The Essential Trade and Graphic Novel Thread

[Justin D.]

This was one of my favorite threads on the old boards because it was easy to go through it and find something I've never heard of before. The idea is simple. Put up one trade or graphic novel that you figure is essential reading. Something you have to own and you'd like others to read too. Don't just put the title up though. Give us a reason. Your opinion, a story synopsis from somewhere, something. The only real trick is you can't post another suggestion until three other people have given a suggestion. So it would be you, someone else, someone else, someone else, and then you again before repeating the cycle. This is a great way to increase your, and someone else's, library. Every so often, a list will be compiled of the suggestions so far. Probably once every page or so. I'll start us off.

Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero
This one was a total luck of the draw buy for me. I bought it and the second volume off of eBay because I recognized the name and it was a really good price. Here's a description of the first issue:

Buzzboy's debut! Lord Ultra, the world's most powerful super-being, has gone mad, and taken over New Paradise Metrogrove.

Who can stop him?

All of Earth's other heroes have vanished-- except for Ultra's former sidekick, Buzzboy.

Aided by ex-villain Doc Cyber, who gave up being evil for baking, and Becca Smith, a fifteen year-old girl with a mysterious secret, Buzzboy must battle Ultra for peace, the city's freedom, and all-you-can-eat at the Tastee Diner.

If you like your comics hip, happenin', and home-made like Doc Cyber's Cherry Tarts, Buzzboy is for you!

ALSO: A tale of the Teen Extreme, the swingingest super teens around!

For anyone who likes pop culture, you'll like this. When Kristina read it, she said, "It feels like The Tick," which is pretty true. Give it a shot. http://www.buzzboy.net/buzzstore.html

[howyadoin]

Put up one trade or graphic novel that you figure is essential reading. Something you have to own and you'd like others to read too. Don't just put the title up though. Give us a reason. Your opinion, a story synopsis from somewhere, something.Judd Winick's Pedro and Me - 'cause it's a great story about an important topic (A.I.D.S.), and because it's funny, tragic and educational at the same time.

[clayholio]

"The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker.

I could tell you that it's funny, but who would believe me? Instead, I'll just say that even after having read it 10 or 15 times by now (I've lost count), I still laugh like a madman every time I read it again.

By royal decree of Ray Davies...

[Noir_Dark]

Palestine by Joe Sacco

This book is heart wrenching. I love all of Sacco’s stuff but this in my opinion his best.
This book deal with the aftermath of war from the ground level.

[Puma]

300.
Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley retell the battle of Thermopylae, its not especially accurate but the imagery of the battle with its inevitable end is stunning.

[Iangould]

The Cartoon History of the United States - well-researched, well-written and highlighting Larry Gonick''s characteristic humor.

His Cartoon History of the Universe is even better but after 3 volumes it tails off before Columbus' voyage to the Americas.

[Sheldon]

Top Ten Vol 1 and 2 By Alan Moore and Gene Ha. Published by America's Best Comics.

Follow the varied cast of the Top Ten Presinct of Neopolis. A city that is entirely made up of super powered beings or science beings. The detail and depth of character is staggering. Storylines intertwine and make for a wonderful read, as it builds up and actions have real consequences.

These two trades get better with each read. Plus there are some seriously funny bits too. The whole Cosmouse and Galactapus part is one of my all time favorties...

[Cyclops]

Bizarro Comics.

It's everything you love about the DC Universe -- the characters, the plot gimmicks, the color. And it's free of everything you hate about the DC Universe -- the elaborate continuity, the prim editorship, the expected. It has a few faults, but I don't notice them anymore; this book is too busy going places and doing what it sets out to do. I can't think of a more worthwhile DC effort in the past five years.

[ratzo]

Stuck Rubber Baby by Howard Cruse (www.howardcruse.com). Now more than ever, this book is needed to remind people of the similarities both gays and blacks have had and continue to have to gain equality. It's a poignant and often funny coming-of-age story with intricate art.

[Noir_Dark]

Cerebus – Book One

Its crude, its dialog heavy, it’s important. This book begins the longest story in comic books.

If you can make it past this amateurish beginning the rest of the series kicks ass.
(its also interesting to see how Dave Sim’s skills improves during the series)

[mattbib]

Put up one trade or graphic novel that you figure is essential reading. Something you have to own and you'd like others to read too. Don't just put the title up though. Give us a reason. Your opinion, a story synopsis from somewhere, something. The only real trick is you can't post another suggestion until three other people have given a suggestion.
http://www.dynamicforces.com/images/squadronsupremeTPB.jpgI always suggest Squadron Supreme. It was possibly Gru's finest work. The characters were taken from being Justice League rip-offs and turned into own animals, while at the same time offering a real, gritty look at how those DC characters could have (should have?) been written.

I've reread this at least a dozen time and I'm still left in wonder and sadness at the end.

[Justin D.]

Great selections, everyone! What I like is that we're all over the place in our choices. Comedy to drama, talking animals to historical tales. I've already added a couple more to my growing wish list of books. Here's what we have so far. [edited to add Matt's suggestion]

1. Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero
2. Judd Winick's Pedro and Me
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. Palestine by Joe Sacco
5. 300 Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. The Cartoon History of the United States by Larry Gonick
7. Top Ten Vol 1 and 2 By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. Bizarro Comics
9. Stuck Rubber Baby by Howard Cruse
10. Cerebus – Book One by Dave Sim
11. Squadron Supreme by Mark Gruenwald and various

I'll add one more.

Powers: Roleplay by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming
First off, they need to shorten their names. Even if you don't have the first trade, you'll get the basic concept pretty fast with this one. Basically, it's homicide cops in a world of capes. I just recently reread this and was just as impressed, if not more, the second time I read it. Sure, Bendis has top-notch writing here, but Oeming's art is just beautiful. This is a man who absolutely knows how to tell a story. And there's quite a story to tell. Hell, the story that's told or hinted at in the last few pages is an eye-opener.

[Punchy]

"Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil

A very different Dredd story about a girl named America and her best friend Benny. The two grow up together and are then reunited as adults when America has joined a terrorist organization with their efforts directed at the Judges. Touching and sophisticated.

One of the best trades I've ever read.

[Tynne]

Goodbye, Chunky Rice

Craig Thompson's first graphic novel. The basic story synopsis is that a little turtle is moving away from his old home. His best friend (a little mouse) is left behind.

This is a story about how loss happens in life. We all lose things important to us. We all lose loved ones. Sometimes forever.

Hope is offered that healing can be found...but not for a moment does the story try to hide that loss hurts.

A bittersweet, beautifully drawn comic.

[Davideaux]

"Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" (Hayao Miyazaki)

The story is thrilling and full of wonder. It's epic and very personal too.

[The Fury]

Captain Britain - Alan Moore

In my view the best story ever writen by Moore, ever. And with great art by Alan Davis. Just Brilliant.

[Michael P]

Road to Perdition - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner

In my opinion, even better than the movie it inspired. A hit man in Depression-era Illinios is betrayed by his employer, and his wife and youngest son murdered. His quest for revenge takes him and his surviving son across the American Midwest, from Capone-ruled Chicago to the small town of Perdition, Kansas. A story about fidelity, faith, and family in the classic noir style.

[Noir_Dark]

Ok ill be the first to say it…
Ghost World by Daniel Clowes.
If you’ve read it *high five* you know how great it is. For those who haven’t ITS GREAT!
In my opinion no characters in the history of literature are more identifiable than Enid and Rebecca. The dialog is spot on. If you read it and don’t like it, I give you permission to punch me in the face.

[Buzz Dixon]

BLANKETS would be my current recommendation, but I could just as easily say A CONTRACT WITH GOD or MAUS.

[Justin D.]

Ok ill be the first to say it…
Ghost World by Daniel Clowes.
If you’ve read it *high five* you know how great it is. For those who haven’t ITS GREAT!
In my opinion no characters in the history of literature are more identifiable than Enid and Rebecca. The dialog is spot on. If you read it and don’t like it, I give you permission to punch me in the face.

*punches Noir in the face*

Ok, sorry, I wanted this to stay solely on topic, but I couldn't resist.

[Justin D.]

BLANKETS would be my current recommendation, but I could just as easily say A CONTRACT WITH GOD or MAUS.

Pick one, explain why, then come back after three other people and go with another one.

By the way people, they don't all have to be cool indy stuff. Where are our Big Company superhero trades?

[Tynne]

By the way people, they don't all have to be cool indy stuff. Where are our Big Company superhero trades?

They're filled with shame after sharing store shelf space with The Draco and Zero Hour.

[Buzz Dixon]

Pick one, explain why, then come back after three other people and go with another one.

By the way people, they don't all have to be cool indy stuff. Where are our Big Company superhero trades?
Well,Craig Thompson's BLANKETS is a very well executed memoir about his first serious love interest and his personal crisis of faith. All the people in it come across as real, genuine people; there are no stereotypes or cliches. He writes about faith and love andfamily relationhips in a very moving and insightful way, and though the book is bittersweet it isn't a downer at the end.

Can't recommend it highly enough.

[Brad Curran]

Watchmen by Moore and Gibbons

Because someone had to say it. Because it's still a monument to Moore and Gibbons' skill as storytellers. Because it involves you in the characters lives. Because comics are still aping it, 18 years after it was first published, but it's never been equaled. But mainly because, if you haven't read it, those of us that are nuts about it are going to talk about it until you break down and get a copy, so you might as well pick it up now.

[Brad Curran]

*punches Noir in the face*

Ok, sorry, I wanted this to stay solely on topic, but I couldn't resist.

Heh. I was wondering when someone was going to mention that and annoy you.

[Cyclops]

X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills.

In my mind, the ultimate X-book. While the Dark Phoenix saga and some others are more famous, this story cuts to the heart of what makes the X-Men matter. Prejudice, hysteria, and fear juxtaposed with the goals of acceptance, peace, and the freedom to be oneself. It's a story that, due to human nature, is never likely to lose its relevance.

[Justin D.]

We've hit 20 on the list. Although, now, I'm confused about something grammatically. Would you use quotes or underline trades? Would you quote the ones that are part of an ongoing like Captain Britain and underline the ones that are by themselves like Pedro and Me? It's an unimportant question, but one I have anyway.

1. “Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero” by Joe Gallagher
2. “Pedro and Me” by Judd Winick
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. “Palestine” by Joe Sacco
5. “300” Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. “The Cartoon History of the United States” by Larry Gonick
7. “Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2” By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. “Bizarro Comics” by Various
9. “Stuck Rubber Baby” by Howard Cruse
10. “Cerebus” – Book One by Dave Sim
11. “Squadron Supreme” – Mark Gruenwald and various
12. "Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil
13. “Goodbye, Chunky Rice” by Craig Thompson's
14. "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki
15. “Captain Britain” - Alan Moore and Alan Davis
16. “Road to Perdition” - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner
17. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
18. “BLANKETS” by Craig Thompson
19. “Watchmen” by Moore and Gibbons
20. “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Claremont and Brent Anderson

Next!

[SPAfreak]

I'm going lowbrow for a first pick.

Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0

The laugh out loud funny antics of a young, foul-mouthed genius and his best friend. Winnick tells dick jokes with the best of them and can also sneak in some surprisingly heartfelt moments.

[Dom]

V for Vendetta By Moore and Lloyd.

Alan Moore unleashed, setting a great mystery against the backdrop of a facist ruled London. Lloyd's art, though dated, is still harsh and meshes perfectly with the story. Superior to Watchmen, in my opinion.

[Jamboon]

The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse


This thing is part biography of Arika Kurosawa and part the story of a family vacationing in Hawaii, trying to cope with a big loss with the help of some local legends. Very beautiful, touching and with Morse's gorgeous pencils.

[Alex]

Noir is a silly bad guy, because im picking ANOTHER Cerebus collection
Book 2, High Society. One of the funniest comics i have ever read, actually laugh out loud funny at point. The art is much improved over the first trade, and it sets up the rest of the series much better than the first trade.

[kmeyers]

Someone had to say this too, so I will, since it's one of my favorite Batman stories ever. The Dark Knight Returns

It's got it all. Epic final battle with Superman, and all. It's Batman the way he should be, needs to be, to be a believable, real world character. He is scary as hell, and when dealing with scary criminals, you damn well better be intimidating.

Easily one of my favorite Batman stories, and one of my favorite stories of all time.

Great list so far. I can't wait to go and pick some of these up that I don't already have.

[mgs]

Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I, the flawed volume.

Best of Fred Perry's work on his self owned title that he both writes and draws. IT's some azaming stuff to witness. It's also black and white, and you ask any artist what is harder, they'll tell you, drawing comics in black and white are harder because the flaws are all out there for everyone to see, there's no covering up when using b&w.
His art is manga-esquey and is lighthearted fare. The Diggers family is one big happy one and it originally started out like Indiana Jones, and treasure hunting and all, but it has evolved well past that now. Big boobs and guns are common, but at least they are also the butt of the joke as well.

I'm tired, otherwise I'd say more, except, I suggest the flawed volume, cause for a mere inconvenience of like 4 or 5 pages to redo, the whole thing is MUCH, MUCH Cheaper!! You get like 500 pages of comicy goodness for about 12 bucks, american! not a bad deal, imo. oh, also the thing is regular size trade, so it's not like you miss out on the art, unlike some of the digests that are so popular nowadays.

[Chris CCL]

The Long Halloween. This may sound weird, but I read it every year after the kids go to bed on Halloween night. I find something new each time I read it.

Chris CCL

[Jamboon]

The Long Halloween. This may sound weird, but I read it every year after the kids go to bed on Halloween night. I find something new each time I read it.

Chris CCL
Nothing weird there. Loeb using basically the same formula for Dark Victory and then Hush gets tiresome but that first one is pretty good.

[DonC]

Sin City: Family Values by Frank Miller.

A nicely done story that truly captures the meaning of the phrase "Revenge is a bitch."

[Buzz Dixon]

I think SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR was the best of the series.

[Alex]

I think SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR was the best of the series.
It was good with the crazy drug bits.
I prefered Yellow Bastard myself.

[ragnarok_2012]

The Golden Age. Golden Age DC heroes (sans supes & batman) given dimension, flaws, in some cases greatness....but above all respect and the center stage.

[ratzo]

It's a Bird (www.vertigocomics.com) by Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen. A deconstruction of the world's greatest superhero as seen through the eyes of a comic book writer, struggling to find meaning in the Man of Steel, while coming to terms with a hereditary disease that his family has hidden in shame for years. Bittersweet, very personal and yet universal at the same time, with artwork that constantly evolves yet remains fascinating and engaging to look at. You will never look at Superman quite the same way ever again.

[howyadoin]

Xenozoic Tales volumes I & II, by Mark Schultz (Dark Horse). High adventure, supercharged Cadillacs, frighteningly real dinosaurs, beautiful women and some of the best old-school comics illustration to come down the pike in years.

[Punchy]

"Animal Man" vol. 1 by Grant Morrisson

Truly a different take on a superhero book. Morrisson explores continuity, the relastionship of the creator to the book, hero origins, all within a great narrative story. Includes "The Coyote Gospel" which is one of my favorite single issues of all time.

[Tenacious N]

Superman: Red Son was the best Superman story I've read in a long time.

[Justin D.]

More great suggestions. Some classics, a triple threat by Sin City, and some relatively unknown ones that piqued my interest. Remember, you should be able to look back in the thread to see why something is listed if you want to more about it. I know there are about four or five I've added to my personal list so far. Here's what we have now.

1. “Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero” by Joe Gallagher
2. “Pedro and Me” by Judd Winick
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. “Palestine” by Joe Sacco
5. “300” Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. “The Cartoon History of the United States” by Larry Gonick
7. “Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2” By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. “Bizarro Comics” by Various
9. “Stuck Rubber Baby” by Howard Cruse
10. “Cerebus” – Book One by Dave Sim
11. “Squadron Supreme” – Mark Gruenwald and various
12. "Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil
13. “Goodbye, Chunky Rice” by Craig Thompson's
14. "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki
15. “Captain Britain” - Alan Moore and Alan Davis
16. “Road to Perdition” - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner
17. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
18. “BLANKETS” by Craig Thompson
19. “Watchmen” by Moore and Gibbons
20. “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Claremont and Brent Anderson
21. Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 by Judd Winick
22. V for Vendetta By Moore and Lloyd
23. The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse
24. Cerebus Book 2, High Society by Dave Sim
25. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
26. Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I, (the flawed volume costs less) by Fred Perry
27. The Long Halloween by Loeb and Sale
28. Sin City: Family Values by Frank Miller
29. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
30. Sin City: Yellow Bastard
31. The Golden Age by James Robinson and Paul Smith
32. It's a Bird by Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen
33. Xenozoic Tales volumes I & II, by Mark Schultz (Dark Horse)
34. "Animal Man" vol. 1 by Grant Morrisson
35. Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson

Next!

[Brad Curran]

Blue Monday: the Kids are Alright by Chynna Clugston Major

Teen comedy with heart and brains. Manga-esque art that isn't all big eyes and speedlines. Lots of mod and new wave references that won't drown the uninitiated. And shriners. Can't forget the Shriners. Some of the funniest, sweetest stuff in comics, and very affordable in the digest format.

[Noir_Dark]

You can’t list essential comic reading without mentioning The Sandman.

And I guess all great stories have to have a beginning, “The Sandman Preludes and Nocturnes” By Neil Gaiman. This story is no less than great but is a literary dwarf when compared to its successors. You will most likely enjoy this book, and will most definitely weep at the greatness of the Sandman books that follow.

The Sandamna is my personal favourite story ever told in comics or any other medium. I give it my highest rating.
A++




*punches Noir in the face*

Ok, sorry, I wanted this to stay solely on topic, but I couldn't resist.
*bleeding*
What’s not to like about Ghost World?

[Lone Ranger]

Although not exactly a graphic novel - I would imagine that a lot of people would love The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures by Alex Toth.

It reprints Toth's story from the Dell series (as well as Four Color issues) in black and white and it probably the best example of Toth's brilliant visual storytelling I have ever seen.

225+ pages of classic Toth for $19. You cannot beat that.

[howyadoin]

How 'bout the new Sgt. Rock hardcover by Brian Azzarello and the incomparable Joe Kubert? Between Hell & a Hard Place (DC/Vertigo) is just plain brilliant. Amazing to see that somebody with Kubert's longevity is apparently still at the top of his game - the linework is as good as it gets, and the watercolours are well done, too.

And then there's the story...

[JLarson]

Heavy Liquid - by Paul Pope.

Heinously underappreciated. This book is Morrison, Millar, Ellis, and Miller all wrapped together for a trip so fantastic and realistic that you'll never forget it. It sums up why comic books are such a great medium - it's a story about visual sound, and it's a story that requires it.

[ragnarok_2012]

Astro City: Confessions. I still call it Brian's Story (the original title). Just wonderful. The best Astro City story arc. Batman and Robin reinvented & used to tell a great coming of age story.

[JLarson]

One more:

Enigma - by Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo

The ultimate story about real world super-heroes. It's like an x-files episode told perfectly. And lots of lizards and sex.

[Dan Apodaca]

David Boring by Daniel Clowes.

In a time where almost every comic is being made into a movie, it's interesting to see what it would look like if a movie was earnestly made into a comic. This book is masterfully crafted.

[Punchy]

"Whiteout: Melt" Rucka/Lieber

Rucka at his best with great characterization of the femal lead. And Lieber's work is just flat-out fantastic, the story is set in Antarctica and all of the art is in b/w. Great read.

[DonC]

Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone. Just the most fun adventure comic I've ever read. And the perfect book if you want know a young kid wanting to read comics.

[Core]

Astro City: Confessions. I still call it Brian's Story (the original title). Just wonderful. The best Astro City story arc. Batman and Robin reinvented & used to tell a great coming of age story.


I agree with this suggestion and would add to it Astro City: Life in the Big City. It's a great introduction to what Busiek, Anderson and Ross are doing with the Astro City line, and the works collected in this TPB are all great stand alone issues. Busiek loves the superhero as metaphor approach, and for that I love him.

[ratzo]

Torso by Brian Michael Bendis & Marc Andreyko (www.jinxworld.com). Based on the true story of the mystery serial killer of 1930's Cleveland, in which the legendary Eliot Ness, after taking down Al Capone in Chicago, must not only assemble a new cop squad to find the killer, but joust with City Hall and try to save his failing marriage. Suspenseful, dramatic, and laced with tension, this is one of the finest crime comics ever made.

[Pól Rua]

Heavy Liquid - by Paul Pope.

Heinously underappreciated. This book is Morrison, Millar, Ellis, and Miller all wrapped together for a trip so fantastic and realistic that you'll never forget it. It sums up why comic books are such a great medium - it's a story about visual sound, and it's a story that requires it.
Seconded that, magnificently told story, beautiful artwork and some really complex storytelling, with a payoff that doesn't feel forced or contrived.

My contribution is Jack Staff: Everything Used to be Black and White. A magnificently understated superhero tale featuring all the high adventure, derring do, ludicrous superpowers and silly fights, but told in such an utterly charming, refreshing way that the characters still feel like people.
Plus, each issue opens up a whole unexplored new world of vampire reporters, mysterious men (and women) in green, patriotic wartime supermen, teenage inventors and middle-aged archfiends.
Everything that made superhero comics shiny and wondrous made shiny and wondrous again.
Plus more British pop culture references than you can shake a stick at (if THAT's your idea of a good time).

Plus, at $US 19.95 for an almost 350 page book, this is big value. Check it out.



_______________________________________________
Pól.

[Graham Vingoe]

I'll pick Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli's Born Again. This is still probably my favourite single Daredevil story despite BMB. The stripping away of years of continuity and pap to take Daredevil/Matt Murdock back to basics., with my favorite depiction of Captain America until the Ney Reiber version.
The world could do with more work from Mazzuchelli, where is he?

[SoulOnIce]

I'll go with Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. The best thing Mark has ever written and one of the greatest superhero stories ever told IMHO. It is filled with iconic images and the ending when Superman talks about how lifeis the only choice that matters I always get choked me up. But there are a number of parts in this book that choke me up. Just an amazing book.

[ragnarok_2012]

From Hell, by Alan Moore. Impeccably researched (yeah, I read through the anno-frickin'-tations). It's the story of the Whitechapel murders (Jack the Ripper), and lead the reader into the occult and a Masonic conspiracy.

[Tynne]

Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge by Linda Medley.

A prelude to Linda Medley's wonderful (and sadly M.I.A.) Castle Waiting ongoing series, this is a reworking of the Briar Rose/Sleeping Beauty fairy tale.

Gorgeous, elegant, and expressive art.

A funny, poigant, and involving story that manages to be true to the old tales while being a brand new story in its own right.

[Justin D.]

Wow! That's one great list so far! Fiftty-two books! Nicely done. A lot of really good books on there. Let's all try to stick to the original format of you taking a turn, then at least three other people, and then you again though. Everyone gets a chance that way. Seriously, these are some impressive choices. Here's the list so far.

1. “Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero” by Joe Gallagher
2. “Pedro and Me” by Judd Winick
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. “Palestine” by Joe Sacco
5. “300” Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. “The Cartoon History of the United States” by Larry Gonick
7. “Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2” By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. “Bizarro Comics” by Various
9. “Stuck Rubber Baby” by Howard Cruse
10. “Cerebus” – Book One by Dave Sim
11. “Squadron Supreme” – Mark Gruenwald and various
12. "Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil
13. “Goodbye, Chunky Rice” by Craig Thompson's
14. "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki
15. “Captain Britain” - Alan Moore and Alan Davis
16. “Road to Perdition” - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner
17. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
18. “BLANKETS” by Craig Thompson
19. “Watchmen” by Moore and Gibbons
20. “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Claremont and Brent Anderson
21. Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 by Judd Winick
22. V for Vendetta By Moore and Lloyd
23. The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse
24. Cerebus Book 2, High Society by Dave Sim
25. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
26. Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I, (the flawed volume costs less) by Fred Perry
27. The Long Halloween by Loeb and Sale
28. Sin City: Family Values by Frank Miller
29. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
30. Sin City: Yellow Bastard
31. The Golden Age by James Robinson and Paul Smith
32. It's a Bird by Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen
33. Xenozoic Tales volumes I & II, by Mark Schultz (Dark Horse)
34. "Animal Man" vol. 1 by Grant Morrisson
35. Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson
36. Blue Monday: the Kids are Alright by Chynna Clugston Major
37. “The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes” By Neil Gaiman and various
38. The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures by Alex Toth
39. Sgt. Rock: Between Hell & a Hard Place by Brian Azzarello and Joe Kubert
40. Heavy Liquid - by Paul Pope
41. Astro City: Confessions by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson
42. Enigma - by Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo
43. David Boring by Daniel Clowes
44. "Whiteout: Melt" by Rucka/Lieber
45. Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone
46. Astro City: Life in the Big City by Busiek and Anderson
47. Torso by Brian Michael Bendis & Marc Andreyko
48. Jack Staff: Everything Used to be Black and White by Paul Grist
49. Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli
50. Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
51. From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
52. Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge by Linda Medley

Next!

[Brad Curran]

Essential Fantastic Four volume 3 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Within the 20+ issues reprinted here, the Inhumans, Galactus, the Silver Surfer, and the Black Panther are introduced, Reed and Sue get married (with the entire Marvel Universe as wedding guests), and Johnny goes to college. A great piece of comics history, and great fun to boot.

[Hoss]

Essential Conan - See the book evolve from Thomas and Smith trying to channel Lee and Kirby to the best darned fantasy adventure book Marvel ever printed.

[Brad Curran]

Essential Conan - See the book evolve from Thomas and Smith trying to channel Lee and Kirby to the best darned fantasy adventure book Marvel ever printed.

It being out of print could be a problem. Dark Horse's reprints of that run are a good solution, though.

[ratzo]

Persepolis (www.pantheonbooks.com) by Marjane Satrapi. A memoir of growing up in Iran during the 70's, a time of great political upheaval and change. Surprisingly funny, often profound and very insightful, this graphic novel provides an intimate account of a part of the world Westerners rarely get to see up close.

[JLarson]

The Invisibles vol. 7: The Invisible Kingdom - by Grant Morrison, Philip Bond, Frank Quitely, et al.

The end of the world. Possibly the most brilliant comic series of all time - definitely the most complicated. The final 10 pages of this trade are worth the price alone.

[Tynne]

Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter by Stan Sakai.

This won the 1999 Eisner for best limited series back in 1999. Reading the trade it's easy to see why.

Kusanagi...the lost sword of the Gods.

There's a conspiracy afoot in 17th century Japan to overthrow the Shogunate and reinstate the Emperor. The divine sword would be just the thing to tip the scales of power their way.

Miyamoto Usagi, a ronin (masterless samurai) happens to find the blade through a random twist of fate.

Suddenly he's the focus of every bit of mortal stratagem (and supernatural danger) for miles around.

A near seamless blend of historical fact, authentic legend, masterful anthropomorphic art, vivid characterization, and breathless action.

[Punchy]

"The Adventures of Sock Monkey" Tony Millionaire

Unique, creative, bizarre, but most of all funny. With terrific art work to boot. Millionaire has some of the best ink work in the business.

[Brad Curran]

The Losers: Ante Up by Andy Diggle and Jock

The first collection of the Eisner nominated new series (it's $9.99). Six issues of great action, interesting characters, plot twists, and conspiracy theories (and it's $9.99!). Something for people that like big explosions but want to try something outside the capes and tights crowd. ($9.99! $9.99! $9.99)

[Lone Ranger]

I have to add another.

Blackmark - by Gil Kane

This story - written and drawn by Gil Kane (fleshed out by Archie Goodwin) is a great one, but it is also a must have because it is a very innovative work and stands as a testament to what can happen when a creator has complete control.

[Tynne]

Breakfast Afternoon by Andi Watson.

Rob and Louise are deeply in love. Engaged to be married.

Then they both lose their jobs.

The different directions they take afterwards threatens to tear not only their wedding plans but their love and respect for each other to shreds. But neither one of them wants to give up hope.

Proof that it is possible to write realistic dialogue that isn't boring.

No reliance on being shocking or hip here...just good storytelling.

[JLarson]

Animal Man vol. 3: Deus Ex Machina - by Grant Morrison & Chas Truong

There has never been a comic run so perfectly executed as Animal Man by Grant Morrison. In this volume, he reaches the very height of climaxes as he fiction-suits his way into a finale. Perfect art, perfect and wholly unique ending to one of the best runs in comic history.

[Brad Curran]

Hellboy: the Right Hand of Doom by Mike Mignola

While this isn't the first of Mignola's Hellboy stories (that would be Seed of Destruction), it is where he really comes in to his own as a writer (at least in my opinion). This collection isn't one long story, but a series of short stories and mini-series, including the much loved two pager Pancakes and my favorite Hellboy story ever, Box Full of Evil. The short story format shows off one of Mignola's best trait; his ability to tell a satisfying story in just a few pages.

[Dan Apodaca]

Stray Bullets Volume One - David Lapham.

Crime noir at it's finest. This book tells a self-contained story in each issue, but if you're a regular reader, you can put them together to form one larger whole. But, most importantly, this volume has the story "Victimology", which is widely regarded as the best story of the series, and (unless you're dead on the inside) will make you cry.

[Alex]

Animal Man vol. 3: Deus Ex Machina - by Grant Morrison & Chas Truong

There has never been a comic run so perfectly executed as Animal Man by Grant Morrison. In this volume, he reaches the very height of climaxes as he fiction-suits his way into a finale. Perfect art, perfect and wholly unique ending to one of the best runs in comic history.
The thing about that story is...
Ok, now bear with me, and understand first, i STILL love Morrisons entire Animal Man run, i think it's simply incredible, especialy if you consider it was done in a book about a superhero.
...
But, that Climax was done better in Cerebus. And it was the same thing, basicly.

[Tynne]

Shirahime-Syo by Studio CLAMP.

A graphic novel that retells several ancient Japanese folktales, linked by the mysterious "Snow Princess" who according to legend causes the snowfall when she cries.

Done in a very soft, gentle style quite different from CLAMP's other projects.

Tragic stories all...the most involving one being the story of a girl who goes out to slay the wolf that killed her father...only to be rescued from peril by a wolf that seems to match the description of that creature perfectly.

[ratzo]

Yossel: April 19, 1943 (www.ibooks.com) by Joe Kubert. Set during the period leading up to the Warsaw ghetto uprising during World War 2, this story is about a teenage artist who draws for the Nazis' entertainment, all the while secretly spying on them for the growing resistance movement. Comics grandmaster Joe Kubert takes a non-traditional approach here, drawing the book in pencil sketches only without panel borders, so the whole thing looks like Yossel's sketchbook. Emotional, dramatic and inspirational, this is one for the ages.

[Justin D.]

I'm posting updates to the list with every 10 - 15 suggestions, especially if it's not on the front page. Again, some great suggestions and nice synopses of the books and reasons why you chose them too. I don't know about anybody else, but you're helping me add to my list of wanted books. Here's what we have so far.

1. “Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero” by Joe Gallagher
2. “Pedro and Me” by Judd Winick
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. “Palestine” by Joe Sacco
5. “300” Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. “The Cartoon History of the United States” by Larry Gonick
7. “Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2” By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. “Bizarro Comics” by Various
9. “Stuck Rubber Baby” by Howard Cruse
10. “Cerebus” – Book One by Dave Sim
11. “Squadron Supreme” – Mark Gruenwald and various
12. "Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil
13. “Goodbye, Chunky Rice” by Craig Thompson's
14. "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki
15. “Captain Britain” - Alan Moore and Alan Davis
16. “Road to Perdition” - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner
17. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
18. “BLANKETS” by Craig Thompson
19. “Watchmen” by Moore and Gibbons
20. “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Claremont and Brent Anderson
21. Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 by Judd Winick
22. V for Vendetta By Moore and Lloyd
23. The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse
24. Cerebus Book 2, High Society by Dave Sim
25. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
26. Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I, (the flawed volume costs less) by Fred Perry
27. The Long Halloween by Loeb and Sale
28. Sin City: Family Values by Frank Miller
29. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
30. Sin City: Yellow Bastard
31. The Golden Age by James Robinson and Paul Smith
32. It's a Bird by Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen
33. Xenozoic Tales volumes I & II, by Mark Schultz (Dark Horse)
34. "Animal Man" vol. 1 by Grant Morrisson
35. Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson
36. Blue Monday: the Kids are Alright by Chynna Clugston Major
37. “The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes” By Neil Gaiman and various
38. The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures by Alex Toth
39. Sgt. Rock: Between Hell & a Hard Place by Brian Azzarello and Joe Kubert
40. Heavy Liquid - by Paul Pope
41. Astro City: Confessions by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson
42. Enigma - by Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo
43. David Boring by Daniel Clowes
44. “Whiteout: Melt" by Rucka/Lieber
45. Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone
46. Astro City: Life in the Big City by Busiek and Anderson
47. Torso by Brian Michael Bendis & Marc Andreyko
48. Jack Staff: Everything Used to be Black and White by Paul Grist
49. Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli
50. Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
51. From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
52. Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge by Linda Medley
53. Essential Fantastic Four Volume 3 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
54. Essential Conan - Thomas and Smith
55. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
56. The Invisibles vol. 7: The Invisible Kingdom - by Grant Morrison, Philip Bond, Frank Quitely, et al.
57. Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter by Stan Sakai
58. "The Adventures of Sock Monkey" Tony Millionaire
59. The Losers: Ante Up by Andy Diggle and Jock
60. Blackmark - by Gil Kane
61. Breakfast Afternoon by Andi Watson
62. Animal Man vol. 3: Deus Ex Machina - by Grant Morrison & Chas Truong
63. Hellboy: the Right Hand of Doom by Mike Mignola
64. Stray Bullets Volume One - David Lapham
65. Shirahime-Syo by Studio CLAMP
66. Yossel: April 19, 1943 by Joe Kubert

Next!

[Justin D.]

Johnny the Homicidal Maniac: Director’s Cut by Jhonen Vasquez

Straight from Amazon.com: "Mayhem and violence rule in this collection of issues one through seven of Jhonen Vasquez's Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, as well as material seen before only in Carpe Noctem magazine. Dark and disturbingly funny, JTHM follows the adventures of Johnny (you can call him Nny), who lives with a pair of styrofoam doughboys that encourage his madness, a wall that constantly needs a fresh coat of blood, and--oh, yeah--his victims in various states of torture. Join Nny as he frightens the little boy next door (Todd, known to fans of Vasquez's work as Squee), thirsts for Cherry Brain Freezies, attempts suicide, draws Happy Noodle Boy, and tries to uncover the meaning of his homicidal existence."

More than that though, it’s simply incredibly funny, over-the-top violent, and at times, quite philosophical. The really tricky thing is that there’s a story here that you don’t quite notice when the book first starts. There’s more to this than what the beginning lets on. Is it Johnny’s fault he’s a raving psychotic or is it something else?

[Dom]

Jinx By Brian Michael Bendis

This is quite possibly Bendis' finest work. Just a marvel of great dialouge and pure storytelling art.

Note; I read Pedro and Me on the recc of the list, I cried three times, gave it to my girlfriend, who fell in love with it. Read it, just read it.

[davidbovey]

I thought I had already replied to this, but I guess I didn't! My choice would be...

Inhumans by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee

Jae Lee's art really fit well with the dark and somewhat creepy feel of the Inhumans and their world, and the story was great.

[Brad Curran]

Maus: My Father Bleeds History and Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegleman

The Pulitzer Prize winning collection of Art Spiegelman's biographical account of his father's holocaust experiences, their strained relationship, and more. It's considered by many to be the greatest graphic novel ever published, and is the one example you'll always hear about when comics as literature is being discussed. It's also a moving, heartbreaking, and even occasionally funny story. Buzz mentioned it, but it wasn't on the official list yet.

[Tynne]

Mutant, Texas: Tales of Sheriff Ida Red by Paul Dini and J. Bone.

Mutant, Texas is a town where years ago a nuclear disaster combined with the strange mystic energies of the desert to transform the population into strange creatures.

Ida Red is the sole "normal human" living in the town...aside from the bitter and distant Sheriff Brunt.

Until the day her special powers quite literally explode.

A truly unique hybrid super-hero/western/funny animal romp.

Proof that Paul Dini is one of the great super-hero writers of our day.

And J. Bone's art is like the storyboard for the coolest Saturday Morning cartoon ever. :)

[SkiSwope]

Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race (http://www.boneville.com/library/excerpts/bone2.shtml) - by Jeff Smith / Cartoon Books / 1992.

http://www.hillcity-comics.com/graphic_novels/indy/bone_great_cow_race.jpg

How many comics can you honestly say made you laugh out loud? This one did it for me on multiple occasions. It collects issues #7-12 of an absolutely hilarious all-ages series. Typically, when you see the term "all-ages" you can interpret that as "watered down". Not so here. Bone (at least the first 4 volumes) is just pure fun to be enjoyed on multiple levels by readers of all ages.

If you don't know about Bone, where have you been? In short, it follows the misadventures of three cousins who are exiled from their home town and find their way to a simple village in a beautiful valley in the midst of a wood filled with all kinds of interesting characters.

I recommend the first three or four volumes of Bone, but keeping with the guidelines of this thread, The Great Cow Race (http://www.boneville.com/library/excerpts/bone2.shtml), the second in the series, is my top recommendation. You don't need to read the first volume to appreciate the second, but that one is also hilarious. :D

[Brad Curran]

Red Rocket 7 by Mike and Laura Allred

A hybrid of sci-fi, rock and roll history, and religious mythology, Mike Allred's Red Rocket 7 belongs on every rock snob and X-Statix fan at CBR's bookshelf. Allred's beautiful art shines, especially on the likeness of rock legends from Little Richard to Nirvana, and everyone in between, and how an alien clone influenced them. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, and Elivs Presley also make substantial appearences. Besides that though, it's a fun and even touching story that has Allred's trademark style in abundance, and hey, how many other comics are you going to read where the Dandy Warhols are guest stars?

[JLarson]

X-Force: Famous, Mutant, and Mortal (Supersize HC) - by Peter Milligan, Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke, and Duncan Fegredo.

Contains the entire revamped X-Force run. The greatest silver-age art combined with an obvious appreciation for the fun of comic book adventures. Add in a dash of sarcasm and outrageous comedy, and you've got X-Force - the celebrity mutant reality show.

[Justin D.]

Zot! (http://scottmccloud.com/store/books/zot.html) by Scott McCloud

No, I'm not yelling. That's the name of the book.

This is one of my favorite stories collected. The following trades are even better and I hope that the fourth volume gets collected some day. A story about a young man from an alternate universe's seemingly utopian world, the regular folks from "our universe", and what heppens when you mix the two. Incredibly fun with fantastic elements yet with relatable characters and real developments. Some absolutely great storytelling too. Pick this one up if you can.

[SkiSwope]

Strangers in Paradise (http://www.strangersinparadise.com/sipindex.html) - by Terry Moore / Abstract Studios / 1993.

SiP is often referred to as a "romance" title, but I think that runs the risk of turning off many traditional comic buyers. It contains equal parts action, romance, and humor but more than anything it is about genuine love between friends. It follows three young 20-somethings from completely different backgrounds as they sort out their feelings for one other and their place in the modern world. The varied characters have normal human foibles, strengths, insecurities, and emotions. They also have dark pasts which refuse to remain in the past.

The series examines the ins and outs of relationships from blissful romantic highs and the strength of true friendship to the lows of rejection and pain of betrayal. Although comical at times, it also delves into the destructive danger of obsession, control, & domination.

Since you have to start somewhere, you might as well start at the beginning with The Collected Strangers in Paradise which collects the original 3-issue mini-series originally published by Antarctic Press in 1993. Moore is good from the beginning, but his story-telling skills grow by leaps and bounds as the series progresses. After you get the first, don't stop until you've read them all. Then start over.

SiP is one of my all-time favorite comic series. At different times, it's made me laugh out loud, made me angry, tugged at my heart, inspired me, had me holding my breath, and made me cry. It's definitely worth the price of admission.

[Dan Apodaca]

Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth.

You will love this book, even if you're illiterate. It is a fantastic dive into the effects of composition on a comic story, and tells a compelling story about uncompelling people in a story that spans generations.

[Punchy]

"30 Days of Night" by Niles/Templesmith

A wonderfully creative vampire tell. Truly the scariest comic I've ever read. Great storytelling and fantastic art.

[ratzo]

The Interman by Jeff Parker (www.theinterman.com). It's James Bond meets The Six Million Dollar Man in this action-packed, globe-spanning adventure about the search for a genetically enhanced superman who has escaped his creators in order to discover his true origins. Exciting and fast-paced, with very good color art.

[Justin D.]

Another 13 really good choices for the most part which brings us to a current total of 79. Every once in a while, this thread falls back to the second or even third page, but it's still here. I went through it last night and added about 10 books to my own wish list. Have you added any to your own? Want to add some more to this one? Here's what we have so far.

1. “Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero” by Joe Gallagher
2. “Pedro and Me” by Judd Winick
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. “Palestine” by Joe Sacco
5. “300” Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. “The Cartoon History of the United States” by Larry Gonick
7. “Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2” By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. “Bizarro Comics” by Various
9. “Stuck Rubber Baby” by Howard Cruse
10. “Cerebus” – Book One by Dave Sim
11. “Squadron Supreme” – Mark Gruenwald and various
12. "Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil
13. “Goodbye, Chunky Rice” by Craig Thompson's
14. "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki
15. “Captain Britain” - Alan Moore and Alan Davis
16. “Road to Perdition” - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner
17. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
18. “BLANKETS” by Craig Thompson
19. “Watchmen” by Moore and Gibbons
20. “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Claremont and Brent Anderson
21. Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 by Judd Winick
22. V for Vendetta By Moore and Lloyd
23. The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse
24. Cerebus Book 2, High Society by Dave Sim
25. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
26. Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I, (the flawed volume costs less) by Fred Perry
27. The Long Halloween by Loeb and Sale
28. Sin City: Family Values by Frank Miller
29. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
30. Sin City: Yellow Bastard
31. The Golden Age by James Robinson and Paul Smith
32. It's a Bird by Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen
33. Xenozoic Tales volumes I & II, by Mark Schultz (Dark Horse)
34. "Animal Man" vol. 1 by Grant Morrisson
35. Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson
36. Blue Monday: the Kids are Alright by Chynna Clugston Major
37. “The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes” By Neil Gaiman and various
38. The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures by Alex Toth
39. Sgt. Rock: Between Hell & a Hard Place by Brian Azzarello and Joe Kubert
40. Heavy Liquid - by Paul Pope
41. Astro City: Confessions by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson
42. Enigma - by Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo
43. David Boring by Daniel Clowes
44. “Whiteout: Melt" by Rucka/Lieber
45. Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone
46. Astro City: Life in the Big City by Busiek and Anderson
47. Torso by Brian Michael Bendis & Marc Andreyko
48. Jack Staff: Everything Used to be Black and White by Paul Grist
49. Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli
50. Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
51. From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
52. Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge by Linda Medley
53. Essential Fantastic Four Volume 3 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
54. Essential Conan - Thomas and Smith
55. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
56. The Invisibles vol. 7: The Invisible Kingdom - by Grant Morrison, Philip Bond, Frank Quitely, et al.
57. Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter by Stan Sakai
58. "The Adventures of Sock Monkey" - Tony Millionaire
59. The Losers: Ante Up by Andy Diggle and Jock
60. Blackmark - by Gil Kane
61. Breakfast Afternoon by Andi Watson
62. Animal Man vol. 3: Deus Ex Machina - by Grant Morrison & Chas Truong
63. Hellboy: the Right Hand of Doom by Mike Mignola
64. Stray Bullets Volume One - David Lapham
65. Shirahime-Syo by Studio CLAMP
66. Yossel: April 19, 1943 by Joe Kubert
67. Johnny the Homicidal Maniac by Johnen Vasquez
68. Jinx By Brian Michael Bendis
69. Inhumans by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee
70. Maus: My Father Bleeds History and Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegleman
71. Mutant, Texas: Tales of Sheriff Ida Red by Paul Dini and J. Bone
72. Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race - by Jeff Smith / Cartoon Books / 1992
Preview here
73. Red Rocket 7 by Mike and Laura Allred
74. X-Force: Famous, Mutant, and Mortal (Supersize HC) - by Peter Milligan, Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke, and Duncan Fegredo.
75. Zot! by Scott McCloud
76. Strangers in Paradise - by Terry Moore / Abstract Studios / 1993.
77. Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware
78. "30 Days of Night" by Niles/Templesmith
79. The Interman by Jeff Parker

Next!

[Tynne]

The Soap Lady by Renee French.

A beautifully illustrated fable. One of those "all-ages" projects that actually can be read by all ages.

One day a woman made out of soap walks out of the water and encounters a young boy named Rollo.

Rollo just can't keep clean no matter how hard he tries.

The Soap Lady changes his life around...becomes his new best friend.

But the fear and jealousy of another boy in town soon manages to threaten them both.

[Brad Curran]

Preacher: Gone to Texas by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon

The first volume of Ennis and Dillon's twisted morality tale introduces the Reverend Jessie Custer and his travelling companions (his assassain ex-girlfriend Tulip O'Hare and the Irish Vampire Cassidy) and sets them on their quest to find a God who has abandoned heaven. It also sets the tone of blasphemy, bizarre supporting characters, ultra violence, crude humor, and long exchanges of dialogue that carries on throughout the series and will either hook or repell you. Beyond that, though, there's real heart and emotional depth to the characters and their relationships, whether it be Tulip and Jessie's bickering or Cassidy and Jessie's male bonding. It's also got John Wayne, and you really can't beat that.

[mgs]

"Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil

A very different Dredd story about a girl named America and her best friend Benny. The two grow up together and are then reunited as adults when America has joined a terrorist organization with their efforts directed at the Judges. Touching and sophisticated.

One of the best trades I've ever read.
I find this one really interesting now that Punch has told me of it's existence! :) Dredd really interests me more and more.....

For my second book, may I reccomend the wonderful, Catwoman: Selina's Big Score, by DC.

It's a wonderful rewrite of the character by the tremendously talented Darwyn Cooke. It acts amazingly well as the precursor to the revamped series that was started by Ed Brubaker and Darwyn a few years back. While Darwyn has exhibited his grasp of the Batman world before, creating the title sequence for Batman: The Animated Series for TV a while back, this is one fine, ADULT tale for more mature minds. ;)

Getting a backstory on Selina like this is just wonderful and of course, the art does not hurt as Darwyn handles both art and writing chores, like his New Frontier series out now. I have the hardcover, but I think the physical SIZE of the book makes a difference, as the characters come to life more, at least for me, in the large size of the book's art.

One thing's for sure, when they announced, the new Catwoman movie was coming out, I really, really wished they followed the general premise and stylings of this book.

[SkiSwope]

The Complete Concrete (http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/profile.php?sku=44-193) - by Paul Chadwick / Dark Horse / 1994.

http://www.hillcity-comics.com/graphic_novels/dh/concrete_complete.jpg

Collects the 10-issue, 320-page regular Concrete series originally published in 1987-88. It's the story of a simple man who is abducted by aliens and has his brain transplanted into a massive stone exo-skeleton so they can experiment on him. He escapes and the aliens flee, leaving him trapped in his concrete body.

It's the story of how he deals with his new “powers”, tries to re-integrate into some semblance of a normal life, and deals with the inevitable changes of being trapped in a virtually indestructible stone body. For instance, he is still attracted to women but can no longer physically express his affection. We all have our convictions, however he wrestles with the fact that he has the physical power and notoriety to affect real change in the world. Most people think, "oh, I couldn't make a difference", but Concrete CAN make a difference. That can be more complicated than most of us realize.

The character is extremely relatable, as the author lets you peer right into his thoughts. He worries, he wonders, and he tries to make the best decisions he can. But, in the end, he's just an ordinary guy with strong convictions in an extraordinary situation.

If the cover price on The Complete Concrete (http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/profile.php?sku=44-193) is a bit too steep, then consider starting with Concrete: Strange Armor (http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/preview.php?theid=47-795) instead. It is a 5-issue retelling of Concrete's origin. If you enjoy these, there are several other Concrete mini-series, short story collections, specials, and other material available. More than any other comic book, I would love to see new Concrete material published. The last mini-series was completed in 1998.

[Punchy]

I find this one really interesting now that Punch has told me of it's existence! :) Dredd really interests me more and more.....


You won't be disappointed. And Dredd is hardley in it.

[Tynne]

Creature Tech by Doug TenNapel.

How to describe this book?

The Shroud of Turin turns out to be the real deal! Unfortunately it's used to restore the insane Dr. Jameson to life...who intends to use the Shroud to restore a Giant Space Eel to life and destroy the world!

Ain't that always the way?

Standing in his way is Dr. Ong, one of the head scientists of a government research facility nicknamed "Creature Tech".

Along with the weird thrills we get a fairly serious exploration on if it's possible for a person to be a scientist and to have faith in God.

Doug TenNapel is perhaps best known for creating Earthworm Jim. This is a more personal, but no less quirky and exciting work. :)

[Brad Curran]

The Red Star Collected addition by Team Red Star

The first volume of this ground breaking series is collected in one trade for the first time. Combining traditional pencils with computer generated art, it's one of the most beautiful comics I've ever seen, and unlike anything else out there. The story holds up its end of the bargain, providing an epic saga of a once powerful Soviet Union and the soldiers that fight for it, mixing sci-fi and fantasy elements with big action scenes and even a love story.

[clayholio]

"Box Office Poison" by Alex Robinson

I just finished reading this (yes, all in one night), and I am stunned at how well Robinson pegged all of the characters. The book focuses on a LOT of characters, and none of them felt anything but entirely real and honest. As a result, everything that happens in this book packs an emotional punch. That's quite a feat. I can't recommend this one enough.

[Marcus Nyahoe]

I was just debating whether to say Box Office Poison, but looks like I've just been beaten to it.

In that case I'd have to say "A Small Killing" by Alan Moore and Oscar Zaratte. Possibly one of the most literary of all the graphic novels I've read. The story of a man's journey to rediscover the younthful ideals he sold out for a piece of the Reagan/Thatcher pie, pursued by a phantasmal little boy along the way, could have appeared in a Booker listed novel. The execution though, could only have been carried out in comic form (and Moore's masterful manipulation of time within the book is nothing short of wonderful). It's been (or is due to be) re-released by Top Shelf. Well worth investing in.

[ratzo]

Three Fingers (www.topshelfcomix.com) by Rich Koslowski. What if cartoon characters were an actual species? This dark, bizarre, and utterly fascinating graphic novel explores the idea. Presented like a documentary film, it's about toons as Hollywood actors, and the dark secret they share - and the one superstar who had to bear its heavy burden. You'll never look at toons the same way ever again.

[hangmanjury]

The Sandman series has been mentioned already, so I'm going to name Sandman Book Four: Seasons of Mists... In my mind the zenith and high point of the whole Sandman series, and all of Gaiman's work in general.

Dream goes to hell to free a long lost love, only to find that the lord of hell has surprises for him, leading into repercussions involving gods and deities of various pantheons.

[SkiSwope]

Sanctuary Volume One (http://store.viz.com/product/GNVTE0001/b.SANCTUARY/s.SHsycGsk) - by Fumimura & Ikegami / Viz Comics / 1993.

Do yourself a favor and don't discount this title simply because it is a Japanese manga title. Many comic readers don't like manga, but this is possibly one of the most compelling political/crime titles of all time from any continent.

First off, be warned - Sanctuary (http://store.viz.com/product/GNVTE0001/b.SANCTUARY/s.SHsycGsk) contains mature content and is not appropriate for children. This is nothing like the currently popular (and childish) Japanese manga that most Americans have come to expect. This contains sex, violence, criminal activity, harsh language, and the like. Volume one collects the first 13-issue, 344-page "chapter" in a 9-volume coherent story. Each chapter tells a fulfilling story, but all 9-volumes together tell the epic.

Sanctuary (http://store.viz.com/product/GNVTE0001/b.SANCTUARY/s.SHsycGsk) tells the story of two Japanese men who struggle to change the face of their nation. As boyhood friends, they survived the brutality of the Cambodian killing fields. They made a vow to each other that, if they survived, they would create for themselves and future generations a “sanctuary” so no child would ever again endure the horrors of poverty, hunger, fear, and trauma they faced. Together, they work through the ranks of political and underworld power to achieve their ends. One character enters politics and gains influence in the Japanese Diet - the equivalent of Congress. The other joins the Yakuza to exploit the criminal power structure.

The artwork is absolutely stunning. The characters are compelling. And the plots are sophisticated & intriguing. The treatment of women is pretty chauvinistic, but true to the super-masculine nature of the criminal characters.

If you didn't think manga was for you, give this one a try. Or if you're looking for mature manga and don't know where to start, this is a great place. Finally, it you enjoy comics of political intrigue and criminal power struggles, it doesn't get much better than Sanctuary (http://store.viz.com/product/GNVTE0001/b.SANCTUARY/s.SHsycGsk).

[Brad Curran]

Skreemer by Peter Milligan, Bret Ewins, and Steve Dillon

A post apocalyptic gangster tale with more than a bit of James Joyce in it, this story uses the medium to shift seemlessly between the past and the present in telling the story of Veto Skreemer and the people whose life he effects in his rise and fall.

[meethraa]

Madman vol.4: Heaven & Hell

Superman/Madman Hullabaloo

Both beautiful drawn and criminally insane.


JSA: The Liberty Files

Possibly my favorite DC Trade ever.
Okay, maybe not EVER, but it's definitely on my top 5. It's just good, period!

[Justin D.]

Madman vol.4: Heaven & Hell

Superman/Madman Hullabaloo

Both beautiful drawn and criminally insane.


JSA: The Liberty Files

Possibly my favorite DC Trade ever.
Okay, maybe not EVER, but it's definitely on my top 5. It's just good, period!

One at a time!

Hey, we're almost to 100.

[meethraa]

Gah, sorry, didn't pay enough attention.


Okay, I'll go with JSA: The Liberty Files first.


http://www.hillcity-comics.com/graphic_novels/new_graphic_novel2831.jpg


It's a Elseworld tale set during and after WW2 where JSA members work as government agents. The art it's simply incredible and the story won't disappoint.

Seriously, BUY IT NOW!

[Tynne]

Phoenix: A Tale of the Future by Osamu Tezuka.

Tezuka is one of those creative prodigies who seemed able to do any sort of story he set his mind on.

The Phoenix series is a narrative about the history of mankind. Each volume takes place in a different time period...from the dawn of humanity to the end of life on Earth and beyond.

People love, hate, fight, build, die...and all of this is watched by the mysterious Phoenix, who claims the be the living force of the cosmos.

One doesn't have to read these volumes in order...or even all of them to enjoy the story. Each can be enjoyed on their own terms.

The only real tragedy is that Tezuka passed away before he could complete this epic. Translations of a few of the volumes are available in English by Viz Comics.

[SkiSwope]

Optic Nerve: Sleepwalk and Other Stories (http://www.drawnandquarterly.com/shopCatalogLong.php?st=art&art=a3dff7dd5641ba) - by Adrian Tomine / Drawn & Quarterly / 1998.

Real life is interesting and Optic Nerve tells stories of real people in the real world. Some are mundane, some are startling, all have a sense of realism & relatability not often found in comics. Everyone at some point in their life can identify with these characters. In a series of short stories, Tomine examines how different people relate to one another and their world.

The creator began work on this series while still in high school and self-published 8 issues of his mini-comic by the time he entered college. What a feat! He is a gifted story-teller with an economy that packs an awful lot of punch into just a few pages. This intermittant and irregular series is well deserving of the wide-spread praise it has received, including multiple Eisner & Harvey awards and notoriety even outside the comic industry.

Optic Nerve is one of the best slice-of-life comics available. It should particularly appeal to mature teenagers, college students, and other young adults. Sleepwalk collects issues #1-4 of the regular Optic Nerve series. Issue #9 was just released in May. It is certified cool! :cool:

[Brad Curran]

The Authority: Under New Management by Warren Ellis, Mark Millar, Brian Hitch, and Frank Quitely

Eschewing the start of a series once again, I heartily reccomend the second collected edition of the comic that started the widescreen craze and Mark Millar a big name. In the first half of the trade, Ellis, Hitch, inker Paul Neary and colorist Laura Depuy cap their year long run on the title by escalating the threat level as far as it can go; God returns to Earth and decides he doesn't want those bothersome humans ruining his retirement. Explosions, one liners, and even a sense of wonder ensue.

In the second half, Millar and Quitely take over and take the series in a completely different direction, having the team forcefully inserts itself in to world politics and become media darlings in the process. This doesn't sit well with everyone, but the consequences aren't covered that throughly in this volume. What we do get is the kind of big fight scenes and plot twists that Millar carried over to his popular Marvel work. And a bunch of jerk Avengers that you can really feel good about hating, since they're among the villains.

[Scottsdale_Saint]

what a great thread! i've seen it several times on the front page and just never taken the time to read or post. well, after reading the entirety of the posts, i've several suggestions, but i'm going to take one that isn't always on everyone else's list. my suggestion is midnight nation by JMS. one of the most beautifully illustrated books done by gary frank, the artist extraordinaire on supreme power. it's about a cop who is tracking a serial murderer and winds up stuck in the world between the living and the dead. it has some great themes about life and is one of the few recent stories where i felt the ending was the payoff the story deserved. miss it at your own risk... ;)

[meethraa]

My second suggestion is

http://www.hillcity-comics.com/graphic_novels/new_graphic_novel585.jpg
MADMAN vol.4: HEAVEN & HELL


I have to say upfront that I haven't read every other Madman volume. In fact, I've read just a couple other Madman books, so I'm not qualified enough to tell you if this is the best one or not.

Still, this IS an essential trade. No doubt about it.
The art is quintessential Allred, which is most definitely a good thing, and the plot is weird and twisted and there's always something happening everywhere (you know, like in real life) so even if you're not particularly compelled by the main plot (which I doubt will happen) there's still a lot of story to enjoy.

Buy it or steal it from a friend with good taste!

[ratzo]

Superman: Peace On Earth (www.dccomics.com) by Paul Dini and Alex Ross. A giant-sized, fully painted graphic novel in which the Man of Steel attempts to feed the world in a single day as a means to try to get people working towards peace. No Lex Luthor, no Lois Lane, no Ma and Pa Kent except in flashback sequences - it's just Superman telling his story, and by taking such a basic approach, we understand better than ever who he is and more importantly, why he is. And the art's not too shabby either...

[SkiSwope]

Superman: Peace On Earth (www.dccomics.com) by Paul Dini and Alex Ross. ... :confused: How does this compare to the other Dini/Ross collaborations? I've only read JLA: Liberty & Justice. Of course, the artwork was outstanding, and the story itself was above average.

[SkiSwope]

I can't believe nobody has mentioned this yet!
http://www.hillcity-comics.com/graphic_novels/marvel/marvels.jpg
Marvels (http://www.marvel.com/comics/trades/detail.htm?id=325) - by Kurt Busiek & Alex Ross / Marvel / 1994.

This is my first main-stream entry to the list and, in my opinion, arguably the best collection released by Marvel in the last 10 years, possibly in their entire history. What if heroes were real and they walked among us? This is that story.

Marvels (http://www.marvel.com/comics/trades/detail.htm?id=325) collects the 5-issue mini-series (#0-4) originally published in 1994. It re-examines key events in the history of the Marvel universe through the eyes of a common photo-journalist. It re-tells Marvel’s most compelling stories from the earliest introduction of super-powered beings in New York City, through the mutant discrimination of the 60s & 70s, to the heart-wrenching death of Gwen Stacy. But most significantly, it tells how those events affected normal citizens. So many comics are hero-centric, but this portrays events from the point of view of an everyman as he observes the heroes in action. Even readers who don’t usually like superheroes will enjoy this amazing mini-series.

The painted artwork by Alex Ross is incredible and worth the price in its own right. His superheroes are the most iconic in the industry - second to none. Busiek's scripts are believable and moving. Marvels (http://www.marvel.com/comics/trades/detail.htm?id=325) should be on the top of every superhero recommendation list.

The softcover collection (http://www.hillcity-comics.com/graphic_novels/marvel/marvels.htm) was priced much more affordably than the new 10th anniversary hardcover (http://www.marvel.com/comics/trades/detail.htm?id=325) in case price is a consideration.

[Brad Curran]

The updated list again, because I feel like stepping on Justin's territory

1. “Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero” by Joe Gallagher
2. “Pedro and Me” by Judd Winick
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. “Palestine” by Joe Sacco
5. “300” Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. “The Cartoon History of the United States” by Larry Gonick
7. “Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2” By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. “Bizarro Comics” by Various
9. “Stuck Rubber Baby” by Howard Cruse
10. “Cerebus” – Book One by Dave Sim
11. “Squadron Supreme” – Mark Gruenwald and various
12. "Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil
13. “Goodbye, Chunky Rice” by Craig Thompson's
14. "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki
15. “Captain Britain” - Alan Moore and Alan Davis
16. “Road to Perdition” - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner
17. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
18. “BLANKETS” by Craig Thompson
19. “Watchmen” by Moore and Gibbons
20. “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Claremont and Brent Anderson
21. Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 by Judd Winick
22. V for Vendetta By Moore and Lloyd
23. The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse
24. Cerebus Book 2, High Society by Dave Sim
25. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
26. Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I, (the flawed volume costs less) by Fred Perry
27. The Long Halloween by Loeb and Sale
28. Sin City: Family Values by Frank Miller
29. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
30. Sin City: Yellow Bastard
31. The Golden Age by James Robinson and Paul Smith
32. It's a Bird by Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen
33. Xenozoic Tales volumes I & II, by Mark Schultz (Dark Horse)
34. "Animal Man" vol. 1 by Grant Morrisson
35. Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson
36. Blue Monday: the Kids are Alright by Chynna Clugston Major
37. “The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes” By Neil Gaiman and various
38. The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures by Alex Toth
39. Sgt. Rock: Between Hell & a Hard Place by Brian Azzarello and Joe Kubert
40. Heavy Liquid - by Paul Pope
41. Astro City: Confessions by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson
42. Enigma - by Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo
43. David Boring by Daniel Clowes
44. “Whiteout: Melt" by Rucka/Lieber
45. Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone
46. Astro City: Life in the Big City by Busiek and Anderson
47. Torso by Brian Michael Bendis & Marc Andreyko
48. Jack Staff: Everything Used to be Black and White by Paul Grist
49. Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli
50. Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
51. From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
52. Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge by Linda Medley
53. Essential Fantastic Four Volume 3 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
54. Essential Conan - Thomas and Smith
55. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
56. The Invisibles vol. 7: The Invisible Kingdom - by Grant Morrison, Philip Bond, Frank Quitely, et al.
57. Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter by Stan Sakai
58. "The Adventures of Sock Monkey" Tony Millionaire
59. The Losers: Ante Up by Andy Diggle and Jock
60. Blackmark - by Gil Kane
61. Breakfast Afternoon by Andi Watson
62. Animal Man vol. 3: Deus Ex Machina - by Grant Morrison & Chas Truong
63. Hellboy: the Right Hand of Doom by Mike Mignola
64. Stray Bullets Volume One - David Lapham
65. Shirahime-Syo by Studio CLAMP
66. Yossel: April 19, 1943 by Joe Kubert
67. Johnny the Homicidal Maniac by Johnen Vasquez
68. Jinx By Brian Michael Bendis
69. Inhumans by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee
70. Maus: My Father Bleeds History and Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegleman
71. Mutant, Texas: Tales of Sheriff Ida Red by Paul Dini and J. Bone
72. Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race - by Jeff Smith / Cartoon Books / 1992
73. Red Rocket 7 by Mike and Laura Allred
74. X-Force: Famous, Mutant, and Mortal (Supersize HC) - by Peter Milligan, Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke, and Duncan Fegredo.
75. Zot! by Scott McCloud
76. Strangers in Paradise - by Terry Moore / Abstract Studios / 1993.
77. Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware
78. "30 Days of Night" by Niles/Templesmith
79. The Interman by Jeff Parker
80. The Soap Lady by Renee French
81. Preacher: Gone to Texas by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon
82. The Complete Concrete - by Paul Chadwick / Dark Horse / 1994
83. Creature Tech by Doug TenNapel
84. The Red Star Collected Edition (not addition, no sir) by Team Red Star
85. "Box Office Poison" by Alex Robinson
86. "A Small Killing" by Alan Moore and Oscar Zaratte
87. Three Fingers by Rich Koslowski
88. The Sandman: Seasons of Mist
89. Sanctuary Volume 1 by Fumiara and Ikegami / Viz Comics / 1993
90. Skreemer by Peter Milligan, Bret Ewins, and Steve Dillon
91. JSA: The Liberty Files
92. Phoenix: A Tale of the Future by Osamu Tezuka.
93. Optic Nerve: Sleepwalk and Other Stories - by Adrian Tomine / Drawn & Quarterly / 1998.
94. The Authority: Under New Management by Warren Ellis, Mark Millar, Brian Hitch, and Frank Quitely
95. midnight nation by JMS and Gary Frank
96. MADMAN vol.4: HEAVEN & HELL by Mike and Laura Allred
97. Superman: Peace On Earth by Dini and Ross
98. Marvels by Busiek and Ross

[Brad Curran]

From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell

Moore's second magnum opus, From Hell isn't just a tale about Jack the Ripper. It's an exhaustive piece of historical fiction that weaves truth and history into the killings, and how they gave birth to the twentieth century. It's also a huge story that definitely serves as an alternative for people who don't find standard sized comics to be meaty enough reading.

[SkiSwope]

From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell. . .Ragnarok2012 beat you to it, Brad. He listed From Hell back at #52. But I liked your synopsis. ;)

[Punchy]

The Coffin Hester/Huddleston

Another great horror comic about death and coming back in a robotic "coffin." The first two pages are among the scariest in comics I've ever read.

[Apathy Boy]

100 Bullets: Hang Up on the High Low: This trade gives you all the hard-edged noir plotting, edgy dialogue and gratuitous sex and violence that you've come to expect from Azzarello and Risso. It also gives you something you don't expect from 100 Bullets: genuine, heartfelt emotion. Curtis' words for his son in the last issue are enough to make you weep.

[Jonathan Bogart]

It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken by Seth.

When I first read this book -- almost, geeze, four years ago now -- my entire conception of what comics were and could be was exploded into a million shiny pieces. I was a pretty standard superhero fan before that (and I still am: just bought and enjoyed the heck out of the "Avengers/Defenders War" and "Formerly Known as the Justice League" trades), but Seth enabled me to see the connections between the entire history of commercial art and end-of-the-millenium comics, giving me a greater and wider appreciation for the art form and inspiring me to be a cartoonist myself. In fact, just today I almost bought a newer edition of the book, even though my old edition is holding up fine: it's the kind of book I want to have more than one copy of, just in case.

It's apparently autobiographical, starring a cartoonist named Seth as he muses through his relationship with the past, takes somber, elegaic walks, and hunts for information about an obscure cartoonist named Kalo. His brush line and slow pacing evoke a bygone era and build a highly evocative, personal world at the same time. Fellow Canadian cartoonist Chester Brown ("Yummy Fur," "The Playboy," "Louis Riel") makes several cameos. It's not for everyone; more like a highbrow indie film than the popcorn fantasy that most comics aim for. (That's not a bad thing.)

I say apparently autobiographical because Seth has made it known since publishing the story that Kalo never existed, so much of the story is invented. Which only makes me like it better.


JB

[Donald M.]

I must add to this growing list The New Adventures of Abraham Lincoln by Scott McCloud, the unbelievably hilarious tale of a time-travelling, jingo-spouting Lincoln imposter in the employ of alien invaders and the wiseass teens who must thwart his devious plans with the help of the real Abraham Lincoln, who sadly just isn't as impressive as his flag-waving, motto-shouting clone.

A book that pokes fun at Americans' general ignorance of our own history and our unfortunate habit of putting more stock in the symbols of our nation than in the ideals behind them, it's high hilarity with a good message. I couldn't reccomend it more highly.

[Brad Curran]

Ragnarok2012 beat you to it, Brad. He listed From Hell back at #52. But I liked your synopsis. ;)

And I looked over the list three times for it. I must have an aversion to the number 52. Thanks anyway.

[SkiSwope]

And I looked over the list three times for it. I must have an aversion to the number 52. Thanks anyway.I know what you're saying. I reviewed the list back and forth multiple times before adding Marvels and I was STILL worried someone was going to tell me it had already been mentioned. So many of my top recommendations have already been listed, so it takes a careful eye to avoid duplication. :)

[Brad Curran]

Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore, John Totleben, and Steve Bisette

This first collection of Moore's landmark run on Swamp Thing begins with Swamp Thing's origin being turned on its head in "the Anatomy Lesson" and doesn't look back from there. As the stories progress, Swamp Thing struggles to come to grips with his identity, battles revitalized JLA villain the Floronic Man, and encounters everyone's favorite rhyming demon Etrigan.

[mgs]

You won't be disappointed. And Dredd is hardley in it.
really? I don't think I will, but, why no dredd? and looking through recent previews I did not find this. :(

btw, Another entry of mine:
Elektra Lives Again by Lynn Varley and Frank Miller.
-I just love this graphic novel. It's got all of the Marvel characters set up and portrayed the way Miller wants em, hard core and in their own world. The adult themes in this book, sex and violence, fit in perfectly with the Daredevil world, and yet, this book is also hauntingly eerie.

You may or may not like Miller's style in this book, but if you do, I really suggest picking this one up as I think it is as good as his Dark Knight book.

[ratzo]

:confused: How does this compare to the other Dini/Ross collaborations? I've only read JLA: Liberty & Justice. Of course, the artwork was outstanding, and the story itself was above average.

PoE was the first in the series of Dini/Ross graphic novels, so it set the standard for the others that followed (Batman, Shazam, Wonder Woman, and the two JLA ones). It's set around Christmas time, so it's got a holiday vibe to it that the others don't have. And of course, the supporting cast is almost non-existent (except for Pa Kent, who appears in flashback). One thing I sort of disliked about the Wonder Woman one is that Superman appears in it, so it's the only one that could be considered a "crossover."

Back to the list...

Beg the Question (www.fantagraphics.com) by Bob Fingerman. Sex, comics, sex, relationships, sex, the everyday horrors of life in New York City, sex, Italians, Jews, gays, Martin Amis, Lydia Lunch, Evan Dorkin, MST3K, club kids, art directors, geeks, freaks, and oh yeah - sex.

[SkiSwope]

Y: The Last Man - Volume 1: Unmanned (http://www.dccomics.com/features/ylastman/index.html) - by Brian Vaughan & Pia Guerra / DC Vertigo / 2002.

http://www.hillcity-comics.com/graphic_novels/new_graphic_novel1522.jpg

Collects issues #1-5 originally published in 2002. What if you were the last man on Earth? Every 15-year old boy’s dream, right? Wrong. This is a post-apocalyptic nightmare. In the year 2002, every man on Earth - 48% of the world's population, 29 billion people - are suddenly wiped out by a mysterious plague. In fact, ever male mammal possessing a Y chromosome from sperm to full-grown adults are dead. For some unknown reason, one American man and his pet monkey are apparently the only males to survive this holocaust.

Just the idea of this is incredible. Vaughan explores how women would pick up the pieces of a world without men. A world where most of the soldiers, CEOs, airline pilots, world leaders, tractor trailer drivers, fire fighters, and ship captains suddenly die where they stood. How do they deal with the bodies? How do they re-establish some sense of order? How do they ship goods from place to place? What will they do without male livestock to replenish their meat supply? This is that story and it is mind-blowing.

Y: The Last Man (http://www.dccomics.com/features/ylastman/index.html) has won multiple Eisner awards and wide-spread acclaim. It has one of the most memorable initial story arcs of any comic series in memory. This outta be a hollywood blockbuster film. Wait, it will be! Y is currently under developement. I can't wait! It'll be awesome!

[Justin D.]

Brad, you bastard! How dare you step in on my territory? Ok, we through with that? Good. I'm surprised no one mentioned Swamp Thing until now, I love the fact that Adventures of Abe Lincoln is mentioned, and think it's cool that Swope is putting images of covers in the post. We've shot past 100. Great choices in all and I'm impressed more and more with the amount of good stuff out there, especially when I don't know about it already.

1. “Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero” by Joe Gallagher
2. “Pedro and Me” by Judd Winick
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. “Palestine” by Joe Sacco
5. “300” Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. “The Cartoon History of the United States” by Larry Gonick
7. “Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2” By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. “Bizarro Comics” by Various
9. “Stuck Rubber Baby” by Howard Cruse
10. “Cerebus” – Book One by Dave Sim
11. “Squadron Supreme” – Mark Gruenwald and various
12. "Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil
13. “Goodbye, Chunky Rice” by Craig Thompson's
14. "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki
15. “Captain Britain” - Alan Moore and Alan Davis
16. “Road to Perdition” - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner
17. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
18. “BLANKETS” by Craig Thompson
19. “Watchmen” by Moore and Gibbons
20. “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Claremont and Brent Anderson
21. Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 by Judd Winick
22. V for Vendetta By Moore and Lloyd
23. The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse
24. Cerebus Book 2, High Society by Dave Sim
25. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
26. Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I, (the flawed volume costs less) by Fred Perry
27. The Long Halloween by Loeb and Sale
28. Sin City: Family Values by Frank Miller
29. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
30. Sin City: Yellow Bastard
31. The Golden Age by James Robinson and Paul Smith
32. It's a Bird by Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen
33. Xenozoic Tales volumes I & II, by Mark Schultz (Dark Horse)
34. "Animal Man" vol. 1 by Grant Morrisson
35. Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson
36. Blue Monday: the Kids are Alright by Chynna Clugston Major
37. “The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes” By Neil Gaiman and various
38. The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures by Alex Toth
39. Sgt. Rock: Between Hell & a Hard Place by Brian Azzarello and Joe Kubert
40. Heavy Liquid - by Paul Pope
41. Astro City: Confessions by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson
42. Enigma - by Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo
43. David Boring by Daniel Clowes
44. “Whiteout: Melt" by Rucka/Lieber
45. Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone
46. Astro City: Life in the Big City by Busiek and Anderson
47. Torso by Brian Michael Bendis & Marc Andreyko
48. Jack Staff: Everything Used to be Black and White by Paul Grist
49. Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli
50. Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
51. From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
52. Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge by Linda Medley
53. Essential Fantastic Four Volume 3 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
54. Essential Conan - Thomas and Smith
55. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
56. The Invisibles vol. 7: The Invisible Kingdom - by Grant Morrison, Philip Bond, Frank Quitely, et al.
57. Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter by Stan Sakai
58. "The Adventures of Sock Monkey" - Tony Millionaire
59. The Losers: Ante Up by Andy Diggle and Jock
60. Blackmark - by Gil Kane
61. Breakfast Afternoon by Andi Watson
62. Animal Man vol. 3: Deus Ex Machina - by Grant Morrison & Chas Truong
63. Hellboy: the Right Hand of Doom by Mike Mignola
64. Stray Bullets Volume One - David Lapham
65. Shirahime-Syo by Studio CLAMP
66. Yossel: April 19, 1943 by Joe Kubert
67. Johnny the Homicidal Maniac by Johnen Vasquez
68. Jinx By Brian Michael Bendis
69. Inhumans by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee
70. Maus: My Father Bleeds History and Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegleman
71. Mutant, Texas: Tales of Sheriff Ida Red by Paul Dini and J. Bone
72. Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race - by Jeff Smith / Cartoon Books / 1992
Preview here
73. Red Rocket 7 by Mike and Laura Allred
74. X-Force: Famous, Mutant, and Mortal (Supersize HC) - by Peter Milligan, Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke, and Duncan Fegredo.
75. Zot! by Scott McCloud
76. Strangers in Paradise - by Terry Moore / Abstract Studios / 1993.
77. Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware
78. "30 Days of Night" by Niles/Templesmith
79. The Interman by Jeff Parker
80. The Soap Lady by Renee French
81. Preacher: Gone to Texas by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon
82. The Complete Concrete - by Paul Chadwick / Dark Horse / 1994
83. Creature Tech by Doug TenNapel
84. The Red Star Collected Edition (not addition, no sir) by Team Red Star
85. "Box Office Poison" by Alex Robinson
86. "A Small Killing" by Alan Moore and Oscar Zaratte
87. Three Fingers by Rich Koslowski
88. The Sandman: Seasons of Mist by Gaiman and various
89. Sanctuary Volume 1 by Fumiara and Ikegami / Viz Comics / 1993
90. Skreemer by Peter Milligan, Bret Ewins, and Steve Dillon
91. JSA: The Liberty Files by Dan Jolley and Tony Harris
92. Phoenix: A Tale of the Future by Osamu Tezuka.
93. Optic Nerve: Sleepwalk and Other Stories - by Adrian Tomine / Drawn & Quarterly / 1998.
94. The Authority: Under New Management by Warren Ellis, Mark Millar, Brian Hitch, and Frank Quitely
95. Midnight Nation by JMS and Gary Frank
96. Madman Vol.4: Heaven & Hell by Mike and Laura Allred
97. Superman: Peace On Earth by Dini and Ross
98. Marvels by Busiek and Ross
99. The Coffin by Hester/Huddleston
100. 100 Bullets: Hang Up on the High Low by Azarello and Risso
101. It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken by Seth
102. The New Adventures of Abraham Lincoln by Scott McCloud
103. Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore, John Totleben, and Steve Bisette
104. Elektra Lives Again by Lynn Varley and Frank Miller
105. Beg the Question by Bob Fingerman
106. Y: The Last Man - Volume 1: Unmanned - by Brian Vaughan & Pia Guerra / Vertigo

Next!

[Ayo]

The Frank Book, by Jim Woodring.

Frank is a little mute cartoon critter living in a wordless cartoon world. Frank's adventures are wordless, but they speak volumes. Some of the stories are staightfoward pantomime fun. Some are bizarre brainattacks that will leave you amazed and afraid. Explaining Frank in words doesn't do it justice. All I can say is that when you get through reading your first Frank story, you'll feel as though somebody much smarter than you is pulling an incredibly cruel joke on you.

Woodring's Frank stories are probably the most unique comics known to man. Nothing's like them.

[DonC]

Rex Mundi: Guardian of the Temple by Arvid Nelson and Eric J. Set in an alternate history of 1930s France, this is a muder mystery in the same vein as The Da Vinci Code, only it predates that novel by about a year. It has murder, sorcery, secret societies, puzzles, hidden clues. All that stuff. It is, in my opinion, the best comic on the stands today.

[Scottsdale_Saint]

btw, Another entry of mine:
Elektra Lives Again by Lynn Varley and Frank Miller.
-I just love this graphic novel. It's got all of the Marvel characters set up and portrayed the way Miller wants em, hard core and in their own world. The adult themes in this book, sex and violence, fit in perfectly with the Daredevil world, and yet, this book is also hauntingly eerie.

You may or may not like Miller's style in this book, but if you do, I really suggest picking this one up as I think it is as good as his Dark Knight book.i'd be the second to recommend this one as i think it's every bit as good, artwise as the dark knight and really is the last thing that miller drew in a more detailed style. i'm not saying sin city isn't good, it's just in a more minamilist style. some call it different, i call it lazy. :D but back to elektra lives again, it really should have been the final word and appearance of elektra, it's just that good.

[Punchy]

really? I don't think I will, but, why no dredd? and looking through recent previews I did not find this. :(


He's in it, he just doesn't have a very big role. It's more about the times they live in and how the Judges affect the citizens. It's great, fo' real.

[mgs]

i'd be the second to recommend this one as i think it's every bit as good, artwise as the dark knight and really is the last thing that miller drew in a more detailed style. i'm not saying sin city isn't good, it's just in a more minamilist style. some call it different, i call it lazy. :D but back to elektra lives again, it really should have been the final word and appearance of elektra, it's just that good.
hear, hear!! :)
He's in it, he just doesn't have a very big role. It's more about the times they live in and how the Judges affect the citizens. It's great, fo' real.
oh! SOunds like fun! :) *will start to look now*

Entry:
Artbabe / Soundtrack: Short Stories 1989-1996 by Jessica Abel
-Great indie stuff by, at the time, newcomer, Abel. Her gritty b/w art captures the moments perfectly in life and her dialogue is second to none. This is the pre-book to her current fame and it is a collection of past Artbabe works, but still very worth it if you like love and rockets, type non-superhero comics.
This may be outdated now, but recommended for anyone who likes comics about 'the scene'.

[Brad Curran]

Essential Howard the Duck by Steve Gerber, Gene Colan, and friends

Gerber brings political satire, social commentary, and humor to the Marvel Comics of the '70's via a cigar chomping duck trapped in a world he never made. Some references may be dated, but the humor and skill of Gerber's writing and his artists isn't, and Howard's still as unique a protagonist as you're going to find in comics.

[Tynne]

The Land of Nod Rockabye Book by Jay Stephens.

It's hard to put Jay's work into a category. Basically he creates these crazy cartoons that can shift from wacky slapstick comedy to darker emotional content all in the space of one page.

Jetcat, the Bug Patrol, Nod, Space Ape Number 8, Tutenstein...he has a seemingly endless supply of characters.

His art style is bold and very striking...no line is wasted.

[Brad Curran]

Bump (with the new and improved updated list):

1. “Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero” by Joe Gallagher
2. “Pedro and Me” by Judd Winick
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. “Palestine” by Joe Sacco
5. “300” Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. “The Cartoon History of the United States” by Larry Gonick
7. “Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2” By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. “Bizarro Comics” by Various
9. “Stuck Rubber Baby” by Howard Cruse
10. “Cerebus” – Book One by Dave Sim
11. “Squadron Supreme” – Mark Gruenwald and various
12. "Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil
13. “Goodbye, Chunky Rice” by Craig Thompson's
14. "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki
15. “Captain Britain” - Alan Moore and Alan Davis
16. “Road to Perdition” - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner
17. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
18. “BLANKETS” by Craig Thompson
19. “Watchmen” by Moore and Gibbons
20. “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Claremont and Brent Anderson
21. Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 by Judd Winick
22. V for Vendetta By Moore and Lloyd
23. The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse
24. Cerebus Book 2, High Society by Dave Sim
25. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
26. Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I, (the flawed volume costs less) by Fred Perry
27. The Long Halloween by Loeb and Sale
28. Sin City: Family Values by Frank Miller
29. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
30. Sin City: Yellow Bastard
31. The Golden Age by James Robinson and Paul Smith
32. It's a Bird by Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen
33. Xenozoic Tales volumes I & II, by Mark Schultz (Dark Horse)
34. "Animal Man" vol. 1 by Grant Morrisson
35. Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson
36. Blue Monday: the Kids are Alright by Chynna Clugston Major
37. “The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes” By Neil Gaiman and various
38. The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures by Alex Toth
39. Sgt. Rock: Between Hell & a Hard Place by Brian Azzarello and Joe Kubert
40. Heavy Liquid - by Paul Pope
41. Astro City: Confessions by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson
42. Enigma - by Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo
43. David Boring by Daniel Clowes
44. “Whiteout: Melt" by Rucka/Lieber
45. Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone
46. Astro City: Life in the Big City by Busiek and Anderson
47. Torso by Brian Michael Bendis & Marc Andreyko
48. Jack Staff: Everything Used to be Black and White by Paul Grist
49. Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli
50. Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
51. From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
52. Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge by Linda Medley
53. Essential Fantastic Four Volume 3 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
54. Essential Conan - Thomas and Smith
55. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
56. The Invisibles vol. 7: The Invisible Kingdom - by Grant Morrison, Philip Bond, Frank Quitely, et al.
57. Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter by Stan Sakai
58. "The Adventures of Sock Monkey" - Tony Millionaire
59. The Losers: Ante Up by Andy Diggle and Jock
60. Blackmark - by Gil Kane
61. Breakfast Afternoon by Andi Watson
62. Animal Man vol. 3: Deus Ex Machina - by Grant Morrison & Chas Truong
63. Hellboy: the Right Hand of Doom by Mike Mignola
64. Stray Bullets Volume One - David Lapham
65. Shirahime-Syo by Studio CLAMP
66. Yossel: April 19, 1943 by Joe Kubert
67. Johnny the Homicidal Maniac by Johnen Vasquez
68. Jinx By Brian Michael Bendis
69. Inhumans by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee
70. Maus: My Father Bleeds History and Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegleman
71. Mutant, Texas: Tales of Sheriff Ida Red by Paul Dini and J. Bone
72. Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race - by Jeff Smith / Cartoon Books / 1992
73. Red Rocket 7 by Mike and Laura Allred
74. X-Force: Famous, Mutant, and Mortal (Supersize HC) - by Peter Milligan, Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke, and Duncan Fegredo.
75. Zot! by Scott McCloud
76. Strangers in Paradise - by Terry Moore / Abstract Studios / 1993.
77. Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware
78. "30 Days of Night" by Niles/Templesmith
79. The Interman by Jeff Parker
80. The Soap Lady by Renee French
81. Preacher: Gone to Texas by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon
82. The Complete Concrete - by Paul Chadwick / Dark Horse / 1994
83. Creature Tech by Doug TenNapel
84. The Red Star Collected Edition (not addition, no sir) by Team Red Star
85. "Box Office Poison" by Alex Robinson
86. "A Small Killing" by Alan Moore and Oscar Zaratte
87. Three Fingers by Rich Koslowski
88. The Sandman: Seasons of Mist by Gaiman and various
89. Sanctuary Volume 1 by Fumiara and Ikegami / Viz Comics / 1993
90. Skreemer by Peter Milligan, Bret Ewins, and Steve Dillon
91. JSA: The Liberty Files by Dan Jolley and Tony Harris
92. Phoenix: A Tale of the Future by Osamu Tezuka.
93. Optic Nerve: Sleepwalk and Other Stories - by Adrian Tomine / Drawn & Quarterly / 1998.
94. The Authority: Under New Management by Warren Ellis, Mark Millar, Brian Hitch, and Frank Quitely
95. Midnight Nation by JMS and Gary Frank
96. Madman Vol.4: Heaven & Hell by Mike and Laura Allred
97. Superman: Peace On Earth by Dini and Ross
98. Marvels by Busiek and Ross
99. The Coffin by Hester/Huddleston
100. 100 Bullets: Hang Up on the High Low by Azarello and Risso
101. It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken by Seth
102. The New Adventures of Abraham Lincoln by Scott McCloud
103. Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore, John Totleben, and Steve Bisette
104. Elektra Lives Again by Lynn Varley and Frank Miller
105. Beg the Question by Bob Fingerman
106. Y: The Last Man - Volume 1: Unmanned - by Brian Vaughan & Pia Guerra / Vertigo
107. The Frank Book, by Jim Woodring
108. Rex Mundi: Guardian of the Temple by Arvid Nelson and Eric J
109. Artbabe / Soundtrack: Short Stories 1989-1996 by Jessica Abel
110. Essential Howard the Duck by Steve Gerber, Gene Colan, and friends
111. The Land of Nod Rockabye Book by Jay Stephens

On to 112 (hopefully)!

[Justin D.]

Brad's my co-list maker.

I could just put up all the books that I think are essential, but then the subject title would be "Justin's Essential Trade and Graphic Novel Thread."

[hangmanjury]

I'm going to say

112. Swamp Thing, Book 2, by Moore, Bissette, Veitch, and Totleben

This book is what horror should be, and it's got a great mix of characters, beautifully drawn art, a wonderful coda, and a great crossover with Pog.

[berk]

The Complete Love & Rockets, Vol. I to whatever they're up to now.

The Manly World of Lloyd Llewellyn, and anything wlse by Dan Clowes.

[Donald M.]

Hold on a second, this thread has been going on for as long as it has and no one has yet mentioned American Splendor, written by Harvey Pekar and featuring the art of R. Crumb and a bunch of other folks who aren't R. Crumb?

*hangs head in shame*

[hangmanjury]

Hold on a second, this thread has been going on for as long as it has and no one has yet mentioned American Splendor, written by Harvey Pekar and featuring the art of R. Crumb and a bunch of other folks who aren't R. Crumb?

*hangs head in shame*
Well, personally, and not to drift off topic, aside from the Crumb art, I don't really get it.

Not that I want to debate your point here since that would be going off topic, but if you could provide an explanation, then all the better.

Thanks

[dougputhoff]

Hold on a second, this thread has been going on for as long as it has and no one has yet mentioned American Splendor, written by Harvey Pekar and featuring the art of R. Crumb and a bunch of other folks who aren't R. Crumb?

*hangs head in shame*

Thanks for mentioning that. It deserves a place here.

Another one I haven't seen mentioned (I may have overlooked it.) is The Death of Groo graphic novel by Evanier and Aragones--I put Mark's name ahead of Sergio's because he actually wrote it. It's both funny and touching. I hope I can find another copy of it.

[ratzo]

Artesia by Mark Smylie (www.archaiasp.com). You want medieval sword-and-sorcery action? You got it. You want entire armies from rival kingdoms battlin' it out? You got that too. You want a kick-ass warrior woman leading it all? It's in there. You want breathtaking Barry Windsor-Smith-like painted art that'll make you drool? It's there too. You want hot sex? It's even got hot sex (boy does it got hot sex). This is an intricate, meticulously detailed, epic series that'll blow you away. No joke.

[SkiSwope]

9-11 Volumes 1 & 2 (http://www.dccomics.com/features/911/911.html)

Both of these collections of short stories & images are powerful and moving. A list of creators too long to mention contributed work regarding their feelings, and those of the world, following the terrorist attacks of September 11th. All proceeds were and are donated to the victims and communities affected by those attacks.

Volume 1, entitled Artists Respond, was created by Dark Horse, Chaos Comics, Image, Oni Press, Top Shelf, and other publishers.

Volume 2 was assembled by DC creators from DCU, WildStorm, Vertigo, MAD, and so on.

I know we're only supposed to submit one suggestion to this thread at a time, but these are really two parts of the same project and it's impossible to say one is better than the other. They are each only $10 and deserve a place in every comic fans collection.

Marvel's A Moment of Silence issue is also very powerful. It includes 4 true stories of 9/11 told almost entirely without words. I've read it a dozen times over the last few years and it always makes me cry.

Alternative Comics published it's own collection, 9-11 Emergency Relief (http://www.indyworld.com/relief/), to benefit the American Red Cross, but personally I thought it was a bit off. It was not so poignant or heart-warming as the others, but more artsy and esoteric. I recommend volumes 1 & 2.

[JLarson]

There are a few names that show up several times on the list - Peter Milligan, Grant Morrison, and Frank Miller. That's interesting and cool. There might be others, I just scanned the list.

New Addition:

Stormwatch: Change or Die - Warren Ellis & Tom Raney. This right here is the Justice League done right and real. It's tragic, moving, and exciting. Essentially, a number of Justice Leaguesque characters come out of retirement to try and change the world in a fantastic way, and Stormwatch is forced to shut them down. Goes to show you that what you consider super-heroes really aren't that heroic - they're just police men with big guns.

[JLarson]

This thread needs more attention, no? Plus, there's always more to add.

[cmdrbond007]

Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen, Daredevil: Born Again, Punisher: Circle of Blood, Daredevil: The Man Without Fear, All Hellboy-related TPBs, Daredevil Visionaries: Frank Miller Vol. 1-3 & Batman: Year One... ones that come to mind.

[heavysoul]

American Elf: The Collected Sketchbook Diaries_James Kochalka

it's just what the title implies. i was skeptical at first, but, was too curious to pass it up twice. rather than putting together a step-by-step, day-in-the-lie-of approach kochalka chooses one moment per day in which he learns something about himself. if you're adventurous and/or have become addicted to real life comics you may wanna give this one a try.

[JLarson]

I can't believe this thread keeps falling away!

It might be interesting to somehow turn this into a poll or something, with only the options we make on this list here, and come up with a true "CBR's Top 100 GN and TPB of all time."

Somebody smarter want to set this up, maybe?

[Spiff]

Giving this thread a bump with an additional suggestion:

Fables - March of the Wooden Soldiers. Not only is it an amazing value at 8 issues and The Last Castle for less than twenty, it's a damn fine read too. Hints of the Adversary's identity, the growing relationship between Snow and Bigby, excellent action sequences, and I really liked the dialogue between Red Riding Hood and Totenkinder.

[thehead]

superman: for all seasons Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

Taken from amazon.com:

The poignant story showcases Supes in the four seasons of the year,with each one season narrated by one of the many supporting characters. The differing perespective is not only seen with the style of writing, but also the lettering, the coloring and the art. Superman's origin has always been very well established and has been revisited many many times. With this work, however, Loeb revisits Supes and makes us look at his upbringing through the years and how he established the values that makes him the man he is today. For the first time, we look at Supes during his teen years and feel the angst when his powers slowly start to come through. We fall in love when he does the same, and feel our heart break when his heart is broken. Loeb can be funny and he deals with that side of the character truthfully. It was after this rendition of Supes that Loeb was finally given the helm of the monthly Superman comic.

[Justin D.]

Woohoo! I love it when this thread comes back. I was just about to bring it back myself since I picked up some new trades over the last month or so.

superman: for all seasons Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

Wow, I'm surprised someone hasn't said that before now. So, sticking with Superman for another post. . .

Superman & Batman: World's Finest by Karl Kessel and Dave Taylor

Books-a-Million's website sums it up best: An action-packed and introspective journey, BATMAN & SUPERMAN: WORLD'S FINEST chronicles the first ten years of the tumultuous alliance between the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight. Centered on the death of a man that the two legendary heroes failed to save, this acclaimed volume reveals new perspectives about Batman and Superman's relationship and the role they played in each other's darkest moments. Including appearances by Supergirl, Batgirl, Superboy, Catwoman, Lex Luthor, the Joker, and Two-Face, this tome features tales in which the iconic heroes deal with Superman's death, Robin's murder, Superman's slaying of three villians, and Batman's replacement as the Caped Crusader.

I LOVE Taylor's art for this and think it's a shame he couldn't do every issue. Oh, and it makes good use of exposition (notice I said good use) so you don't have to have read very Superman and Batman comic during the 10 year span this story takes place in to understand and appreciate the book.

Here's the current list so far.

1. “Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero” by Joe Gallagher
2. “Pedro and Me” by Judd Winick
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. “Palestine” by Joe Sacco
5. “300” Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. “The Cartoon History of the United States” by Larry Gonick
7. “Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2” By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. “Bizarro Comics” by Various
9. “Stuck Rubber Baby” by Howard Cruse
10. “Cerebus” – Book One by Dave Sim
11. “Squadron Supreme” – Mark Gruenwald and various
12. "Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil
13. “Goodbye, Chunky Rice” by Craig Thompson's
14. "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki
15. “Captain Britain” - Alan Moore and Alan Davis
16. “Road to Perdition” - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner
17. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
18. “BLANKETS” by Craig Thompson
19. “Watchmen” by Moore and Gibbons
20. “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Claremont and Brent Anderson
21. Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 by Judd Winick
22. V for Vendetta By Moore and Lloyd
23. The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse
24. Cerebus Book 2, High Society by Dave Sim
25. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
26. Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I, (the flawed volume costs less) by Fred Perry
27. The Long Halloween by Loeb and Sale
28. Sin City: Family Values by Frank Miller
29. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
30. Sin City: Yellow Bastard
31. The Golden Age by James Robinson and Paul Smith
32. It's a Bird by Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen
33. Xenozoic Tales volumes I & II, by Mark Schultz (Dark Horse)
34. "Animal Man" vol. 1 by Grant Morrisson
35. Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson
36. Blue Monday: the Kids are Alright by Chynna Clugston Major
37. “The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes” By Neil Gaiman and various
38. The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures by Alex Toth
39. Sgt. Rock: Between Hell & a Hard Place by Brian Azzarello and Joe Kubert
40. Heavy Liquid - by Paul Pope
41. Astro City: Confessions by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson
42. Enigma - by Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo
43. David Boring by Daniel Clowes
44. “Whiteout: Melt" by Rucka/Lieber
45. Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone
46. Astro City: Life in the Big City by Busiek and Anderson
47. Torso by Brian Michael Bendis & Marc Andreyko
48. Jack Staff: Everything Used to be Black and White by Paul Grist
49. Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli
50. Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
51. From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
52. Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge by Linda Medley
53. Essential Fantastic Four Volume 3 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
54. Essential Conan - Thomas and Smith
55. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
56. The Invisibles vol. 7: The Invisible Kingdom - by Grant Morrison, Philip Bond, Frank Quitely, et al.
57. Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter by Stan Sakai
58. "The Adventures of Sock Monkey" - Tony Millionaire
59. The Losers: Ante Up by Andy Diggle and Jock
60. Blackmark - by Gil Kane
61. Breakfast Afternoon by Andi Watson
62. Animal Man vol. 3: Deus Ex Machina - by Grant Morrison & Chas Truong
63. Hellboy: the Right Hand of Doom by Mike Mignola
64. Stray Bullets Volume One - David Lapham
65. Shirahime-Syo by Studio CLAMP
66. Yossel: April 19, 1943 by Joe Kubert
67. Johnny the Homicidal Maniac by Johnen Vasquez
68. Jinx By Brian Michael Bendis
69. Inhumans by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee
70. Maus: My Father Bleeds History and Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegleman
71. Mutant, Texas: Tales of Sheriff Ida Red by Paul Dini and J. Bone
72. Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race - by Jeff Smith / Cartoon Books / 1992
Preview here
73. Red Rocket 7 by Mike and Laura Allred
74. X-Force: Famous, Mutant, and Mortal (Supersize HC) - by Peter Milligan, Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke, and Duncan Fegredo.
75. Zot! by Scott McCloud
76. Strangers in Paradise - by Terry Moore / Abstract Studios / 1993.
77. Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware
78. "30 Days of Night" by Niles/Templesmith
79. The Interman by Jeff Parker
80. The Soap Lady by Renee French
81. Preacher: Gone to Texas by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon
82. The Complete Concrete - by Paul Chadwick / Dark Horse / 1994
83. Creature Tech by Doug TenNapel
84. The Red Star Collected Edition (not addition, no sir) by Team Red Star
85. "Box Office Poison" by Alex Robinson
86. "A Small Killing" by Alan Moore and Oscar Zaratte
87. Three Fingers by Rich Koslowski
88. The Sandman: Seasons of Mist by Gaiman and various
89. Sanctuary Volume 1 by Fumiara and Ikegami / Viz Comics / 1993
90. Skreemer by Peter Milligan, Bret Ewins, and Steve Dillon
91. JSA: The Liberty Files by Dan Jolley and Tony Harris
92. Phoenix: A Tale of the Future by Osamu Tezuka.
93. Optic Nerve: Sleepwalk and Other Stories - by Adrian Tomine / Drawn & Quarterly / 1998.
94. The Authority: Under New Management by Warren Ellis, Mark Millar, Brian Hitch, and Frank Quitely
95. Midnight Nation by JMS and Gary Frank
96. Madman Vol.4: Heaven & Hell by Mike and Laura Allred
97. Superman: Peace On Earth by Dini and Ross
98. Marvels by Busiek and Ross
99. The Coffin by Hester/Huddleston
100. 100 Bullets: Hang Up on the High Low by Azarello and Risso
101. It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken by Seth
102. The New Adventures of Abraham Lincoln by Scott McCloud
103. Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore, John Totleben, and Steve Bisette
104. Elektra Lives Again by Lynn Varley and Frank Miller
105. Beg the Question by Bob Fingerman
106. Y: The Last Man - Volume 1: Unmanned - by Brian Vaughan & Pia Guerra / Vertigo
107. The Frank Book, by Jim Woodring
108. Rex Mundi: Guardian of the Temple by Arvid Nelson and Eric J
109. Artbabe / Soundtrack: Short Stories 1989-1996 by Jessica Abel
110. Essential Howard the Duck by Steve Gerber, Gene Colan, and friends
111. The Land of Nod Rockabye Book by Jay Stephens
112. Swamp Thing, Book 2, by Moore, Bissette, Veitch, and Totleben
113. The Complete Love & Rockets, Vol. I
114. American Splendor, written by Harvey Pekar and featuring the art of R. Crumb and others
115. The Death of Groo graphic novel by Evanier and Aragones
116. Artesia by Mark Smylie
117. 9-11 Volumes 1 & 2
118. Stormwatch: Change or Die - Warren Ellis & Tom Raney
119. American Elf: The Collected Sketchbook Diaries by James Kochalka
120. Fables - March of the Wooden Soldiers
121. Superman: For all Seasons Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
122. Superman & Batman: World’s Finest

There are A LOT of great choices on here and people do a good job of explaining why they think their books should be on here. Who's next?

[mgs]

Bear: Immortal, vol.1

THis is GREAT stuff!! On par with anything Jhonen or Dirge has done since and now. THis is packed with hilarity and art, all over the book. If you dig eccentric books, this should be for you!!! If you don't immediately like this book, drop it, but if you find this kind of stuff interesting then get this! That's all I can say.

[Slappy san]

Kabuki: Metamophosis (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1582402035/qid=1105327096/sr=1-28/ref=sr_1_28/002-4035505-9026442?v=glance&s=books)

From the back cover:

In an institution for renegade government agents, a horribly scarred woman faces psychological showdown with her interrogating analyst, meets the other "defective" inmates, discovers the nature of identity, quantum physics, time, and the meaning of life. But can she escape her captors before her former comrades track her down to silence her.

A very personal tale of self actualization told in a diverse arrary of art media, layered with subtext, metaphor, and Japanese Culture.

What you get is a very dense tale filled with gorgeous painted artwork. This book is not a quick read. Almost every page takes several looks to get the full effect. Sometimes it can seem to be overly self indulgent. I ended quitting and selling of my issues after about issue three. Of course, as soon as I sold them at the shop, I needed to find more.

[thehead]

Ok, so I'm going to do two in a matter of two days, but so what, I love this thread too, it's good to look at when considering my next trade perchase.

Catwoman : Her sisters keeper. Mindy Newell and J.J. Birch

Ties directly into Batman: year one but obviously tells catwomans humble beginings.

I always read this right after Year One as there are so many points that tie in together, not really sure what else to say except if you can find it (it isn't that easy to get a hold of) then buy it.

[Justin D.]

*bump*



C'mon, people!

[Bruce Wayne Jr.]

Would you buy...

A giant, bigger-than-Bone (no pun intended), all-in-one including the specials hardcover edition of Preacher , with the binding in bible stock, the logo in gold with trimming, complete with little gold placeholder tassle?

If they don't make it, I'll do it myself, so help me God.




And where's my Futurama/Simpsons crossover trade...?

[Ravenheart]

I was just wondering if there were bags and boards big enough to store your Essentials in?If not then I'll just store them in magazine bags if they fit.

[BlairH]

Would you buy...

A giant, bigger-than-Bone (no pun intended), all-in-one including the specials hardcover edition of Preacher , with the binding in bible stock, the logo in gold with trimming, complete with little gold placeholder tassle?

If they don't make it, I'll do it myself, so help me God.

Hell yeah I would!

[Pinball]

Since someone already mentioned The Death of Groo, i'll put up
Superman: Secret Identity by Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immomen
Basically, it's the story of Clark Kent.
Not *the* Clark Kent...*a* Clark Kent.
Being saddled with a famous name can be fun, but more likely it can be frustrating. How do you forge your own identity in such circumstances? And as for the secret...
Busiek's at the top of his game in the life of a man who happens to be named Clark Kent in the real world. And Immomen, well, he's never looked better.

[xakko]

Nearly everything I would normally suggest is already on here, so I'll throw in something in a little vein:

Runaways hardcover

A delightfully fresh and humorous take on the teen superhero genre. The characters are fresh, and the way it explores B- and C-list marvel characters keeps long time fans entertained.

[hangmanjury]

Would you buy...

A giant, bigger-than-Bone (no pun intended), all-in-one including the specials hardcover edition of Preacher , with the binding in bible stock, the logo in gold with trimming, complete with little gold placeholder tassle?

If they don't make it, I'll do it myself, so help me God.


Yes.

My brother has the entire collection, and of course, he lives a world away. I want it as well, and if it came in one big hardcover, then I'll buy it even more quickly.

[SoulOnIce]

Paul has a Summer Job by Michel Rabagliati is one of the best graphic novels I have ever read.

A coming of age story set in Quebec that is actually poignant, touching and quite moving in a way that coming of age stories should be but rarely are. I was almost crying by the end.

[Callie]

Okay, I'll toss in my recommendation for the first four ElfQuest graphic novels. Glossy color, not those crappy B&W trades.

Wendy & Richard Pini took a traditionally cutesy fantasy element and turned it on its head. It's a tale woven with themes of sexuality, evolution, the concepts of good & evil, and death.

Wendy's artwork is gorgeous. I believe she inked and colored the first ones herself.

Strangely enough, for a book that alludes to sex somewhat frequently, this book is much loved by libraries.

[Noir_Dark]

We3
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1845761596.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Is it a superhero book? Kinda.

A story about 3 bionic animals that escape from a laboratory Written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Frank Quitely, what more do you need to know?

It’s simple, beautiful, full of action and still manages the pull your heart into your throat.

This is my favorite book this year.

[megladon8]

Just found this thread.

Fantastic idea. Thanks.

[Justin D.]

I always get excited when this thread comes back.

[Noir_Dark]

I always get excited when this thread comes back.
I’ve gotta add it to my favs. It took my way too long to find it.

[Justin D.]

Adam Strange: Planet Heist by Andy Diggle and Pascal Ferry.

A great space opera story about interplanetary conspiracies, secret agendas, personal redemption, and true love. Also, it has kick ass art by Pascal Ferry. Some hated that the ending led to the Rann/Thanagar War, but I feel that the book still stands strongly on its own. In fact, I think I liked that ending because Strange's life doesn't work out perfectly just because he's reunited with his wife and daughter. I thought I'd hate the idea of Adam Strange as a down on his luck drunk when I first heard about it being done in the first issue of the book, but it plays out in such a way that I wasn't bothered by it at all. Ferry's art and the coloring by Dave McCaig add such depth and intrigue to the book. Only complaint I have with the art side of the book is I wish the the pages were a bit brighter sometimes so I could make out the images a bit better. This one is highly recommended.

[Ultraman Max]

Since my personal favorites (The Morrison Animal Man volumes) have already been posted I'm going to go with Doom Patrol Vol. 2: The Painting that Ate Paris by Morrison and Case. Mostly becuase I loved the exploration of art via the characters travelling through a "living" painting and also I loved the story centering around whether the mind controls the body or the body controls the mind. Morrison started his "weird" writing explorations in Animal Man but Doom Patrol was where he first really started to push that angle.

[Bruce Wayne Jr.]

Well, my Christmas is done. :P

Just got in the mail Absolute League vol. 2, Teen Titans 4: Titans Tomorrow (an IC essential!), The Ballad of Halo Jones (another Moore masterwork), WE3, The Ralph Wiggum Book, and Comic Book Guy's Book of Pop Culture.

more... MORE... MORE!

[Justin D.]

Since this thread has made a comeback, and this time of year is always a good time for it, then I think I'll repeat the purpose of the thread.

This is one of my favorite threads because it's easy to go through it and find something I've never heard of before. The idea is simple. Put up one trade or graphic novel that you figure is essential reading. Something you have to own and you'd like others to read too. Don't just put the title up though. Give us a reason. Your opinion, a story synopsis from somewhere, something. The only real trick is you can't post another suggestion until three other people have given a suggestion. So it would be you, someone else, someone else, someone else, and then you again before repeating the cycle. This is a great way to increase your, and someone else's, library. Every so often, a list will be compiled of the suggestions so far. Probably once every page or so.

In other words, do that. Hell, a lot of people could just look at their bookshelves to see what's there for suggestions. Also, it might make people think about what they own that's worth keeping.

[WildChild]

Havok & Wolverine: Meltdown by: Walter and Louise Simonson, art by Jon J. Muth and Kent Williams.

It's been a while since I've dragged it out to read so I'm not up to date on the story but the reason I picked it up in the first place was the beautiful art work. I just loved the way it was done. I'm not sure if it was or not, but it looked almost as if it were done in water colors.

http://www.gibilandia.com/produtos/meltdown1.jpg

http://www.kenttamblyn.com/ebay/havoc.jpg

[Grazzt]

Since noone has suggested any of Robinson's Starman, may I throw out the Grand Guignol TPB?

[Noir_Dark]

Speaking of John J. Muth, check out Moonshadow.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1563893436.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
I understand that the recent TPB published by Vertigo may have been spoiled by a rewrite.
But the original published by Epic in the 80’s is brilliant. I remember being 10 years old and thinking how clever it was to have boobies hidden in a comic book- “Mom will never know”. It wasn’t till highschool that I discovered how great these books are.


From Amazon;
It's kind of a mixture between a Science Fiction story and a Fairy Tale for adults which takes you to many different roads and shows you the intergalactic journey of a boy who has had no contact with the outside world ever and is suddenly put out in the real world, with his only knowledge being the stories he read in his books of Orwell, Tolkien and Shakespeare.

[Justin D.]

Here's the updated list so far. I've added 13 new additions since the last list. Some, like Starman and We3, I'm surprised weren't on there before.

1. “Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero” by Joe Gallagher
2. “Pedro and Me” by Judd Winick
3. "The Cowboy Wally Show" by Kyle Baker
4. “Palestine” by Joe Sacco
5. “300” Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley
6. “The Cartoon History of the United States” by Larry Gonick
7. “Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2” By Alan Moore and Gene Ha
8. “Bizarro Comics” by Various
9. “Stuck Rubber Baby” by Howard Cruse
10. “Cerebus” – Book One by Dave Sim
11. “Squadron Supreme” – Mark Gruenwald and various
12. "Judge Dredd: The Complete America" by Wagner and Macneil
13. “Goodbye, Chunky Rice” by Craig Thompson's
14. "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki
15. “Captain Britain” - Alan Moore and Alan Davis
16. “Road to Perdition” - Max Alan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner
17. “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes
18. “BLANKETS” by Craig Thompson
19. “Watchmen” by Moore and Gibbons
20. “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Claremont and Brent Anderson
21. Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 by Judd Winick
22. V for Vendetta By Moore and Lloyd
23. The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse
24. Cerebus Book 2, High Society by Dave Sim
25. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
26. Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I, (the flawed volume costs less) by Fred Perry
27. The Long Halloween by Loeb and Sale
28. Sin City: Family Values by Frank Miller
29. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
30. Sin City: Yellow Bastard
31. The Golden Age by James Robinson and Paul Smith
32. It's a Bird by Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen
33. Xenozoic Tales volumes I & II, by Mark Schultz (Dark Horse)
34. "Animal Man" vol. 1 by Grant Morrisson
35. Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar and Dave Johnson
36. Blue Monday: the Kids are Alright by Chynna Clugston Major
37. “The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes” By Neil Gaiman and various
38. The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures by Alex Toth
39. Sgt. Rock: Between Hell & a Hard Place by Brian Azzarello and Joe Kubert
40. Heavy Liquid - by Paul Pope
41. Astro City: Confessions by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson
42. Enigma - by Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo
43. David Boring by Daniel Clowes
44. “Whiteout: Melt" by Rucka/Lieber
45. Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone
46. Astro City: Life in the Big City by Busiek and Anderson
47. Torso by Brian Michael Bendis & Marc Andreyko
48. Jack Staff: Everything Used to be Black and White by Paul Grist
49. Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli
50. Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
51. From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
52. Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge by Linda Medley
53. Essential Fantastic Four Volume 3 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
54. Essential Conan - Thomas and Smith
55. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
56. The Invisibles vol. 7: The Invisible Kingdom - by Grant Morrison, Philip Bond, Frank Quitely, et al.
57. Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter by Stan Sakai
58. "The Adventures of Sock Monkey" - Tony Millionaire
59. The Losers: Ante Up by Andy Diggle and Jock
60. Blackmark - by Gil Kane
61. Breakfast Afternoon by Andi Watson
62. Animal Man vol. 3: Deus Ex Machina - by Grant Morrison & Chas Truong
63. Hellboy: the Right Hand of Doom by Mike Mignola
64. Stray Bullets Volume One - David Lapham
65. Shirahime-Syo by Studio CLAMP
66. Yossel: April 19, 1943 by Joe Kubert
67. Johnny the Homicidal Maniac by Johnen Vasquez
68. Jinx By Brian Michael Bendis
69. Inhumans by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee
70. Maus: My Father Bleeds History and Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegleman
71. Mutant, Texas: Tales of Sheriff Ida Red by Paul Dini and J. Bone
72. Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race - by Jeff Smith / Cartoon Books / 1992
73. Red Rocket 7 by Mike and Laura Allred
74. X-Force: Famous, Mutant, and Mortal (Supersize HC) - by Peter Milligan, Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke, and Duncan Fegredo.
75. Zot! by Scott McCloud
76. Strangers in Paradise - by Terry Moore / Abstract Studios / 1993.
77. Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware
78. "30 Days of Night" by Niles/Templesmith
79. The Interman by Jeff Parker
80. The Soap Lady by Renee French
81. Preacher: Gone to Texas by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon
82. The Complete Concrete - by Paul Chadwick / Dark Horse / 1994
83. Creature Tech by Doug TenNapel
84. The Red Star Collected Edition (not addition, no sir) by Team Red Star
85. "Box Office Poison" by Alex Robinson
86. "A Small Killing" by Alan Moore and Oscar Zaratte
87. Three Fingers by Rich Koslowski
88. The Sandman: Seasons of Mist by Gaiman and various
89. Sanctuary Volume 1 by Fumiara and Ikegami / Viz Comics / 1993
90. Skreemer by Peter Milligan, Bret Ewins, and Steve Dillon
91. JSA: The Liberty Files by Dan Jolley and Tony Harris
92. Phoenix: A Tale of the Future by Osamu Tezuka.
93. Optic Nerve: Sleepwalk and Other Stories - by Adrian Tomine / Drawn & Quarterly / 1998.
94. The Authority: Under New Management by Warren Ellis, Mark Millar, Brian Hitch, and Frank Quitely
95. Midnight Nation by JMS and Gary Frank
96. Madman Vol.4: Heaven & Hell by Mike and Laura Allred
97. Superman: Peace On Earth by Dini and Ross
98. Marvels by Busiek and Ross
99. The Coffin by Hester/Huddleston
100. 100 Bullets: Hang Up on the High Low by Azarello and Risso
101. It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken by Seth
102. The New Adventures of Abraham Lincoln by Scott McCloud
103. Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore, John Totleben, and Steve Bisette
104. Elektra Lives Again by Lynn Varley and Frank Miller
105. Beg the Question by Bob Fingerman
106. Y: The Last Man - Volume 1: Unmanned - by Brian Vaughan & Pia Guerra / Vertigo
107. The Frank Book, by Jim Woodring
108. Rex Mundi: Guardian of the Temple by Arvid Nelson and Eric J
109. Artbabe / Soundtrack: Short Stories 1989-1996 by Jessica Abel
110. Essential Howard the Duck by Steve Gerber, Gene Colan, and friends
111. The Land of Nod Rockabye Book by Jay Stephens
112. Swamp Thing, Book 2, by Moore, Bissette, Veitch, and Totleben
113. The Complete Love & Rockets, Vol. I
114. American Splendor, written by Harvey Pekar and with art by R. Crumb and others
115. The Death of Groo graphic novel by Evanier and Aragones
116. Artesia by Mark Smylie
117. 9-11 Volumes 1 & 2
118. Stormwatch: Change or Die - Warren Ellis & Tom Raney
119. American Elf: The Collected Sketchbook Diaries by James Kochalka
120. Fables - March of the Wooden Soldiers
121. Superman: For all Seasons Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
122. Superman & Batman: World’s Finest
123. Bear: Immortal, vol.1
124. Kabuki: Metamophosis
125. Catwoman : Her sisters keeper. Mindy Newell and J.J. Birch
126. Superman: Secret Identity by Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immomen
127. Runaways hardcover
128. Paul has a Summer Job by Michel Rabagliati
129. ElfQuest by Wendy & Richard Pini
130. We3 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely
131. Adam Strange: Planet Heist by Andy Diggle and Pascal Ferry
132. Doom Patrol Vol. 2: The Painting that Ate Paris by Morrison and Case
133. Havok & Wolverine: Meltdown by: Walter and Louise Simonson, art by Jon J. Muth and Kent Williams
134. Starman: Grand Guignol by James Robinson and Peter Snejbjerg
135. Moonshadow by J.M. DeMatteis and John J. Muth

Quite the extensive and wildly eclectic list. Who's next?

[stealthwise]

I'm glad to see (after looking through this entire thread), that Sandman made the list, and I'd like to mention my favourite volume.

Though it was probably the least-popular, it was likely the most ambitious, psychologically-intriguing, and perhaps socially relevant arc. I'm talking, of course, about "A Game of You."

Barbie finds herself unable to dream for years after the events of "The Doll's House," until she encounters a childhood imaginary friend on the streets of New York; a gigantic dog who gets gunned down by NY's Finest. Suddenly she finds herself drawn into a dream world that she cannot escape, and it's up to her friends and neighbours to bring her back.

That's the simplistic synopsis, I didn't want to give any of it away, but it's safe to say that the arc is about more than dreams, it's about identity, gender, sexuality, and of course, stories.

[Wyclefdoug]

I appreciate this list, but 135 "Essential" TPB's makes me think not all of them are so essential. My questions to all of you out there is this. What are the Top 5 maybe 10 TPB's that every single comic reader should have under their belt.

More or less, not what is your favorite TPB, but what are the best out there? That's what I'm after as a fairly new member into the comic book community. What do I need to read to get caught up and be in the know?

[Volk1]

I'm going to add a newer classic Welcome Back, Frank by Ennis and Dillon.

We all know this one, the revival of the Punisher for better or worse. Done away are the idiotic angel stoires and zombie Punisher, this is Punisher back to doing what he does best, with just the right blend of violence and humor. I mean, we all know Ennis, either you hate home or love him, but I think with this trade, even the haters have to like him a little bit.

Dillon's art is stupendous in this series as well. We've got guest appearnces by Daredevil (an excellent synopsis on the contrasting ideals between Murdoch and Castle), Spider-Man (a hilarious team-up), and a brand new baddie The Russian (who, well, I think its' better off seeing and believing!) :eek:

This is one of the series that got me hooked back onto comics. Highly recommended for a cool, fun time.

[Lazy_Fiend]

Squees Big Book of Unspeakable Horrors

Sequel to Johnny the Homicidal Maniac
not as good a JTHM, but still friggin great...
:D

[Justin D.]

Because I recently lost my hard drive, I have to replace a lot of files. One of those files is a wish list of graphic novels and trades. This thread is an ideal place to look for some of these books. Plus, I have some more to add to the list now. Check out the first post in the thread for info on how this thread should work.

Hitman Vol. 3: Local Heroes by Garth Ennis and John McCrea
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n5/n27939.jpg

I'm shocked Hitman hasn't been mentioned in this list yet. The trade just before this one, Hitman vol. 2: 10,000 Bullets, is the only comic I know of that made me shed a few tears. I picked up the last three Hitman trades a few days ago, but haven't read the comic in years. Last night, I finished Local Heroes and was taken aback by how damn good it is. The shocking part is that more people don't reference this book when speaking about incredibly well done comics. This book has everything: real heart, crazy action scenes, comedy, relatable characters even though they shouldn't be at all, plot and character development, I can go on and on. This particular trade has: a funeral for a dear friend, government conspiracy, a not too complimentary guest appearance by Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), a raid on a zombie aquarium, and a pulp western-styled tale drawn by Steve Pugh and Carlos Ezquerra originally published in an annual as the final story of the trade.

The bad part is this trade and other Hitman trades may not be the easiest to find. If you do find one, pick it up in a hurry. I'm still looking for the first two trades. DC really should put out the rest of the series in trades. This is one of the best and most underrated books put out in the last 10 years. Actually, it was about 10 years ago that the original issues were released.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Astro City: Confessions. I still call it Brian's Story (the original title). Just wonderful. The best Astro City story arc. Batman and Robin reinvented & used to tell a great coming of age story.

I agree with this suggestion and would add to it Astro City: Life in the Big City. It's a great introduction to what Busiek, Anderson and Ross are doing with the Astro City line, and the works collected in this TPB are all great stand alone issues. Busiek loves the superhero as metaphor approach, and for that I love him.

Hear, hear. I picked up Astro City: Confessions at SDCC this year. I'm ordering the other TPBs now.

[Justin D.]

Forgot something about the Hitman trade. You don't have to read the first two trades to understand and enjoy Local Heroes. Everything important to the story and characters is presented in the book. Plus, it's right about when things start to take off for the book.

[Cayman]

ENIGMA

Cay

[Justin D.]

ENIGMA

Cay

It's been suggested already and is number 42 on the list about 7 posts up.

[Rabid Trekkie]

Wow, I was thinking about starting a thread like this to help me pick some comics to buy. Glad I did a search first.

For my own contribution, I really loved Legion of Superheroes: Teenage Revolution. Its my first experience with the Legion so I don't know what others say about it, but as a new guy I loved it.

[GremlinClr]

Wow, I can't believe we've gotten this far and no ones mentioned:

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1
by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill

Acclaimed comics author Moore (Watchmen) has combined his love of 19th-century adventure literature with an imaginative mastery of its 20th-century corollary, the superhero comic book. This delightful work features a grand collection of signature 19th-century fictional adventurers, covertly brought together to defend the empire. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen comprises such characters as Minna Murray (formerly Harker), from Bram Stoker's Dracula; Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll (and his monstrous alter ego, Mr. Hyde); and Jules Verne's Captain Nemo, restored to the dark, grim-visaged Sikh Verne originally intended. There's also Hawley Griffin, the imperceptible hero of H.G. Well's The Invisible Man, and Allan Quatermain, the daring adventurer of King Solomon's Mines and other classic yarns by H. Rider Haggard. It's 1898, and these troubled adventurers are spread around the globe, in the midst of one pickle or another. Quatermain is found near death, delirious in a Cairo opium den; the perverse Griffin is captured terrorizing an all-girls school (leaving behind a series of mysterious pregnancies); and the gruesome Mr. Hyde is rescued from the mob set to kill him at the end of Stevenson's classic novel. This collection of flawed and gloomy heroes is recruited to fight a criminal mastermind (a notorious 19th-century literary villain) intent on firebombing the East End of London. The book also includes "Allan and the Sundered Veil," a rip-snorting, prose time-travel story starring Quatermain and written in the manner of the 19th-century "penny dreadful." Moore and O'Neill have created a Victorian era Fantastic Four, a beautifully illustrated reprise of 19th-century literary derring-do packed with period detail, great humor and rousing adventure.


---------------------------------------------------------------


Don't judge it based on the craptacular movie of the same name. Actually the name is about all they have in common.

[Forefinger]

Because I recently lost my hard drive, I have to replace a lot of files. One of those files is a wish list of graphic novels and trades. This thread is an ideal place to look for some of these books. Plus, I have some more to add to the list now. Check out the first post in the thread for info on how this thread should work.

Hitman Vol. 3: Local Heroes by Garth Ennis and John McCrea
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n5/n27939.jpg

I'm shocked Hitman hasn't been mentioned in this list yet. The trade just before this one, Hitman vol. 2: 10,000 Bullets, is the only comic I know of that made me shed a few tears. I picked up the last three Hitman trades a few days ago, but haven't read the comic in years. Last night, I finished Local Heroes and was taken aback by how damn good it is. The shocking part is that more people don't reference this book when speaking about incredibly well done comics. This book has everything: real heart, crazy action scenes, comedy, relatable characters even though they shouldn't be at all, plot and character development, I can go on and on. This particular trade has: a funeral for a dear friend, government conspiracy, a not too complimentary guest appearance by Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), a raid on a zombie aquarium, and a pulp western-styled tale drawn by Steve Pugh and Carlos Ezquerra originally published in an annual as the final story of the trade.

The bad part is this trade and other Hitman trades may not be the easiest to find. If you do find one, pick it up in a hurry. I'm still looking for the first two trades. DC really should put out the rest of the series in trades. This is one of the best and most underrated books put out in the last 10 years. Actually, it was about 10 years ago that the original issues were released.
I think that the reason was that many of Ennis' storylines on Hitman were just soo stupid that people overlooked some of the great stories. I consider it to be a great series and now that you have reminded me of it, I'm going to re-read it.

[Gilda Dent]

For what it's worth, here's the list in alphabetical order:

A Small Killing Moore, Alan and Zaratte, Oscar
Adam Strange: Planet Heist Diggle, Andy and Ferry, Pascal
Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures Torees, J. and Bone, J.
American Elf: The Collected Sketchbook Diaries Kochalka, James
American Splendor Pekar, Harvey and Crumb, R. and others
Animal Man Vol. 3 Morrison, Grant
Animal Man: Vol. 1 Morrison, Grant
Artbabe / Soundtrack: Short Stories 1989-1996 Abel, Jessica
Artesia Smylie, Mark
Astro City: Confessions Busiek, Kurt and Anderson, Brent
Astro City: Life in the Big City Busiek, Kurt and Anderson, Brent
Astro City: Confessions Busiek, Kurt and Anderson, Brent
Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 Winnick, Judd
Bear: Immortal Vol. 1
Beg the Question Fingerman, Bob
Bizarro Comics Various
Blackmark Kane, Gil
Blankets Thompson, Craig
Blue Monday: The Kids Are Alright Major, Chynna Clugston
Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race Smith, Jeff
Box Office Poison Robinson, Alex
Breakfast After Noon Watson, Andi
Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero Gallagher, Joe
Captian Britain Moor, Aland and Davis, Alan
Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge Medley, Linda
Catwoman: Her Sister's Keeper Newell, Mindy and Birch, J.J.
Cerebus Book One Sim, Dave
Cerebus Book Two Sim, Dave
Creature Tech TenNapel, Doug
Daredevil: Born Again. Miller, Frank
David Boring Clowes, Daniel
Doom Patrol Vol. 2: The Painting that Ate Paris Morrison, Grant and Case
Elektra Lives Again Varley, Lynn and Miller, Frank
ElfQuest Pini, Richard and Wendy
Enigma Milligan, Peter and Fegredo, Duncan
Essential Conan Thomas and Smith
Essential Fantastic Four Volume 3 Lee, Stan and Kirby, Jack
Essential Howard the Duck Gerber, Steve and Colan, Gene and others
Fables: March of the Wooden Soldiers Willingham, Bill
From Hell Morre, Alan, and Campbell, Eddie
Ghost World Daniel Clowes
Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I Berry, Fred
Goodbye Chunky Rice Thompson, Craig
Havok and Wolverine: Meltdown Simonson, Walter and Louise
Heavy Liquid Pope, Paul
Hellboy: The Right Hand of Doom Mignola, Mike
Hitman Vol. 3: Local Heros Ennis, Garth and McCrea, John
Inhumans Jenkins, Paul and Lee, Jae
It's a Bird Seagle, Steven and Kristiansen, Teddy
It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken Seth
Jack Staff: Everything Use To Be Black and White Grist, Paul
Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth Ware, Chris
Jinx Bendis, Brian Michael
Johnny the Homicidal Maniac Vasquez, Johnen
JSA: The Liberty Files Jolley, Dan and Harris, Tony
Judge Dredd: The Complete America Wagner and Macneil
Kabuki: Metamorphosis
Kingdom Come Waid, Mark and Ross, Alex
Madman Vol. 4: Heaven and Hell Allred, Mike and Laura
Marvels Busiek, Kurt and Ross, Alex
Maus: Volumes One and Two Spiegleman, Art
Midnight Nation JMS and Frank, Gary
Moonshadow DeMatteis, J. M. and Muth, John
Mutant, TexasTales of Sheriff Ida Red Dini, Pual and Bone, J.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Hayao Miyazaki
9-11 Volumes 1 & 2
100 Bullets: Hang Up on the High Low Azarello and Risso
Optic nerve: Sleepwalk and Other Stories Tomine, Adrian
Palestine Sacco, Joe
Paul Has a Summer Job Michael Rabagliati
Pedro and Me Winnick, Judd
Persepolis Satrapi, Marjane
Phoenix: A Tale of the Future Tezuka, Osamu
Preacher Vol. 1: Gone to Texas Ennis, Garth and Dillon, Stever
Red Rocket 7 Allred, Mike and Laura
Rex Mundi: Guardian of the Temple Nelson, Arvid and J, Eric
Road to Perdition Collins, Max Alan and Rayner, Richard Piers
Runaways Vaughn, Brian K.
Saga of the Swamp Thing Vol. 1 Moore, Alan, and Totleben and Bisette
Sanctuary Vol. 1 Fumiara and Ikegama
Sgt. Rock: Between Hell & a Hard Place Azzarello, Brian and Kubert, Joe
Shirahime-Syo CLAMP
Sin City: Family Values Miller, Frank
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For Miller, Frank
Sin City: That Yellow Bastard Miller, Frank
Skreemer Milligan, Peter
Squadron Supreme Gruenwald, Mark
Squees Big Book of Unspeakable Horrors
Starman: Grand Guignol Robinson, James and Snejbjerg, Peter
Stormwatch: Change or Die Ellis, Warren and Raney, Tom
Strangers in Paradise Volume 1 Moore, Terry
Stray Bullets Vol. 1 Lapham, David
Stuck Rubber Baby Cruse, Howard
Superman & Batman: World's Finest Dave Gibbons
Superman: For All Seasons Loeb, Jeph and Sale, Tim
Superman: Peace on Earth Dini, Paul and Ross, Alex
Superman: Red Son Millar, Mark and Johnson, Dave
Superman: Secret Identity Busiek, Kurt and Immomen, Stuart
Swamp Thing, Book 2 Moore, Alan and Bisette, Vietch and Totleben
The Adventures of Sock Monkey Milliionare, Tony
The Authority: Under New Management Ellis, Millar, Hitch, and Quitely
The Barefoot Serpent Morse, Scott
The Cartoon History of the United States Gonick, Larry
The Coffin Heseter and Huddleston
The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures Toth, Alex
The Complete Concrete Chadwich, Paul
The Complete Love and Rockets, Vol. 1 Hernandez Bros.
The Cowboy Wally Show Baker, Kyle
The Dark Knight Returns Miller, Frank
The Death of Groo Evanier and Aragones
The Frank Book Woodring, Jim
The Golden Age Robinson, James and Smith, Paul
The Interman Parker, Jeff
The Invisibles Vol. 7: The Invisible Kingdom Morrison, Grant
The Land of Nod Rockabye Book Stephens, Jay
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1 Moore, Alan and O'neill
The Long Halloween Loeb, Jeff and Sale, Tim
The Losers: Ante Up Diggle, Andy and Jock
The New Adventures of Abraham Lincoln McCloud, Scott
The Red Star Collected Edition Team Red Star
The Sandman: A Game of You Gaiman, Neil
The Sandman: Seasons of Mist Gaiman, Neil
The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes Gaiman, Neil
The Soap Lady French, Renee
30 Days of Night Niles and Templesmith
Three Fingers Koslowski, Rich
300 Miller, Frank
Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2 Moore, Alan and Davis, Alan
Torso Bendis, Brian Michael and Andreyko, Marc
Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter Sakai, Stan
V for Vendetta Moore, Alan and Lloyd, David
Watchment Moore, Alan and Gibbons, Dave
We3 Morrison, Grant and Quitely, Frank
Welcome Back, Frank Ennis, Garth and Dillon
Whiteout: Melt Rucka and Lieber
Xenozoic Tales Volumes I & II Shultz, Mark
X-Force: Famous, Mutant, and Mortal Milligan, Peter and others
X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills Claremont, Chris, and Anderson, Brent
Y: The Last Man Vol. 1: Unmanned Vaughn, Brian K. and Guerra, Pia
Yossel: April 19, 1943 Kubert, Joe
Zot! McCloud, Scott


Gilda

[Gilda Dent]

Alphabetized by the first listed creator:

Artbabe / Soundtrack: Short Stories 1989-1996 Abel, Jessica
Madman Vol. 4: Heaven and Hell Allred, Mike and Laura
Red Rocket 7 Allred, Mike and Laura
100 Bullets: Hang Up on the High Low Azarello and Risso
Sgt. Rock: Between Hell & a Hard Place Azzarello, Brian and Kubert, Joe
The Cowboy Wally Show Baker, Kyle
Jinx Bendis, Brian Michael
Torso Bendis, Brian Michael and Andreyko, Marc
Gold Digger, The Gold Brick I Berry, Fred
Astro City: Confessions Busiek, Kurt and Anderson, Brent
Astro City: Life in the Big City Busiek, Kurt and Anderson, Brent
Astro City: Confessions Busiek, Kurt and Anderson, Brent
Superman: Secret Identity Busiek, Kurt and Immomen, Stuart
Marvels Busiek, Kurt and Ross, Alex
The Complete Concrete Chadwich, Paul
Shirahime-Syo CLAMP
X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills Claremont, Chris, and Anderson, Brent
David Boring Clowes, Daniel
Road to Perdition Collins, Max Alan and Rayner, Richard Piers
Stuck Rubber Baby Cruse, Howard
Ghost World Daniel Clowes
Superman & Batman: World's Finest Dave Gibbons
Moonshadow DeMatteis, J. M. and Muth, John
Adam Strange: Planet Heist Diggle, Andy and Ferry, Pascal
The Losers: Ante Up Diggle, Andy and Jock
Superman: Peace on Earth Dini, Paul and Ross, Alex
Mutant, TexasTales of Sheriff Ida Red Dini, Pual and Bone, J.
The Authority: Under New Management Ellis, Millar, Hitch, and Quitely
Stormwatch: Change or Die Ellis, Warren and Raney, Tom
Welcome Back, Frank Ennis, Garth and Dillon
Preacher Vol. 1: Gone to Texas Ennis, Garth and Dillon, Stever
Hitman Vol. 3: Local Heros Ennis, Garth and McCrea, John
The Death of Groo Evanier and Aragones
Beg the Question Fingerman, Bob
The Soap Lady French, Renee
Sanctuary Vol. 1 Fumiara and Ikegama
The Sandman: A Game of You Gaiman, Neil
The Sandman: Seasons of Mist Gaiman, Neil
The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes Gaiman, Neil
Buzzboy: The World's Most Upbeat Superhero Gallagher, Joe
Essential Howard the Duck Gerber, Steve and Colan, Gene and others
The Cartoon History of the United States Gonick, Larry
Jack Staff: Everything Use To Be Black and White Grist, Paul
Squadron Supreme Gruenwald, Mark
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Hayao Miyazaki
The Complete Love and Rockets, Vol. 1 Hernandez Bros.
The Coffin Heseter and Huddleston
Inhumans Jenkins, Paul and Lee, Jae
Midnight Nation JMS and Frank, Gary
JSA: The Liberty Files Jolley, Dan and Harris, Tony
Blackmark Kane, Gil
American Elf: The Collected Sketchbook Diaries Kochalka, James
Three Fingers Koslowski, Rich
Yossel: April 19, 1943 Kubert, Joe
Stray Bullets Vol. 1 Lapham, David
Essential Fantastic Four Volume 3 Lee, Stan and Kirby, Jack
The Long Halloween Loeb, Jeff and Sale, Tim
Superman: For All Seasons Loeb, Jeph and Sale, Tim
Blue Monday: The Kids Are Alright Major, Chynna Clugston
The New Adventures of Abraham Lincoln McCloud, Scott
Zot! McCloud, Scott
Castle Waiting: The Curse of Brambly Hedge Medley, Linda
Paul Has a Summer Job Michael Rabagliati
Hellboy: The Right Hand of Doom Mignola, Mike
Superman: Red Son Millar, Mark and Johnson, Dave
Daredevil: Born Again. Miller, Frank
Sin City: Family Values Miller, Frank
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For Miller, Frank
Sin City: That Yellow Bastard Miller, Frank
The Dark Knight Returns Miller, Frank
300 Miller, Frank
Skreemer Milligan, Peter
Enigma Milligan, Peter and Fegredo, Duncan
X-Force: Famous, Mutant, and Mortal Milligan, Peter and others
The Adventures of Sock Monkey Milliionare, Tony
Captian Britain Moor, Aland and Davis, Alan
Swamp Thing, Book 2 Moore, Alan and Bisette, Vietch and Totleben
Top Ten Vol. 1 and 2 Moore, Alan and Davis, Alan
Watchment Moore, Alan and Gibbons, Dave
V for Vendetta Moore, Alan and Lloyd, David
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1 Moore, Alan and O'neill
A Small Killing Moore, Alan and Zaratte, Oscar
Saga of the Swamp Thing Vol. 1 Moore, Alan, and Totleben and Bisette
Strangers in Paradise Volume 1 Moore, Terry
From Hell Morre, Alan, and Campbell, Eddie
Animal Man Vol. 3 Morrison, Grant
Animal Man: Vol. 1 Morrison, Grant
The Invisibles Vol. 7: The Invisible Kingdom Morrison, Grant
Doom Patrol Vol. 2: The Painting that Ate Paris Morrison, Grant and Case
We3 Morrison, Grant and Quitely, Frank
The Barefoot Serpent Morse, Scott
Rex Mundi: Guardian of the Temple Nelson, Arvid and J, Eric
Catwoman: Her Sister's Keeper Newell, Mindy and Birch, J.J.
30 Days of Night Niles and Templesmith
The Interman Parker, Jeff
American Splendor Pekar, Harvey and Crumb, R. and others
ElfQuest Pini, Richard and Wendy
Heavy Liquid Pope, Paul
Box Office Poison Robinson, Alex
The Golden Age Robinson, James and Smith, Paul
Starman: Grand Guignol Robinson, James and Snejbjerg, Peter
Whiteout: Melt Rucka and Lieber
Palestine Sacco, Joe
Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter Sakai, Stan
Persepolis Satrapi, Marjane
It's a Bird Seagle, Steven and Kristiansen, Teddy
It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken Seth
Xenozoic Tales Volumes I & II Shultz, Mark
Cerebus Book One Sim, Dave
Cerebus Book Two Sim, Dave
Havok and Wolverine: Meltdown Simonson, Walter and Louise
Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race Smith, Jeff
Artesia Smylie, Mark
Maus: Volumes One and Two Spiegleman, Art
The Land of Nod Rockabye Book Stephens, Jay
The Red Star Collected Edition Team Red Star
Creature Tech TenNapel, Doug
Phoenix: A Tale of the Future Tezuka, Osamu
Essential Conan Thomas and Smith
Blankets Thompson, Craig
Goodbye Chunky Rice Thompson, Craig
Optic nerve: Sleepwalk and Other Stories Tomine, Adrian
Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures Torees, J. and Bone, J.
The Complete Classic Zorro Adventures Toth, Alex
Bizarro Comics Various
Elektra Lives Again Varley, Lynn and Miller, Frank
Johnny the Homicidal Maniac Vasquez, Johnen
Runaways Vaughn, Brian K.
Y: The Last Man Vol. 1: Unmanned Vaughn, Brian K. and Guerra, Pia
Judge Dredd: The Complete America Wagner and Macneil
Kingdom Come Waid, Mark and Ross, Alex
Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth Ware, Chris
Breakfast After Noon Watson, Andi
Fables: March of the Wooden Soldiers Willingham, Bill
Barry Ween, Boy Genius 2.0 Winnick, Judd
Pedro and Me Winnick, Judd
The Frank Book Woodring, Jim
9-11 Volumes 1 & 2
Bear: Immortal Vol. 1
Kabuki: Metamorphosis
Squees Big Book of Unspeakable Horrors

Gilda

[kmeyers]

Havok & Wolverine: Meltdown by: Walter and Louise Simonson, art by Jon J. Muth and Kent Williams.

It's been a while since I've dragged it out to read so I'm not up to date on the story but the reason I picked it up in the first place was the beautiful art work. I just loved the way it was done. I'm not sure if it was or not, but it looked almost as if it were done in water colors.

http://www.gibilandia.com/produtos/meltdown1.jpg

http://www.kenttamblyn.com/ebay/havoc.jpg
This trade is awesome, definitely one of my favorites. i loved the art at first, but the story drew me in further.

[jaguarshark]

Just to break up the classic indie stuff, because it's been pretty well covered and I'm a geek for superheroes:
Batman: City of Crime by David Lapham (Script and Layouts) and Ramon Bachs (Art).
It definitely has it's problems- third person narration can become incredibly grating and it's definitely overused here, I'm not sure that all the loose ends are tied up too well and Lapham seems to hit the social conscience button a bit too hard around the middle of the book, but it does what it does right very well.

It's notable because it's a gritty Batman story that manages to successfully incorporate the non-gritty elements of his character. Traditionally, if a writer turns their hand to a 'serious', 'dark' Batman tale, they ditch Robin, they replace the supervillians with gangsters and thugs and they surgically remove all traces of humour.

Lapham avoids all those traps. Robin appears in every issue (it was told over 12 issues), and is used perfectly as a light-hearted foil for the grim Batman. So, you know, the role he was created to play. Rather than straight-up gangsters, Lapham gives you out-and-out superhero noir, with the Penguin, the Ventriloquist, Mr Freeze and an army of dirt men all playing big roles. And I'll be damned if I didn't get some fairly regular chuckles out of it, too.

I'm not sure it's essential, but it's at least as good as a bunch of the other trades on here.

[Reptisaurus!]

Hawks of the Sea -- Will Eisner

Eh. It's technically a comic strip collection, but they're full page strips and it's by a dude who's got a little bit of renown as a comic book artist already... Also older'n original publciation date wise, than anything else on the list by 25 years or so. But what the hell. I love it.

This was Recommended to me by my buds over on the Classic Comics Board when I asked about Pirate comics. An' this is... hooeee. STILL, in my fairly knowledgable opinion, the greatest pirate book outta ever.

Some of the fun, of course, is watchin' a young dude credited as "Willis B. Rensie" (read it backwards) develop his craft over a couple of years.

But more'n that. You got your swashbuckling heroes, damels in distress and tough-ass broad, dastardly villains, and heavy, heavy themes lie slavery. And you got one of the absolute masters 'o the craft barely grown up and obviously havin' a hell of a time making comics.

(P.S. Find the yellow, oversized volume from Kitchen Sink. Not the crappy, teensy Dark Horse one.)

[howyadoin]

This trade is awesome, definitely one of my favorites. i loved the art at first, but the story drew me in further.Second that. I love that series.

And yeah, it was watercolour. I love the sequence with the flying cars, and the bit where Wolverine pops his claws through the guy's head.

[Justin D.]

It’s aliiiiiive! It’s aliiiiive!

Feed me, Seymore, feed me!

Mixed up my monsters for the returning from the dead thread.

[Gilda Dent]

I'll add my first pick to the list:

Understanding Comics, by Scott McCloud. It's the single best work explaining how comics work, and does so in the form of a comic. I'm particularly fond of the "This is not a pipe" sequence.

Gilda

[Rob H]

Bump.......

I really don't have much to add but I'm hungry for more. I find it hard to choose between the first DH Conan trade or The Goon. I'll start with The Goon.

The Goon Vol. 1: Nothin' But Misery

It's brilliantly written, great to look at, and it's funny as hell. It's an oldy but a goody.

The Goon is a comic book series created by Eric Powell in 1999. The story is about the adventures of the Goon, a muscle-bound brawler who claims to be the primary enforcer for the feared mobster Labrazio. The Goon (and his sidekick Franky) often get tied up in other machinations, often in relation to the evil zombie gangs under the command of the Nameless Zombie Priest.

The series has a distinctly paranormal slant, with the average story concerning ghosts, ghouls, skunk-apes with an unnatural hunger for pie, extra-dimensional aliens, and mad scientists.

http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/300/12/12596.jpg

[buytradestuff]

The new All-Star Superman by grant Morrison is a nice treat as well and has a very iconic feel. Perfect for those, like myself, who do not follow the character except for sporadically.

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Batman Adventures: Mad Love


Long ago, in the days before Countdown and a well-intentioned-- albiet middling to lame-- ongoing, a writer & an artist from the perhaps all-time definitive non-comics take on The Dark Knight brought us the story of Dr. Quinzel & her Puddin's beginnings: a breezy, bubbly, screwball tale of insanity, obsession, failure, cruelty, and (repeatedly) throwing your life away over nothing at all. What more could you ask for?

An Eisner & a Harvey notwithstanding, this little gem seems to get lost a lot in the Bat-shuffle of The Dark Knight Returns, The Killing Joke, Arkham Asylum, and Hush-- but it's still one of the finest Batman tales ever to see print; easily the equal of these Bat-titles (even the superior of at least one or two of them).

All in all, it's one of the classic cases of 'if you can find a copy, then snap it right up.'

[Chino]

Akira

Akira is to manga what Watchmen is to comics. Yes, it's that good. Even if you've seen the classic anime, this book cannot be missed.

[Limited edition]

Batman The Killing Joke

Amazon.com Review
The Killing Joke, one of my favorite Batman stories ever, stirred a bit of controversy because the story involves the Joker brutally, pointlessly shooting Commissioner Gordon's daughter in the spine. This is a no-holds-barred take on a truly insane criminal mind, masterfully written by British comics writer Alan Moore. The art by Brian Bolland is so appealing that his depiction of the Joker became a standard and was imitated by many artists to follow

The art is amazing and this is one of the best joker stories ever.
it's a must have to any comic book fan:biggrin:

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

The Complete Ballad Of Halo Jones


Between living in an America where entire neighborhoods are now closed off from the world outside, something once as simple as supermarket runs becoming ordeals fraught with tension & peril, all topped off with the murder of one of her closest friends... you can't really blame Miss Halo Jones for wanting to get away from the 'it all' that the 50th century provides. But is outer space any better? Maybe, maybe not. But for Halo-- and the rest of the universe-- there is no turning back.

Very underrated gem (in this country, anyway) from Alan Moore & Ian Gibson.

[nepenthes]

Nice thread, cool list

however if people feel like working on the list a little more.........it would be helpful to include links to the posters original entry beside the title. Just so we know why and who recommended it. even little Amazon links next to the titles would be cool as well. some of these, you have know idea what they're about just by glancing at the title alone. and other reader reviews are always helpful


All Star Superman isn't up there yet. Whimsical, reverent, funny, touching, a pure evocation of everything that is - and was ever - great about comics first superhero. this is THE superman story for ages imo. http://www.amazon.com/All-Star-Superman-Vol-1/dp/140121102X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226209775&sr=8-1

[Limited edition]

from the ashes it was finally reborn!:biggrin: