So I am a voracious reader (though it’s taken me several weeks to read my current novel), and I’m also a pretty varied reader. Fiction, nonfiction, mystery, a little sci fi, YA, etc. I’ve never read a graphic novel, however.
With Borders closing, I took advantage of their sales and bought some graphic novels.
I did cheat a bit as I really had no idea what to get. I went with a few classics that have been turned into graphic novels [Wizard of Oz, Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility], and of course even I know that Neil Gaiman’s Sandman is a classic.
But now I ask, what would you recommend? I’m not all that familiar with lore and comic worlds, so what would you suggest for a noob?
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If you enjoyed the Vertigo stuff, I would highly recommend TRANSMETROPOLITAN, IZOMBIE, V FOR VENDETTA, and CRUSADES. I’m about to write a piece on comic recommendations soon, if you’re at all interested.
My love of reading and my appreciation of art both started when I picked up my first comic book. These books aren’t just for kids anymore. My favorite graphic novel is WATCHMEN. An excellent detective story and the symbolism in the artwork is fantastic. MAUS is the only Graphic Novel to win a Pulitzer Prize (somber story about a son’s relationship with his father who survived a German Concentration Camp). I’d also give CASTLE WAITING a try. It’s a black and white fairytale that includes a convent of bearded nuns…
“Blankets” by Craig Thompson- it’s about loss and memory, fleeting feelings and moments. It’s very beautiful, both graphically and visually.
My son *LOVES* his Yo Gabba Gabba board comic books. I’m sure that’s not really what you were looking for, but if your kids like Yo Gabba Gabba, I would highly suggest them.
Otherwise, I always liked “Gloomcookie” but I don’t know if that’s in print anymore…
Constance of Beth Fish Reads reviews graphic novels on her blog fairly often. It’s http://www.bethfishreads.com/
Let me know if you end up reading a graphic novel you really like. I’ve always been wary of them for some reason and never tried reading one. If you really like one then I’ll give it a try.
I’ve read Maus parts 1 and 2. They are amazing. http://www.amazon.com/Maus-Survivors-Father-Bleeds-History/dp/0394747232/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314750049&sr=8-1
Hope you find some good stuff!
Please! Please! Do yourself a favor and read Daytripper! By Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba. It is my favorite comic book ever! It’s all about life and appreciating it, not your average comic book. It is one of the few books that has taken me out of the realm of time. I enjoyed it so much that I forgot about everything except what I saw in front of me. That’s how much I loved it!
That is all. Oh if you are into Batman, i suggest, “The Killing Joke.” It was the comic book that got me into reading comics. Loved it!
Shaun Tan. His are less comic-booky. “The Arrival” doesn’t take any actual reading as it’s told entirely in wonderful pictures. “Tales from Outer Suburbia” is a series of short story graphic novels and are quirky but very interesting. Have fun!
The Arrival
Tales From Outer Suburbia
I would recommend the other nine Sandman graphic novels.
And depending on your tolerance for violence and gore the preacher graphic novels were good. As was Watchmen and Sin City. V for Vendetta was another god read.
So was “I see a darkness” Which is a biography of Johnny Cash’s.
IF you’re a geek and like video games the Scott Pilgrim Vs the world one are supposedly good, but they are very geeky. (I didn’t like the art style)
Let’s see..
I would really need to know more of what genres you like, as saying “I want recommendations of a graphic novel” is like saying ” can you recommend me a good paperback?” As it is a format it covers a lot of ground.
I’m lucky that our library caries a lot.. but I gotta ask you things like “You like super heroes?” and “fiction or non fiction?” What about sci-fi? ETC etc etc.. :)
Y the Last Man( about a plague that kills almost all the men, and a road trip through the new world order), and Sandman Mystery Theatre(feels like Law & Order: 1938, fun procedural mystery, with pre war anxiety in New York City)
And if you finished and enjoyed Neil Gaiman’s Sandman, follow up with it’s spin-off Lucifer.
It is odd to me to think of graphic novels as being “new” to the market. As far back as the 70′s the TV series M.A.S.H. featured an episode where stuffy, stodgy Major Winchester III look down upon a soldier who had been reading classics in graphic novel form. The soldier had been labeled “dumb” all his life and he believed a graphic novel was the only way he could read.
Isn’t it ironic that education today is including, even advocating the use of this wonderful venue? Many of the classics are brought to life by the beautiful graphics and how could that be different from the life given when turned into the latest movie? Only difference, and the best by far, is that it encourages reading!
Wow, proper use of the word ironic.. :)
yah, people are realizing that reading is reading even if there are pretty pictures in the book too.
The Lost Women and other stories by Jaime Hernandez. Actually, having read one, I would read anything by Jaime Hernandez. Also? The Hellboy series.
Funny. I would totally veer away from The Classics, instead looking for new and interesting concepts. And so I am really glad that you posted this … I have to rethink my strategy!!! I’m especially going to go and source the ones suggested by Steve Franceschi. Thanks!
I would highly recommend The Walking Dead series. The comics are even better than the stellar AMC show. Borders usually had copies of the hard back volumes in stock.
Also high on my list would be Preacher and Watchmen.
I’ve always been a big fan of Archie comic books, but I’ve never read graphic novels, but the books in your photograph intrigue me. Maybe it’s time to check them out. Thanks!
Sussex County was on the short list for Canada Reads also Scott Pilgrim….I’ll have to think about it.
For Original “Oz” stories told in Baum’s spirit and with fantastic art, I recommend the other works of Eric Shanower. There is a beautiful large bound book of all of his other graphic novel stories.
Fables is a wonderful series available in TPB format and is about the world of Fairy Tales and what if they actually existed unbeknownst to us “mundies” as they call us.
Do not forget the very popular world of Japanese Manga. They come in compact sizes most of the time and span the subject matters of normal to mega giant robots.
For you I would recommend checking out Blue Exorcist, Kitchen Princess ( every issue has recipes in it) and Club 9( this is about being a “Ginza Girl”, which is like a club hostess). Sadly, Club 9 is only available here in 3 issues and there are a whole lot more in Japan. Also Ranma 1/2 which is a great silly epic.
On the superhero front Frank Miller’s the Dark Knight and Batman Year One, are a must. Wolfman and Perez’s run on Wonder Woman, also a must. If you like the X-men, pick up the Dark Phoenix saga by Claremont and Byrne.
Hit me back anytime for any other Graphic Novel recommendations, I can give you a librarie’s worth.
the American Splendor series by Harvey Pekar for sure.
I read both The Wonderful World of OZ and The Return of Oz graphic novels (my first ever too) and loved them. I have added the other classics to my Amazon Wish List to get as gifts.
I’m a big DC Comics fan, and they have a handy-dandy list for you: http://www.dccomics.com/sites/essential30/
Of these, I would definitely recommend Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, and Kingdom Come.