I enjoy comic books, but I only read them sporadically. I thought the "Absolute" collections might be a good chance to catch up on some of the good comics that I've missed over the years. So, I'm thinking...

Absolute Sandman, Vol. 1
Absolute Dark Knight
Absolute Watchmen

I can ask for one for Christmas. Which one should I ask for? I like Batman, and Dark Knight Returns is supposed to be one of the premiere batstories, but on the other hand I've heard DK2 isn't so hot. Then there Watchmen, which I've heard is one of the greatest comics ever, but I don't really know that much of what it's about. Sandman sounds like it would be up my alley, because I like fantasy/horror, but if I buy it then I guess I'll have to buy the other three volumes when they come out. Hmmm...

Oh, and while I'm here, feel free to recommend other TPBs that I need to read. I like Batman, and fantasy/horror comics like I said, but feel free to recommend anything. I'm thinking about getting Arkham Asylum: 15th Anniversary, thoughts?

Watchmen is lord and master over all other comics.

One Word: Preacher

Don't know if there are any sort of plans for Absolute versions for them.

I also really dig The Walking Dead, even though I am usually I am not much a fan of the genre across various mediums (although that is changing a bit).

Of the 3 choices you give, I think most people would steer you to Watchmen.

I'd probably suggest Absolute Watchmen. It's self-contained.

Absolute Sandman is very good as well, though it's only the first of four volumes.

Absolute Dark Knight goes on my shitlist for including the wretched sequel. I would gladly pick up a Absolute DKR for $50, but DC can shove the $100-for-both up its ass.

What, no Absolute Archie?!

I voted for Watchmen because 1) it's darn good, and 2) as Josh-da-man said, it's self-contained.

Hands down Absolute Watchmen. The greatest comic in the history of the medium by FAR, plus it will eventually go OOP (like the Planetary absolutes, which go for big $ now), & if the movie ever gets made, you will get a pretty penny for it should you ever want to sell it someday. But, know in advance, with Watchmen, it is a very heavy, dense, read, not really the type of book to read quick & casually.

However, if you are in the mood to just read some good old fashioned pure superhero goodness, & not something so dark & heavy, gofor Absolute New Frontier. I have every Absolute book published so far (except for Hush b/c I though the story was dreadful), & I keep them by my TV, for friends & guests to look at, & since I got NF it has become the one that most people look at & want to read.

Also, if you dig Batman Absolute Long Halloween comes out in Feb, you'd probably really dig that.

As for other TPBS to gate absolutely the first thing you should buy if you dig horror are the Walking Dead trades. There is also a "absolute" type edition of those. Trust me, you come back posting raving about these books. Also like someone else mentioned, immediately ask for every single Preacher trade. And if you like horror/fantasy, you will love the shit out of Fables.

Whatever you pick up or get for X-mas. Post & let us know what you think.

Ive got Absolute Batman Hush, and its great.

Fixed.

Though I have issues with the story, I do enjoy that books trip through Gotham and the Rogues.

To Joe, be careful. Absolutes are like crack and once you start getting them, you are going to want to get more. You can get tons more story in regular trades for the price of one Absolute, but you cannot beat the quality of the books.

Not absolutes, but there are some good regular HC titles out as well that don't go for as much.

Touché! Thats why the art looks even better in the larger edition. Just waiting for some of my other favs to make the cut

A little thread bump

I am debating on either buying The Dark Knight Returns in hardcover (2002) which is OOP for roughly $35-$40 or the Absolute Dark Knight for $65. The only thing holding me back on the Absolute is Strikes Again. I should probably get the harcover with only Dark Knight Returns but at the same time i am a sucker for the oversized Absolutes. Are the extras good? Recoloring? etc to justfy the Absolute even though i am not too crazy for Strikes Again?