Question from the uninformed :)

[Quokka]

I've never read any graphic novels/comics but I'd like to start having a look at some. I think what I'd really be interested in to start with would be to read some of the original mainstream comics, so things like the first Incredible Hulk, Batman, Spiderman, X-men etc.

I was reading about the Hulk the other day and was really interested in how many different storylines have been developed over the years. Once I've had a bit of a browse through the 'classic' comics I was thinking I'd know better if I wanted to continue through some of that or look more at newer works, although I'll probably grab some of what's been mentioned here already as well.

There's so much scope in the various multiverses that I was just curious about grabbing a dozen or so graphic novels and seeing if its something I'd enjoy.

So basically my question is can you buy copys of the original releases? Obvioulsy I'm not looking to buy an actual first release copy of Action Comics #1 but I would like to start at the begining, reading maybe the first year's releases of say Batman and then looking at what story arc I'd pick up from there.

If you are able to buy cheap re-releases can anyone point me in the direction of some online sites that would be worth checking out.

Edit: Any tips on if there are collections, releases etc that help give an introductory picture like I've been describing above would also be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[GOLLUM]

Well I'm a bit like you Quokka. I too haven't read much in the way of graphic novels but I'm currently making up for lost time. A few classics include:

League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen - Allan Moore
The Watchmen - Allan Moore - classic of the 1980s
Sandman - Neil Gaiman - classic of the 1990s

I know you can get collections/volumes quite readily of early and more recent editions of specific superheroes etc... but I'll leave listings to those individuals better informed than myself.

What I have done is recently purchase an excellent book on the "history of comics & graphic novels". With over 600 illustrations it gives a very comprehensive overview of the history of comics right up to modern day.
The book is called "Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels - A History Of Comic Art" by Roger Sabin.

 

[j d worthington]

I will unreservedly recommend Gaiman's Sandman: The Dream Hunters. It isn't part of the regular Sandman series, though it has some tenuous links with it, but can be read by itself, and is simply an exquisite piece of work -- both beautiful art and a very moving story. Quite lovely, in fact.

 

[GOLLUM]

I will unreservedly recommend Gaiman's Sandman: The Dream Hunters. It isn't part of the regular Sandman series, though it has some tenuous links with it, but can be read by itself, and is simply an exquisite piece of work -- both beautiful art and a very moving story. Quite lovely, in fact.

OH..I Haven't read that one, thanks for the heads up JD.

 

[j d worthington]

OH..I Haven't read that one, thanks for the heads up JD.

You're quite welcome. While I'm not averse to them (by any means), neither am I generally a big fan of graphic novels; but this one really did make one heck of an impression!

 

[Talysia]

I'll second that. The Dream Hunters is one of my favourite books.

 

[Culhwch]

Yeah, Dream Hunters was good but the rest of the Sandman books left me cold, I'm afraid. I'm not sure where you could pick up those originals you are after, Quokka, but I've recently been working my way through the more contemporary back catalogue of Batman. I don't think I'd much appreciate those originals, myself, seeing the dramatic changes that have occured between then and now in the medium... but different strokes.

 

[Quokka]

Yeah I'm not planning on trying to read everything from the begining, I'm guessing that things have changed so much in general since the 40/50's that some of the things reflected in the comics are not going to click with me. But I did think it would be interesting to read at least the introductory comics before looking at the more recent stuff, I mean how many storylines does someone like Batman have, where do you start?

How long does it take to read one of the older comics, a few hours maybe a few days? I thought if I can get a hold of them it would be nice and easy to fit them in around some other reading.

I read Reign of the Superman a little while back and found it really interesting from the point of view that here was a guy working through and developing a character/ideas that would later become so well established.

I was hoping to get some contempory stuff as well so thanks for the tip JD. At this point I just want to have a brief look into it and see if I even enjoy graphic novels but by the way I lied before I do own one, somewhere about here I have a very old Dune graphic novel based on the 1984 movie.

And thanks Gollum taht Roger Sabin book sounds like just what I'm after.

 

[GOLLUM]

And thanks Gollum taht Roger Sabin book sounds like just what I'm after.

At the risk of repeating myself it's the best and most comprehensive book I've seen on the history of comic art. Highly recommended....

 

[Culhwch]

How long does it take to read one of the older comics, a few hours maybe a few days? I thought if I can get a hold of them it would be nice and easy to fit them in around some other reading.

That sounds like my initial plan of about six months ago, but somewhere along the line I got hooked and have ended up reading more graphic novels than actual novels of late. My current favourite is Fables. I'd highly recommend.

 

[j d worthington]

That sounds like my initial plan of about six months ago, but somewhere along the line I got hooked and have ended up reading more graphic novels than actual novels of late. My current favourite is Fables. I'd highly recommend.

I recall the Cat mentioning that one favorably, and I've verrry seldom had reason to question her judgment.....

 

[BetsySnow]

I have to rec. anything really by Neil Gaiman... with maybe the exclusion of Marvel 1602. I haven't been able to get into it. It was released with acclaim and whatnot, but I don't know...

 

[j d worthington]

I have to rec. anything really by Neil Gaiman... with maybe the exclusion of Marvel 1602. I haven't been able to get into it. It was released with acclaim and whatnot, but I don't know...

Yes, that one seems to have been a miss with quite a few people. Myself, I quite liked it; I enjoyed not only the quirky take on the Marvel universe, but the interesting way he gave you all the answers to the questions early on... a "classic mystery" technique I thought he did rather nicely, and with a bit of wicked humor....

 

[Culhwch]

Yeah, I really liked 1602, too, much more than his Sandman books...