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Biff Hardbody · Dec 11, 2004

Its that time of year again, and I'd like to make a list of some great graphic novels to buy. Last time I made a topic like this, I got some really good suggestions that I ended up picking up. Here's what I have right now, oit'll give you a sense of what I like. I have an open mind, and am interested in great new stories as well as old.

My stuff-

Batman
Tons of it. Killing Joke, Long Halloween, Batman year 1, Dark Knight Returns, DK strikes again, and one or two more.

Would love another great Batman story.

Superman
Superman for all seasons. Maybe my favorite graphic novel. Anything else this good/beautiful?

Sin City
Just the first volume. I've heard the books are good and bad. I really enjoyed this version though and would like to try another.

I also have stuff like the Infinity Gauntlet and Secret Wars. I'd really like to have a great Punisher graphic novel, but I didn't enjoy the Garth Enis stuff I read when it first came out. I should get back into Spider man as well, hell anything good. Any recommendations are appreciated.

karasu · Dec 11, 2004

Powers: Who Killed Retrogirl

She Hulk: Single Green female

bob_arctor · Dec 11, 2004

The Invisibles-Grant Morrison

The Watchmen-Alan Moore

The Take Out Bandit · Dec 11, 2004

The Marquis: Danse Macabre

Daredevil The Man Without Fear

Human Target

The Unknown Soldier

ThirstyFly · Dec 11, 2004

Ashen Victor.

Rollerball meets Sin City.

evil solrac v3.0 · Dec 11, 2004

superman: red son. that is all. i also the hellblazer series from DC: vertigo.

mattx5 · Dec 11, 2004

Marvels

Spiderman: Blue

bob_arctor · Dec 11, 2004

The Invisibles-Grant Morrison

The Watchmen-Alan Moore

Asbel · Dec 11, 2004

nomoment · Dec 11, 2004

Biff Hardbody said:
My stuff-

Batman
Tons of it. Killing Joke, Long Halloween, Batman year 1, Dark Knight Returns, DK strikes again, and one or two more.

Would love another great Batman story.

Heh, someone listened to Matlock again, eh?

Anyways, here's my recommendation:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...002-8941945-3871249?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

A new Zoom emerges and makes Flash's life a living hell. Very accessible, and one of the best classically written superhero stories in the last five years.

Biff Hardbody · Dec 11, 2004

Wow, thanks fellahs. that Flash looks badass. I plan on ordering this stuff from amazon.com, is there a better place? I'll let you guys know what I went with later.

BTW, how are the new Teen titan books? I really enjoyed them as a kid, wonder if teh stuff is still good.

nomoment · Dec 11, 2004

bob_arctor said:
The Invisibles-Grant Morrison

The Watchmen-Alan Moore

Even though I'm a huge Grant Morrison whore, I wouldn't recommend the Invisibles straight-out. The series is meaningless unless you're committed to purchasing all 7 volumes, and have the patience to re-read stuff, on a regular basis. Definitely not a good choice for someone wanting to just buy a few graphic novels here and there.

And btw, it's WATCHMEN not "The Watchmen!"

nomoment · Dec 11, 2004

Biff Hardbody said:
BTW, how are the new Teen titan books? I really enjoyed them as a kid, wonder if teh stuff is still good.

Wolfman and Perez stuff?

Well, if you were a Titan fan in the past, you're in luck. The current volume of Teen Titans, by Geoff Johns and Mike McKone, is getting some great reviews. I'd definitely recommend picking up the first volume:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...1/002-8941945-3871249?_encoding=UTF8&v=glance

And yeah, Amazon is probably the best place to get graphic novels.

Duck of Death · Dec 11, 2004

V for Vendetta

Spike Spiegel · Dec 11, 2004

nomoment said:
Wolfman and Perez stuff?

Well, if you were a Titan fan in the past, you're in luck. The current volume of Teen Titans, by Geoff Johns and Mike McKone, is getting some great reviews. I'd definitely recommend picking up the first volume:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...1/002-8941945-3871249?_encoding=UTF8&v=glance

And yeah, Amazon is probably the best place to get graphic novels.

Bought that on Black Friday, good stuff. A steal too, at the 1/2 price I got it for.

Biff Hardbody · Dec 11, 2004

Thank you, nomoment. Yeah, I really didn't enjoy DK strikes again. I don't know if I was just reading to much stuff, but it didn't take with me.

I saw that Teen Titans book in Forbidden plaent today when I bought secret wars, it looked awesome. Thanks for the recommendations. Ok, right now I am definitely getting That flash book, and the Titans. I'm going to go through this list again and see what else strikes at me.

Thanks again.

Musashi Wins! · Dec 11, 2004

Watchmen is good.

So is Dark Knight Returns.

So is V is for Vendetta.

I also enjoyed the collected Animal Man.

Vibri · Dec 11, 2004

I just read Superman for all seasons and found it really disappointing. The coloring was nice, but the art lacked depth and kept striving for some kind of profoundity, drawing too much attention to itself and coming off as cheesy and cliched. The story wasn't much better - melodramatic writing and a cliched re-telling.

The only other two graphic novels I've read are THE SANDMAN and WATCHMEN, and they're both just about untouchable.

Fusebox · Dec 11, 2004

Different to your other books, but I loved reading Do-Mu: A childs Dream.

http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/profile.php?sku=94-466

It's in 3 parts and the story and drawings are fantastic imo.

A twisted old man, gifted with extrasensory powers, silently holds sway over an entire block of apartments. The occupants are puppets for him to control. Life is his to give... and take. But suddenly there is a new voice in his head... and before he knows it, a young girl with her own battery of psychic abilities has arrived to challenge him!

From the creator of the acclaimed comic epic, Akira, comes an horrific tale of extrasensory powers, mind control, and psychic war! The excellent storytelling and exquisite artwork make this a must-have for manga fans as well as anyone who truly appreciates great comics.

The Shadow · Dec 11, 2004

Sandman
It's a huge series though, quite a few volumes worth of stuff.

Red Son
I'm not into the spandex superhero comics at all and I still like this one.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Pay no attention to the movies. This is a pretty entertaining read.

Watchmen
I don't think I like this nearly as much as everyone else(way overrated IMO) but it's still a good read.

Quadrophenic · Dec 11, 2004

Astro City - Life in the Big City

Astro City - Family Album

Astro City - Confessions

Astro City - Tarnished Angel

You don't have to read them in any order, but its good to atleast read Life in the Big City before Confessions.

Ninja Scooter · Dec 11, 2004

if you like the Loeb and Sale stuff,check out Spiderman Blue. Not the typical Loeb story you'd expect from his Batman stuff, but i enjoyed it.

also, get the collected Batman Black and White stories.

Dram · Dec 11, 2004

Punisher Volume 1: Welcome Back, Frank

http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/8280000/8282166.gif

Punisher Max, Volume 1: In the Beginning

http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/7970000/7976871.gif

Supreme Power: The Hyperion Project

Wellington · Dec 11, 2004

Just finished V for Vendetta. It's fucking awesome.

Meatpuppet · Dec 11, 2004

Hellboy. All of it.

Sullichin · Dec 11, 2004

Biff Hardbody said:
Its that time of year again, and I'd like to make a list of some great graphic novels to buy. Last time I made a topic like this, I got some really good suggestions that I ended up picking up. Here's what I have right now, oit'll give you a sense of what I like. I have an open mind, and am interested in great new stories as well as old.

My stuff-

Batman
Tons of it. Killing Joke, Long Halloween, Batman year 1, Dark Knight Returns, DK strikes again, and one or two more.

Would love another great Batman story.

Superman
Superman for all seasons. Maybe my favorite graphic novel. Anything else this good/beautiful?

Sin City
Just the first volume. I've heard the books are good and bad. I really enjoyed this version though and would like to try another.

I also have stuff like the Infinity Gauntlet and Secret Wars. I'd really like to have a great Punisher graphic novel, but I didn't enjoy the Garth Enis stuff I read when it first came out. I should get back into Spider man as well, hell anything good. Any recommendations are appreciated.

Batman: Knightfall (all three volumes)

And the novel too!

Matlock · Dec 11, 2004

Maus.

D2M15 · Dec 11, 2004

Metropol.

Jim Bowie · Dec 11, 2004

Transmetropolitan. All of it. NOW.

Also see: Hitman.

And for friends of the far east:

Great Teacher Onizuka - up to 21, availible NOW!

EDIT: Metropol? Is that like an abbreviation of Transmetropolitan? Because I've always abbreviated it as Transmet. Diff'rent Strokes.

Biff Hardbody · Dec 12, 2004

OK, fellahs. Thank you all for the great recommendations. I'd buy em all if I could. Thank you. Here's what I am getting-

Watchmen
V for Vendetta
DC Mythology
Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven
Teen Titans: A Kids Game
Batman: A Death In The Family
Batman: Broken Bat
Robin: A Hero Reborn

I wanted to pickup that Marquis book, but its not in stock right now. I may pickup Spiderman Blue, but amazon does not have that one in. Again, thank you all for the recommendations.

editL: too much DC there....need some marvel.

D2M15 · Dec 12, 2004

Jim Bowie said:
EDIT: Metropol? Is that like an abbreviation of Transmetropolitan? Because I've always abbreviated it as Transmet. Diff'rent Strokes.

Nope, I'd say Transmet too, although I used to abbreviate it as "Ellis' latest wank". I mean:

I'm showing how woefully out of the comics loop I am by assuming that you can still actually buy it, which doesn't seem to be the case.

So, er, pretend I said Transmetropolitan. The first couple of collections, anyway.

The Take Out Bandit · Dec 12, 2004

Oh, I forgot one and since we're suggesting long running series. . .

Sgt. Frog

I followed it in a language I couldn't understand for five years, it's worth reading! All you honkeys can get on my cool kid train.

Kingdom Come

What's Michael

nomoment · Dec 12, 2004

Biff Hardbody said:
OK, fellahs. Thank you all for the great recommendations. I'd buy em all if I could. Thank you. Here's what I am getting-

Watchmen
V for Vendetta
DC Mythology
Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven
Teen Titans: A Kids Game
Batman: A Death In The Family
Batman: Broken Bat
Robin: A Hero Reborn

I wanted to pickup that Marquis book, but its not in stock right now. I may pickup Spiderman Blue, but amazon does not have that one in. Again, thank you all for the recommendations.

editL: too much DC there....need some marvel.

Dude, you took off Flash? Big mistake.

And for the love of god, don't get Batman Knightfall: Broken Bat. You can seriously, find most of those issues in the quarter bins... and they weren't any good to begin with!

Biff Hardbody · Dec 12, 2004

nomoment said:
Dude, you took off Flash? Big mistake.

And for the love of god, don't get Batman Knightfall: Broken Bat. You can seriously, find most of those issues in the quarter bins... and they weren't any good to begin with!

whoa, thanks for reminding me. I forgot about that.

So, no go on broken bat? I could use that money to pick up something good from Marvel.

Kingdom Come looks cooool.

MC Safety · Dec 12, 2004

I recommend Squadron Supreme. It's from Marvel, and it's a fairly great superhero story.

nomoment · Dec 12, 2004

Biff Hardbody said:
whoa, thanks for reminding me. I forgot about that.

So, no go on broken bat? I could use that money to pick up something good from Marvel.

Kingdom Come looks cooool.

Ah, good man. Trust me, that Flash book is good stuff. If I were a rich man, I'd offer a money back guarantee on it.

And Kingdom Come sounds like an great replacement for Broken Bat. KC is beautiful, and brilliant stuff.

Amneziak · Dec 12, 2004

Epic. Being made into a movie.

AniHawk · Dec 12, 2004

Well, you say you have an open mind... so I'm going to recommend you this:

I also own and have enjoyed all of the Batman GNs you own except for DKSA. The One Volume Edition is 1300 pages long, and is the complete story of Bone (I think going back to the 90s or 80s). It ended this year, and I think he's going to stop selling the One Volume Editions soon (in paperback form). I recommend you find this soon since it won't be around for a whole lot longer.

It was about $27 including shipping at amazon last time I checked. Awesome deal if still in effect.

Go here to read some impressions and thoughts from the fans: http://www.ga-forum.com/showthread.php?t=16076

AniHawk · Dec 12, 2004

Oh! And Teen Titans: Family Lost is out (8-12 while A Kid's Game is 1-7). If you like A Kid's Game, I recommend you pick up Family Lost as well.

Biff Hardbody · Dec 12, 2004

The Hound said:
Epic. Being made into a movie.

THIS is what I want. I'm ordering 11 books on ancient western wafare with my comics, and this is exactly the kind of comic I want. THANK YOU. In fact, I am buying this-

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...72/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/104-0310781-0328719

You may like it if you like 300.

Looking foward to the flash, nomoment. Thanks again.

Kingdom Come it is. Thank you for the alert about teh 2nd TT book, anihawk. I want that one as well.

Again, thanks to everyone here for the great recommendations. Even the ones I don't buy now interest me.

BastardSamurai · Dec 12, 2004

Sleeper Season 1 (Donnie Brasco with superpowers):
Prologue
"Episodes"/issues 1-6
"Episodes"/issues 6-12

Queen & Country, the best espionage fiction being published. Yes, even better than most current spy books. Every operation is great, but I particularly like Crystal Ball, Blackwall, and Dandelion.

Planetary: The easiest way to somehow describe it as something like the X-Files, but aimed at contemporary pop-culture/comics. That is, Planetary is an agency that investigates strange stuff. Each issue is thematic, such as one story about a ghost cop in Hong Kong, or a funeral modelled after the emergence of DC's Vertigo imprint, or a story about 50s-style radioactive monsters; one thing you're missing by going trade is seeing how each issue's cover reflects the theme of the story). I'd recommend the Absolute edition, but if you don't want such a hefty investment, I linked to the first trade.

Chesapeake Silt · Dec 12, 2004

I'm surprised that BastardSamurai didn't recommend Bastard Samurai. Actually, that's a pretty good book, espeicially the art - colors are so good.

BuddyC · Dec 12, 2004

It absolutely breaks my heart that no one has mentioned Blankets yet.

And look, it's only $19.44 at Amazon.com!

It's a very personal, heart warming/breaking story of growing up in a first love, freedom, and sibling rivalry in a strict religious household.

I know, it doesn't sound really neat, but I've tried to keep away from any specifics. It's easily one of the most emotional books I've ever read. Please trust me. Please.

Matlock · Dec 12, 2004

Man, Biff. You ignored Maus. :-\

nomoment · Dec 12, 2004

BuddyChrist83 said:
It absolutely breaks my heart that no one has mentioned Blankets yet.

And look, it's only $19.44 at Amazon.com!

It's a very personal, heart warming/breaking story of growing up in a first love, freedom, and sibling rivalry in a strict religious household.

I know, it doesn't sound really neat, but I've tried to keep away from any specifics. It's easily one of the most emotional books I've ever read. Please trust me. Please.

Listen to Buddy, he knows the way.

Blankets is amazing. You'll want to read it all in one sitting, and afterwards, (unless you're a goddamn robot), you will be emotionally moved. It was arguably, the best graphic novel of 2003.

nomoment · Dec 12, 2004

Matlock said:
Man, Biff. You ignored Maus. :-\

You failed to provide a brief rundown, and/or visual aids!

Dan · Dec 12, 2004

Can't say I've read many graphic novels, but I did check out the following after seeing the movie and I really enjoyed it.

I'm putting Blankets on The List. I'll check it out eventually.

Matlock · Dec 12, 2004

nomoment said:
You failed to provide a brief rundown, and/or visual aids!

Brief rundown:

most awe-inspiring comic book ever

Visual aid:

Dead · Dec 12, 2004

The Pinnacle

Biff Hardbody · Dec 12, 2004

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