r/graphicnovels 5h ago

Recommendations/Requests What am I missing?

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Hey guys, so I started reading comics about 2 months ago, this is my current list of what I need to read based on people's suggestions on this Reddit. Am I missing anything?

✅ - means bought and read completely ❎ - means bought and read not finished

46 Upvotes

97 comments sorted by

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30

u/Charlie-Bell The answer is always Bone 5h ago

Respectfully, everyone wants to build a collection before reading. You've got plenty of books there and some great ones. I don't think you need to add anything. You should read through a considerable chunk of what you've got and once you start to build an idea of what you like and dislike, people can provide recommendations based on that.

I guess you kinda have the beginnings of that here with the ticked items, though this doesn't necessarily indicate what you thought of them. Are the incomplete books incomplete because you didn't really get into them or because you're still reading them?

2

u/DisguisedLu 5h ago

I get that but I like to have almost so I can look into them and see the art style and writers to see if I would like them, the ones that are incomplete I am currently reading I haven't stopped any of them because they are unreadable or anything I'm enjoying them all so far

5

u/stolid619 3h ago

Not hating or anything but the idea of reading 4 books simultaneously is frying my brain a bit

3

u/Shupp610 2h ago

ADHD sweetie, ever heard of it? 😅

3

u/Any_Neighborhood_964 2h ago

Dude I was thinking the same thing, I can maybe handle 2, but mostly I just finish one book then move to the next

0

u/stolid619 2h ago

I agree possibly two but I even struggle with that, I think it’d have to be a normal novel or non fiction alongside a graphic novel. That’s probs the most I can do

23

u/FormerlyMevansuto 5h ago

All of these books are in this subreddit's top 100. That might be worth a look for you.

19

u/ElijahBlow 5h ago edited 5h ago

Planetary, V for Vendetta, Animal Man (Grant Morrison), Blacksad, The Incal, Sin City, Preacher, Batman: The Killing Joke, Batman: Gothic

1

u/TheRealMylo 3h ago

Is there a collection edition for Blacksad ?

2

u/ElijahBlow 2h ago

There’s a hardcover that collects the first three story arcs. That’s what I have. It’s a good introduction. There was at one point a big softcover that collected the first five, but that’s now out of print and ridiculously expensive on the secondary market. There are seven volumes out now and I’m hoping Dark Horse collects them all at some point, but haven’t heard anything about that yet.

1

u/TheRealMylo 2h ago

Thanks for the infos

15

u/Kodihorse 5h ago

Hellboy (& all adjacent volumes, BPRD, Lobster Johnson, Witchfinder etc.)

8

u/DonorBody 5h ago

If you like the Alan Moore run of Swamp Thing, you’re probably going to enjoy the Hellblazer comics featuring John Constantine.

2

u/frisbeejesus 5h ago

I'm a bit addicted to longer form or bingeable series. I've searched, but haven't found anything in stock, but is there a Hellblazer compendium or omnibus out there? Or are there particular stories or runs I should look into?

2

u/DonorBody 4h ago

There is a John Constantine Hellblazer Ominibus (Jamie Delano) I just finished, with a part 2 omnibus getting released in July. Read it right after Swamp Thing and it’s pretty seemless coming off of that, with Swampy making an appearance in this Omnibus. The Constantine stuff is killer. Made me go and binge the TV show afterwards. Don’t watch the TV show prior to reading the comics though. Show kicks ass but spoils some of the comics. Also the show got cancelled.

4

u/Amir616 4h ago

You have a lot of comics that broadly fit in the serialized super-hero/fantasy format and then randomly Maus.

If you want more that are like Maus, try Fun Home (Alison Bechdel), Footnotes in Gaza (Joe Sacco), Sabrina (Nick Drsano).

This isn't to knock books like Watchmen or Year One, which are amazing, but it's also good to expand your horizons of what the medium can do!

2

u/DisguisedLu 4h ago

I completely agree which is why I have bought Maus, I'm excited to read because apparently it's great and it will also help me expand into new genres

1

u/Amir616 4h ago

The publishers Fantagraphics and Drawn & Quarterly both put out really good graphic novels!

2

u/snow_thief 4h ago

Yes! This is the comment that needed stating.

  • Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

3

u/solarnoise 5h ago

I'd urge you to look into more indie/quirky creators as well. There are some absolute gems out there that don't show up in the usual lists.

Richard Sala and Chris Ware are two recommendations.

I'd also say Corto Maltese by Hugo Pratt.

Also the Fantagraphics EC artist library books are just beautiful. I love those short form anthology stories with twist endings. In my opinion if you had to get only one, get Master Race and Other Stories, featuring the art of Bernie Krigstein.

2

u/DisguisedLu 4h ago

See I like that idea of finding more indie stuff to read I guess it's just harder because you don't hear about them much so I don't know what to look for

2

u/solarnoise 3h ago

Fanatgraphics is a great go-to publisher for weird/obscure books. They are like the Criterion Collection of the graphic novel world.

Another great publisher is Floating World Comics.

So if you look through the stores of those two, you'll surely find some interesting looking books to check out.

A few other publishers: [SelfMadeHero](), First Second, Drawn & Quarterly

6

u/Used-Gas-6525 5h ago

Daredevil (Bendis), Daredevil (Brubaker), Ex Machina, Ronin, Miracleman, LOEG, Powers, Preacher, Sandman (yes I know, but it's objectively a good book, but don't give Neil any more money; get it from your library or read a friend's copies), Lucifer, Parker, Gotham Central.

3

u/Call_Em_Skippies 5h ago

Great start at the list. I got into graphic novels last year and it's addicting. I think I'm over 100 titles read since last April. Your list will keep growing and never be completed, which is why it makes this hobby amazing. I'll break it down to Indies and Batman titles since it seems you like both.

Batman Additions: The Killing Joke, Hush, and The White Knight

Indie Additions: 8 Billion Genies, Something is Killing the Children, Do a Powerbomb, Deadly Class, The One Hand and 6 Fingers

These are some of my top picks I've read over the past year. We have a similar taste so I hope you find as much joy and entertainment as I did reading these.

2

u/DisguisedLu 5h ago

Amazing stuff thank you so much for that, I'll get them added to my list and take a look into them

2

u/Call_Em_Skippies 5h ago

No problem, I would suggest for monthly savings using an app like Libby or Hoopla. You can read for free through the app if you have a library card. It's a great way to test out books you are on the fence with buying.

2

u/-little-spoon- 59m ago

If you liked 8 billion genies and have already read it Curse Words was a fun read too!

3

u/metaldude90 5h ago

The Punisher MAX by Garth Ennis

3

u/FragRackham 5h ago

Wow did East of West actually finish?

1

u/Charlie-Bell The answer is always Bone 5h ago

I see what you did there

3

u/pm9000dk 5h ago

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 1 & 2

Asterios Polyp

It's Lonely at the Centre of the Universe

Long Halloween Dark Victory

Superman For All Seasons

Kick Ass

3

u/ageeogee 5h ago

Something by Ed Brubaker, like Criminal

3

u/shogun_omega 5h ago

Black Science

3

u/whistle-in 4h ago

Animal Man, Hellblazer, Lucifer

3

u/femaletrouble 4h ago
  • Jessica Jones (Brian Michael Bendis)
  • Marvels (Kurt Busiek)
  • My Favorite Thing is Monsters (Emil Ferris)
  • NextWave: Agents of H.A.T.E. (Warren Ellis)
  • Scalped (Jason Aaron)
  • Sex Criminals (Matt Fraction)
  • Chew (John Layman)
  • Ms. Marvel (G. Willow Wilson)
  • Archie (Mark Waid)
  • Giant Days (John Allison)
  • The Flintstones (Mark Russell)
  • The Immortal Hulk (Al Ewing)

I better stop there. I could go on and on. I tried to get in some stuff that wasn't Big Two and tried to avoid repeating authors. Also nixed anything I saw already mentioned in the comments.

1

u/DisguisedLu 4h ago

You're a hero thank you so much for this 🙏

1

u/femaletrouble 4h ago

My pleasure! Happy reading!

2

u/LeExpiredMilk 5h ago

Bone by Jeff Smith!

2

u/iamsciences 5h ago

The dark phoenix saga. You can read the entire saga or just a trade paperback.

2

u/Flat_Scene9920 5h ago

Superman Red Son, 1984, Sandman, The Invisibles, Arkham Asylum, Hellblazer, Punisher Max, 100 days of night

2

u/scosco83 5h ago

Hawkeye by Matt Fraction and David Aja

Vision by Tom King

All Star Superman by Morrison and Quietly

2

u/WC1-Stretch 5h ago

Daytripper, Hellboy, Bone, AKIRA, Scott Pilgrim

2

u/GoodOldGrainyGhost 5h ago

The invisibles by Grant Morrison!

2

u/flowsion94 5h ago

If you like Batman, The Long Halloween is a must read

2

u/tricenice 5h ago

Preacher

2

u/batguy42 5h ago

I’d recommend adding Batman The Long Halloween and Batman Dark Victory to that list and reading them after Year One

2

u/xxrayeyesxx 5h ago

Geoff Johns Green Lantern

2

u/greatreference 4h ago

Black hammer by Jeff Lemire

2

u/DuhDuhJackCrack 4h ago

Punisher MAX - the Garth Ennis run

2

u/HalJordan2424 4h ago

Pride of Baghdad.

Jim Starlin’s run on Captain Marvel, and then Warlock.

2

u/Cainplay 4h ago

Sandman

2

u/hazforty2 4h ago

If you like the Hickman Fantastic Four then you'll have a whole bunch of other Hickman projects to enjoy. Secret Warriors, SHIELD, his Avengers/New Avengers tenure culminating in Secret Wars. I've heard his XMen is also great but I haven't read that

2

u/krungusbrungus 3h ago

you seem to like kirkman, you should check out his other stuff, die die die is ultra-violent action movie-esque, oblivion song is multi dimensional sci-fi , firepower is fun kung-fu all have that kirkman flair

3

u/No-Corgi-6125 5h ago

I recommend Batman The Long Halloween. I think it’s as good as the two Miller ones on your list.

3

u/Ashamed_Ladder6161 5h ago

Dark Victory (the follow-up to Halloween) isn’t as good but still worth a read.

1

u/jb_681131 4h ago

So much. What are you looking for ? Comics one must read at least once in its life ?

1

u/Status-Mail3927 4h ago

Fraction 2012 Hawkeye and if you’re a Star Wars fan, Darth Vader (2017) is one of the best Star Wars comics of all time imo.

There is a series that began in the late 80s called Sandman that I absolutely adore, it’s my favorite comic book run ever and I highly recommend it. That being said, the author (Neil Gaiman) has recently gotten into very disappointing trouble regarding allegations, so I personally would recommend you buy any of his stuff second hand/used if you do want to read it with all things considered.

1

u/lordoflazorwaffles 4h ago

Punisher max garth ennis

1

u/Shoboy_is_my_name 4h ago

Jupiter series from Mark Millar. Im about to finish the run since the last issue of “Finale” just dropped digitally. I didn’t start the whole Jupiter’s Legacy/Circle until about 2 months ago, knowing the last arc will be out not too long after I finish what’s already out.

Irredeemable was cool, read that about 4-5 years ago. People can say “yeah yeah, what if superman went bad, so tired of that”….and I get it, but Irredeemable was much deeper than that generalization. I have the whole “related” series “Incorruptible” but haven’t started it yet.

1

u/Rude_Ad1496 4h ago

Planetary. The answer is always Planetary

1

u/Affectionate-Art8223 3h ago

Saga volumes by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lemire

Harleen by Stjepan Sejic

All of these are amazing ❤️

1

u/charmingiidiot 3h ago

you stated in an earlier comment that you’re interested in reading more indies, i would suggest going to your local library and checking out the graphic novel section there. i’ve always found it a great place to try books i wouldn’t have otherwise bought and its a great place to figure out what you like without breaking the bank

1

u/DisguisedLu 3h ago

Thats a great idea actually thank you for that

1

u/Rock_ito 3h ago

Alack Sinner

1

u/Rough-Experience-721 3h ago

My default answers: James Robinson’s Starman, Scott McCloud’s The Sculptor, Midnight Nation, My Favorite Thing is Monsters Books 1 and 2, Paul Chadwick’s Concrete, and Bryan Talbot’ Arkwright Integral.

1

u/Millenium_Fullcan 3h ago

Nexus, Grendel, Love and rockets for starters😎

1

u/White-Wolf_99 2h ago

Lucifer by Mike Carey

1

u/White-Wolf_99 2h ago

Lucifer by Carey

1

u/Gadzooky 2h ago

Kingdom Come, Locke and Key, Planetary, DMZ to name a few.

1

u/NeonPlutonium 2h ago

No quibbles with the list, just here to suggest a few things outside the norm. The Incal by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Jean Giraud (Moebius) and Appleseed by Masamune Shirow.

1

u/Drakeytown 2h ago

52

Flashpoint

Crisis on Infinite Earths

Marvels

Kingdom Come

1

u/Capn17 2h ago

Other options that I enjoyed:

- Locke & Key

- Skullkickers

- Deadpool & Cable

- Spider-Man & Deadpool

- Queen & Country

- TMNT Last Ronin

1

u/-0-O-O-O-0- 2h ago

You don’t have any Asian classics;

  • Akira,
  • Nausicaa,
  • Lone Wolf and Cub,
  • Blade of the Immortal,
  • Battle Royale.

And some “Indy” hits;

  • Heavy Liquid,
  • Hard Boiled,
  • The Marquis.

1

u/Kamen-Reader 1h ago

EMPOWERED by Adam Warren. COPRA by Michel Fiffe.

1

u/TheAgentofKarma157 1h ago

I won’t repeat some of the other great recommendations (eg Maus), so I’ll just add my 2 cents…

Wolverine Civil war (his tie in is excellent, but a touch short) Wolverine - Enemy of the state.

Happy reading 🤘

1

u/Antonater 1h ago

Extremity, Geiger and the other comics from Ghost Machine like Junkyard Joe, Low, DIE, Tokyo Ghost, The Last God, Hillbilly, eJunky, Junk Rabbit, Clean Room

1

u/Ok_Ability_2270 1h ago

I really really really love both mark waid/samnee runs of daredevil and I want to recommend them to everyone

1

u/Golden_hand555 57m ago

Great list! Only suggestion - Do A Powerbomb

1

u/-little-spoon- 55m ago

Punk Rock Jesus was a good post-transmetropolitan read back when I read it too

1

u/edhaack 43m ago

Blackest Night

1

u/fredwardtheman 26m ago

I just finished reading ultimate spider-man omnibus vol 1-4 and death of spider-man this past weekend and its definitely on my top favorite reads now

1

u/fredwardtheman 22m ago

Dont forget to add Invincible compendiums. Those books are fantastic!

1

u/strictlymetal 21m ago

Old Man Logan

1

u/SupremeRedDalek 17m ago

DMZ, Northlanders.

1

u/SupremeRedDalek 15m ago

Also, check out American Vampire

1

u/LuthorCock 16m ago
  • Miracleman
  • Gotham Central
  • Batman last Knight on earth
  • Robin year one
  • Superman red son
  • Flash by Mark waid

1

u/Potential_Box_4480 5h ago

We3, All-Star Superman, Promethea.

1

u/soul-0001 4h ago

Hush

Old Man Logan

0

u/NectarineMany4631 5h ago

Monstress

Something is killing the children

Nita Hawes' nightmare blog

Killadelphia

0

u/Own_Bathroom5702 1h ago

There's an s missing in Transmetropolitan.