Starting to get into Graphic Novels/Manga

[Kevman]

Went into Barnes and Noble yesterday and thought I'd check out their DVDs. On the way there I came across these things called "Graphic Novels". I've heard of them before but didn't know much about them. Looked through a couple and was instantly hooked.

So today I just bought the following:

Watchmen
The Spirit Vol. 1
300

and for the hell of it I got Afro Samurai Vol. 1 too even though it's not a Graphic Novel.

So maybe if you have any suggestions post them or whatever.

[Funk, E]

Steer clear of a lot of the Japanese stuff on the shelves--there's enough top-shelf manga out that there you can afford to only go for the cream of the crop. I'd suggest Akira and Nausicaa, especially if you're a fan of their respected animated versions, because the differences are mindblowing.

I'd also suggest Bone. Good choice on Watchmen, too.

[UBERTRON777]

V for Vendetta, Sin City, Dark Knight Returns. That's all I can think of right now.

[UBERTRON777]

Yeah, steer clear of most of the manga. It's almost like the Wii library. Lots of shovelware. I'm not sure if you are into the costumed superhero kind of deal but if you would like to get into that, the Marvel Ultimate comic books are a good start.

[fastbilly1]

I am a big fan of Scrooge McDuck and Ducktales graphic novels. But most people find them childish...

Manga is a difficult subject, I will have to differ to a friend of mine, I will get her to send me a list for you. Though I do suggest the Labyrinth ones (yes the David Bowie Movie) and One Piece.

Actually just wait until Ack comes on. He is one of the most versed people on the subject I know.

[SpaceBooger]

I would recommend getting trades of an ongoing series. I read and review comics every week on my site and have been reading since the mid 80's.
The reason I recommend trades of ongoing series is that if you like the story or character there are numerous extensions from that particular book.

For thanksgiving I made a post of the Five Graphic Novels That I Am Thankful For:
http://www.spacebooger.com/index.php/20 ... nkful-for/

I would recommend the following (that were not on the list linked above):
-The Blue Beetle trades - even though the series is coming to an end there are a couple volumes and each are great reads.
-DC 52 vol1-4 - This focuses on lower tier heroes in the DC universe but one hell of a great story
-Identity Crisis - A great rape/murder mystery focusing on the weakness of costumed superheroes - their families.
-The Question Vol1-2
-Batman & Son, Batman: The Black Glove - these two trades tie directly into the recent Batman R.I.P. storyline.
-Batman The Long Halloween
-Batman The Dark Knight Returns - In the 80's this redefined the character into the Batman we know and love today
-Superman For All Seasons
-Superman Birthright
-All Star Superman - a new take on the classic version of the character
-Crisis On Infinite Earths - Read this and you will understand the DC Universe better and be prepared for every other crisis afterward.

[maiku]

I'm not big on manga but I thought Death Note was pretty amazing. Very clever writing.

For western comics, The Dark Knight Returns is a classic. I remember liking Marvels, Kingdom Come, and Batman: Year One. On the non-super hero side Teenagers From Mars was good.

Check your local library. Ours has tons of comics/manga.

[pompeyparsons]

Any of these series of graphic novels you can't go wrong on:

Y: The Last Man
Sleeper by Ed Brubaker
100 Bullets
Fables
Grant Morrison's run on New X-Men
The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman

[arion]

Transmetropolitan..Spider Jerusalem is the man ;D really it is a good graphic novel.

As for some good mangas Gto (Great Teacher Onizuka) is a good one. Well it's about a 21 year old biker gang karate master that becomes a high school teacher and ofcourse hilarity ensues

Also Akira is pretty much a safe bet if you liked the movie there really is a lot more to the story.

[Hateshinai]

The "Preacher" and "Sandman" series are outstanding and come as trade paperbacks. "V for Vendetta", "Watchmen" and "The Dark Knight Returns" are classics. I would also suggest you try "Fables" from Vertigo. If you like superhero books I would suggest the previous (volume 3) run of Justice League of America - easy to get into even without much previous knowledge of comics.