Michelle Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 I felt as if I was cheating adding these to my normal reading list, plus I started in 2015, and am continuing into 2016 - so a separate list was created! I've decided to not add authors / artists here. Sometimes there are more than one, plus there are often lots of different artists involved, and I don't want the list to be too complicated. (Bolded means the start of a series.)The Walking Dead Compendium 1The Walking Dead Compendium 2The Walking Dead Compendium 3The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes Descender: Tin StarsRevival: You're Among Friends The Sandman: The Dolls HouseOutcast: A Darkness Surrounds Him Revival: Live Like You Mean ItThe Sandman: The EndlessStar Wars Dawn of the Jedi: Force StormDoctor Who: The Only Good DalekThe Stand: Captain TripsResurrection Man: Dead AgainDark Satanic MillsAbsolute DeathThe Wicked + The Divine: The Faust ActLocke & Key: Welome to LovecraftThe Wicked + The Divine: FandemoniumLocke & Key: Head GamesBlack Magick Comic 1 (iPad)Beautiful DarknessThe Twilight Zone: The After HoursLocke and Key: Crown of ShadowsLocke and Key: Keys to the KingdomLocke and Key: ClockworksLocke and Key: Alpha and OmegaThe Graveyard Book Vol 1 Deadpool: Dead Presidents Marvel 1602I have two wish lists, one for new graphics novels to try, and one for continuations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted December 30, 2015 Author Share Posted December 30, 2015 The Walking Dead was my introduction to this area, but it's taken me a while to explore further. Not long ago I decided to start again at the beginning of the 1st compendium, and worked my way through all three. It's really interesting looking back, to see how the TV series has loosely followed the story arcs, but has changed details, and definitely some of the characters. I've now moved past the point of the TV show, and I'm looking forward to see what they do with the next two big arcs! After finishing these, I realised that this form of reading is ideal for me when I'm having trouble concentrating (which is a lot at the moment). I've always loved illustrated books, and some of these graphic novels have the most amazing artwork. Also, Beth has just made her first comic for her graphic design diploma, and it's given me an insight into the process and the hard work. All in all, this is a different direction for my reading to take, but one I'm very much enjoying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted December 30, 2015 Author Share Posted December 30, 2015 The Sandman by Neil Gaiman really has to be my favourite so far. The storylines are dark and fascinating, and the characters, especially Morpheus and Death, are wonderful. There seem to be a lot of different artists involved, and they all bring their own thing. I do like the fact that this is a completed series, so that I know it's already come to it's conclusion, and it won't drag on, or just finish at an odd point. There are 75 comics, in 10 collections; plus a prequel, and Endless Nights. I've read the first two, plus Endless Nights - the latter being my least favourite. It has a couple of excellent stories, but some of it is a little too unusual, and didn't quite work for me. I'm excited to continue with this series, but I have to watch cost - I do already have 3 on my shelf, with 4-6 coming from eBay (at a very good price!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted December 30, 2015 Author Share Posted December 30, 2015 I'm a little divided over the Revival series - the first volume was certainly interesting, but the second has left me disappointed. The concept is that in a small rural town, some of the dead have come back to life, and some can not be killed. They're not zombies, some seem perfectly normal, whilst others are 'odd'. There's no explanation as to what happened or how, which I find frustrating, plus there are quite a few different storylines going on, and it jumps from one to the other, not actually progressing them that far. It's a decent enough read, but I don't think I want to pay too much for each issue, so will probably wait until they're cheaper, or in the library. Outcast was also disappointing, and probably not one I'll continue with. In this world, there appears to be a lot of demonic possession, with one priest in particular who's trying to fight it, plus then the main character. My main issue is that too much space is used up without moving the story along. Descender was a change in direction for me, being SF - it's certainly brighter in tone and look, although there are some dark moments. It was released in Sept, and the 2nd volume isn't out until April 2016 - I'm not sure I like starting a new series, and having to wait so long! I'll probably leave this one be for a while. Yesterday I picked up a few different titles to try from the library, and I read my first Star Wars one.. Dawn of the Jedi: Force Storm. I've checked a few sites which have lists of all the Star Wars comics, and I can't see this one. It's supposed to be right at the very beginning, when the 'Jedi' are called 'Jed'aii', and we see the first glimpse of the 'dark side'. I have to say, I really rather liked it, and think I could easily get into the Star Wars comics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vodkafan Posted December 31, 2015 Share Posted December 31, 2015 This is something I completely did not expect from you Michelle! The Neil Gaiman books sound very interesting. I had no idea he had collaborated on graphic novels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted December 31, 2015 Author Share Posted December 31, 2015 I like to surprise people sometimes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted January 1, 2016 Author Share Posted January 1, 2016 My last read of 2015 was The Stand: Captain Trips. I've read The Stand previously, but long ago enough that I don't recall all of the details. I really enjoyed this, and will probably read it more than once, taking more notice of the artwork etc. There's a section at the end showing some of the character and cover artwork, and it shows the thought and time which goes into it. I've read books 'translated' into graphic novels before, the two which come to mind are The Amulet of Samarkand and Interview with the Vampire: Claudia's Story. With the first one, I knew the story well, and I particularly like the humour in it. The graphic novel format felt very stripped down, and the humour didn't come across so well, so I wasn't keen. However, I hadn't read any of Interview with the Vampire, and I felt the graphic novel told the story very well (and the art in that one is gorgeous!). On the whole then, I feel as if graphic novels can be a good way of reading a story - maybe introducing to a reluctant reader, or to enjoy the artwork involved - but are probably not so good if it's a story you already know well. With The Stand, I'm removed enough from the actual book to enjoy this new format. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted January 1, 2016 Author Share Posted January 1, 2016 I had Locke and Key on my wishlist, and I've just found a lovely slipcased set on Wordery. It was already reduced, and then I had a 10% discount, so it came to £46.49.. so that's my new year treat for myself! ;-) https://wordery.com/locke-key-gabriel-rodriguez-9781631401398 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anisia Posted January 1, 2016 Share Posted January 1, 2016 Looking forward to reading this thread! I only started reading graphic novels in 2015, I feel I've been missing out all these years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesilbeach Posted January 1, 2016 Share Posted January 1, 2016 If you want to try something different Michelle, I'd recommend Posy Simmonds. I've read Tamara Drewe and Gemma Bovery and thought both were excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted January 1, 2016 Author Share Posted January 1, 2016 Thank you - all recommendations happily received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inver Posted January 1, 2016 Share Posted January 1, 2016 Have a great year Michelle... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted January 2, 2016 Author Share Posted January 2, 2016 So last night I tried a DC comic collection, Resurrection Man: Dead Again (2012 - I believe they're returning to old characters?). My question is, do all DC comics portray women in the same way, or did I get a bad example?! There were 3 main ones, and they all had oversized breasts, barely covered, short skirts or skimpy dresses, etc etc. I do appreciate that the main male character is often very muscly, with his shirt off, but it just doesn't come across the same way, and there are plenty of other male characters, not portrayed in the same way at all. I'm afraid if that's the DC style, I'll be passing on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AbielleRose Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 From what I've seen, that seems to be the style I admit, I haven't seen much, but one of my ex bf's was a huuuge comic guy. I want to see strong, amazing women (like Leia. I couldn't believe how totally bad*** she was when I watched Star Wars for the first time. I'd always thought she was a damesl because all I'd really known of her was the bikini scene). Now, because I saw how she holds her own and isn't afraid to fight, I want to read/see more. (Bad example since its film vs comics, but you get what I mean.) Hopefully you can find some good GN's with female characters you enjoy reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted January 3, 2016 Share Posted January 3, 2016 I've only read one DC graphic novel (a collection of comics), which wasn't particularly good but I don't remember that it caused offense. But there weren't many women in the story to begin with, so maybe that's why. I agree with you both, it always annoys me when women are portrayed in such a way. EDIT: It was Brian Azzarello, Jim Lee, Scott Williams - Absolute Superman For Tomorrow, a bindup of a lot of comics telling the story. I hadn't ever read a superman comic before and I found the story to be a bit confusing, for a newbie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timstar Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 I'm afraid if that's the DC style, I'll be passing on it! It's an ongoing issue not limited to DC I'm afraid. I hate it too. It tends to be better with some of the more serious stuff like The Dark Knight Returns and Year One etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted January 11, 2016 Author Share Posted January 11, 2016 I've managed to get The Absolute Death from the library, and the world of The Sandman continues to awe me. Gaiman has created some great characters and stories, and I love his vision of Death. There are lots of different artists involved, and most have a style I love. They take these beyond a simple graphic novel, and into a work of art. I wish I had the cash to own this for myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted January 14, 2016 Author Share Posted January 14, 2016 So now I have a new love to add.. The Wicked + The Divine. The idea behind this is that every ninety years, ten gods incarnate as humans, and live for 2 years. They tend to be powerful in some way, and they crave attention. The art in this is very different from The Sandman, but very vivid, and the story is dark and usual... I'm seeing a theme here in what I like! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Another one to add to your list, The Killing Joke. It is Batman/Joker story, but don't let that put you off, it is very good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AbielleRose Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 So now I have a new love to add.. The Wicked + The Divine. The idea behind this is that every ninety years, ten gods incarnate as humans, and live for 2 years. They tend to be powerful in some way, and they crave attention. The art in this is very different from The Sandman, but very vivid, and the story is dark and usual... I'm seeing a theme here in what I like! That looks really good! Hope you enjoy it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted January 20, 2016 Author Share Posted January 20, 2016 Just finished the first Locke & Key storyline, which is written by Joe Hill. It's dark and quite gory in places.. very enjoyable! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Begins Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 Just finished the first Locke & Key storyline, which is written by Joe Hill. It's dark and quite gory in places.. very enjoyable! I was curious about this series as well, I am a big Joe Hill fan. How many are there? There is a lot, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted January 21, 2016 Author Share Posted January 21, 2016 There are 6 collections - I decided to get the slipcase containing all 6, as it was better value. I got mine from Wordery, where it was £47 plus a 10% discount. https://wordery.com/locke-key-gabriel-rodriguez-9781631401398 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
More reading time required Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 Locke & Key was a very good series. We read it comic by comic as it came out, which sometimes meant I had forgotten what had happened previously by the time I came to read a new one, so i should read it all again really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted January 23, 2016 Author Share Posted January 23, 2016 I think I would have had trouble only reading a little at a time, I love it. It's an expensive way to read, but once I get through the story, I think I'll read again, looking for the details in the art etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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