I used to read a lot of comics. I still love graphic novels and would genuinely like to find time to enjoy them again, but time is a limited resource.
I typically consume comics on a digital display, appreciating the convenience of having a collection in one place, facilitated by excellent reading software with wonderful library functions that allow me to quickly scan what I have and find something to read to suit my mood. While I embrace this digital format, I maintain a deep appreciation for the original comic book and the tactile experience of paper, despite being essentially a digital boy.
░░ Some comic series of note were:
░ Saga by Brian K. Vaughan (Writer) & Fiona Staples (Artist):
Saga is a space opera and fantasy series that follows Alana and Marko, two soldiers from opposing extraterrestrial races, who fall in love and have a child, Hazel. They embark on a journey across the cosmos, seeking to protect their family while being pursued by forces from both sides of a galactic war. The story is narrated by their daughter, Hazel, from a future perspective. Fiona Staples' art features a distinct visual style, presenting an imaginative universe with diverse alien species and unique designs. The narrative blends themes of family, war, love, and prejudice with humour and unexpected plot developments. The series took a notable "Intermission" after issue #54 in July 2018, pausing for about 3.5 years before resuming with issue #55 in January 2022. Since its return, "Saga" typically releases 6 issues per year, usually followed by a scheduled 6-month break. Having stopped at Volume 6 (around issue #36), there are many issues to catch up on! I'm very much looking forward to hopefully finding the time to jump back into this series again, especially now that the very long hiatus is over.
Saga is a space opera and fantasy series that follows Alana and Marko, two soldiers from opposing extraterrestrial races, who fall in love and have a child, Hazel. They embark on a journey across the cosmos, seeking to protect their family while being pursued by forces from both sides of a galactic war. The story is narrated by their daughter, Hazel, from a future perspective. Fiona Staples' art features a distinct visual style, presenting an imaginative universe with diverse alien species and unique designs. The narrative blends themes of family, war, love, and prejudice with humour and unexpected plot developments. The series took a notable "Intermission" after issue #54 in July 2018, pausing for about 3.5 years before resuming with issue #55 in January 2022. Since its return, "Saga" typically releases 6 issues per year, usually followed by a scheduled 6-month break. Having stopped at Volume 6 (around issue #36), there are many issues to catch up on! I'm very much looking forward to hopefully finding the time to jump back into this series again, especially now that the very long hiatus is over.
░ The Walking Dead Series by Robert Kirkman (Writer) & Charlie Adlard (Artist):
This series was instrumental in initiating my interest in comic reading. It is particularly notable for its black-and-white artwork, primarily by Charlie Adlard, which contributes to the series' distinct, stark atmosphere. The narrative follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, navigating societal collapse, moral dilemmas, and constant threats from both the undead and other human factions. To continue my reading, the next volume in my progress is "The Walking Dead, Vol. 27: The Whisperer War," which collects issues #157-162 and marks the beginning of a significant conflict where the fate of all Rick has built hangs in the balance.
░ The Incal Saga by Alejandro Jodorowsky (Writer) & Moebius (Artist for The Incal):
The core of this extensive saga begins with The Incal (1981-1988), followed by a prequel series, Before the Incal, and later sequels, After the Incal and Final Incal. It introduces the sprawling Jodoverse, a science fiction universe created by Alejandro Jodorowsky, which further expands through spin-off titles such as The Saga of the Metabarons, The Technopriests, and Megalex. The series is known for its intricate spiritual and philosophical themes set within a visually imaginative and surreal cosmic narrative.
The core of this extensive saga begins with The Incal (1981-1988), followed by a prequel series, Before the Incal, and later sequels, After the Incal and Final Incal. It introduces the sprawling Jodoverse, a science fiction universe created by Alejandro Jodorowsky, which further expands through spin-off titles such as The Saga of the Metabarons, The Technopriests, and Megalex. The series is known for its intricate spiritual and philosophical themes set within a visually imaginative and surreal cosmic narrative.
░ Strange Embrace by David Hine (Writer & Artist):
This modern gothic tale explores themes of madness, death, and psychological longing. Its narrative delves into a world defined by pain, sorrow, obsession, and damnation, which significantly impacts the lives of its characters. The series' dark and tortured atmosphere appeals to readers of gothic murder mysteries and works such as From Hell, Sandman, or Hellblazer.
░ Sex Criminals Series by Matt Fraction (Writer) & Chip Zdarsky (Artist):
This collected edition series, originally published by Image Comics, presents a unique and often humorous premise. It follows a librarian who discovers she can stop time when she orgasms, a power she then uses, along with a partner with a similar ability, to rob banks. The series is known for its distinctive blend of comedy, romance, and exploration of sexuality.
This collected edition series, originally published by Image Comics, presents a unique and often humorous premise. It follows a librarian who discovers she can stop time when she orgasms, a power she then uses, along with a partner with a similar ability, to rob banks. The series is known for its distinctive blend of comedy, romance, and exploration of sexuality.
░ Hellboy Series by Mike Mignola (Writer & Artist):
Created by Mike Mignola, the Hellboy series began as a collection of one-shots and limited series that evolved into a sprawling narrative. It's available in various collected editions, including trade paperbacks, hardcover library editions, and larger omnibus editions. The series delves into supernatural investigations, following the titular demonic protagonist as he works for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.). Its lore is rich with folklore, mythology, and a distinct, atmospheric art style that defines its dark fantasy world.
Created by Mike Mignola, the Hellboy series began as a collection of one-shots and limited series that evolved into a sprawling narrative. It's available in various collected editions, including trade paperbacks, hardcover library editions, and larger omnibus editions. The series delves into supernatural investigations, following the titular demonic protagonist as he works for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.). Its lore is rich with folklore, mythology, and a distinct, atmospheric art style that defines its dark fantasy world.
░ The Sandman Series by Neil Gaiman (Writer):
This influential series, originally published by DC Comics and later under its Vertigo imprint, chronicles the adventures of Dream (also known as Morpheus), one of the Endless, who presides over the realm of dreams and stories. The narrative weaves through mythology, history, and contemporary fantasy, featuring cameos by various DC Comics characters. The core series ran from 1988 to 1996, with additional graphic novels and spin-offs set in the Sandman universe. The series has also seen significant adaptations, including an audio drama by Amazon as an Audible Original and an ongoing live-action TV series streaming on Netflix since 2022.
This influential series, originally published by DC Comics and later under its Vertigo imprint, chronicles the adventures of Dream (also known as Morpheus), one of the Endless, who presides over the realm of dreams and stories. The narrative weaves through mythology, history, and contemporary fantasy, featuring cameos by various DC Comics characters. The core series ran from 1988 to 1996, with additional graphic novels and spin-offs set in the Sandman universe. The series has also seen significant adaptations, including an audio drama by Amazon as an Audible Original and an ongoing live-action TV series streaming on Netflix since 2022.
░░ Common Threads & Appeals:
My interest in comics and graphic novels often gravitates towards series that build expansive, imaginative worlds, whether through intricate lore, fantastical elements, or speculative futures. I'm drawn to narratives that aren't afraid to explore darker psychological depths, moral complexities, or absurd humour, often presented with distinctive art styles that enhance the storytelling. The medium's capacity for visual experimentation and sequential art appeals to my appreciation for creative expression.