Do you read comic books?

[DeimosMasque]

Comics, no.
Graphic novels, hell yes. Most of which by Alan Moore.

Eh, there really isn't much difference anymore. Even the "Graphic Novels" written by Alan Moore all started as periodic comic books. The distinction is mostly one of elitism like people who say "Nolan's Batman movies are films, the Marvel movies are just movies."

I've never heard of Watchmen or V for Vendetta being periodic.
Just to clarify, when I say graphic novel, I'm referring to a standalone story, like Watchmen, and not something like Spider-man which has been going through many stories and changes for years.

Watchmen was released in 13 monthly issues in 1986 by DC Comics. V for Vendetta was released in 10 monthly issues by DC comics in 1989. I actually have the 12th issue of Watchmen somewhere, my parents bought it for me when I was 8 years old not knowing comics had adult subject matters in them.

I want to be clear I wasn't trying to be insulting. I consider every comic book to be a graphic novel, I don't like making the distinction... especially in this modern era where one-issue stories are near dead and everything is written for the 5-6 issue trade paper back.

I am interested to know if you think titles like Hulk: Gray, Old Man Logan, Spider-Man: Blue or DC Comic Elseworld titles are graphic novels by your definition as they are not written with any sort of continuing story in mind.

I'm reading Neil Gaiman's Sandman. It's not your traditional superhero comic, but it counts.
Also, I just found a discworld graphic novel (The Color of Magic + The Light Fantastic) so I'm going to read that soon.

Got to love Sandman! Also includes one of my favorite characters when he's getting his magical tools back... John Constantine, the Hellblazer (a character made by Alan Moore.) Who just happened to have bought Morpheus's bag of dream dust.

 

[DeimosMasque]

I tend to not like a lot of western comics for various reasons. That being said, I do like reading some of the ones with different art style - Iron Man Extremis with Adi Granov's digital paintings, for example. Also agreed with Aeriath in that it's really hard to get into a lot of comics because of the massive amounts of backstory. I don't have the time, money, or inclination to collect that many comics So usually I'm also looking for stuff that's more standalone from the main series, like reboots or trade paperbacks.

Bold emphasis is mine. I hear this thrown around alot, but let me tell you. Google, Wikipedia and fan run wikias are you're friend as far as continuity goes. Read something you don't understand Google it. You'll find a synopsis at the least that will fill you in on the details enough to understand the story you are reading.

Around 1996, I got out of comics. The 90s style of anti-heroes, over designed costumes and grimdark plots were just wearing thin on me. Then the movies came out and my then girlfriend, now wife wanted in on comics. So we picked up Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon and started from there. Things she didn't I understand but I know, I filled in. Things I didn't know, I googled.

Yeah it lead to more purchases like Grant Morrison's New X-Men (which I jump back and forth between loving and hating) and a getting us in to Spider-Man (because of Giant-Sized Astonishing X-Men 1) but all in all the internet was enough to fill in blanks where are knowledge failed.

 

[Vausch]

Green Lantern, Green Lantern: New Guardians, Justice League, Detective Comics, Deadpool, trying to get into Spiderman.

If manga counts, One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, and Hunter X Hunter. Not really enjoying the middle two as of late.

 

[DeimosMasque]

snip

I still read DC, there's still some good in there. Gail Simone's Batgirl (even though Oracle never happened) and the Aquaman and Animal Man stories have been awesome, I wasn't even fans of those characters before.
snip

I don't know if I am a fan of Animal Man, but I am a massive fan of Grant Morrison's Animal Man. Deadpool is a weak pop TV version of the fourth wall smashing that Animal Man did.

Eh, Deadpool doesn't break forth wall anymore, hasn't since Cable and Deadpool series. Now it's more about having two sets of "Narration Boxes" one that is him, the other that is obviously the writer.

For the record She-Hulk written by John Byrne in '89 was breaking the forth wall as well and even walked between panels to hurry up her travel time.

 

[DeimosMasque]

Green Lantern, Green Lantern: New Guardians, Justice League, Detective Comics, Deadpool, trying to get into Spiderman.

If manga counts, One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, and Hunter X Hunter. Not really enjoying the middle two as of late.

Are you picking up Spider-Man where he is right now? Or did you start a few months back?

 

[BreakfastMan]

I often read comics. Really, it is the only form of fiction I regularly read nowadays. I generally only read creator owned comics, like Sandman, but I do read some non-creator owned series, like Hellblazer and X-Factor. Just started reading DMZ actually, and that has been pretty good so far.

 

[DarklordKyo]

I mostly read manga, but I sometimes read through webcomics, and I occasionally read American comics (I'm currently trying to get my grubby mitts on this comic I hear is pretty good called Irredeemable, it explores what would happen if Superman were a genocidal villain protagonist, and what would make him such).

 

[DeimosMasque]

I often read comics. Really, it is the only form of fiction I regularly read nowadays. I generally only read creator owned comics, like Sandman, but I do read some non-creator owned series, like Hellblazer and X-Factor. Just started reading DMZ actually, and that has been pretty good so far.

Sandman isn't creator owned, it's DC owned. Endless's version of Death even appeared to Lex Luthor last year in an issue of Action comics.

Hellblazer is awesome, John Constantine aging in real time allows every comic to feel like it has a consequence.

X-Factor! How did I forget to list X-Factor on my list. It's the greatest comic that you're not reading and honestly great if only because despite it's status as an X-Book doesn't conform to what you'd expect from an X-Book.

 

[BreakfastMan]

I often read comics. Really, it is the only form of fiction I regularly read nowadays. I generally only read creator owned comics, like Sandman, but I do read some non-creator owned series, like Hellblazer and X-Factor. Just started reading DMZ actually, and that has been pretty good so far.

Sandman isn't creator owned, it's DC owned. Endless's version of Death even appeared to Lex Luthor last year in an issue of Action comics.

Hellblazer is awesome, John Constantine aging in real time allows every comic to feel like it has a consequence.

X-Factor! How did I forget to list X-Factor on my list. It's the greatest comic that you're not reading and honestly great if only because despite it's status as an X-Book doesn't conform to what you'd expect from an X-Book.

The main series ended when Gaimen said it did, so it counts in my mind!

Hellblazer is indeed awesome. Just started reading it, and has been very good so far. Especially awesome since so many fantastic people have worked on it.

X-factor is honestly my favorite X-book still running. I can barely keep up with the main series, yet I find it easy to catch up with X-factor, which is strangely relaxing.

And I have been getting so many good suggestions from this thread. I have already added two new series to my list of stuff to get from the local library, and I suspect that list will continue to go as this thread goes along.

 

[Vault101]

Bold emphasis is mine. I hear this thrown around alot, but let me tell you. Google, Wikipedia and fan run wikias are you're friend as far as continuity goes. Read something you don't understand Google it. You'll find a synopsis at the least that will fill you in on the details enough to understand the story you are reading.
.

Ive never really gotten into mainstream superheors...it just seems like so much headache inducing bullshit attched

I used to think that super heros were the ONLY thing in comics....then I found out stuff like Preacher and Transmetropolitan exsisted..I think thats the problem, people don't realise that its not all super heros...oh sure, superheros are the main thing but its not all there is (as in I'm not sure Id agree with MovieBobs analogy "like going to KFC and asking for somthing with no chicken in it" I've certainly found enough to keep me busy and the only mainstream superhero I picked up was Batman

 

[Da Orky Man]

I've picked up a few of my dad's old Judge Dredd, but that's about it.
I never really got into superheroes simply because they appear to be made of deus ex machina. If the Hulk is in trouble, then the answer will certainly involve heavy lifting, and heavy lifting of the kind that blatantly defies physics and should send him feet-first towards Australia.

 

[DeimosMasque]

The main series ended when Gaimen said it did, so it counts in my mind!

Hellblazer is indeed awesome. Just started reading it, and has been very good so far. Especially awesome since so many people have worked on it.

X-factor is honestly my favorite X-book still running. I can barely keep up with the main series, yet I find it easy to catch up with X-factor, which is strangely relaxing.

And I have been getting so many good suggestions from this thread. I have already added two new series to my list of stuff to get from the local library, and I suspect that list will continue to go as this thread goes along.

Regarding Sandman, fair enough. It did end when he said it did, they never went back to it save for the odd reference in Hellblazer and the Action Comics issue I referenced in my previous post. In my opinion Neil Gaimen doesn't get enough respect as a comic writer. And I recommend his two Marvel Comics series:

1602 (a story about what if the original Marvel heroes started appearing in the year 1602 with amazing storytelling results)

And the revival of the "Eternals" a Jack Kirby creation based on his previous creation at DC called "New Gods" that he returned to Marvel to finish because DC was fighting him editorially.

Bold emphasis is mine. I hear this thrown around alot, but let me tell you. Google, Wikipedia and fan run wikias are you're friend as far as continuity goes. Read something you don't understand Google it. You'll find a synopsis at the least that will fill you in on the details enough to understand the story you are reading.
.

Ive never really gotten into mainstream superheors...it just seems like so much headache inducing bullshit attched

I used to think that super heros were the ONLY thing in comics....then I found out stuff like Preacher and Transmetropolitan exsisted..I think thats the problem, people don't realise that its not all super heros...oh sure, superheros are the main thing but its not all there is (as in I'm not sure Id agree with MovieBobs analogy "like going to KFC and asking for somthing with no chicken in it" I've certainly found enough to keep me busy and the only mainstream superhero I picked up was Batman

Preacher is awesome, Transmetropolitan is awesome. Actually check out Alan Moore's Promethea sometime too to see comic archetypes broken down in a way even Watchmen didn't achieve.

The thing is Superheroes are definitely not for everyone. I would never suggest that anyone look just to superhero comics for their graphic novel fix. However, every so often, break your own prejudices and try something you don't think you'd like.

For example, Vault101, you like Preacher and Transmetroplitan. I would actually recommend X-Factor to you (Current run that started with a new #1 then jumped to a higher number when they merged the old issues in... comics are weird) It's told originally as a street noir story and then slowly expands into more of an ensemble detective story. It gets bogged down when the writers are forced into a couple of crossovers but more or less keeps true to it's original focus of being a Hard Boiled Noir type comic.

 

[Vault101]

For example, Vault101, you like Preacher and Transmetroplitan. I would actually recommend X-Factor to you (Current run that started with a new #1 then jumped to a higher number when they merged the old issues in... comics are weird) It's told originally as a street noir story and then slowly expands into more of an ensemble detective story. It gets bogged down when the writers are forced into a couple of crossovers but more or less keeps true to it's original focus of being a Hard Boiled Noir type comic.

ah, well thanks for the suggestion! though X men has never been much interest to me since "normal vs special" people has never been a theme I particually like in fiction

as far as superheors goes I've almost finished the Boys....its awsome!

 

[Eddie the head]

I should comment on web comics. Well what is there to say people find this stuff entertaining? News to me. And yes I will say in a condescending manner that if you find that stuff funny or whatever (I can't tell what they are trying to do) then I will never understand you. Seriously I have never read one I thought was funny.

Captcha: Love-Hate, nope just hate.

 

[BreakfastMan]

The main series ended when Gaimen said it did, so it counts in my mind!

Hellblazer is indeed awesome. Just started reading it, and has been very good so far. Especially awesome since so many people have worked on it.

X-factor is honestly my favorite X-book still running. I can barely keep up with the main series, yet I find it easy to catch up with X-factor, which is strangely relaxing.

And I have been getting so many good suggestions from this thread. I have already added two new series to my list of stuff to get from the local library, and I suspect that list will continue to go as this thread goes along.

Regarding Sandman, fair enough. It did end when he said it did, they never went back to it save for the odd reference in Hellblazer and the Action Comics issue I referenced in my previous post. In my opinion Neil Gaimen doesn't get enough respect as a comic writer. And I recommend his two Marvel Comics series:

1602 (a story about what if the original Marvel heroes started appearing in the year 1602 with amazing storytelling results)

And the revival of the "Eternals" a Jack Kirby creation based on his previous creation at DC called "New Gods" that he returned to Marvel to finish because DC was fighting him editorially.

Actually have already read both of those already. And yeah, both were really damn good.

Of the two, 1602 was my favorite. Had a unique setting that made it stand out from all the other super-hero books out there and instantly drew me in. Writing wasn't half bad either. XD

 

[DeimosMasque]

I've picked up a few of my dad's old Judge Dredd, but that's about it.
I never really got into superheroes simply because they appear to be made of deus ex machina. If the Hulk is in trouble, then the answer will certainly involve heavy lifting, and heavy lifting of the kind that blatantly defies physics and should send him feet-first towards Australia.

Judge Dredd is more political satire, but fun and entertaining.

Your comment on superhero comics is a bit naive, but it's a common ignorance that is only enforced with a lot of the movies that have come out based on comics. In reality most of Hulk's stories focused on his separation from humanity due to his rage and his appearance. His ability to hit things hard and lift things were more set pieces to the greater story.

That doesn't mean that there aren't simple stories that are about Hulk SMASH! But most comics are deeper that that. Even in the 80s, when I go back and read the stories I just enjoyed as a kid... and then realized there was more behind all those stories.

Things like 52, World War Hulk, Civil War and Infinity Crisis shows that Superhero stories have just as much a place in literature as the Greek tragedies and Roman legends we teach in schools.

And just like I can enjoy reading the Odyssey and someone else can call it boring. Superhero comics aren't for everyone, but don't just write it off as deus ex machina one-off stories. If anything recent hack writers like JK Rowlings have proven, you don't need to be Homer to write an over-arching tale that includes every little thing written before it to lead to the conclusion.

 

[DeimosMasque]

For example, Vault101, you like Preacher and Transmetroplitan. I would actually recommend X-Factor to you (Current run that started with a new #1 then jumped to a higher number when they merged the old issues in... comics are weird) It's told originally as a street noir story and then slowly expands into more of an ensemble detective story. It gets bogged down when the writers are forced into a couple of crossovers but more or less keeps true to it's original focus of being a Hard Boiled Noir type comic.

ah, well thanks for the suggestion! though X men has never been much interest to me since "normal vs special" people has never been a theme I particually like in fiction

as far as superheors goes I've almost finished the Boys....its awsome!

It's not a normal X-Book, it doesn't deal with the normal vs special crap that bogs down alot of the X-Men stories. Instead it focuses on being detective stories that don't always deal with "mutants vs humans." That's why I suggested it.

Like my last post though, I recognize "superhero stories" aren't for everyone

The Boys is very awesome!

Actually have already read both of those already. And yeah, both were really damn good.

Of the two, 1602 was my favorite. Had a unique setting that made it stand out from all the other super-hero books out there and instantly drew me in. Writing wasn't half bad either. XD

1602 is amazing, the follow-ups written by people not named Neil Gaiman... not so much. I really respected his idea of just using the first run of heroes from the Marvel Universe rather than '1602-izing' characters like Deadpool and Wolverine who were sure money makers.

The Enternals story interested me much more because I'm a huge Jack Kirby mark and was drawn to the idea of "Immortals pretending to be the Greek and Roman Gods" since I was 8 years old. So to see Gaiman tackle the idea was as satisfying to me as him writing an episode of Doctor Who (which he did last series.)

CAPTCHA: too late - yes Escapist... I realize I should go to bed. But I don't get to talk comics like this often.

 

[Da Orky Man]

I've picked up a few of my dad's old Judge Dredd, but that's about it.
I never really got into superheroes simply because they appear to be made of deus ex machina. If the Hulk is in trouble, then the answer will certainly involve heavy lifting, and heavy lifting of the kind that blatantly defies physics and should send him feet-first towards Australia.

Judge Dredd is more political satire, but fun and entertaining.

Your comment on superhero comics is a bit naive, but it's a common ignorance that is only enforced with a lot of the movies that have come out based on comics. In reality most of Hulk's stories focused on his separation from humanity due to his rage and his appearance. His ability to hit things hard and lift things were more set pieces to the greater story.

That doesn't mean that there aren't simple stories that are about Hulk SMASH! But most comics are deeper that that. Even in the 80s, when I go back and read the stories I just enjoyed as a kid... and then realized there was more behind all those stories.

Things like 52, World War Hulk, Civil War and Infinity Crisis shows that Superhero stories have just as much a place in literature as the Greek tragedies and Roman legends we teach in schools.

And just like I can enjoy reading the Odyssey and someone else can call it boring. Superhero comics aren't for everyone, but don't just write it off as deus ex machina one-off stories. If anything recent hack writers like JK Rowlings have proven, you don't need to be Homer to write an over-arching tale that includes every little thing written before it to lead to the conclusion.

Fair enough. I suppose I never really got into a particular comic series, so I never got to the point where I could notice such arcing plots.
However, and I forgot to put this in my post, I do have more of a thing about a lot of superheroes having relatively little brain matter.
For example, Batman doesn't carry a gun, correct? Well, if he did and killed the Joker in 'self-defence' then he would potentially save hundreds of lives which would otherwise be lost. Someone who doesn't do that is kinda a dick.
And I remember one scene somewhere, may or may not be canon, where Superman crushes coal into diamonds. If he can do that, why not go a step further and create uranium from a few other elements? He could solve the energy crisis, yet doesn't.

 

[BreakfastMan]

Actually have already read both of those already. And yeah, both were really damn good.

Of the two, 1602 was my favorite. Had a unique setting that made it stand out from all the other super-hero books out there and instantly drew me in. Writing wasn't half bad either. XD

1602 is amazing, the follow-ups written by people not named Neil Gaiman... not so much. I really respected his idea of just using the first run of heroes from the Marvel Universe rather than '1602-izing' characters like Deadpool and Wolverine who were sure money makers.

The Enternals story interested me much more because I'm a huge Jack Kirby mark and was drawn to the idea of "Immortals pretending to be the Greek and Roman Gods" since I was 8 years old. So to see Gaiman tackle the idea was as satisfying to me as him writing an episode of Doctor Who (which he did last series.)

Yeah, I think I read one of those follow-ups once... If I remember correctly, I was decidedly unimpressed. XD

Eh, never been a big Kirby fan. I can respect the impact he has had, but his art has always bugged me. I mean, all the characters just look so damn ugly, like apes masquerading as humans! It is way too distracting...