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My Top 16 Graphic Novels

January 4, 2009

in art, comics, top lists, nerdy @ 1:53 pm

These are in some sort of order, I’m just not sure what it is.

Hellblazer: published by the Vertigo imprint of DC Comics, it is its longest running title(1988-present day). certainly not for everyone, but it’s certainly for me. Following clever asshole John Constantine through his life, filled with Demons, Magic, Sex and of course Silkcuts… This has been a favourite for years and I don’t see that changing.

Sandman: Another DC Vertigo comic, I would recommend this to any smart right brained person I know, what a magical journey. This Graphic Novel is what first got me in to my idol Neil Gaiman and its probably still my favourite thing hes done. Not for most children, unless your kids are smart, weird, freaky children who cont mind the odd graphic violence/sex and can understand historical and mythology references.

Ceres: The Celestial legend: fantasy shōjo manga series (which tends to be my favourite type of manga ) written by Yuu Watase. Probably the first manga I ever read that really blew me away, the gradual darkening of the story is really amazing… You really begin to feel what the characters are feeling. About an angry angel stolen from heaven who reincarnates in to every teenage girl of this twisted family at the age of 16. Aya, our heroine is powerful enough to sustain her, but as Ceres the angel wants everyone in her family dead they aren’t willing to take that chance. It’s about 17 books long and worth every damn penny

Y: The last man: Written by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra(a female!), What would you do if all of the sudden every male on earth died? I’m sure its a popular fantasy. But this graphic novel takes it seriously… A virus is wide spread through out the world and every male of every species is instantly killed, expect for Yorick Brown. Adventure ensues. The last man leaves you wondering until the very last book and then punches you in the face with shock. Awe-freaken-some.

The Watchmen:Another classic Alan Moore, If you haven’t read it you are a loser.

Preacher: Again with DC vertigo created by writer Garth Ennis( a reoccurring hellblazer writer) and artist Steve Dillon. The gun toting super american ex preacher Jesse Custer, his girlfriend Tullip and his English vampire friend Cassidy go head to head against God himself, who has gone in to hiding after the abomination love child of an angel and a demon gets free and possesses Jesse giving him “The word of god”. Basically the power to make anyone do anything he wants. Good old bloody cowboy fun.

Swamp Thing: Alan Moore started this phenomenon and all though hes not writing it anymore its still goign strong. Scientist Alex Olsen dies in a horrible explosion only to become to spirit of the Green, with the power to control and literally be any plant matter in the world. the “American Gothic” storyline introduced the character John Constantine (later to star in his own comic Hellblazer)

Fushigi Yuugi: Another great long series by Yuu Watase

Museum of Terror: Tomie: Written by the twisted Junji Ito and published by Dark Horse comics. I swear there is nothing like Korean horror, not even the Japanese can do it like this. BRILLIANT

Buffy Season 8 series: What happened after season 7 of Buffy ended? Well Joss Whedon and the gang got together a bunch of brilliant writers and artist to tell us. Very true to its Buffyisms and Whedonesque ways with just a little more magic…because now its a comic book and anythings possible.

Cartoon History of the Universe: Written and illustrated by American cartoonist, professor, and mathematician Larry Gonick. First bought for me when I was about seven by my God father Mike. I learned more from these wonderfully written books than I ever did from history class…these are what more than likely kept me from flunking out completely…. what a great idea? learning History through comic books!

Johnny the homicidal Maniac: Blood, Dark Humor, Torture and more blood. Jhonen Vasquez (also known for his lesser series Invader ZIM) you are a sick bastard and I love you.

Camelot 3000: Written by Mike W. Barr and penciled by Brian Bolland. It was published by DC Comics (as most of my favourites are). Its the year 3000 and aliens have taken over the world. Young Tom Prentice finds a strange grave and ends of resurrecting King Arthur who then with the help of Merlin calls upon all of his reincarnated Knights and Queen to help save the world…. but of course Arthur’s old nemesis, Morgan Le Fay does not like this at all. Such a cool futuristic vibe with all the authenticity of the old King Arther myths.

Arkham asylum: Written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Dave McKean(whom I know best from his collaborations with Neil Gaiman). The inmates of Gotham city’s insane asylum take over and they want one thing and one thing only, THE BATMAN. With Dave McKeans unique art, it really adds to the whole insane appeal of the comic, which features Maxie Zeus, Clayface (presumably Preston Payne), the Mad Hatter, The Sandman and of course The Joker.

Batman: The Killing Joke: Written by Alan Moore(Watchmen, V for vendetta) and drawn by Brian Bolland (Camelot 3000). The Joker, who has just escaped from Arkham Asylum. The Joker intends to drive Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon insane to prove that the most upstanding citizen is capable of going mad after having “one bad day”. With lots and lots of insight on the Jokers mysterious past and what exactly drove him to such madness/

Flipside: An online fantasy manga/comic by Brion Foulke, following the adventure and relationship of two women: Maytag, a nymphomaniac jester with split personalities and Bernadette, a swordswoman who is kind yet fierce. I have been following many web comics for years and absolutely adore them but this one takes the cake by far. Can be read for free or bought for cheap at www.flipsidecomics.com/

There are plenty more honorable mentions…. Fables, sin city, Love and Rockets, Ghost World, V for vendetta… the list goes on and on but these ones in particular are MY personal favourites.