V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
Probably still my favourite Graphic novel (so much so that I ended up buying the Absolute edition) and the one which got me interested in the medium. An interesting look at a possible dystopian Britain and a conflict between Fascism and Anarchy.
I bought this once, but it's gone missing. I think my sister may have borrowed it. Great book though: I totally agree with you.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Volumes I&II) by Alan Moore
There are more than the two volumes to this series but there is no need to read past the first two which have a clear conclusion. The story takes placed in a shared universe with Moore using pre established fictional characters (e.g. Mina Murray (formerly Hawker) Captain Nemo, Allan Quatermain). It is set at the end of the 18th century and involves a group of extraordinary people are assembled to deal with threats to the Empire. It's far better than the dreadful movie which it inspired and is enjoyable for all the little nods and easter eggs to literature.
I hated the film, but then so did Alan Moore, so maybe that doesn't say much. Still, I think it's put me off, so I think I'd only read it if I didn't have to pay. Maybe I'll look for it in the public library.
(Also, I think you mean the 19th century ).
1602 by Neil Gaiman
Basically Gaiman has taken a selection of Marvel characters (Nick Fury, The X-Men, Fantastic Four, etc.) and set them in an Elizabethan setting. Probably not quite what you are looking for, but an enjoyable read and a good introduction to Marvel comics.
I read this in a bookshop when I lived in Cambridge. Brilliant concept. Would love to own it, but really think I should spend my money on new things.
Daytripper by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba
A beautiful book which looks at the different moments and periods of the character's life. Sweet but also melancholic, I found each period really stayed with me (although I did read it one issue at a time as it was published, rather than in the collected volume). Might be the best fit for what you are looking for.
Camilla recommended this too. Wasn't going to go for it after reading a (very positive) review which told me basically what it's like, as it didn't sound like my kind of thing, but maybe I'll give it a bit more consideration.
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
Okay this breaks one of your rules (it is in black and white) but I still highly recommend it. Having only gotten around to it myself this year I found it a great read, easily the best graphic novel I read this year. It is a memoir of the cartoonist Alison Bechdel and has moments of humour and sadness, but always comes across as honest and engaging.
So does everything else that's been recommended, it seems. I looked that up but it really doesn't look like my kind of thing. But you're the second person to recommend it, so maybe I'm wrong.
Thanks a lot for your input .
Roh
Graphic novel recommendations wanted
26/12/2011 05:24:49 PM
- 924 Views
I would say Y: The Last Man or Rising Stars, but looking at Amazon UK
26/12/2011 05:56:50 PM
- 734 Views
Haven't read this myself but
26/12/2011 07:05:33 PM
- 606 Views
I actually saw that in Waterstones, and thought about getting it.
26/12/2011 10:20:58 PM
- 591 Views
Blankets by Craig Thompson.
26/12/2011 07:30:34 PM
- 564 Views
Or Thompson's recently-released Habibi *NM*
26/12/2011 08:24:52 PM
- 308 Views
Re: Habibi is absolutely LOVELY. *NM*
29/12/2011 01:21:02 PM
- 293 Views
If you want a massive graphic novel to read, one that likely costs £25 or even more...
26/12/2011 08:27:07 PM
- 542 Views
My suggestions
29/12/2011 08:18:39 PM
- 712 Views
You actually mentioned two works that I forgot to put in "have already read".
29/12/2011 11:04:31 PM
- 671 Views
Re: Alison Bechdel is worth the try.
31/12/2011 04:44:14 PM
- 730 Views