Sunday 21 December 2008

What to Read?

So, a friend finally got around to reading Watchmen. And then he asked: what else should he read? (At least, relating to Graphic Novels.)

The two other classics usually mentioned are V for Vendetta and The Dark Knight (the original, not any of the sequels). I would also add in Ronin, as I really like it.

Then again, I like anime, so would add in Akira, Domu, Dominion Tank Police and Ghost in the Shell.

More recently, I tend to stick to the more mainstream comic houses, so recommend stuff like Animal Man (the stuff by Grant Morrison) and Doom Patrol (ditto). The Superman set: Death of, World Without and The Return of. Batman Knightfall and Knightsend (they never published Knightquest which is in the middle). Oh, and Green Lantern is a great series (although basically ignore from when Kyle turned up onwards).

On the other side: Nick Fury vs Shield, various Spiderman (Saga of the Alien Costume, Vs Venom, Cosmic Adventures and more), and they've got huge tomes out collecting lots of runs of their comics.

Going broader, Maus is a must. From Hell is a great read. Bone has to be enjoyed. Cerebus is an interesting descent into madness. Fury (Joss Weadon future Buffy-universe story). League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, although earlier works are better than later.

Then there's the 2000AD stuff such as Judge Dredd, Pete recommends America and also the first two volumes of Strontium Dog. (Pete also recommends Hellboy, which I have only seen the movie versions of, but he loves them.)

Quite a bit there, but what graphic novels would you recommend?

[END]

1 comment:

Foo said...

Thanks for the tips Jamas, I just finished Watchmen this morning. I knew it re: the mystery aspect! This plot sort of gets sidelined part way through and then resurfaces. Anyway, while I didn't anticipate the bigger picture, it did seem obvious who was responsible (really trying not to give anything away here).

Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed it and also left with the 'what happens next' feeling, which is better than the 'glad it's over' feeling.

Anyhoo, I might check out The Dark Knight and From Hell when I have the time. I really should be looking for a job rather than reading comics ;-)