Any comic book or graphic novel fans here?

baalroo · #1 07-17-2010, 10:02 PM

So, I've read my share of Graphic Novels and trades (watchmen, preacher, Y, maus, sin city, etc) and recently started a pull list at my local comic shop with Superman, Green Arrow, and Buffy season 8 to get started (plus a few books the GF reads). I stopped reading comics years back, but have always respected the medium and got pulled back in with the Buffy comics (I'm a whedon guy).

Question 1: anyone else here into this stuff? (generally speaking)

Question 2: anyone got any good recs that I can add to my list that wouldn't require a ton of catching up. (I'm well versed on most of the basic storylines in the marvel and DC universes, just don't wanna pick up on anything mid story arc)

Finally, I just figured if there's any interest it would be cool to have a place to talk about comics here in general, so feel free to stray from my questions in your responses.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #2 07-18-2010, 12:59 AM

I used to collect tons of comics. Nowadays, I just go through one series at a time via collections- mostly Vertigo stuff. Right now I'm on the 6th book of Fables- I really dig it. I usually put down a book when they get a regular artist I dislike (had to stop reading The Walking Dead despite liking the writing when they switched to an awful artist). Fables has a bad artist doing about 1/5 of the issues, and the story lines are so fun, I can even ignore the bad art.

Bard2dbone · #3 07-18-2010, 02:28 AM

I used to be a fairly huge comic nerd. Nowadays I'm more of a regular nerd. But I'm still pretty huge.

crucislancer · #4 07-18-2010, 09:01 AM

I love comics, and I was a collector from the late 70's until 1987 or so. I was collecting a lot of different titles from Marvel and DC, various graphic novels, and so on. I stopped because I had just started playing bass, and my money went to feeding my gear addiction and for lessons.

Also, another reason I stopped was the general change "episodic" story telling (each issue was a self contained story for the most part) to multi-issue, cross title story telling, and a increase in cost per issue as well. It got to the point that I was buying issues of titles that I didn't want in the first place so I can keep the stories straight.

Anyway, occasionally I will read some of my old comics. My all-time favorite was Dreadstar, which was a title from Marvel's Epic line of comics, which were more adult oriented and also presented more sci-fi type story telling. The magazine Epic Illistrated (think Heavy Metal and you have the right idea) was were the story got it's start, and continued as a couple of graphic novels and then a bi-monthly series. Jim Starlin was the writer and penciler, who also did the old Capt. Marvel series of which I was a big fan of.

I've been meaning to pick up Neil Gaiman's take on The Eternals, which were also favorites of mine back in the day. Anybody pick that one up yet?

P. Aaron · #5 07-18-2010, 09:37 AM

My oldest MAD Magazine is 1954. I have a lot of the older issues. I also have Swamp Thing, the comics illustrated by Berni Wrightson. I have many fanzines too. National Lampoon covers (amongst other things) autographed by Berni Wrightson.

I still keep an eye out for all sorts of collectibles, but bass/guitar stuff is priority.

hrodbert696 · #6 07-18-2010, 12:43 PM

I used to collect faithfully, from about mid-80s to mid-90s. Still have most of it but haven't read it in a long time, I've been trying to sell stuff off but hasn't been easy in the current environment. I still pop into a comics shop from time to time to see what's interesting.

billiam5billion · #7 08-12-2010, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crucislancer

I love comics, and I was a collector from the late 70's until 1987 or so. I was collecting a lot of different titles from Marvel and DC, various graphic novels, and so on. I stopped because I had just started playing bass, and my money went to feeding my gear addiction and for lessons.

Also, another reason I stopped was the general change "episodic" story telling (each issue was a self contained story for the most part) to multi-issue, cross title story telling, and a increase in cost per issue as well. It got to the point that I was buying issues of titles that I didn't want in the first place so I can keep the stories straight.

Anyway, occasionally I will read some of my old comics. My all-time favorite was Dreadstar, which was a title from Marvel's Epic line of comics, which were more adult oriented and also presented more sci-fi type story telling. The magazine Epic Illistrated (think Heavy Metal and you have the right idea) was were the story got it's start, and continued as a couple of graphic novels and then a bi-monthly series. Jim Starlin was the writer and penciler, who also did the old Capt. Marvel series of which I was a big fan of.

I've been meaning to pick up Neil Gaiman's take on The Eternals, which were also favorites of mine back in the day. Anybody pick that one up yet?

I have the hardcover complete trade, it's one of my favorite books ever. John Romita jr.'s art is incredible.

Kwesi · #8 08-12-2010, 03:46 PM

I LOVE manga and have a decent "starter" collection out in the garage. I haven't bought any in about 3 years since I realized how expensive it is to keep up with a steady income

. If I could buy the stuff and sell it even half of what I bought it for Ikea wouldn't have a bookcase big enough for me, lol.

the_hook · #9 08-12-2010, 04:07 PM

I sold off 4,000 comics 4 years ago...helped pay for part of my Italian road bicycle which I still ride...

I probably have that many again, I love certain comics (and graphic novels) that are well written and have great art.

One of my favourite writers is Alan Moore....especially his work on Miracleman. I have most of his stuff and love it.

Other good ones are works by Mark Waid, JM Strasczynski, Kurt Busiek, Matt Wagner (love his take on the Green Hornet), and one I could never tire of was the Sandman Mystery Theatre comics by Steven T. Seagle.

thumpbass1 · #10 08-12-2010, 05:16 PM

Yes, yes, oh yes! I love comic books and graphic novels.

baalroo · #11 08-12-2010, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_hook

I sold off 4,000 comics 4 years ago...helped pay for part of my Italian road bicycle which I still ride...

I probably have that many again, I love certain comics (and graphic novels) that are well written and have great art.

One of my favourite writers is Alan Moore....especially his work on Miracleman. I have most of his stuff and love it.

Other good ones are works by Mark Waid, JM Strasczynski, Kurt Busiek, Matt Wagner (love his take on the Green Hornet), and one I could never tire of was the Sandman Mystery Theatre comics by Steven T. Seagle.

I'll definitely check out Miracleman, we seem to have similar tastes. I'm really loving the new Stracyznski written Superman arc called "Grounded" (starting in Superman #700) and I've got the first of his Wonder Woman arc (#600) sitting on my coffee table, but I haven't had time to read (however my GF read it already and claims that it's pretty good.)

on an unrelated note to the post I quoted, but pertaining to the thread topic in general:

Anyone else think the whole "The Heroic Age" thing marvel is doing seems like a thinly vieled attempt to go in a more DC-esque direction? Seems like people are really digging on the more "Greek tragedy" style of storytelling that DC tends to go for, and tiring of the "regular guy with powers" thing Marvel is famous for lately. Maybe, I'm just imagining it or projecting my own biases.

Also, I've added Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and New Avengers to my pull list since I last posted.

codeinedreams · #12 08-12-2010, 07:19 PM

I have the Eightball series (Dan Clowes), Steven (Doug Allen), and used to be into comics by Jim Woodring and of course R. Crumb

the_hook · #13 08-12-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baalroo

I'll definitely check out Miracleman, we seem to have similar tastes. I'm really loving the new Stracyznski written Superman arc called "Grounded" (starting in Superman #700) and I've got the first of his Wonder Woman arc (#600) sitting on my coffee table, but I haven't had time to read (however my GF read it already and claims that it's pretty good.)

on an unrelated note to the post I quoted, but pertaining to the thread topic in general:

Anyone else think the whole "The Heroic Age" thing marvel is doing seems like a thinly vieled attempt to go in a more DC-esque direction? Seems like people are really digging on the more "Greek tragedy" style of storytelling that DC tends to go for, and tiring of the "regular guy with powers" thing Marvel is famous for lately. Maybe, I'm just imagining it or projecting my own biases.

Also, I've added Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and New Avengers to my pull list since I last posted.

Miracleman may be hard to find, I managed to track down the issues Alan wrote, then he left the series and Neil Gaiman took over and it got pretty weird.

I don't pay attention to the Heroic Age or whatever new alternate Earth DC is trying to push with their mega crossovers. I'm still pretty selective with what I read.

Stracyznski surprised me, I was never a big fan of Babylon 5, but his comic writing talents are top notch. He's done some side projects that I have that are excellent, but I don't think he finished any of them, the issues just fizzle out. Guess he couldn't pass up the Spider-Man and Superman work...

If you're following the Green Hornet comics, check out the Matt Wagner written ones (based in the 1930's), fantastic writing and art. I had the Kevin Smith one, the 1st issue stunk and I passed on the rest.

And Mark Waid's Irredemable series is really cool, about a Superman level hero that turns villain and pretty much is unstoppable, all the other heros run for cover and try to figure out how to bring him down.

Bard2dbone · #14 08-23-2010, 03:07 AM

The mention of Green Lantern made me laugh because I remembered a cool moment from high school. I was reading a Giant-Sized Annual (or whatever DC called its oversized issues) of Green Lanter/Green Arrow. And one of the filler stories in the back featured the original Green Lantern. I couldn't help but notice that the drawings of the original Green Lantern in his secret civilian identity of Allen Scott looked a lot like my friend...Allen Scott.

So I showed him and said "Check it out, Allen. You're a superhero." He replied "Zounds. They've discovered my identity. Form now on, call me...Sneed?"

He didn't just pronounce it like it was a question. He wrote it that way, too. The most amazing thing was the teachers went along with it and let him use 'Sneed?' as his name for the rest of school. His Junior and Senior years he was 'Sneed?' when they called roll, when he turned in papers...I think he was credited that way in a play.

Happynoj · #15 08-23-2010, 04:42 AM

I'm another Buffy Season 8 fan. I'm picking up the trade paperbacks rather than the actual comics though. Also just started reading the Sandman novels again.

CrispyDelicious · #16 08-23-2010, 08:45 AM

I too just buy trade paperbacks when they come out - so much cheaper.

Currently following:
-GODLAND - a throwback to the cosmic-themed comic. All sorts of intergalactic craziness. It's got amazing art, I mean just amazing. And the story and characters are really one of a kind. Highly recommended.

-Bomb Queen - not for the faint of heart. A series about an anti-hero who rules a city of criminals with an iron fist. Extremely violent and graphic, but still very cartoony in presentation. It's basically a giant satire of modern socity.

blendermassacre · #17 08-23-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

I used to collect tons of comics. Nowadays, I just go through one series at a time via collections- mostly Vertigo stuff. Right now I'm on the 6th book of Fables- I really dig it. I usually put down a book when they get a regular artist I dislike (had to stop reading The Walking Dead despite liking the writing when they switched to an awful artist). Fables has a bad artist doing about 1/5 of the issues, and the story lines are so fun, I can even ignore the bad art.

I'm very good friends with the original artist. he got boned (big time) by the writer. Tony is a great guy.

billiam5billion · #18 08-23-2010, 09:06 AM

Oh hey, everybody should check out "Planetary" from Wildstorm comics. It's by Warren Ellis and illustrated by John Cassaday, the guy who drew Whedon's Astonishing Xmen. Amazing, weird, funny stuff.

Zomb13 · #19 08-23-2010, 09:16 AM

Transmetropolitan and Scud the Disposable Assassin are two of my favs. You can get the entire run of both series in graphic novel format. Also, check out Alan Moore's run on Swamp Thing. I also enjoy The Walking Dead quite a bit. I do have to agree though that the current artist doesn't hold a candle to Tony Moore's talent.

blendermassacre · #20 08-23-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zomb13

Transmetropolitan and Scud the Disposable Assassin are two of my favs. You can get the entire run of both series in graphic novel format. Also, check out Alan Moore's run on Swamp Thing. I also enjoy The Walking Dead quite a bit. I do have to agree though that the current artist doesn't hold a candle to Tony Moore's talent.

Tony's a beast. We went to visit them in Cincinatti a couple weeks ago. I sat out in his studio watching him draw Punisher. It's crazy what that man can do with a pen and pencil.