Lots of good reading it looks like.

None of the comics I read are horror. I read The Walking Dead, but it ran out of steam for me by around issue 60 or so.

But I read seven or eight titles a month, and I'm still waiting for a nice ongoing horror series.

Thanks for this. great find!

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/z...caseBatman.jpg

Stories from Batman and Detective Comics featuring Batman's "new look" beginning with it's introduction in Detective Comics 327, May 1964. This was the dead of the Silver Age and it was obvious DC needed a new strategy to battle the new powerhouse on the block, Marvel. A hardcore Marvelite at the time I didn't appreciate DC's efforts to change without losing its distinctive character but many decades later I'm enjoying them now.

Just finished We3 by by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely (Aug 23, 2011)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...onogrl/we3.jpg

I'm having a hard time deciding whether I liked this or not or not. It definitely hits you over the head with the pretty familiar scifi tropes of HUMANS: BAD, SCIENCE: BAD, NATURE: AT BAD MAN'S MERCY, WORLD: BLEAK... To be honest, those aren't my particularly favorite scifi tropes; I typically like my scifi more whimsical and less BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEAK.

I found the story profoundly sad and grim. And while clearly that was the intent, I couldn't help but feeling as though it was overly manipulative as opposed to a good, clean piece of scifi. Also, the writing wasn't really great. As I mentioned, it really does hit you over the head with the aforementioned topics.

Gorgeous art, but not my favorite graphic novel.

Powers Vol. 1: Who Killed Retro Girl? by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming (2001)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...l/powers_1.jpg

Pretty fun read. I like the world that Bendis and Oeming set up here. Looking forward to read a few more volumes to see where it goes.


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Desolation Jones by by Warren Ellis (Author), J.H. WIlliams (Illustrator), Jose Villarrubia (Colorist) (2006)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...tion_jones.jpg

Loved it. Love Ellis. Really wish that there were more to this series outside of two additional comics outside of this volume. As per Ellis' usual, you have a great character in a dystopic future. I want more.

Read a new one by Mark Millar called "SuperCrooks", first issue.
Storyline revolves around a mid-level villain coming up with the theory that he and his cohorts would actually start succeeding if they relocated to a place not known for it's large superhero population - Spain.
Aside from the introduction to the characters, not a lot more happened in the first issue but it was a good introduction, the main character is pretty likeable and the dialogue is well done, and pretty funny.
Yeah I'll probably read this one as it comes out.

Speaking of Millar, now that I got the final issue I read through "Kick Ass" series 2. It was ok. Can't say I really liked it that much, and it didn't as such feel like a complete story as the first one did - If they're going to base another movie on this series they're going to need some more material.

I'm still reading the Ghost Omnibus. A surprise character made an appearance in the last issue. The Predator!

Is he an enemy?

I just got done reading the latest "Walking Dead", and things manage to fuck up, yet again. Good read.

Also the "new 52" latest issue of Aquaman.
This is probably the best and most accessible Aquaman title I've come across, though I didn't mind the last one (sword of Atlantis, in which a new aquaman was introduced, likely erased from existence in this new 52 line though...).
This issue (re)introduced the Black Manta character - and damn, he is COLD.
Looks as though his character will have a little more depth this time around too. Not my favourite New 52 title, but one of the better ones, and a good run for the character and the atlantis thing so far.

Yeah, he's an enemy. The main Ghost character has a cool moment against him.

Global Frequency Vol. 1: Planet Ablaze (2004) by Warren Ellis

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...frequency1.jpg

Description from Amazon.com: The Global Frequency is a worldwide organization comprising 1,001 members, each with a specialized talent, which combats unconventional threats to public safety. Some of these menaces are the stuff of science fiction, like a cyborg warrior gone mad. Others are potentially quite real, such as an attempt to release lethal viruses in London.

Ellis creates an anthology of thrilling vignettes that are intriguing, exciting, with believable fleshed-out characters.

Definitely recommended.

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Creature Tech (2010) by Doug TenNapel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...eaturetech.jpg

What a fun little graphic novel - Great characters, fun plot, and doesn't take itself too seriously. I had a blast with this.

Description from Amazon.com: Good battles evil, and the world hangs in the balance! Resurrected by the Shroud of Turin, the zombified Dr. Jameson intends to finish what he started 150 years ago - destroying the earth with a giant space eel! Standing in his way is Dr. Ong, a would-be pastor-turned-scientist who now works in a government research facility infamously known as 'Creature Tech.' Aided by an unlikely cast of rednecks, symbiotic aliens, and a CIA-trained mantid, Dr. Ong embarks on a journey of faith, love, and self-discovery.

I mean - How could you NOT want to read this???

Highly recommended.

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Global Frequency Vol. 2: Detonation Radio (2004) by Warren Ellis

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...frequency2.jpg

Continuation of the adventures of The Global Frequency Team; haven't finished the volume yet but continues to display Ellis' ability to create intriguing vignettes of thrill, intrigue, and science fiction.

Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft (2008) by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...SH20_OU01_.jpg

Utterly brilliant horror comic. Recommended to horror fans everywhere.

Yeah I've enjoyed what I've read of it too.
I understand this is the next one to get a show.

Very cool - I think it would actually translate into television pretty well; I'm pretty psyched to catch up with the other comics.

Battle Scars - 6 part Marvel mini-series coming out of the events of "Fear itself".
Ok, so they've found a way to create the Ultimate/Movie Nick Fury in the existing Marvel Universe...and his friend Phil Coulson, as seen in the current Avengers related films. That was basically the point of this otherwise pointless story.
...but, really - pretty unnecessary.
Really obvious attempt to start making money from the movie enthusiasts.
The fact that old/white Nick Fury will likely fade out because of this, is a bit shitty.

Locke & Key, Vol. 2: Head Games by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez (Hardcover - Sep 29, 2009)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...onogrl/lk2.jpg



Locke & Key, Vol. 3: Crown of Shadows by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez (Paperback - Jul 19, 2011)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...onogrl/lk3.jpg


Really brilliant series. Incredible writing, the characters are vivid and you truly get attached to them. Fantastic gothic story - Can't recommend this enough to horror fans.

I got nothing....just trying to do a run of all the threads


excuse me

I'd always wondered about Locke & Key. I'll definitely have to check it out. I'm currently reading tons of comics, but due to financial stuff I'm going to have to pare down my pulls significantly. I know it's not horror, but IDW's TMNT series is pretty phenomenal right now.

JK

Ill probably pick up Locke & Key just b/c I enjoy Hills characters.

Anyone else realize yesterday was free comic book day........

I did, but my local store appeared to be all out of free comics by the time I got there. Boooooooo!!!!!!!

JK

I was within a few miles from Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash in Red Bank NJ. Place was a mob scene and i didnt even bother trying to get into the store let alone actually browse.

Awesome that you were close to there. My store was crazier tan it normally is, but not too bad. Of course, I was there around 2:00 PM, so maybe that had something to do with it.

JK

I absolutely recommend it. Incredibly well-written. Hill is so talented; I loved Heart-Shaped Box - One of those rare books where I really got attached to the characters... 20th Century Ghosts was a great collection of really vivid vignettes (I think he writes more vignettes than short stories)... haven't read Horns yet.

I know that comics are crazy-expensive... Definitely check our your local library; I'm lucky enough that my library network is really expansive; I do most of my comic book reading through them now. Pretty much any comic volume that I want to read I've found through them.

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Locke & Key Volume 4: Keys to the Kingdom by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez (2011)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...rl/locknk4.jpg

I initially thought this volume was a little schizophrenic; the pace was a bit faster than the previous volumes; whereas previously a volume would focus on just a couple of keys and the Locke Kids' encounters with the "Dark Lady," this one lumped in quite a few... But it all came down to a fantastic ending; clearing hill and Rodriguez didn't want to become repetitive and ultimately the ending is brilliant - Looking forward for Volume 5 to come out.


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Powers, Vol. 2: Roleplay by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming (2011)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...r_roleplay.jpg

Really liked the direction Bendis took the story - Continuing to look forward to seeing this series develop.

Incognito by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (2009)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../incognito.jpg

Really fantastic homage to super hero and villain pulp. I really think that superhero comic fans will truly appreciate this work. Highly recommended; I was impressed - Took me a while to get into it, but the story offers some really fantastic pulpy twists and turns. The ending was great. Looking forward to reading the next one.

I read the first two issues of the new Animal Man. Very, very interesting.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

I'm really into it. Such a bizarre story around a realistic family drama. Definitely going to pick up more of these.

And I need to check out Locke and Key.

Deleted

Ooo. Well based on your rec, I think I'm going to have to check out Animal Man.

And yes, yes, you do have to check out Locke & Key. Check your local library to see if they have them - That's how I was able to read 'em!! :)

Sweeeet. I'll check this week.

And definitely let me know if you get a hold of the new Animal Man.

I read a comic the other day called 30 days of night, based on the movie. Was quite decent, I certainly enjoyed it.

I'll be honest, I'm new to comic books and am currently just reading a few free ones that I picked up at the comic book shop. I find it a bit intimidating to start reading comics because there's so much out there and I don't know that much about them. If anyone has any recommendations to help me kick off, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'll also be checking out some of what has already been mentioned in this thread.

As for graphic novels, what I've most recently read has been:
-Blankets by Craig Thompson
-Habibi by Craig Thompson
-Elmer by Gerry Alanguilan

I'm with you. I'm very inexperienced when it comes to comics; pretty much my younger brother, who's a comic devourer, just feeds me the occasional one that he thinks I'd enjoy. So going off of that, I'd recommend Watchmen, The Killing Joke, and Swamp Thing to start.

Thanks, I'll check them out!

Army of Darkness Omnibus vol 1
good read

Has anyone read The Last Resort? The writers did a Friday the 13th series before. That was so so. But The Last Resort, I heard isn't as restrained. Someone needs to come out with a good Friday the 13th comic. It could be awesome.

Hack / Slash Omnibus: Vol 1


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../hackslash.jpg


Fairly entertaining at first; really liked the concept of the red-hot killer of slashers... Ultimately, though (and I can't believe I'm saying this); for me, just pure t&a isn't enough... It got a bit redundant after a while... I would say, horror fans - definitely check out the first couple of volumes... Other than that, it's just so/so.


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Powers Vol. 3: Little Deaths


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ttledeaths.jpg


Not as good as the previous volumes, but still entertaining; I like the characters enough and the world to keep reading.


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Powers Vol. 4: Supergroup


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...supergroup.jpg


REALLY loved the direction that this volume took - Definitely added a wonderful and sad layer to the story and the world... The end was absolutely heartbreaking but I am very excited to see what happens next.


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American Vampire Vol. 1


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...anvampire1.jpg


American Vampire Vol. 2


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...anvampire2.jpg


Wow. WOW. I absolutely adore comics with vivid, interesting characters, and a strong narrative... And this has both of those elements - Reminds me a bit of Preacher; you have some really fascinating characters, all with a backstory, that peels back slowly - Each comic adds another layer to it.

I can't wait to get my hands on the next volume (just ordered from Amazon).

Honestly, this is HIGHLY recommended for horror fans, vampire fans, and comic fans of Preacher, Locke & Key, and the like. Looking for a strong story and strong characters? Look no further. I LOVE this comic.

Almost forgot that I read this one too...

The Amulet, Book 1: The Stonekeeper


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../theamulet.jpg


It's cute, but definitely more geared toward young adults... Great artwork; like a well-done anime, but not really for me... I probably would have loved this in elementary or middle school.



(So, on top of my recommendation of Locke & Key for you, I also recommend Preacher and American Vampire, just read the latter this weekend and thought you'd really enjoy it)

Ah, excellent! I'm hoping my brother has all of those so he can send them to me.

This is on my list. I was waiting on the movie that I thought was going to star Megan Fox. Who knows what happened to that project. I've only read one issue of Hack/Slash so far. That was a crossover Annual I believe with the Suicide Girls. It was pretty good I thought. But it was the cover that made me purchase the issue.

Must-Reads Classics:
Miricleman by Alan Moore - my pick for the greatest comic series ever. WAY better than Watchmen, IMO. It's like, if you took Dr. Manhattan's story and stretched it out over about 20 issues, minus the politics. In short, its about a man, becoming a god, and how he copes. Plus, plenty of great twists and turns along the way. Neal Gaimen takes over for Moore, so the story continues on fairly solidly, but Moore's run MUST be read.

Swamp Thing (Alan Moore) - A lesson in how comic books should be written. And it fits the forum. To me, Moore's greatest strength is taking a character that we thought was one thing, and turning him/her into something else entirely...adding dimensions (See: Miricleman). His Swamp Thing reinvented the character. Its should be taught in schools.

Sandman (Neal Gaiman) - It deals with the lord of dreams being caught and held captive for 70 years, and then "making his way in the world today). Masterful.

Animal Man (Grant Morrison) - Pretty much anything Morrison writes is a safe bet, the man is on a genius level. His Animal Man run is akin to Moore's Swamp Thing for me.

Preacher (Garth Ennis)

Batman: A Death in the Family - A bit of a guilty pleasure for me, for nostalgia reasons. I feel this was the most monumental story line in my reading era.

Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? (Alan Moore) - The definitive "final" Superman story.


Future Classics
X-Men (Grant Morrison)
Powers (Brian Michael Bendis)
The Walking Dead (on fire right now, for good reason)
Batman: The Long Halloween
Batman: Hush
The Invisibles (Grant Morrison)
All-Star Superman (Grant Morrison) - the next definitive "final" Superman story.

The rest (stuff that keeps me reading today):
Locke & Key (SO good)
Fables (See: Locke & Key)
Thief of Thieves
Batman: The Black Mirror through Court of Owls (current)...get this!...its as good a Batman run as I have ever read.
Swamp Thing (current)
Animal Man (current)

I'd feel BEYOND confident recommending ANY of the above to ANYONE, and some (particularly the stuff at the top) triggers my snob switch if not read.

Some others I enjoy, but more as guilty pleasures:
Earth 2 (current...surprisingly good), Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE, Daredevil (current), Avengers vs. X-Men (yeah, I know), and Bendis's most recent Moon Knight run (I NEVER thought I would enjoy a Moon Night book)

Preacher Volume 1: Gone to Texas