Monday, January 30, 2017

TOP TEN TUESDAY | Graphic Novels

 
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme for bloggers who like books and lists. It's awesome and is graciously hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  
I'm still a relative newbie to Graphic Novels so this I really don't have a top 10 GNs that I've read.  I can manage a top 5 however and I'll make the other five those I'm most hoping to read soon. Someday I aspire to be a Graphic Novel reader that can make a top ten!

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TOP FIVE READ

1) Fables by Bill Willingham and numerous artists most especially Mark Buckingham

This was my first Graphic Novel series and it's probably still my favorite though it had its ups and downs and ended with a bit of a whimper. Put out by Vertigo, the series recently ended with 22 collected volumes. My favorite was Volume 18: Cubs in Toyland which was seriously devastating and was a bit of a departure for the series which had its dark moments but mostly kept things light.  Definitely an adult comic.  Fairy Tales written for adults and brought into the modern world.


2) Saga by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples

Is there anyone who has read any of this series and not loved it?  I've only read the first 4 collected volumes and it looks like volume 7 will be out this year.  Again, definitely an adult comic and is a bawdy, beautiful space opera at its very best.  It will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. and the art is stunning.

3) Locke and Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

With Joe Hill writing, this is as you would imagine a horror comic.  It's creative, creepy, poignant and has great character development. It's about a family that moves to a large old house after a tragedy in the family and awakens a malevolent spirit which is after a series of magical keys.  The artwork is atmospheric and absolutely gorgeous and crisp.  Definitely for adults and it's finished with 6 volumes.

4) Avatar: The Last Airbender by Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru

I don't know that this is so much about what brilliant comics these are, though they are good, but may be more about my love for this TV show.  This is a middle-grade YA comic series which accompanies the popular show.  There are currently 5, short 3-volume series that continue the story of Aang and the gang post defeating the Fire Lord.  The art is practically identical to the cartoon and Gene Luen Yang is a great storyteller.  I hope they continue writing them forever and ever.

5) Rapunzel's Revenge Series by Shannon and Nathan Hale and Dean Hale

This is a two volume middle-grade comic series that re-tells the tales of Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk with a wild west/steam-punky/magical setting.  I found it completely charming and love the colorful, crisp art.

Honorable Mention: Nimona by Noelle Stevenson, Alex+Ada by Jonathan Luna, The Wicked and the Divine by Kieron Gillen and The Olympians Series by George O'Connor

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TOP 5 ON MY TBR

1) Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, and Brooke A. Allen

I have the first 5 volumes sitting on my nightstand right now:). Volume 6 comes out this year.

2) Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona

So part of the reason I've shied away from superhero comics is that the read order is just so confusing.  I've been told that No Normal (above) is where to start with this series.

3) The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Ryan North and Erica Henderson

I've heard so many good things about these comics and they just look adorable.  Plus I am pro any super hero that is part human - part critter.

4) The Dreamer  by Lora Innes

This is a long running web comic about a high school student that starts traveling back in time to the American Revolution.

5) Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Joss Whedon and Georges Jeanty

Like with Avatar above, the tale of Buffy and the gang was continued in Graphic Novel form.  I've heard mixed things about these but I'd like to give them a try!  I'd really like to see a reunion with Angel!

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This is a medium where I could really use some recs!  I'll be looking at everybody's lists but I'd love it if you'd mention your favorite comic of all time in the comments.  Also, if I was to delve into more superhero comics - where to start??  (I know that's  the most asked question in all of comic time.)

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