Sperg about comic books here
Okay.
Comics that are must-reads
(a.k.a. "exclusive exploiters of the medium's possibilities")
> Miracleman/Marvelman (1982):
The first and ultimate deconstruction of the superhero genre.
It's easier to get now than 20 years ago so everyone can stop pretending Watchmen is Moore's best.
The Marvel edition creates a fascinating meta-narrative using Mick Anglo original stories.
The second arc (The Silver age) is written by Neil Gaiman.
There is a short story by a young Grant Morrison.
And apparently, the Bronze Age and Dark Age arcs will resume.
Reading Miracleman/Marvelman equals speedrunning earlier graphic novel culture.
> Swamp Thing (1984):
Horror Poetry in comic book format created by (then) soon-to-be legends of the medium.
A boring premise turned intergalactic odyssey that puts the "book" in "comic book"
and invites introspection while rewarding attention to detail. Definitely a dopamine-stabilizer.
Plus John Constantine.
> Animal Man (1988/1993):
Grant Morrison's run turns comics into Alice's mirror, with Brian Bolland's cover artwork.
Every issue is a mindfuck time-bomb that explodes in issue 26.
Jamie Delano's Flesh and Blood -starting in issue 51- is a naturally brutal arc worth every page.
You may stop reading after the Crisis Event around issue 72.
> The Sandman (1989):
A book that fully exploits the word "Dreams".
I wish this was compulsory reading in high-schools around the world.
My personal favourite, and decidedly my introduction to previously mentioned titles.
Plus Barnabas.
> Preacher (1995):
A man wants answers from God and follows said journey. Crass meets Class.
It's the kind of raw writing and funny wit that Twittards want forever banned.
If you are one of those 'comics are gay' individuals, this is a work you will enjoy.
Plus Cassidy.
Great Works Probably Dismissed as Overrated
(a.k.a. solid stories worth reading beyond initial prejudice)
> MAUS (1980):
Probably the most honest and self-critical look you will ever get from a Spiegelman.
You can almost feel the pain of the author trying to get things as balanced as possible,
knowing he is destined to fail from the start, but going with it anyways for 296 pages.
It's not a charming or refreshing, but it's good for you. Just like Silent Hill 2.
> Sin City (1991):
Everyone wants to be the most edgy and gritty, but only Frank Miller delivered
(twice, including his most-known and successful The Dark Knight Returns).
It's a literal black or white story with an awesome execution.
It can be argued that no one did it better. That's all there is to it.
> Blacksad (2000)
The first three books offer a safe close-look to the potential of anthro stories.
The hand-drawn artwork is elegant, and expressive. These are beautiful books.
The writing is sharp and well-paced with the right amount of words and noir.
Many people might have dismissed it as furfag shit (after all the artist
did work for Disney)
yet it's completely worth your time and your coin.
Again: these are beautiful books, probably the best of what I've recommended so far.
Recommendations For Beginner Artists
(a.k.a. reading these will give you tools to refine the quality of your work)
> Dave Steven's The Rocketeer (Complete Adventures Edition 2009)
His hand-drawn skills were otherwordly. Specially his inking.
But his natural instinct for pin-ups and design are a joy to behold.
> Yukito Kishiro's Ashen Victor (1995)
Sin City Cyberpunk Edition: The Manga. Only one volume.
Kishiro's body of work added dimension to the genre for 20+ years and this one is a great synopsis of it.
Absolute mastery of black and white, possibly on par with Frank Miller's.
> James O'Barr's The Crow (1989)
This is an example of a fantastic work done by a not-that-great artist.
There is a haunting quality on the pages of this work, a tangible pain and perhaps a curse.
Everyone wanted to be emo and suicidal, but NOTHING delivered it like this work.
Smells like teen spirit, indeed.
And O'Barr's natural instinct for verticality is something anyone can learn from in this webcomic age.
End of Spergery.-