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« on: June 27, 2014, 05:44:14 am »
A.K.A The Discussion Topic for Connoisseurs of Graphic Novels.
Basically, it's bugged me for some time that we lack a thread dedicated to funnybooks, comic strips, graphic novels and the like.
I figured I'd make this thread for the appreciation of such. I can't think of any good rules for now, except that manga most certainly does not fit under the Comics umbrella, so I'll just start by listing some of my current favourite titles.
Stray Bullets is definitely my favourite comic at the moment. Gritty crime noir, human drama, coming-of-age tale... I don't know what it's best described as, but it pulls off all of those and more. From the moment I discovered it and read issue 41, which packed in more suspense, character development and action than most comics fit into several issues, I was hooked.
Definitely recommended, even if the black-and-white artwork may not seem "fancy" to some.
Drumhellar is always a fun read. It follows the adventures of Drum Hellar, creepy hippy psychedelic detective. Contains plenty of supernatural themes, mind-altering substances, and not a few bad puns. Really, really bad puns- the best kind. Sometimes the pacing of the comic isn't too great, in my opinion, but Riley Rossmo's art is awesome, it's funny, and overall it's always entertaining.
Sheltered: A Pre-Apocalyptic Tale. Not too much I can say about this one without spoiling things, but from the first issue you will be shocked by the content, awed by the artwork and fear for the main character/s. One recent issue contained what has to be one of the most satisfying, triumphant moments in comic-book history, or at least the part of comic-book history I'm privy to.
This is a pretty useless writeup in hindsight, but... go read it. Best I can do. *shrug*
Manifest Destiny follows Lewis and Clark's expedition across a rather different version of North America.
Expect entertaining characters, supernatural creepiness, action and, of course, absolutely gorgeous artwork. Don't worry, it's still very entertaining even for those without much knowledge of American history. I certainly fall into that category, although this comic kinda makes me want to read up on it at times.
The Stuff of Legend really appeals to my inner child whilst still satisfying my (more-or-less) adult mind- imagine Toy Story during the days of World War Two, where a young English boy whose father is off fighting in the war is kidnapped by the bogeyman who lives in his bedroom cupboard, ruling over a strange alternate dimension peopled by the abandoned toys of the past.
A force of the boy's current favourite toys, along with his pet dog, venture into the strange realm called The Dark to rescue him, lead by a toy soldier named Colonel. In The Dark they, and the abandoned toys who have kidnapped their owner, become 'real', full-sized and alive rather than their previous toy selves.
It's not only a beautiful book, it's very well-written as well, and the characters are quite real despite being, you know, children's toys.
Really want to pick up the second collection of this soon, it's great.
Finally, Undertow. A surreal, sci-fi romp following a bunch of humanoid sea creatures whose Atlantean society is threatened by foes both inside and out, in a world where humans are primitive hairy apes and the ocean is home to the planet's most advanced life.
To be quite honest with you, I feel like I don't understand a lot of what goes on in this comic even a few issues in, but it's exciting regardless and it looks damn pretty.
That's all I can be bothered writing for now. Please, discuss your favourite comics/graphic novels/comic strips/whatever!
Apart from manga and the like, that is.
I might pretty up this OP and add more comics at some point, who knows!
