Suggest a Graphic Novel

[HigherTomorrow]

Ever since I was a child, I've been a big fan of comic books. From Spiderman to Sonic the Hedgehog, the visual literature has always spoken to me in a way movies, music, video games, and sometimes, even actual books can. But I've noticed that my graphic novel library is rather restricted. Sure, I have givens like Watchmen, but I'm also missing some more legendary books. I have stuff like Transformers, Deadpool, and Scott Pilgrim, but I'm looking for expansion. One of the joys of comic books comes not only from reading them, but from seeing them shining on my bookshelf for all to see.

Basically, I need people to suggest books to check out. I have some basic guidelines, mainly that I'd prefer standalone stories against being thrust into a new continuity, or that the books at least contain a large amount of issues if it's a collection. I'm also an enormous fan of Spiderman, but will take any Marvel, DC, or other characters you suggest.

Thank you for your time, wonderful members of the Escapist.

 

[BenzSmoke]

Well I'm not much of a graphic novel guy. I was going to suggest Watchmen, but you have that already...

 

[faspxina]

Google Enki Bilal and Hugo Pratt.

 

[Swny Nerdgasm]

JLA the Nail
Fables
The Boys
Welcome to Tranquility
The old Conan from Marvel
and Lucifer

 

[Korten12]

If Manga counts, One Piece.

 

[super_mumbles]

Just from looking at my shelf (which also contains Watchmen, Scott pilgrim and a few Deadpool TPB's) I would recommend:

V for Vendetta (although I found the occasional phonetic speech off putting)
Tank Girl
Power Girl
Kick Ass
An Ideal World (only 1 volume long, but I enjoyed it)

 

[fullbleed]

I've mentioned them before when these kind of threads come up. Phonogram, written by games journo Kieron Gillen, is my favourite graphic novel ever. It's about these teens who can use music to create magic. It's just superb in it's writting and has some great examples of indy music in it, reading the books has got me into bands like Los Campesinos, Robyn, Crystal Castles, Cansei De Ser Sexy, Knife, Suede, Elastica and so much more. Ermm yeah just check it out, it's really well written and it has a real depth of knowlege about music and Brit Pop in particular.

 

[Cmwissy]

Arkham Asylum: A serious house on serious earth.

Spoiler: I mean c'mon, look at this.

It's not too long or complex, but it'll leave you with chills.

 

[Ekonk]

The Walking Dead. It's pretty good, and has some good character development and a genuinly deep and emotive story, something not seen very often both in comics and zombie-related comics.

Also, becoming a TV series with Halloween I believe.

 

[Rawker]

While V for Vendetta is long since over, but still an amazing read none the less.
Kill Audio is like a gigantic inside joke for audiophiles, so if your big on all types of music, take a gander.
Freakangels is a web comic, and it's not a bad story either.
If all else fails, hit up your local comic store and try something new. it's like a candystore.

 

[XJ-0461]

Batman: The Killing Joke is very good, in my opinion.

As is Ultimate Spider-man. Start with volume 1, and work your way forward from there.

 

[The Bucket]

Ive only read the first volume, but Preacher. There isnt a huge amount of volumes, and I love what ive read so far

 

[Misterkillsall]

Either "A History of Violence" or "Kick-Ass."

Both of them are really f***ing good.

 

[TheBlueRabbit]

People have named The Boys and Phonogram, both of which I HIGHLY recommend. Also look into Fables by Bill Willingham. An interesting twist to some well known characters.
For something a little more mainstream try Kingdom Come from DC.

 

[Ampersand]

I'm gonna say check out Invincible. It is an ongoing series with i think about 11 TPBs on the shelves but it's continuity is controled mostly by one man(Robert Kirkman) so it doesn't have as many labyrinthine plot threads as most main stream comics do.

Invincible as a character is kind of like a combination of the best parts of spider-man and superman.

 

[Snake Plissken]

Preacher. End of story. Best graphic novel ever. Garth Ennis is awesome.

 

[sms_117b]

DC's "Kingdom Come" I read it cover to cover in one sitting, it's an amazing story and has excellent artwork, I cannot recommend it enough.

 

[Instant K4rma]

I would say V for Vendetta. I was going to suggest Watchmen as well, but you seem to have that covered.

 

[WolfThomas]

Three must read graphic novels/collections of comics are Preacher by Garth Ennis, Transmetropolitan by Warren Ells and the Invisibles by Grant Morrison. This are not about superheroes but I believe you'd find them enjoyable.

As you seem to like Marvel, I'd suggest reading "Cable and Deadpool", it's a really good comic, funny and serious at the same time.

Also general advice I give to everyone, find authors you like, they're usually consistent in quality.

My favourite authors in no particular order are:
Warren Ellis (Next Wave: Agents of Hate, The Authority, Transmetropolitian, Ultimates Galatus Trilogy)
Garth Ennis (The Boys, Preacher)
Alan Moore (Watchmen, V for Vendetta, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen)]
Grant Morrison (All Star Superman, Animal Man, The Invisibles)
Mark Millar (Kickass, Wanted, Ultimates 1 and 2, Superman : Red Son, The Authority)
Neil Gaimon (Sandman, Marvel 1602)
Brian K. Vaughn (Y - The Last Man, Runaways, Ex Machina).

Also other good reads are DMZ, 100Bullets, Fables, The Walking Dead and Hellblazer in general.

 

[PeePantz]

I touched on this a few years back. Its quite..interesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sandman_%28Vertigo%29

Do you get any sort of royalties or kickbacks from suggesting wiki links? Every single one of your posts is a wiki link.

OT: Black Hole is fantastic and a classic. It's very unique and deals with high school kids catching a STD that mutates them.