My First Graphic Novels

I use to read comics as a kid. I had my favorite characters and my favorite writers/artists. But it’s been a long time since I’ve given much time to reading anything like them. Even while I would gladly give passing respect to the graphic novel I had not really read any. It wasn’t that I didn’t think they were doing some profound things, earning their respect as an art form. Rather, I just never seemed to make time for them. This year, however, I finally made the time. Two dear friends have been prodding me to do this for some time and I agreed to take the time and enjoy a few graphic novels. I loved each one I read, finding more excitement with each new volume I got passed along to me. Here’s what I’ve read this year and what I enjoyed about them.

The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

This was a gripping story. The world’s greatest detective has quite a case on his hands and I found myself quickly caught up in the story. Holiday was a compelling villain for the Batman universe.

Dark Victory by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

One of the things I love about Loeb and Sale’s work in these two volumes is their ability to weave together a number of characters from Batman’s rogue gallery without making it seem like a bunch of random stories. Their use of Harvey Dent was incredibly engaging in this novel.

Hush by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee

The twist at the end was so unexpected! Again Loeb’s storytelling is thoroughly enjoyable.

Batman: Year One by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli

I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this. It was so hyped-up, however, that I couldn’t not read it. So I dove in and found it worth the hype. Miller’s ability to make the Batman character even more realistic was profound.

The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley

There were some dull points in the work, but the idea of an aged caped crusader frustrated with the lack of difference he has made in Gotham is very interesting. The work deals, in a very unique fashion, with Batman’s inner demons, and particularly with his “one rule.” It’s definitely a worthy read.

The Walking Dead: Compendium One by Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn, and Tony Moore

I hesitated to read this simply because I was afraid it might ruin the show for me, which I love. But while the graphic novel and the show are certainly running along the same story line there are enough deviations between the two to make it feel like you are getting two different stories at the same time. The dialogue in the show is much better, and some of the character story arcs are more interestingly developed in the show. But the graphic novel is engaging from beginning to end of compendium one. The pace is fast, the drama intense, and the action seemingly non-stop. As with the show, the real interesting aspect of the graphic novel is the question of how these people will maintain their humanity in this postapocalyptic world. A great read.

In light of my satisfaction with Graphic Novels I will now be taking recommendations. So, what have you enjoyed reading?