2004. Try to search for some reviews online. You'll have a very difficult time finding one that is anything less than excellent.

 

[Quadrophenic]

I second the Preacher recommendation...great book.

I also recommend checking out any of the Astro City tradepaperbacks. They are self contained stories (for the most part, there are lots of cross over references, but none that will deter you from enjoying a trade paperback on its own) about the various superheroes, citizens, and villians found in and around Astro City. Each story arch (which could be one issue or several, depending on the need) takes a different perspective of someone in or around Astro City.

 

[Flynn]

Keep reading everything by Alan Moore, you won't find better.

 

[JackFrost2012]

I recommend you pick up the three Animal Man trades by Grant Morrison, see how his style works for you. Preacher had some good parts but overall was too uneven for my liking.