looking for a good serious comic book/manga
12-13-03, 03:56 PM
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looking for a good serious comic book/manga
Lately I've been intrigued into the world of comic books and manga. I'm mainly into action and drama genres, but i don't mind occasional humor and romance. The manga I have seen is all about humor or just packed with lots of sword fights/gore or big robots shooting each other with cool guns. Although these are nice, I am looking for something different. I'm looking for a more novel like comic book which has a good story, good characters, has style and makes your mind work. Something deep and complex would be nice, but it doesn't have to be the aristotle of comic books or anything. In terms of ANIME, i really enjoyed cowboy bebop and jin-roh: the wolf brigade...if that helps. So, any suggestions? How about the cowboy bebop mangas? (cowboy bebop and shooting star) do they live up to the anime?
o, i prefer the comic book/manga series to be new enough so i can start at the beginning. If the series has been going on for a while but can be picked up when a new storyboard starts, that's ok too.
o, i prefer the comic book/manga series to be new enough so i can start at the beginning. If the series has been going on for a while but can be picked up when a new storyboard starts, that's ok too.
12-13-03, 09:01 PM
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These manga are all available in graphic novel format, instead of the monthly comic format. You might be able to check some out at your local library, look under graphic novels, graphic literature, comic strips, etc. (or ask a librarian for help.)
Check out Mars, with 15 volumes... Romance, suicides, motorcycle racing, etc...
GTO is a great series, that also has both an anime and live-action version available. Onizuka is an ex-gang member turned teacher.
Narutaru (the anime) or Shadow Star (the US licensed manga) is a very messed up story. People erroneously compared this to Pokemon, based on the opening credits and first episode of the anime... it ISN'T... It is a very dark story.
Take a look at Chobits, about a boy and his persocom... Also from Clamp (the artistic group) is X/1999, along with about 15 other series.
You might like the Battle Royale series, based off of the movie (or vice versa?)
You might like these titles from the monthly US manga magazine Shonen Jump: Naruto, YuYu Hakusho, One Piece (comedy.)
Nausicaa Valley of the Wind from Hayao Miyazaki - a very good tale of ecological disaster, war, and the human spirit.
Vision of Escaflowne has a giant robot or two, but the focus of the story is much different.
The Kindaichi Case Files is a detective series.
Planetes follows workers in space.
Pet Shop of Horrors is a group of interconnected tales (maybe this is the petshop where the Gremlins were purchased.)
Lone Wolf and Cub is a very long samurai series, there have been many movies based on this.
There are a few sports stories, such as Slam Dunk and Harlem Beat.
Here are some other manga titles you might like: Trigun, Bandit King Jing, and Ghost in the Shell.
You might also check over at www.animeondvd.com and take a look into their manga forums, especially the manga recommendations forum.
Here are some of the US comics I have read and enjoyed recently:
Try Meridian from CrossGen comics - Only two people in the world are given powers, to see what they make of them. One is a young girl, and the other is her power-seeking uncle.
Concrete is an interesting comic, about a man whose body is made out of concrete.
Bone is a great tale from Jeff Smith.
Maus is a biographical tale of the Holocaust.
Usagi Yojimbo (at least Grasscutter, which is all I've read) is chock full of Japanese mythology and legends. This one really blurs the line between comics and manga.
Check out Mars, with 15 volumes... Romance, suicides, motorcycle racing, etc...
GTO is a great series, that also has both an anime and live-action version available. Onizuka is an ex-gang member turned teacher.
Narutaru (the anime) or Shadow Star (the US licensed manga) is a very messed up story. People erroneously compared this to Pokemon, based on the opening credits and first episode of the anime... it ISN'T... It is a very dark story.
Take a look at Chobits, about a boy and his persocom... Also from Clamp (the artistic group) is X/1999, along with about 15 other series.
You might like the Battle Royale series, based off of the movie (or vice versa?)
You might like these titles from the monthly US manga magazine Shonen Jump: Naruto, YuYu Hakusho, One Piece (comedy.)
Nausicaa Valley of the Wind from Hayao Miyazaki - a very good tale of ecological disaster, war, and the human spirit.
Vision of Escaflowne has a giant robot or two, but the focus of the story is much different.
The Kindaichi Case Files is a detective series.
Planetes follows workers in space.
Pet Shop of Horrors is a group of interconnected tales (maybe this is the petshop where the Gremlins were purchased.)
Lone Wolf and Cub is a very long samurai series, there have been many movies based on this.
There are a few sports stories, such as Slam Dunk and Harlem Beat.
Here are some other manga titles you might like: Trigun, Bandit King Jing, and Ghost in the Shell.
You might also check over at www.animeondvd.com and take a look into their manga forums, especially the manga recommendations forum.
Here are some of the US comics I have read and enjoyed recently:
Try Meridian from CrossGen comics - Only two people in the world are given powers, to see what they make of them. One is a young girl, and the other is her power-seeking uncle.
Concrete is an interesting comic, about a man whose body is made out of concrete.
Bone is a great tale from Jeff Smith.
Maus is a biographical tale of the Holocaust.
Usagi Yojimbo (at least Grasscutter, which is all I've read) is chock full of Japanese mythology and legends. This one really blurs the line between comics and manga.
Last edited by littlefuzzy; 12-14-03 at 01:43 PM.
12-14-03, 01:42 PM
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I haven't read the CB books yet, and I got turned off by Eva the anime (I saw EoE before I saw the series.) I also haven't had a chance to read the Kindaichi files, but I recommended them since they weren't a shoujo title (for girls) but at the same time they weren't full of Ultimate Battle stuff, either.
Since you enjoyed the series, I would give the Cowboy Bebop books a try, there is a box set with the three manga, and the two Shooting Star manga.
Since you enjoyed the series, I would give the Cowboy Bebop books a try, there is a box set with the three manga, and the two Shooting Star manga.
12-14-03, 04:19 PM
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I'm not a Manga fan at all. But I cannot recommend enough the Lone Wolf & Cub published in the states by Dark Horse. It seems to be everything you are looking for.
12-14-03, 09:20 PM
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hey i know this is off-topic, but what do you guys use to protect your comics? I'm new to this, but my friend told me to buy these little plastic bags to prevent them from turning yellow later on. something i should do or just a waste of $? any suggestions? thanks
12-15-03, 11:07 AM
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Originally posted by j1nman
hmmm, does lone wolf cub have a lot of gore/nudity or any of that stuff? o, and how many volumes does it have in total?
hmmm, does lone wolf cub have a lot of gore/nudity or any of that stuff? o, and how many volumes does it have in total?
28 volumes. I whole-heatedly recommend it.
12-15-03, 02:12 PM
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Originally posted by j1nman
hmmm, does lone wolf cub have a lot of gore/nudity or any of that stuff? o, and how many volumes does it have in total?
hmmm, does lone wolf cub have a lot of gore/nudity or any of that stuff? o, and how many volumes does it have in total?
12-15-03, 02:37 PM
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If you're thinking about buying Lone Wolf & Cub, Right Stuf is having a studio sale on all Dark Horse items until Christmas. 33% off code: stockings. I'm picking up Berserk, Hellsing, & Trigun, and thinking about adding Akira and now Lone Wolf & Cub.
12-15-03, 05:56 PM
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hmm, i really might think about looking into kindaichi case files and lone wolf and cub. Besides from sounding cool, they are cheap too! No 15 dollar manga books! woohoo.
I've also heard some of the batman graphic novels are good too, such as Batman: year one and Batman: The dark knight returns
I've also heard some of the batman graphic novels are good too, such as Batman: year one and Batman: The dark knight returns
12-16-03, 01:17 PM
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Definitly check out Lone Wolf and Cub.
Besides that, if you're into more serious comics, check out the 9 volume manga series Sanctuary. It's one of the best series I've ever read. It's a crime/politics drama story about two friends who want to change Japan so one joins the Yakuza and one goes into politics and how they plan on working together to reform their country.
It's equal parts The Sopranos and The West Wing.
Besides that, if you're into more serious comics, check out the 9 volume manga series Sanctuary. It's one of the best series I've ever read. It's a crime/politics drama story about two friends who want to change Japan so one joins the Yakuza and one goes into politics and how they plan on working together to reform their country.
It's equal parts The Sopranos and The West Wing.
12-18-03, 08:09 PM
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Akira! If you haven't read this you haven't read one of the best graphic novelizations ever. Different from the movie in so many ways (and better).
12-19-03, 08:43 PM
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Blankets. By Craig Thompson. A story about Thompson's first love, as well as his struggles with his Christian faith. Engaging and occasionally touching book.
The Death of Speedy. By Jamie Hernandez. You don't need to read the other books that came before this, everything you need to/want to know to understand this book is in the story. Down-to-earth, naturalistic storytelling. Spoiler:
Wig Wam Bam. By Jamie Hernandez. The follow-up book to The Death of Speedy (things have occured between the volumes, but again, they are not crucial to understanding. Read those tales in Flies on the Ceiling). An intricately-crafted look into the lives of several people who were, at various times, close.
Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth. By Chris Ware. The Story of a middle-age man being reunited with his estranged father.
Hicksville. By Dylan Horrocks. An American writer goes to New Zealand and uncovers a shameful secret of a beloved comic book artist in a town whose populace loves comics.
Ghost World. By Daniel Clowes. Two girls become less best friends after high school.
David Boring. By Daniel Clowes. Pulp-style adventure as a young man tries to...um...I don't remember, but the book was good when I read it.
Palestine. By Joe Sacco. Joe Sacco, comics journalist goes to war-torn Palestine and interviews people.
Buddha. By Osamu Tezuka. Apparantly, an fictionalized biography of the life of the Buddha.
The Death of Speedy. By Jamie Hernandez. You don't need to read the other books that came before this, everything you need to/want to know to understand this book is in the story. Down-to-earth, naturalistic storytelling. Spoiler:
Spoiler:
Wig Wam Bam. By Jamie Hernandez. The follow-up book to The Death of Speedy (things have occured between the volumes, but again, they are not crucial to understanding. Read those tales in Flies on the Ceiling). An intricately-crafted look into the lives of several people who were, at various times, close.
Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth. By Chris Ware. The Story of a middle-age man being reunited with his estranged father.
Hicksville. By Dylan Horrocks. An American writer goes to New Zealand and uncovers a shameful secret of a beloved comic book artist in a town whose populace loves comics.
Ghost World. By Daniel Clowes. Two girls become less best friends after high school.
David Boring. By Daniel Clowes. Pulp-style adventure as a young man tries to...um...I don't remember, but the book was good when I read it.
Palestine. By Joe Sacco. Joe Sacco, comics journalist goes to war-torn Palestine and interviews people.
Buddha. By Osamu Tezuka. Apparantly, an fictionalized biography of the life of the Buddha.
12-29-03, 05:29 AM
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Originally posted by littlefuzzy
You might like the Battle Royale series, based off of the movie (or vice versa?)
You might like the Battle Royale series, based off of the movie (or vice versa?)
By the way, the second movie is out already in asia.
12-29-03, 01:33 PM
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I have heard the second BR movie is extreme suckekekeke... It is glorifying terrorists, has some towers blown up that are reminiscent of the Twin Towers, and is saying America is totally at fault for 9-11, etc...
12-31-03, 04:36 PM
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So many comics...!
The Fixer the latest book by Joe Sacco. Joe Sacco is a comics-journalist whose main area of interest is war-torn countries. In this book, he tries to extract accounts of the recent Bosnian war from a friend, Neven, who was a soldier in one of the factions.
My New York Diary by Julie Doucet. Another autobiographical book. This one follows Julie on three separate misadventures with men, including the title story, which chronicles the Canadian artist's short time living in New York City.
The Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Kim Deitch, with Simon Deitch. This novel is actually a collection of stories that read seamlessly as one unit. They are a historical fiction based on the early days of the American animation industry. Haunting stuff.
Minimum Wage by Bob Fingerman. A two-volume set. The story of "Rob" and "Sylvia," a New York artist and his girlfriend and their relationship.
Beg the Question by Bob Fingerman (or, "Minimum Wage, Director's Cut"). For this single volume, Fingerman went back and redrew most of Minimum Wage, and heavily edited it down to a more cohesive story. I prefer the art from Minimum Wage, but that's why both versions are recommended here.
9-11: Emergency Relief edited and published by Jeff Mason. An anthology of comics by cartoonists, in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
True Porn edited by Kelli Nelson and Robyn Chapman. An anthology of erotic comics by cartoonists, in response to their own sexual (mis?)adventures. Published by Jeff Mason.
Rosetta: A Comics Anthology edited by Ng Suat Tong. An anthology of experimental comics. Published by Jeff Mason.
Dark Horse Maverick: Happy Endings edited by Diana Schutz. An anthology of comics centering around the idea of "happy endings." Published by Dark Horse Comics. Maverick division.
Top Shelf Asks the Big Questions edited by Brett Warnock and Robert Goodin. An anthology that doesn't ask any big questions, or even seem to have any theme at all; any themes that can be found in this book are undermined by the contributions that have no connection at all. There's a lot of comics reprinted in this volume that pertain to Charles Schultz (Peanuts)'s retirement/death. Also, a nice selection of foreign comics, some articles, some oddities. Nice book, over all.
That should be enough to keep you busy for the next half a year. Good luck finding the anthologies, especially; they're all definately worth checking out.
My New York Diary by Julie Doucet. Another autobiographical book. This one follows Julie on three separate misadventures with men, including the title story, which chronicles the Canadian artist's short time living in New York City.
The Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Kim Deitch, with Simon Deitch. This novel is actually a collection of stories that read seamlessly as one unit. They are a historical fiction based on the early days of the American animation industry. Haunting stuff.
Minimum Wage by Bob Fingerman. A two-volume set. The story of "Rob" and "Sylvia," a New York artist and his girlfriend and their relationship.
Beg the Question by Bob Fingerman (or, "Minimum Wage, Director's Cut"). For this single volume, Fingerman went back and redrew most of Minimum Wage, and heavily edited it down to a more cohesive story. I prefer the art from Minimum Wage, but that's why both versions are recommended here.
9-11: Emergency Relief edited and published by Jeff Mason. An anthology of comics by cartoonists, in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
True Porn edited by Kelli Nelson and Robyn Chapman. An anthology of erotic comics by cartoonists, in response to their own sexual (mis?)adventures. Published by Jeff Mason.
Rosetta: A Comics Anthology edited by Ng Suat Tong. An anthology of experimental comics. Published by Jeff Mason.
Dark Horse Maverick: Happy Endings edited by Diana Schutz. An anthology of comics centering around the idea of "happy endings." Published by Dark Horse Comics. Maverick division.
Top Shelf Asks the Big Questions edited by Brett Warnock and Robert Goodin. An anthology that doesn't ask any big questions, or even seem to have any theme at all; any themes that can be found in this book are undermined by the contributions that have no connection at all. There's a lot of comics reprinted in this volume that pertain to Charles Schultz (Peanuts)'s retirement/death. Also, a nice selection of foreign comics, some articles, some oddities. Nice book, over all.
That should be enough to keep you busy for the next half a year. Good luck finding the anthologies, especially; they're all definately worth checking out.
08-10-09, 07:22 PM
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Re: looking for a good serious comic book/manga
Lone Wolf & Cub (manga)
Ozama Tezuka's Phoenix (manga) - hard to describe series of past and future stories linked by the presence of the phoenix, an immortal creature.
Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo (Dark Horse) - samurai/mythological tales set in a universe with animals replacing people. Usagi is a rabbit. drama, action & a bit of humor.
Neil Gaiman's Sandman (DC)
Rumiko Takhashi's Mermaid Forest + sequels. very odd drama/horror about people who either become immortal or become monsters after eating mermaid flesh.
You might try manga aimed at adult men. things like Golgo 13 (an assassin) or Crying Freeman (yakuza).
Ozama Tezuka's Phoenix (manga) - hard to describe series of past and future stories linked by the presence of the phoenix, an immortal creature.
Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo (Dark Horse) - samurai/mythological tales set in a universe with animals replacing people. Usagi is a rabbit. drama, action & a bit of humor.
Neil Gaiman's Sandman (DC)
Rumiko Takhashi's Mermaid Forest + sequels. very odd drama/horror about people who either become immortal or become monsters after eating mermaid flesh.
You might try manga aimed at adult men. things like Golgo 13 (an assassin) or Crying Freeman (yakuza).
08-11-09, 01:43 PM
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Re: looking for a good serious comic book/manga
This thread probably should be moved to the comic book section.
With that said I liked the following a lot
Walking Dead
Invincible
Gantz
The Maxx
Pride
Grendel Prime
Some that I haven't gotten to but hear are good
Y the last man
We 3
Chrono Cross
Mouse Guard
With that said I liked the following a lot
Walking Dead
Invincible
Gantz
The Maxx
Pride
Grendel Prime
Some that I haven't gotten to but hear are good
Y the last man
We 3
Chrono Cross
Mouse Guard
08-11-09, 05:02 PM
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Re: looking for a good serious comic book/manga
I was reading the second post, thinking "who would recommend Meridian in this day and age." What a thread bump (though admittedly the forum is pretty scarce).
08-25-09, 08:02 PM
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Re: looking for a good serious comic book/manga
Definitly check out Lone Wolf and Cub.
Besides that, if you're into more serious comics, check out the 9 volume manga series Sanctuary. It's one of the best series I've ever read. It's a crime/politics drama story about two friends who want to change Japan so one joins the Yakuza and one goes into politics and how they plan on working together to reform their country.
It's equal parts The Sopranos and The West Wing.
Besides that, if you're into more serious comics, check out the 9 volume manga series Sanctuary. It's one of the best series I've ever read. It's a crime/politics drama story about two friends who want to change Japan so one joins the Yakuza and one goes into politics and how they plan on working together to reform their country.
It's equal parts The Sopranos and The West Wing.
09-18-09, 12:13 PM
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Re: looking for a good serious comic book/manga
just as someone else said, the best graphic novel ever is:
Considering the depressing subject matter, the MAUS book is surprisingly re-readable over and over. I've probably read it about 15 times. I think GRAVE OF FIREFLIES is the best depressing animated movie, but I have no desire to watch that over and over (I've seen the movie twice in my lifetime).
Considering the depressing subject matter, the MAUS book is surprisingly re-readable over and over. I've probably read it about 15 times. I think GRAVE OF FIREFLIES is the best depressing animated movie, but I have no desire to watch that over and over (I've seen the movie twice in my lifetime).