Searching for Graphic Novels

[Samurai Goomba]

If we were allowed to suggest manga, Battle Angel Alita is pretty much the gold standard against which I measure every graphic novel.

I was gonna suggest Preacher, but whatever. Don't suppose she'd enjoy Punisher: MAX. It is good, though.

I liked the Dixon Nightwing stuff, and coming from somebody who doesn't care for DC Comics, that's high praise. Cable and Deadpool is a great combination of comedy and action-oriented storytelling which I can definitely recommend. Blade of the Immortal is probably the best-illustrated graphic novel series of all time, not to mention it's got some genuinely deep and disturbing subject matter. I haven't read them in years, but The Spirit and Little Orphan Annie are two excellent comics.

Usagi Yojimbo would be a great gag gift for somebody who likes depressing stories in post-apocalypse lands. Deflate a little bit of that pretentious attitude with some sword-wielding rabbits!

Oh, and there is no hope for anyone who read Watchmen and did not instantly get why people love it.

 

[Plinglebob]

Try Fables. Neat idea and a decent ongoing storyline.

 

[TransMando]

Have you ever read Batman Arkham Asylum?

It isn't necessarily a full out 'graphic novel' but it is pretty freaking awesome.

 

[thebobmaster_v1legacy]

If she is into the whole "supernatural" thing, and doesn't mind a bit of graphic violence, I would highly recommend "Locke and Key" by Joe Hill. Great graphic novel, written by the son of Stephen King.

 

[BlindMessiah94]

If you don't know what she likes, then get her anything by... Neil Gaiman...

Dude I love me some Gaimen, but let's get real: She didn't like Sandman. She ain't gonna like anything else by Gaimen, either.

He wasn't the only author I named, and Sandman isn't the only thing he's written. Most of his books are quite different from one another. She could read Eternals, 1602, Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? There are lots of options.
I hated Warren Ellis' Gravel but loved Transmet. I didn't like V for Vendetta but loved Promethea by Alan Moore.
That's the good thing about good authors, they don't just stick to one formula and aren't afraid to be different novel to novel.

 

[LiteraryLitany]

Try Fables. Neat idea and a decent ongoing storyline.

Fables is amazing, and in my experience something girls can get into quite easily. There's also Runaways by Marvel. It's supposed to be the beginning of next gen superheroing, and if that's true, I can't wait for the future to get here.

Also, if you want to get her something cute and short and funny, there's Lenore the Cute Little Dead Girl. My brother got it for me and while it's humor's a bit off and some might find it disturbing, I thought it was great.

 

[Caligulove]

I remember there was graphic novel composed of comic interpretations of H.P. Lovecraft stories... I think it was under a Vertigo print- though I really cannot remember.

and though its been mentioned already- I would highly recommend Fables (Vertigo) for its unique premise and fantasy atmosphere.
That, and I would also suggest Runaways (Marvel) for its interesting take on the children of Super-Villains. I think it was picked up again and so its currently running, not sure if there is a version available in an actual graphic novel form...

 

[thylasos]

Alan Moore's Promethea is incredible, and not based on ultraviolence or owt.

 

[photog212]

I thoroughly enjoyed "Samurai Noir". It ranks as one of my favorite mini series.

 

[Syntax Error]

Try Pax Romana. It will either suck you in or you're probably gonna hate it for being pretentious.

 

[pigeon_of_doom]

Oh, Scott Pilgrim? Can't allow a thread asking for comics an indie comic fan would like to pass by without mentioning that one. It's one of the most popular indie comics around, apparently (I haven't read it myself yet).

Asterios Polyp (by David Mazzucchelli, the illustrator of Batman Year One) sounds quite good). Not a superhero comic.

Alice in Sunderland sounds quite interesting too, I really need to read more of these comics.

 

[sephiroth1991]

Batman:The killing Joke and The Watchman

maybe some of the Silent Hill comics ?

 

[Julianking93]

Try Sin City. Those are pretty good. A Dame To Kill For and The Big Fat Kill are my 2 favs.

Kingdom Come by DC was fantastic and I think everyone should read it.

Strange Embrace was an underrated gem in my opinion. Its dark, twisted, disturbing and down right terrifying.

There's a graphic novel that interprets a lot of HP Lovecraft stories. Try that one.

Promethea by Alan Moore was great along with From Hell.

Other than that, I can't think of anything that she would like. Doesn't like Watchmen or Sandman? My brain has a very hard time computing that.

 

[hermes]

I enjoyed the Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, specially the first story arc. Also Swamp Thing was good.

Finally, Kingdom Come or Crisis on Infinite Earths if she likes superheroes.

 

[ninja555]

She might like wastleland

 

[Stainless]

Find the trade for Demo, by Brian Wood and featuring the art of (nerdcrush) Becky Cloonan.

Thank you good sir! I remembered the name Brian Woods from somewhere, turns out we have The Local hardback, which she loved to bits. She also liked American Virgin, so I know she likes Cloonan's artstyle. I found the Demo trade, it's currently wrapped up and ready to be gifted.

Thanks for all the other recommendations guys, I've found some stuff for myself here as well. Doktor Sleepless is definitively going to be the next trade I buy.

 

[Gxas]

-request for awesome graphic novel-

Try "The Amory Wars". Written by the lead singer from Coheed and Cambria. It is an amazing story.

 

[GrinningManiac]

300

She'll like the topless greeks

 

[CD-R]

Batman:The killing Joke and The Watchman

maybe some of the Silent Hill comics ?

If you get her a Silent Hill comic get her Silent Hill:Sinners Reward and avoid Silent Hill: Dying Inside like the plauge. Or go with Bone it seems pretty good.

 

[tishy19]

I think someone else already said it, but I'd go with Fables. Excellent set of books. There's a horror graphic novel called "Secret" that's quite nice. Also one titled "Night Mary" that I enjoyed. Lastly, try finding "Fun Home."