Comic book crack

[mythfish]

This is a dilemma I've had more than once. I'm introducing someone to the world of comics and graphic novels. We pretty much always start with Sandman, then go to Fables and/or Y: the Last Man. But where do you go from there? I think perhaps Ex Machina or Transmetropolitan? Maybe Preacher (except that I don't really like it) or some HellblazerAnd

Comments

[fbhjr]

I'd think Astro City would work. There are enough supers in movies and other popular culture that I think it would be OK.
I certainly wouldn't start with Watchmen as an example of mainstream supers.

[mythfish]

I was thinking of Watchmen more as a really darn good story that has some superhero elements in it that could be used to pave the way towards more standard superhero fare.

[fbhjr]

It is very good. And, should be on the list. I just wouldn't want someone to think all super comics are like that. (Or, sadly, that good.)

[deliriumsbones]

I think Hellblazer is a good choice for semi-new readers of comics. The Watchmen is a must, if you ask me.

I liked Preacher a lot, but it took me a few years. I loved the first two when I read them in college, but found myself unable to get through the third (I'm talking graphic novels here, not individuals, but you probably knew that). Then, about 5 years later, I picked up Proud Americans again, read it fast, and bought the remainder of the series in quick succession.
BUT, they are not for everyone and I realize I have NEVER recommended them. I think on some level, I'm worried the recipient of such a recommendation would judge me.

[mythfish]

Oh, Watchmen is definitely a must. Just not sure where in the progression to put it.

Preacher is a really weird comic to me. It has some stuff I really really like, and lot of stuff I think is just idiotic. That's how I feel about most stuff Garth Ennis has written. It's almost like "Garth Ennis" is just a pen name for two wildly different creators.

[walrusjester]

Invincible, definitely. Unlike Watchmen (which I love), it's a fun read. My older stepkid also recommends Runaways. She liked it even though she has no superhero background.

[mythfish]

Runaways crossed my mind too. The big problem with Runaways, and unfortunately Invincible, is that I don't own them and therefore can't loan them. The big hardcover volume I of Runaways or the big hardcover volume I of Invincible is probably going to be my first comic purchase when I have income again, but I haven't been able to decide which.

[multidudinous]

Sandman or Powers are my usual starter comics. Global Frequency was one of my first ones too. So was Authority.

[mythfish]

Authority was one of your first comics? Really? That's an odd one to start with.

[walrusjester]

Speaking of which, what about Planetary? I love love love Planetary, and I think it would play well with people who are geek-culture grounded. They'd miss the specific comic book references, but I think it holds up just as a raw story too.

[akitrom]

The current Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic.

Dig up Promethea. ALan Moore at the very height of his powers.

Why not run people through JLA or Astonishing X-Men? Yes, they have back-story, but, hell's bells, children are supposed to be able to pick up the characters and plot of these books.

And, I'll tell you, it's a lot easier to pick up JLA and understand everything you need to know about Batman and Superman than it is reading either of their home books.

Honestly, it depends on the person involved. For some of them, Girl Genius is the right way to go, for others, no way.

[mythfish]

The Buffy comic really only works for people who've watched Buffy. I liked Promethea okay, but didn't keep reading after the first collection. And do you really think it's better Alan Moore than Watchmen and V For Vendetta?

Good point about team comics being easier than solo comics, though. I'll keep that in mind.

And I love Girl Genius. I just found out I'm two books behind so I've been having fun catching up this week.

[akitrom]

Promethia better than Watchmen? Arguable. Better than V for Vendetta? Oh yes.

If you didn't see the second half of the series, you missed the reason for the first half. Comics heroes are always conservative: some villain tries to change the world / conquer the world / eat the world, and the hero stops them. Stops the conquest. Stops the change. Change is always villainous.

But Promethia decides that ending the world is her job. She intends to bring the fire of the gods down to the 10th Sphere.

And Moore uses the story to change the reader's world, too, by showing us what that divine spark is.

[mythfish]

Hmmm. I think my library has them. Perhaps I will give them another chance.