What should be in my "ultimate" collection of graphic novels?

[Jedfordski]

Hi guys and gals, my first post so treat me gently

I'm looking to increase my tiny collection of graphic novels (Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen, Arkham Asylum, Sin City - Hard Kiss). I've already upgraded my Dark Knight Returns to the hard back a few years ago and am looking at getting the Absolute Watchmen edition to replace my battered and worn paperback edition that I've had for years. I'm also looking at getting the Sin City Library v1 and 2 for my birthday next month.

I guess my question is this: what else should I consider buying to create a "who's who" in graphic novels? I'm looking at this as a long term plan, so I don't mind spending the money on collectors / deluxe editions. The Sin City set alone looks like it'll cost me £120 ish(!)

Any thoughts woul;d be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Jed.

 

[Winters_Sorrow]

Hi Jed & welcome to the forums.

Tough question really as it all depends on the subject taste of the individual.
As you're an Alan Moore/Frank Miller fan, I would consider adding V for Vendetta to your collection. A very fine novel, which was completely ruined on the big screen.

I'm a big fan of Neil Gaiman's work as well so I'd also recommend Marvel 1602 and Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes

I've also heard good things about the Preacher series of books by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, although I've only read Preacher: Proud American which was ok.

I also quite enjoyed the Batman:Knightfall storyline as well.

 

[Jedfordski]

I was looking at V For Vendetta, probably get it soon. Don't know whether to read it before or after seeing the film though ...

I've also just ordered 30 Days Of Night - I know it's had mixed reviews, but the idea is enough for me to give it a try.

Batman Year One and Killing Joke are also on my list. Haven't heard of Knightfall .. I'll take a look.

Anything else?

 

[Nesacat]

Meowrr Jed and a warm welcome to the Chronicles. Come along to the tea room for a cuppa

The Sandman graphic novels by Neil Gaiman definitely.
Black Orchid by Nei Gaiman ... a melancholy yet hopeful tale which is very different from his Sandman.
Dream Hunters by Neil Gaiman ... the art work here is by Yoshitaka Amano and it's beautifully surreal.
Kingdom Come by Mark Wade & Alex Ross ... a future where Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman are older, much older. It's an interesting tale.
Red Son - Mark Miller ... am not a fan of Superman but this alternate history is worth a read.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 1 & 2 if you are an Alan Moore fan.
Midnight Nation by J. Michael Straczynski ... another one with beautiful artwork and an interesting story line.

 

[Cobolt]

Hi Jedfordski and welcome.

Try Global Frequency (2 novels) by Warren Ellis, excellent work and also the Matrix graphic novels, they are rich in stories and graphics.

As Nesacat suggested, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 1 & 2, both are brilliant.

Take a peek at some of the Manga, Akira, Ghost in the Shell, they are all fine reads.

 

[Winters_Sorrow]

I was looking at V For Vendetta, probably get it soon. Don't know whether to read it before or after seeing the film though ...

Before!!!
Definitely before! The movie kept the main characters but really dumbed down the plot and storyline to the point of incomprehension.

 

[Brian G Turner]

Watchmen - Alan Moore
The Dark Knight Returns - Frank Miller

- undeniable classics.

 

[Milk]

Y-The Last Man Standing

Start with the first one.
Its very good.

 

[Shoegaze99]

Watchmen - Alan Moore
The Dark Knight Returns - Frank Miller

- undeniable classics.

They are. I'm pretty sure he has them, though.

Jedfordski, think creators before characters, then treat your graphic novels just like you would your books ... get stuff from creators you like. I tend to like Alan Moore, for instance, so to me it's usually a pretty safe bet to grab whatever he's written. Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis, Will Eisner, all guys worth following.

If you're not locked into the superhero genre, I'd suggest taking this opportunity to branch out and explore some other stuff out there. Whether it's Moore's dense, symbolism-laden From Hell or Craig Thompson's heartbreaking coming of age story, Blankets, there is a lot out there to explore.

If you're into crime stories, the couple of indie crime graphic novels by Brian Michael Bendis are very good - Torso, Goldfish, Jinx, in that order, are all worth reading. Or try out Who Killed Rretro Girl?, the first volume in Bendis' Powers series, which mixes his cops/crime work with superheroes to great effect. Also excellent in the crime genre is the amazing 100 Bullets. Ongoing, set to last 100 issues, wrapping up in a year or two, jump on board now.

'Nother good twist on superheroes is Astro City by Kurt Busiek. If you read Marvels, well, Astro City is pretty much an extension of that style, but in Busiek's own setting and with his own characters. Great stuff. Each volume is a standalone, so no worries about where to start.

other good standalone superhero works include any of the Loeb & Sale stories: Daredevil: Yellow, Superman For All Seasons, Batman: The Long Halloween, Spider-Man: Blue, and others.

Milk is right on with Y: The Last Man. A nice twist on the "massive virus wipes out mankind" theme. Fun science fiction work there; the story meanders here and there, but is largely good. Also consider Fables, which has a great, great hook. (Pretty much it boil down to, you know all those fairy tale characters from your youth? Well they're real ... and living in hiding in New York.)

If you really want to tackle something HUGE but entirely worthwhile if you're interested in seeing what the comic artform can do, start getting the Cerebus phone books. About 2/3 of the way Dave Sim breaks down into a lot of religious ranting and such, but those first 2/3 (about 200 issues worth in all) is some of the best graphic fiction you'll ever see ... and even the latter 1/3 is interesting because of all the innovative ways he uses the comics medium. It's a massive, massive worth spanning decades, but very, very satisfying.

Anything Gaiman is a safe bet, Sandman being the best. Also, the Garth Ennis run on Hellblazer was bloody brilliant. Most of it is collected. And of course, Alan Moore. If it has his name on it, it's likely to be well-written.

Graphic novels/trade paperbacks are the way to go, in my mind. It's the only way I read comics these days, and that's been the case for quite a few years now. Start down this road and before you know it you'll have several bookcases devoted to them. yay!

 

[star.torturer]

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[Jedfordski]

Just started rereading The Dark Knight Returns (again) - damn fine book.

30 Days Of Night came through the post today, I'll start reading it after TDKR. Had a quick flick and the artwork is excellent. Hopefully the story will live up to the idea ...

I'm going to go for the Sin City Library 1 & 2 for my Birthday next month (found them online for £47 each) and maybe the Absolute Edition of Watchmen. After that I'll be on to new stuff. I think Frank Millers 300 will be next, then maybe V For Vendetta ...

 

[Lacedaemonian]

The Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon series.

Lone Wolf and Cub Volume 1.

Wolverine: Origin

Sin city.

Bone by Jeff Smith

Hmmmm I forget the others.

 

[Paige Turner]

Gotta put in a good word for Wimbledon Green by Seth.

 

[Jedfordski]

Got my Sin City Library 1 and 2 through the other day. Cost about £45 each which I think is a great deal. Certainly looks like they cost a bomb. Not allowed to open them until my Birthday in a couple of weeks though

 

[SFAM]

Transmetropolitan is by far my favorite graphic novel series. If you at all like cyberpunk stories, this is a MUST HAVE.

 

[Paige Turner]

Are you any kind of a Marvel fan?

I got hold of what looks like an A.R.C. of the Ultimate Iron Man #1, written by Orson Scott Card, pencils by Andy Kubert, and it is really impressive. The story of the origin of Iron Man is very different and imaginative, and Kubert's art is brilliant. Based on this one, I'd say start picking them up.

I mean, Orson Scott Card, for crying out loud.

 

[Trey Greyjoy]

That really sounds interesting! Ive always had a soft spot for Iron Man.

Myself I just finished Kingdom Come. I think its a must for any serious collector, albeit a rather sad tale.

That is, of course, AFTER youve collected all the great novels recommended above!!!

 

[Nesacat]

Myself I just finished Kingdom Come. I think its a must for any serious collector, albeit a rather sad tale.

Definitely agree with this one. The tale is sad but they've got it spot on as far as the characters of the heroes go. It's perfectly plausible and has wonderful art to boot.

Paige ... thanks for Iron Man ... shall keep a look out.

 

[Thanatos]

Thought I'd drop a good word on Maus by Art Spiegelman altough I'm aware that it may not be to everybody's tastes regarding what some consider graphic novels.

 

[Multiverse]

I think Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's Batman: The Long Halloween is also a very well written and critically acclaimed graphic novel. That might make a fine addition to your library.