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The Best Graphic Novels: Reading Truly Is Better With Pictures
This list of the best graphic novels of all time will help guide you toward your journey on getting better acquainted (and getting started) on graphic novel fandom!
Graphic Novel Mania
Ever since 2005's big screen port of Frank Miller's classic "Sin City," graphic novels have become all the rage - exploding into the mainstream and invoking a great deal of interest in these very underrated masterpieces. Graphic novels, in short, can be though of as novel-sized comic books. They are written as a limited series, unlike their more brief and frequently issued comic book cousins. Some graphic novels are purely black and white, while others are in color.One of the most interesting aspects of graphic novels is that they typically stray away from the spandex-clad superhero genre, calling more attention to street life, primal danger and less fantastic situations that readers can relate to. Graphic novels usually involve plots for the thinking man - filled with deep psychological or dimensional oddities.
Thanks to all of this hype, most people who barely even knew about the existence of graphic novels are now in tune to what they're about. In fact, several movies such as V for Vendetta, From Hell, 300, Constantine and A History of Violence have been released to the big screen, while many viewers hadn't even known that they were originally graphic novels. Here, you'll be able to learn more about what the classics are, and what the buzz is about (and hopefully, you'll add them in your collection - to read again, and again, and again!)
Below are listings of what are considered by most to be the best graphic novel series of all time. Keep in mind, these authors have completed many works - most of which are notable, and worthy of your own research! I've included volume one of the books that are a multi-part series, assuming that you are unfamiliar with those particular series, and need a place to begin.
Want to create your own graphic novel? (Get taken down to the bottom of this page for some great resources!)
Frank Miller's Best Graphic Novels
Frank Miller's Complete Sin City Library
Why does this series get so much hype? Simply because it's freakin' awesome. It's perfection in every way. Every book is better than the next, and I guarantee, you will read them for years and years to come...whether you stare intently at Miller's creative perspectives, or re-read the fantastic captions. Don't shy away from the price - if you ever wound up getting the first novel, you'll undoubtedly buy them all, anyway! The first Sin City movie covers novels 1, 3 and 4.
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300
Yet another big-screen success, "300" was used as a direct inspiration, panel for panel, in shooting the incredible quasi-historical movie starring Gerard Butler. This book is a must for mythology fans. The only bad part about it is that the book itself is so oddly shaped.
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Ronin
In a setting where New York City has fallen into ruin, this novel uses Miller's typical ingredients of action, humor and imagination as you follow the path of a broken samurai in a world of dangerous mutants and strange technology.
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Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Batman is back from a period of deep self-finding anguish, as a gang known as the Mutants has run amok in a city now ridden of superheroes. Following a dramatic conclusion of the Joker, this story shows the dark, almost sadistic style that you always wanted to see in this cliche-ridden franchise.
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Frank Miller's Robocop
Held back from his original ideas for the Robocop character, this novel presented the no-holds-barred style that Miller wanted us to see. Grasping between his machine existence his human past, Officer Murphy [a.k.a. Robocop] is cast aside by the police force, only to wander rampant and ruthless.
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Alan Moore's Best Graphic Novels
Watchmen (Absolute Edition)
Watchmen is not only considered to be one of the best graphic novels ever written, but was proclaimed by Time Magazine as one of the "100 Best English Novels of All Time" in 2005. Set in the 1980s, the novel follows a motley crue of costumed superheroes in an alternate universe where the United States is nearing nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Be sure to read this one BEFORE seeing the movie, for full effect!
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V for Vendetta
Much stronger in storyline than in graphic quality, this story follows rebel "V," a cultured terrorist with an affinity for fine art and music, as he fights the suppressive government that grips his country. You'll surely love to read and discuss the omissions from the movie that were included in this original source, as well as notice how very different the ending from the book and movie are.
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From Hell
The original novel that the 2001 Johnny Depp movie of the same name was based from - the storyline follows a conspiracy hypothesis that the birth of an infant fathered by British royal Prince Victor was covered up by its murder.
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The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1
The first book in a series of two 6-issue series, later brought over to the big screen in 2003: this novel follows the exploits of multiple teams (in each book) composed of classic fictional characters such as Long John Silver, Captain Nemo, Lemuel Gulliver, Captain Hook, and more. These fascinating combinations of legendary characters venture to fantastic locations filled with suspense and mystery. While the movie didn't fare well, the novels are amongst most graphic novel fan's favorites.
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Warren Ellis' Best Graphic Novels
Transmetropolitan Vol 01: Back on the Street
Following journalist Spider Jerusalem's exploits in a post-cyberpunk world, you'll be taken through a fascinating vision of the distant future as Spider fights governmental corruption, in a time when alien/human hybrid experimentation looms. This is book 1 in a series of 10, plus a suppliment entitled "Vol. 0." If you're into stories taking place in the distant future, lots of violence, uncensored lewdness and bitter sarcasm - you can't pass this series up! This series is almost impossible to find at your local bookstore (such as Barnes & Noble), so Amazon is your best bet. Expect a movie adaptation in the future - with a series like this, it's inevitable!
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Brian Azzarello's Best Graphic Novels Graphic Novels
100 Bullets Vol. 1: First Shot, Last Call
This espionage thriller involves mysterious Mr. Graves, presenter of a briefcase containing a handgun and 100 untraceable bullets, along with uncovered information about your coveted enemy...giving you the choice of exacting revenge at your discretion - free from the possibility of arrest, thanks to a special license to kill. The results are shocking and amusing, as his subjects figure out ingenious ways to carry out their vengeance plans. There are currently 10 collections of this original work in graphic novel format.
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Jamie Delano's Best Graphic Novels
Hellblazer: Original Sins
Hellblazer is the 1988 graphic novel that the 2005 Keanu Reeves movie "Constantine" was based on. It follows the story of trenchcoat-wearing, chain smoking John Constantine - a freelance demonologist who battles stray hell creatures that have wandered into our world. With the divine ability to see angels and devils alike, he has a higher understanding of what happens after death, and cheats his own. This is a great story with those fascinated by the mythos of heaven and hell. 22 published collections encompass this series.
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Garth Ennis' Best Graphic Novels
Preacher Vol. 1: Gone to Texas
A plot thought as offensive to some, it involves antihero Jesse Custer - ex Texan preacher whose beef with God's abandonment of Heaven prompts him to gather companions Tulip O'Hare (love interest and hitwoman), and Irish vampire Cassidy, to settle the score while fending off superhuman foes from hell along the way. The graphic novel series is composed of 9 volumes.
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Punisher MAX, Vol. 1
This violent look into the life of Frank Castle [The Punisher] is told from square one, with the death of his family, and his passion in taking his anger out on criminals.
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Grant Morrison's Best Graphic Novels
The Invisibles Vol. 1: Say You Want a Revolution
The series that made Morrison famous: this one will really interest the conspiracy theorists, for its plotline dealing with a very bizarre and personality-rich team of protagonists who battle the already enslaved human race (oblivious to their fate) by a secret organization of mind-controlling aliens. Lots of time travel, action, and supernatural fun are packed in the storyline.
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Doom Patrol, Book 1: Crawling From the Wreckage
Grant Morrison took over the late 60's Doom Patrol series, in a handful of collections beginning with this book. Doom Patrol is about a group of super-powered misfits and their lives as outcasts (much like Watchmen, or The X-Men). With unorthodox characters such as Negative Man, Celsius, Robotman, Crazy Jane et. all, it's one you can't pass up.
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John Wagner's Best Graphic Novels
A History of Violence
Another graphic novel to film adaptation about Tom McKenna: a man who gains local hero status after fending off a robbery attempt - only to be confronted by the New York City mafia under a case seeming to be that of wrongful identity, for an incident that happened two decades ago. As the truth surfaces, Tom is driven to tell his family the true tale of his past...
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Brian Vaughan's Best Graphic Novels
Ex Machina, Vol. 1: The First Hundred Days
The Ex Machina 5-book series focuses on protagonist Mitchell Hundred, also known as "The Great Machine" - the world's first superhero and mayor of New York City. Using a rocket propelled backpack and ray guns, he uses his uncanny affinity to command machines to solve murders and fight crime across the city.
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Unmanned (Y: The Last Man, Vol. 1)
The Y series tells of Yorick Brown: escape artist and the last man on Earth, after a plague-like extinction of all males. The surviving planet of women cope with the overwhelming loss, and knowledge that the extinction of the human race is imminent.
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Alan Martin's Best Graphic Novels
Tank Girl (v. 1)
Jam-packed with quirkiness, cyberpunk roots and goofy humor, Tank Girl is a beer-obscessed tank driver travelling through post-apocalyptic Australian landscapes with companions Sub Girl and Jet Girl, not to mention the mutant kangaroo boyfriend of hers, Booga. The series spun off the love-it-or-hate-it feature film of the same name, in 1995.
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Want to Start Your Own Graphic Novel?
...but don't know how? Fear not!
Of course, with every new trend, there's the spark of inspiration to be a part of it. Such is the case of creating your own graphic novel!Writing, sketching and painting are difficult tasks - let alone, having the wit, complexity and imagination to devise your own plots, characters and somehow join them all together in a story that will interest other people. Use the following resources to help you do just that - and get started on your own graphic novel today!
Resources for Creating Your Own Graphic Novel
Overcome "beginner's block" with some professional assistance:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel
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Graphic Novels: Everything You Need to Know
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Alan Moore's Writing For Comics Volume 1
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Writing and Illustrating the Graphic Novel: Everything You Need to Know to Create Great Graphic Works
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Best Graphic Novels: Reader Feedback
Graphic novel enthusiasts can leave their comments here!
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- AbbasAbedi AbbasAbedi Jun 7, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
- Excellent Lens. 5*
If you get a chance check out my Instant Stress Management lens.
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- tomdeacon tomdeacon Jan 28, 2009 @ 6:49 pm
- Informative and very cool. Nice one!
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- GinaK GinaK Nov 23, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
- I would also humbly submit "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud, it's a wonderful introduction to the form.
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- Starving_Artist Starving_Artist Nov 13, 2008 @ 1:11 am
- I have always loved graphic novels...great lens
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- beachbum_gabby beachbum_gabby Nov 3, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
- I like novels and fan of Frank Miller. Superb lens!
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