Today's question:
Suggested by Vega:
Last Saturday (May 2nd) was Free Comic Book Day! In celebration of comics and graphic novels, some suggestions:
- Do you read graphic novels/comics? Why do/don’t you enjoy them?- How would you describe the difference between “graphic novel” and “comic”? Is there a difference at all?- Say you have a friend who’s never encountered graphic novels. Recommend some titles you consider landmark/”canonical”.
My answer this week is short and sweet. I have NEVER read a graphic novel! It's not that I don't like them, it's just that I am so overwhelmed with the choices and haven't got a clue where to start. I am also in the dark about the very basics - are graphic novels the same as manga?
I welcome your recommendations!
Visit today's BTT to see other responses and play along!
Hi, thanks for visiting my blog! I am very much like you in that I know hardly anything about graphic novels or comics. It's good to learn about something new isn't it?
ReplyDeleteSorry - can't help. I haven't got a clue either.
ReplyDeleteI've got some tips on my post about how to venture into the world of graphic novels, if you're interested in doing so. I'm very much a literary fiction person myself, so I had to first get a glimpse into the artistry behind them and then I could appreciate them as a wholly separate type of art, rather than comparing them to novels (which helps me).
ReplyDeleteYou can check out my post here.
What a great response! I don't read them either and I wouldn't know where to begin. I'm overwhleed with 'regular' books that I want to read I don't think I could even go there!
ReplyDeleteManga, in general, is the Japanese term for "comics", which in turn encompasses just about everything. In that industry, the best counterpart of a graphic novel that I can think of is called tankobon, where several short stories or comics are compiled into one book. But methinks you shouldn't bother too much about the differences unless you really want to get technical. :)
ReplyDeleteYou may want to start with Neil Gaiman's Sandman series, though it's quite lengthy and can be heavy at times. Charles Vess' adaptation of Gaiman's Stardust is also good. For manga, my personal favorites include Rumiko Takahashi's Mermaid's Saga, Harold Sakuishi's BECK and George Asakura's A Perfect Day for Love Letters. My answer can be found here. Cheers!
I really like Brian K Vaughan. he has to be my favorite graphic novel "writer". His Y: The Last Man series is great.
ReplyDeleteI also recommend Watchmen by Alan Moore.
Graphic novels aren't for me either.
ReplyDeleteDot - It IS good to learn something new. I've gotten some good ideas today!
ReplyDeleteMargaret - Thanks anyway...I'm still glad you stopped by.
Heather - You wrote a great post today! I've requested Graphic Novels: Everything You Need to Know from my library. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLisa - I certainly understand that feeling!
Kat - Thanks for all the info...and I enjoyed reading your post, too.
ReplyDeleteLinda - Thanks for the recommendations. With a few suggestions to investigate, I'm sure I won't be quite as overwhelmed the next time I look at graphic novels.
Zetor - Graphic novels seem very different. I'm curious how I'll react when I finally do read one.
I've never read a graphic novel either. I'm looking to see what others recommend.
ReplyDeleteYvonne - There have been lots of good recommendations out there today!
ReplyDeleteI tried one, The Watchmen, and it depressed too much. I couldn't finish it.
ReplyDeleteMarvel Comics will be publishing a Jane Austen P&P comic. I will definitely read that, although not sure if it counts as graphic novel.
JennyGirl,
ReplyDeleteNow that one sounds perfect for me.
My daughter would love it, too! I'll keep an eye out for it - thanks!