rapidstag74 said:BTW
The whole thing takes place in 1899, yet the characters are cruising around in convertibles. Let's just call it creative liberty.
I mean, yeah, they added cars (even though they aren't in the actual comic), but honestly, it wouldn't be that weird for a world where this kind of stuff happens. Though, realistically, they probably should have gone with steam-powered engines or some kind of crazy hovercar—something equally out there. But hey, when you've got massive submarines and giant flying zeppelins flying around, a car is the least of anyone's problems. 🙂
As for comic recommendations—totally off-topic, I know, but let me throw my two cents in...
First off,
Bone. It’s probably the best comedic fantasy series you can find in any medium right now. And it’s actually the perfect time to jump in because the series should be wrapping up by the end of this year (three trilogies, totaling 9 books or 55 issues, plus 2 extra books that sit outside the main plot. You can grab everything at Barnes & Noble; the first four volumes are even available in paperback).
Next, if you're into solid space operas, check out
The Metabaron Saga. Also over at Barnes & Noble. I haven't read it myself, but word is it's absolutely mind-blowing.
If we're talking Moore's work at Barnes & Noble or Amazon, you've also got Prometheus, Top 10, The Complete Ballad of Halo Jones, Tom Strong... I think he might even have Swamp Thing lying around somewhere. I don't know, maybe more (plus the usual suspects like V for Vendetta, Watchmen, and The Avengers, obviously). Everything is worth a look. Just Google them if you want to dig deeper; I really don't feel like typing a whole encyclopedia here.
Sandman and Preacher are absolute musts. You can find them both at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. I haven't tackled Preacher yet, but for
Sandman, you might actually be better off starting with the second volume. You can always circle back to the first one later, but if you start there, it might actually turn you off the rest of the series because it's a bit different (and arguably worse) than what follows. All the setup from the first book is pretty much recapped in the intro to the second, so you won't be lost. Gaiman (the creator of Sandman) is still one of the most imaginative and gifted writers in the game, so definitely give him a shot if you like a good story.
One of the sleeper hits this year was
30 Days of Night. It’s about this tiny town in Alaska where the polar night sets in—meaning the town is stuck in darkness for 30 straight days. When the night finally hits, a pack of vampires descends on the place and starts a massacre, leaving an old sheriff and his wife as the only things standing in their way. (Sheriff? 🙂). I haven't read it yet, but I ordered it, and you'll probably need to hunt it down too since it's hard to find locally.
If you want a more serious take on superheroes, you usually pair Watchmen with Miller's The Dark Knight Returns (available at Barnes & Noble)—another legend that basically redefined the genre back in the mid-80s. I’d also highly recommend
Enigma. It's a brilliant Milligan and Fogelson story and hands down my favorite superhero comic ever. Honestly, it isn't even a "superhero" book in the traditional sense; by the end, everything flips on its head and gets explained in a way that's almost entirely rational. It used to be stocked at Amazon; you could probably ask someone to track it down for you.
Of course, "unserious" superhero comics can be great too, provided they're well-made. There's plenty of that stuff over at Barnes & Noble.
[Just a quick heads-up regarding Amazon: they sometimes put used or slightly damaged comics on the shelves without labeling them. They're priced lower than the mint copies, so watch out—I've been burned twice already. Not that it's a huge deal, since I saved some cash and they usually don't look that beat up, but keep an eye out. I'm not sure if they're actually used copies or if they just got banged up during shipping.]
Alright, if you’re looking to get into the heavy stuff, check out
Maus over at Algorithm. It’s a two-part epic about the Holocaust, and honestly, most critics treat it like the absolute pinnacle of what graphic novels can achieve. It even snagged a Pulitzer, though I still need to actually sit down and read it myself.
You can find something somewhat similar at Midtown Comics called
The Siege of Sarajevo: War in the North America 1992-95, but they don't seem to have it in stock anymore, so you'll probably have to order it online. It's journalism in comic form—super precise, intense, heartbreaking, but also manages to be human and even a bit witty. Honestly, it hits harder than most non-fiction books written about conflicts in that region. It’s a beautiful comic about a horrific subject.
While you're browsing Algorithm, you could also grab
Pedro & Me. It’s a true story about a guy who took part in an MTV reality show called Real Life, where he meets Pedro Zamora, a young man living with AIDS, and ends up becoming his friend. Supposedly, it’s incredibly moving.
Now, if you want something truly special, just order
Cages by Dave McKean. Just a heads-up: be prepared to cough up $133 a serious chunk of change for a massive, 400-page hardcover. It is hands down the most magnificent piece of comic art I’ve ever physically held—pure high art in every single frame. It’s also definitive proof that the guy who wrote that review of The Avengers on TrailerTrash was a complete moron.😛
Anyway, I won't ramble on forever—there’s plenty more good stuff at Midtown and Algorithm (think Tintin, The Crow, Amy Racecar, Hate... etc.). Just wander through those shops, see what catches your eye, and then do some digging online or just ask the clerks. Personally, I am feeling... sleeeeepyyyy...