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[BigDes]

I own this and it's great. But that's hardly what we're talking about here when it comes to comics, it's basically a book that happened to work best as a graphic novel and I'd say it's closer to the exception than the rule. It's hardly Wolverine or any of that other superhero nonsense.
Also, please list some of the other "countless" examples, if they're anywhere near as good as Maus I will check them out.

Waltz with Bashir
American Splendor
Pyonyang, Shenzen, Jerusalem and Burma Chronicles by Guy Delisle
Perseopolis
Contract with God by Will Eisner
Anya's Ghost
Encyclopedia of Early Earth
The Incal
Metabarons
Road to Perdition

List goes on for a while really. Worth checking out. Probably won't like all of them but they're all certainly worth a look

 

[BigDes]

Haha, that's that weird (and honestly bad) book I was talking about! Cassanova. So you're trying to tell me that Matt Fraction is such a good writer, but then why would he need a real writer to come in and save his book?

I've at least heard some people say good things about Micheal Chabon, so maybe once he takes over Cassanova I'll take another look at it.

Never read Cassanova so I can't comment but what from what I have read of Matt Fraction yes I would say he was a good writer. Not everything a writer writes will be gold. Some of it will be shit.

 

[Shaanyboi]

Haha, that's that weird (and honestly bad) book I was talking about! Cassanova. So you're trying to tell me that Matt Fraction is such a good writer, but then why would he need a real writer to come in and save his book?

Jeff Lemire isn't coming on to save anything. He's doing a separate book. Fraction's is just coming to an end.

 

[cajunator]

I care not. However I love the film adaptations of said comics.

 

[Sojgat]

Superheroes or comics?

There is a difference. Not being interested in a such a niche hobby as comics is hardly something unique.

 

[Vampire On Titus]

It's not that I don't give a shit about them, it's just that I chuckle at, and then ignore those silly picture books. While they have cute morality tales for preteens, and have a certain amount of dignity in their own small way, I prefer to read real literature written by and for grownups whose artistry actually make a difference within our culture. You know, the type of stuff that requires complex thought and isn't likely to have toys made from its characters.

This is so unbelievably ignorant

Also, please list some of the other "countless" examples, if they're anywhere near as good as Maus I will check them out.

GLADLY:

I could keep going forever. Almost like theres several decades of brilliant work within the medium or something.

 

[Parch]

Also, please list some of the other "countless" examples, if they're anywhere near as good as Maus I will check them out.

There was a recent comic recommendation thread with dozens of good non-superhero choices.

 

[Necromanti]

I'm kind of sick of hearing about superhero films and TV series, to be honest, but I won't fuss about it.

 

[The Albatross]

I don't give a shit about comics at all. Not that i'm against them in any way or anything, but I don't care about comics, don't really watch Super hero movies, don't watch the Walking Dead, etc. I liked the Watchmen movie. Didn't care for the new Dark Knight movies. Haven't seen any of those other super hero movies that have come out in the last 10 years... maybe bits and pieces of some.

Only graphic novel/comic I've ever kinda read was Sandman because I'm a Gaiman fan. I found it annoying to read because I didn't care about the art, I just wanted to read the stories. I wanted someone to just turn it into a novel... Felt like a really inefficient way of reading when I just wanted the story. But otherwise, never read, watched, or was into any Comic-related stuff.

But I don't have any problems with Comics at all, just not my cup of tea. I see it like videogames or professional wrestling, a fine form of entertainment that has its fanatics and detractors.

 

[Cheska]

It's not that I don't give a shit about them, it's just that I chuckle at, and then ignore those silly picture books. While they have cute morality tales for preteens, and have a certain amount of dignity in their own small way, I prefer to read real literature written by and for grownups whose artistry actually make a difference within our culture. You know, the type of stuff that requires complex thought and isn't likely to have toys made from its characters.

This comes off as incredibly ignorant, and more importantly, really offensive to people writing comics.


It sounds like so many people in this thread are still stuck in the mentality that all comics still completely revolve around superheroes. If capes aren't your thing, there are so many other choices of well written, well drawn, independent comics.

 

[Karl Hawk]

It's not that I don't give a shit about them, it's just that I chuckle at, and then ignore those silly picture books. While they have cute morality tales for preteens, and have a certain amount of dignity in their own small way, I prefer to read real literature written by and for grownups whose artistry actually make a difference within our culture. You know, the type of stuff that requires complex thought and isn't likely to have toys made from its characters.

That's the most arrogant and pretentious thing I've ever read in the internet.

 

[Vampire On Titus]

This comes off as incredibly ignorant, and more importantly, really offensive to people writing comics.


It sounds like so many people in this thread are still stuck in the mentality that all comics still completely revolve around superheroes. If capes aren't your thing, there are so many other choices of well written, well drawn, independent comics.

No, no. It's clearly all pulp super hero garbage (clearly all laughably juvenile as well "mrs marvel??? blech!!!"). Anything that isn't is just "a novel that happened to be a comic." because the narrative experience it presented clearly isn't inexoribly tied to its visual story telling medium or anything.

I know this because I don't read comics.

 

[tim1138]

Haha, that's that weird (and honestly bad) book I was talking about! Cassanova. So you're trying to tell me that Matt Fraction is such a good writer, but then why would he need a real writer to come in and save his book?

I've at least heard some people say good things about Micheal Chabon, so maybe once he takes over Cassanova I'll take another look at it.

Based on your avatar it's pretty clear Fraction is too sophisticated for you. Robin, really? The Bat Family is so reductive and overplayed. It really does a disservice to the morally complex character that is Batman. You should read The Killing Joke or Hush and not Batman for babies with Robin. To be completely honest, Batman is too good for the DC Universe and should be his own independent property.

 

[BigDes]

Based on your avatar it's pretty clear Fraction is too sophisticated for you. Robin, really? The Bat Family is so reductive and overplayed. It really does a disservice to the morally complex character that is Batman. You should read The Killing Joke or Hush and not Batman for babies with Robin. To be completely honest, Batman is too good for the DC Universe and should be his own independent property.

Uhh dude, Damien is the best character DC has created in like fifteen years

 

[Sojgat]

There was a recent comic recommendation thread with dozens of good non-superhero choices.

This.

I read a lot of comics, and each month only a handful feature superheroes.

 

[Catdaddy]

Never got into them, although had a friend that sold a bunch of his and bought a car. He was rather obsessed with them, so I think that turned me off comics. His dad collected them as well so he had some really valuable comics in addition to the ones he bought.

 

[Poodlestrike]

It's not that I don't give a shit about them, it's just that I chuckle at, and then ignore those silly picture books. While they have cute morality tales for preteens, and have a certain amount of dignity in their own small way, I prefer to read real literature written by and for grownups whose artistry actually make a difference within our culture. You know, the type of stuff that requires complex thought and isn't likely to have toys made from its characters.

I am convinced that people who actually think like this (giving you the benefit of the doubt) do so not out of a need for actual complex thought, but out of a desperation to convince themselves that they're capable of it, though they're generally not.

The world is a shocking and bewildering place, full of depth and meaning. If you need some hack to spend pages upon pages pontificating on the symbolic significance of a big red "A," or ham-fistedly insert the actual eyes of god into a billboard... I can't help but think of it as crutches.

Meaning is what we make of it. Those "silly morality tales for preteens" are no less worthwhile than hallowed literature, and they're generally a lot more fun.

 

[Arthr2ShdsJcksn]

That's the most arrogant and pretentious thing I've ever read in the internet.

This comes off as incredibly ignorant, and more importantly, really offensive to people writing comics.

I hope so... It was my broadest caricature of an anti-comic snob, and it's loosely based on something I read in a comic once (I wish I could remember which one it was).

I actually don't read a ton of them anymore, but I still love good comics. Ghost World is one of my favorites (although I only came to the graphic novel through the movie first). Sorry for not citing Poe's law before posting that.

 

[old]

Never have and never will.

 

[Filthy Slug]

Based on your avatar it's pretty clear Fraction is too sophisticated for you. Robin, really? The Bat Family is so reductive and overplayed. It really does a disservice to the morally complex character that is Batman. You should read The Killing Joke or Hush and not Batman for babies with Robin. To be completely honest, Batman is too good for the DC Universe and should be his own independent property.

Really, man? Judging people by their avatars? This is that hipster bullshit I was talking about. I'd rather enjoy my Robin books than be condescending and care about people like Matt Fraction.

I love Damien. It sucks that the best comics with him was that four-issue series Son of Batman (I think). It was drawn and written by one guy, but it was in the future and AWESOME. Maybe read it before you judge.

 

[Vampire On Titus]

I hope so... It was my broadest caricature of an anti-comic snob, and it's loosely based on something I read in a comic once (I wish I could remember which one it was).

I actually don't read a ton of them anymore, but I still love good comics. Ghost World is one of my favorites (although I only came to the graphic novel through the movie first). Sorry for not citing Poe's law before posting that.

Thank god you were joking.

Clowes, man... Fucking Clowes. Read David Boring if you haven't. My personal favorite of his.

There was even a fairly recent critically acclaimed short film adaptation.

 

[Magmaviper]

I've never read any comics, but really would love to, especially the marvel universe, x-men more specifically, but I have no idea where to start.

Also I hate the idea of actual paper based comics. I think there are digital comics now.

Can anyone recommend a series to start with? and where to go from there?

 

[More_Badass]

I've never read any comics, but really would love to, especially the marvel universe, x-men more specifically, but I have no idea where to start.

Also I hate the idea of actual paper based comics. I think there are digital comics now.

Can anyone recommend a series to start with? and where to go from there?

https://www.comixology.com
I've only been reading digital comics. It's great.

Can't help you in regards to X-Men

 

[Vampire On Titus]

I've never read any comics, but really would love to, especially the marvel universe, x-men more specifically, but I have no idea where to start.

Also I hate the idea of actual paper based comics. I think there are digital comics now.

Can anyone recommend a series to start with? and where to go from there?

Read Deadly Class, Wicked + The Divine and Southern Bastards.

I don't read much marvel right now except Miles Morales Spider-Man and Ms Marvel. Ms Marvel is really good though.

 

[Owzers]

Those things with pictures and words? We call them children's storybooks. I just read my nephew Berenstain Bears yesterday, had a better plot than comics.

 

[xbhaskarx]

GLADLY:

There was a recent comic recommendation thread with dozens of good non-superhero choices.

Okay but this thread is mainly about what most mainstream people consider popular comic books, which is superhero crap not a few obscure graphic novels and whatnot. No one is making a movie (or twenty summer blockbusters per year) out of Maus. If they did, I'd definitely go see it...

 

[Pankratous]

Yeah, I don't give a toss about comics. Or manga either. No thank you. Snooze.

 

[More_Badass]

Those things with pictures and words? We call them children's storybooks. I just read my nephew Berenstain Bears yesterday, had a better plot than comics.

Man, people get really ridiculous when comics are mentioned, huh?

 

[WesternHeretic]

I don't give any shit about comics, I don't give any shit about anime, and I don't give a shit about gaming stuff like sales/consoles etc...

So why am I on GAF? I enjoy a few of the communities on here. I know I'm in the minority... but who cares.

 

[Vampire On Titus]

Okay but this thread is mainly about what most mainstream people consider popular comic books, which is superhero crap not a few obscure graphic novels and whatnot. No one is making a movie (or twenty summer blockbusters per year) out of Maus. If they did, I'd definitely go see it...

Why exactly are we limiting comics to what you're considering "mainstream" comics? The OP makes mention of marvel and dc being more popular on GAF but the title is "Does anyone else not give a shit about comics" and the closer is "Does anyone else out there maintain zero interest in the whole concept or is it just me?"

So why exactly am I meant to be narrowing my view of an entire medium here?

 

[More_Badass]

Okay but this thread is mainly about what most mainstream people consider popular comic books, which is superhero crap not a few obscure graphic novels and whatnot. No one is making a movie (or twenty summer blockbusters per year) out of Maus. If they did, I'd definitely go see it...

Let's see...300 got a movie, Kingsman got a movie, Wanted and All You Need Is Kill got movies, Kick-Ass got two movies, The Walking Dead breaks records consistently, Sex Criminals and Outcast are getting TV shows

No one's adapting any non-superhero graphic novels and whatnot

 

[Siegcram]

Okay but this thread is mainly about what most mainstream people consider popular comic books, which is superhero crap not a few obscure graphic novels and whatnot. No one is making a movie (or twenty summer blockbusters per year) out of Maus. If they did, I'd definitely go see it...

Not sure where you're going with this. Of course the mainstream isn't gonna be pure excellence all the way through. There is no medium where that is the case.

 

[Ralemont]

I just can't get on board with all the alternate universe and reboots and such. X-Men is the worst with this.

Though I love the Days of Future Past movie. Shrug.

 

[Vampire On Titus]

It's like saying "Anyone else hate novels?? Arent they all shit!?!" being responded to with "No of course not: *insert countless examples*" then replying "Well of course I only mean the garbage young adult fiction that sells millions and get hollywood adaptations!!!"

it makes no sense.

 

[Serpentine]

It's not that I don't give a shit about them, it's just that I chuckle at, and then ignore those silly picture books. While they have cute morality tales for preteens, and have a certain amount of dignity in their own small way, I prefer to read real literature written by and for grownups whose artistry actually make a difference within our culture. You know, the type of stuff that requires complex thought and isn't likely to have toys made from its characters.

Finally, a real-ass post. On that note, it's depressing that Chuck Palahniuk, a writer of multiple classics, has to reduce himself to writing in a medium for children. I think it's because people can't handle his complexity otherwise. Tough times, friend
E:

I hope so... It was my broadest caricature of an anti-comic snob, and it's loosely based on something I read in a comic once (I wish I could remember which one it was).

I actually don't read a ton of them anymore, but I still love good comics. Ghost World is one of my favorites (although I only came to the graphic novel through the movie first). Sorry for not citing Poe's law before posting that.

What the fuck, you can't trust anyone anymore. Hope you enjoy your picture books!!!

 

[mrklaw]

I just get confused by all the meandering plot threads. I've been watching daredevil and wanted to know a bit more about Fisk, so I looked it up online. I get that they're trying to distil down years of comics with many, many different story threads, but trying to read it all in one place makes it look a bit ridiculous.

Or reading stuff in a thread on here about how character X wouldn't be doing action Y because of story Z.

It must be a nightmare for Marvel/DC to make here shows and movies, because there is no way to incorporate all of a characters' traits - some of which seem to be literally at polar opposites depending on which comic series it was written in.

 

[MikeDip]

I like comics a lot. Tend to stay away from most super hero stuff except for a few favourites (Spider man), but am not scared to try (Working on Green Lantern atm).

My favourites are things like 100 bullets/Preacher/Lucifer.

 

[ReAxion]

I just get confused by all the meandering plot threads. I've been watching daredevil and wanted to know a bit more about Fisk, so I looked it up online. I get that they're trying to distil down years of comics with many, many different story threads, but trying to read it all in one place makes it look a bit ridiculous.

Or reading stuff in a thread on here about how character X wouldn't be doing action Y because of story Z.

It must be a nightmare for Marvel/DC to make here shows and movies, because there is no way to incorporate all of a characters' traits - some of which seem to be literally at polar opposites depending on which comic series it was written in.

That's why they're just adaptations of the comics.

 

[tim1138]

Really, man? Judging people by their avatars? This is that hipster bullshit I was talking about. I'd rather enjoy my Robin books than be condescending and care about people like Matt Fraction.

I love Damien. It sucks that the best comics with him was that four-issue series Son of Batman (I think). It was drawn and written by one guy, but it was in the future and AWESOME. Maybe read it before you judge.

Of course Batman has a son now, typical corporate comics try hard pandering. Oh and he's named Damien? So edgy! Let me know when DC has the balls to hire a visionary like Mark Millar, someone who really understands what the character.

 

[Messi]

I like Harley Quinn. A LOT.

 

[Toa TAK]

I like Harley Quinn. A LOT.

No way.

 

[Vampire On Titus]

Let's see...300 got a movie, Kingsman got a movie, Wanted and All You Need Is Kill got movies, Kick-Ass got two movies, The Walking Dead breaks records consistently, Sex Criminals and Outcast are getting TV shows

No one's adapting any non-superhero graphic novels and whatnot

Persepolis got a movie too and it's incredible. Don't know exactly why were being made to validate comics as a medium by their adaptations but you can add that to the list.

 

[More_Badass]

Finally, a real-ass post. On that note, it's depressing that Chuck Palahniuk, a writer of multiple classics, has to reduce himself to writing in a medium for children. I think it's because people can't handle his complexity otherwise. Tough times, friend

Comics = for children
To be frank, you have no idea what you're talking about. It's like saying film is a medium for children because of the superhero movies and YA adaptations

 

[Messi]

No way.

I felt now was the time to tell people.

 

[Afrodium]

I've never read any comics, but really would love to, especially the marvel universe, x-men more specifically, but I have no idea where to start.

Also I hate the idea of actual paper based comics. I think there are digital comics now.

Can anyone recommend a series to start with? and where to go from there?

Marvel Unlimited is the most cost effective way to read digital comics in the Marvel Universe. I haven't read too much X-Men but I've heard Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon is an accessible place to start. This thread should have some good recommendations for you.

 

[plasmawave]

The only comics I read and enjoyed was the Killing Joke.
The whole multiverse(?) thing looks like a mess to an outsider like myself.

 

[Poodlestrike]

Let's see...300 got a movie, Kingsman got a movie, Wanted and All You Need Is Kill got movies, Kick-Ass got two movies, The Walking Dead breaks records consistently, Sex Criminals and Outcast are getting TV shows

No one's adapting any non-superhero graphic novels and whatnot

Wanted is... technically a super hero book.

I mean, I think it is. I only made it an issue or so in before the vomiting started.

 

[More_Badass]

Wanted is... technically a super hero book.

I mean, I think it is. I only made it an issue or so in before the vomiting started.

True. Guess I should have specificed it as mainstream superhero.

 

[xbhaskarx]

Let's see...300 got a movie, Kingsman got a movie, Wanted and All You Need Is Kill got movies, Kick-Ass got two movies, The Walking Dead breaks records consistently, Sex Criminals and Outcast are getting TV shows

No one's adapting any non-superhero graphic novels and whatnot

The Walking Dead is so bad it's cringewrothy, I never saw 300 but it looked like it was pretty much targeting the socially awkward 16 year old loser crowd as other comic book movies... Kingsman? I mentioned Maus and this is your response? Thanks for the confirmation that it's all pretty much shit.

 

[Afrodium]

Finally, a real-ass post. On that note, it's depressing that Chuck Palahniuk, a writer of multiple classics, has to reduce himself to writing in a medium for children. I think it's because people can't handle his complexity otherwise. Tough times, friend
E:

I'll be the first to admit that comics are far from high art, but so is Chuck fucking Palanniuk.