Saturday Seven: Graphic Novels

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When I was a kid, I sometimes read comic books. Now, apparently, that term is passé and they are known as graphic novels. Sounds pretty hoity-toity to me, but you say tomato…
In any case, here are a few that I think are pretty cool.
1. Elfquest by Wendy and Richard Pini
When I was in high school…. long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away… I was introduced to this series by a friend. I turned into a fanatic. I have a box full of original copies and even have one signed book. I have other doo-dads for the series, including a role-playing game (ala D&D) that never could find anyone to play with. I loved this series beyond belief.
 
 
2. The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman
Are you a Walking Dead fan? You think you know the story? The characters? If you haven’t read the comics, you have no idea…
First, the comics are graphic, nasty, profane and nearly rated X in some places. I have to admit to just not being able to deal with all of that after awhile and only read the first 40 issues or so. Still, if you’re a TWD fan, you might want to give them a try.
 
3. The Avengers
Who’s excited to see Infinity War? ::: raises hand :::
I’ve been hooked on the movies from nearly the start. Except for the movie for the Hulk, I watched them all as they came out into the theater (okay, and Doctor Strange which just looked weird… and it was, but it’s a necessary watch if you’re moving forward in the universe.
However, when Infinity War was coming out, I wanted to know who died in the comics. Yeah, I like big spoilers and I can not lie… Like anything else, the movies don’t follow the comics exactly, but it does give you a feel for the future. And, hey, they’re classics!
 
4. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
This series is pretty amazing. Don’t watch the show on MTV or the movie that came out several years back. THEY are not amazing. But the book series? Yeah, baby…
They’re adapting the books into graphic novels. I have to admit to being a little on the fence about this. I know they’re trying to appeal to another set of readers, but sometimes I feel like things are long in translation. In any case, if you’re a graphic novel kinda person, you might give them a try.
 
 
5. The Punisher
I have to admit, I haven’t read the comic for this, but I do have the show queued up on Netflix. I was originally intrigued by this because the dude who plays the lead character played Shane in “The Walking Dead”. I’ve heard the show is pretty amazing, so I’m looking forward to watching. And I might just pick up the comic eventually…
 
6. The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen
I had no idea this was a graphic novel! I saw the movie (because, Sean Connery) and actually didn’t enjoy it. But check out this description for the comic:
What if Captain Nemo, Allan Quatermain, Dr Henry Jekyll (together with Edward Hyde) and the Invisible Man were brought together by a Miss Mina Harker (who once had a dalliance with a certain Count from Transylvania), to fight the menace of Fu Manchu? Now, despite fighting their own personal demons – and each other – they must join forces to save the world.
Holy moly! Does that sound awesome or what?
7. Alexander Hamilton: The Graphic History of an American Founding Father
HEY! They have non-fiction graphic novels! Teach your kids something that’s largely considered dull (side note: history is only dull if you have a horrible teacher… real history is freaking amazing) in a fun manner. This is really cool. I had no idea, but I may have to give some of these a try.
Do you read graphic novels?