The Graphic Novels / Comic Books thread

akane_1984

is this out? my amazon.co.uk pre-order says January 2011 release.

NewMan

Amazon can't always be trusted for release dates of graphic novels, I've discovered. It's always best to check for new releases on the Forbidden Planet website, as they're usually more accurate.


And to answer your question, yes, it's definitely out. Worth a look if you're into that sort of "alternative origin story" type thing.

Harj

Has anyone read "Crossed" by Gareth Ennis? Not a graphic novel, a trade back (several issues compiled). If you like deranged violent zombie like humans (not actual zombies) and normal humans fighting each other this is your stuff.

Be warned, this is not for the faint of heart, there were a few illustrations that really disturbed me, G Ennis is not your normal bloke.

Currently there is a "Crossed Family Values" series going on which is utterly as deranged as the first.

Crossed Volume 1: Amazon.co.uk: Jacen Burrows, Garth Ennis: Books

The reviews seem to sum it up nice, some like it some are disgusted.

NewMan

Yeah, I read it recently. Stomach-churning stuff at times, definitely not for the faint hearted.
Having said that, I did enjoy it, as it was slightly different from the run-of-the-mill zombie stuff as like you say, they weren't zombies, just people who lost their minds and gave in to complete depravity.

Theydon Bois

Yep, Garth Ennis at his best!

Spoiler:

Especially what they do to the bullets....

akane_1984

thanks @NewMan got my earth one on order from eBay uk seller today cancelled my Amazon pre-order too. Really looking forward to reading this as big Superman fan. I know it's probably going to fall into the category of an elseworld tale but some of the best Superman writing has come from elseworld 'Red Son' anyone!

Currently half way through volume one of All-Star Superman, very good character focused Superman GN.

NewMan

Having read further, this "Earth One" stuff looks like it might be a whole new range of books - hopefully not just one-offs, but a series in the vein of Marvel's Ultimate Universe!

DC: Earth One - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

And the next book scheduled for release? Sometime in 2011, we'll get:

Batman: Earth One - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I have shivers in anticipation of this.... I'm clearly a true comic nerd...

hawky525

After browsing the thread for a little while I took the plunge and ordered 4 Graphic Novel's last week -
Ultimate Spiderman vol. 1
Astonishing X-Men vol. 1 and 2
Walking Dead vol.1

However after looking into the X-Men TPB reading list Hillskill posted, I don't want to start reading the two X-Men GN's and not know what the heck is going on.

I guess that means my question is can I just dip in and out of the reading order and it will make sense?
The other series I liked the look of was the Civil War TPB's, but I've managed to now baffle myself on how everything fits together and what to read when/what to order first!

Am I right in thinking that the Ultimate Spiderman/X-Men/etc series are easier to grasp as they're a new start for the respective comics?
Final question - the new Superman Earth One comic looks great too, but how do I know what to read before it?
Thanks in advance for any help

Hillskill

I'm no X-pert (see what I did there ) but you are going to feel a little overwhelmed wherever you jump in on X-Men (atleast I was). I would recommend maybe starting at issue one of one of the reboots like you suggest. Atleast this way you can get into the story and universe as that particular new writer establishes it. AFAIK Civil War is one of the most deep series and is probably best tackled once you are familiar with many of the individual characters story lines. Theydon is a better person to give advice when it comes to Civil War.
You can't go wrong with Walking Dead. I know that I sound like a broken record but it really is a joy to read. I also highly recommed the Boys if you want something a little different and off the wall. Its also out on TPBs so very accessible.

hawky525

Very good! Some might say X-cellent? (oh, dear).
A few people have commented on keeping the number of series you read, to begin with, in check, so I'm going to try an focus on 2 or 3 for starters.
I think X-Men is where I'm going to start off and your reading list from page 2 looks a good place to start:
Would you still suggest this as a good way to go through them?

I'll leave the Civil War alone for a bit then, but how about the Superman Earth:One comic, is much prior knowledge needed? The pdf excerpt makes it looks rather interesting.
Thanks for the info!