What Graphic Novels do I want For Christmas?

[Fievel]

Hey Zoners. I'm writing a Christmas list and want to include a handful of Graphic Novels. I don't read current issues of anything, but I'll glady read anything. Back in the day (80's) I was all about X-Men, Daredevil, Batman, Spiderman, etc. to give you a basic idea of tastes (actually, that's really frickin' broad isn't it?). Every now and then I'll pick up a Graphic Novel because it's simply the best and easiest way to get a nice chunk of storyline without worrying about cover variants, fingerprints, creases, or toilet water splashing up while reading.

If I were to ask for, lets say 5 Graphic Novels, what would you recommend? Exclude Watchmen, V For Vendetta, Dark Knight Returns/Strikes Again.

p.s. I saw that there was a book called Marvel Zombies (any good?). Is there An American Tail Zombies?

EDIT: And, what books should I absolutely AVOID?

[MasterWhedon]

You want the Runaways hardcover Vol. 1. Issues #1-18 of the first series. That's it. Don't listen to anyone else. That's what you want. Seriously. I'm not joking. Some of the best stuff I've ever read. And if you're not reading Runaways currently, you'll want to pick up the second hardcover--conveniently just on sale!--to catch you up.

[magicmonkey]

"From Hell". Best Xmas present evah!

[Fried Gold]

Kingdom Come
The DC Universe as Written by Alan Moore
Commando: True Brit
Where's My Cow?
Judge Dredd: Judgment Day

[Chilli]

Marvel Zombies rocks.

I'd also recommend Guardian Devil and both Astonishing X-Men.

[buster00]

Get caught up on Ex Machina and Fables. Maybe just get the first couple volumes of either series.


Or for a stand-alone story, maybe Torso or We3.


Incidentally, American Tail Zombies would kick ALL the ass.

[unikrunk]

Strap on some Tom Strong Vol. 1-6, add some Tomorrow Stories for good measure. Take with a side of Dan Clowes, and a sprinkle of Art Spiegelman. Finish with a crisp double serving of Astonishing X-Men - Gifted and Danger.

Wait for it to kick in.

[Silent Shout]

If you're into zombies, you HAVE to get some (if not all) of the Walking Dead series. Fan-freaking-tastic.


Batman wise (if you havent already read them):
The Long Halloween and Dark Victory

The Astonishing X-men TPB's are pretty great too (as previously recommended).

[Chairman Kaga]

The first TPB of the ongoing Justice should be out.

I would also recommend any Hellboy TPBs or BPRD TPBs as well (May as well start from the beginning so shoot for Seed of Destruction)

[unikrunk]

The first TPB of the ongoing Justice should be out.

I would also recommend any Hellboy TPBs or BPRD TPBs as well (May as well start from the beginning so shoot for Seed of Destruction)

I second these emotions - Justice is fantastic, and you can not go wrong with anything Mignola touches.

EDIT: For some great classic stuff, check out any of the 'Ranxerox' GNs, and Miller and Darrow's 'Hard Boiled'.

[tangerine]

I don't know about you, but I sure as hell wouldn't say no to the complete Sandman collection. (hint hint)

[unikrunk]

That would be top-drawer. Also, if any of Zone-Squad: UK wants to send unikrunk all of the Miracle Man books, that would be, you know, all right and all. No one would mind, really.

[Doc Holliday]

The Watchmen. That is all.

[Peven]

Curious George: The Complete Collection

[Fried Gold]

That would be top-drawer. Also, if any of Zone-Squad: UK wants to send unikrunk all of the Miracle Man books, that would be, you know, all right and all. No one would mind, really.

I own the rights to Miracleman....

[Fievel]

Holy crap, guys.. THANKS!! My Christmas List is now full of possibilities.
But keep it going... there's always other people reading, next year's Christmas, birthdays, etc.

[Colin]

I'm getting the New X-Men Omnibus and the Absolute DC: New Frontier as my christmas presents to myself.

So I receommend those.

[The Ginger Man]

"The New Frontier" is fantastic.
"Lost Girls" should be interesting.
The latest editions of "Fables" and "Y: The Last Man" just hit stands.
Dan Slott's "She Hulk" is quite good.
And if you dig Hellblazer, I hear the latest TB "Empathy is the Enemy" is also good.

OH, and all this HBO talk has got me in the mood to re-read Preacher...so check that out if you haven't. Transmetropolitan, as well.

[Chilli]

The Watchmen. That is all.

I hate Alan Moore, but I concur with Doc. The book may turn out to be overhyped, but damnit... its part of comic history.

[SilentBobX]

I absolutely highly recommend the Barry Ween: Boy Genius tpb, and if you like Family Guy, the Family Guy: Big book of crap is a must have

[Wolfpack]

Anything Star Wars, actually.

[Chairman Kaga]

If you are a Superman fan allow me to recommend Red Son.

It seems sorta gimmicky at first but it pans out nicely.

[Blake's Scar]

"Invincible". Any volume. Although all of them would be preferable (especially considering your tastes).

I wholeheartedly second "From Hell". Pure fucking genius.

The "Red Hood" trades are really good, despite being written by Judd Winick. I mean, BECAUSE they were written by Winick. Sorry.

I've been re-reading Preacher (for the same reason, Ginger. Do it while you're still in the mood) and highly recommend any of those, although, again, all would be preferable.

And lastly, Top Ten Book 1 and Book 2. Hilarious!

[Shane]

I was asked today what graphic novel I wanted for Christmas the only one I could think of was the DC showcase of Jonah Hex.

[unikrunk]

That would be top-drawer. Also, if any of Zone-Squad: UK wants to send unikrunk all of the Miracle Man books, that would be, you know, all right and all. No one would mind, really.

I own the rights to Miracleman....

We should have our people get together. I'm sure we can work out a mutually beneficial deal.

[unikrunk]

Kaga - Red Son is a nearly perfect book, if anyone here has not read it, what the hell is the hold up? Go do your reading!

[Chilli]

Kaga - Red Son is a nearly perfect book, if anyone here has not read it, what the hell is the hold up? Go do your reading!

But it costs moolah.

[doglips]

Good books I have read this year -

Can't Get No by Rick Veitch
DMZ - On The Ground, Supermarket and Demo, all by Brian Wood.
Sloth by Gilbert Hernandez

I Second Blakes Invincible recommendation, great trades.

Oh, and The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen - The Black Dossier is out soon, so if you have not read the first two GN's, I suggest you go out and get those too.

[Adam Balm]

[Chilli]

Balm, you genius, that looks kickass strange.

[doglips]

It's an amazing book, Chilli. Well worth the hefty hardcover price tag, but fortunately it is out in paperback now.

Adam, how does it compare to the film?

[Chilli]

The film? FUCK. I was meant to see that. Aronofsky IS probably my favourite director at the moment. (Yes, Chilli who dislikes Moore likes Aronofsky).

Okay - buying that in X-Mas sale.

[Adam Balm]

It's an amazing book, Chilli. Well worth the hefty hardcover price tag, but fortunately it is out in paperback now.

Adam, how does it compare to the film?

You didn't see the movie yet? Dang yo.

And I won't know til I (hopefully) get this for Christmas...

One thing that I like (I think we talked about this before, you and I) is that it's not a direct adaptation of the movie which these things usually are, but its an expansion of the early script. So in that way it has a similar history to the way 2001 was done, with Kubrick developing the movie and Clarke developing the book simultaneously from an original treatment...

EDIT: And Chilli, as far as Aronofsky goes, one thing I want to track down is his 'Book of Ants' which is kind of a different telling of Pi or something. Sadly I only found out about it a few weeks back.

[doglips]

The film is not out here till Feb. Hope you get the book, man - it's beautiful.

Edit - ants book of ants

[Adam Balm]

The film is not out here till Feb. Hope you get the book, man - it's beautiful.

Edit - ants book of ants

From the review you linked:

I did ask Flynn about this and he revealed that this one-shot comic was actually intended by himself and Aronofsky to be the first chapter in a four-issue series. Apparently Dark Horse didn't have enough faith in the project to commit to more issues, but I would imagine they would green-light it if the reader response was there.

Dang.

It's also sad that I think I might have also pre-cognitively ripped this off in something, not knowing about it until recently. You know what I'm talking about, Dog.

[doglips]

The film is not out here till Feb. Hope you get the book, man - it's beautiful.

Edit - ants book of ants

From the review you linked:

I did ask Flynn about this and he revealed that this one-shot comic was actually intended by himself and Aronofsky to be the first chapter in a four-issue series. Apparently Dark Horse didn't have enough faith in the project to commit to more issues, but I would imagine they would green-light it if the reader response was there.

Dang.

It's also sad that I think I might have also pre-cognitively ripped this off in something, not knowing about it until recently. You know what I'm talking about, Dog.

Heh, there was a little something scuttering round at the back of my mind.

[darkjedijaina]

I really enjoyed In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe.

Travel the fine line between genius and insanity in DC Comic’s In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe SC. Award-winning novelist Jonathan Scott Fuqua blends fact and fiction, fate and speculation, and mysterious circumstances in this tale to produce an unforgettable depiction of Poe. Written through the eyes of Poe as read in his diary, this story offers a chilling account of his various struggles with alcoholism, tragedy and his inner demons.

[thatsfunny]

anything by dan clowes
anything by chris ware

tony consiglio's 110percent

[Alex DeLarge]

EDIT: And Chilli, as far as Aronofsky goes, one thing I want to track down is his 'Book of Ants' which is kind of a different telling of Pi or something. Sadly I only found out about it a few weeks back.

Im almost positive its on the DVD of Pi

[Al Shut]

Blake and Mortimer:Kampf um die Welt (translated Battle for the World)

I can't really recommend it because I have no idea if it's ny good or if it's available in english but that's what I want for christmas since I saw it recently in the store (very intriguing cover). I'm just afraid I won't get it becuase the presents have been bought already.

[brainiac]

Better late than never -- I just bought Watchmen to wrap and put under my tree.

[Al Shut]

I have finally found a link for the cover so everybody can see what I was talking about.

Although I have to say that while searching I found out that the covers for the single issues (part 1, part 3) are even more kick ass.

[morbo]

Morbo would advise that you may also wish to look at comics from across the Pacific as well.

Morbo recommends:

2001 Nights
Akira
Appleseed (As a new 80 page story will be coming out in January)
Battle Angel Alita
Ghost in the Shell (1 and 2, 1.5 is coming out soon)
Planetes

[Lady Sheridan]

I wanted to ask for The Fountain this year but I felt bad because it cost so much. I wasgoing to borrow a copy from a friend but he can't ever remember to bring it to work.

I put Pride of Baghdad on my list instead. But I don't hold out alot of hope, my family dislikes my new interest in comics. I'm counting on my uncle, who usually gives me a Barnes and Noble gift card, and then I can go nuts buying Sin City and Watchmen.

I think everyone needs "300" on their list. A few of my comic geek friends lacking a copy are getting one from me. Amazon.com's price can't be beat.

[Adam Balm]

The @$$holes have their christmas wishlist up for all who are interested.

Humphrey Lee gave a shout out to the Fountain GN

THE FOUNTAIN Softcover GN by Darren Aronofsky & Kent Williams: Arguably one of the most brilliant films I've seen this year, THE FOUNTAIN was first one of the most brilliant graphic novels I've ever read. A wonderful story story of life, love, and tragic loss featuring amazing painted art by Kent Williams, this is one of the greatest testiments to the graphic novel medium. Another prime example of what the medium can be and a great intermediary between the comic elite and novices alike. Also a great pick for fans of the actual film (or Aronofsky fans in general) as this is more the "Director's Cut" as it unfolds the events seen in the movie rather differently and fleshes out some of the more intimate parts. And it is properly oversized to show off Williams fantastic art and sports a lovely cover design all for a paltry twenty bones. And be on the look out for a hardcover version that came out last year for forty as well.

[DennisMM]

Ask for the one nobody remembers.

[papalazeru]

Ask for the one nobody remembers.

You can ask but I own the original proven by Lugz and Pronsias.

I'm a proud owner of that Graf Nov.

[Fievel]

I'm actually planning on naming a son Ronan, but am trying really, REALLY hard to convince the wife-to-be to spell it Ronin. But it would be a waste if the kid was a putz.

[silentbobafett]

Rex Mundi
Preacher
and
CousCous Express by Brian Wood - really fuking cool!

[Captain Craig]

You want to get:
-Planet Hulk hardcover (greatness)
-Iron Fist hardcover(incredible)
-Shadowpact (chessier fun if you like that sort)
-Starman(any of them but start at the beginning)