I’ve been reading a few graphic novels in the past month or two and I have really struggled to work out how to review them. I thought maybe I could just give a quick mini review of the ones I’ve read recently. I just discovered Comixology (I know, late to the party) and their mobile app is great. I never thought reading a comic on a phone would be a great experience but they have nailed it. So you might see a few more reviews of graphic novels in the future.
Fables: Legends in Exile I really love the concept of Fables, the Fabletown community (all characters from different fairy tales) living in New York. The Big Bad Wolf is a hard-boiled detective that is on the case to find out who killed Rose, Snow White’s sister. While the art has a real 80’s feel to it, it is the story telling that makes this a great graphic novel. I expect to be reading a lot more from this series.
Batman: The Killing Joke I’m not a fan of art style in Alan Moore’s graphic novels but I really do enjoy a good Batman comic. This is a dark, comical and sadistic read, almost like an origin story for The Joker. If you are a fan of Alan Moore or Batman, this is a must read, this is The Joker that Heath Ledger modelled his role after in The Dark Knight.
Hawkeye: My Life as a Weapon Hawkeye is one great superhero and he doesn’t have any superpowers. In fact most of my favourite superheroes don’t have superpowers (The Punisher, Batman) but unlike them, Hawkeye isn’t doing this for revenge. Most people know that there are two Hawkeye’s (Clint Barton and Kate Bishop) and Matt Fraction (the author) has an interesting approach to including both of them. This is more of a look into the personal lives of Hawkeye rather than a superhero adventure, highly recommend this and will be continuing this series.
If anyone knows of some good graphic novel series I should try, please let me know. If you have not really tried a comic before and don’t know where to start, check out my First Steps post on that topic. On a final note, another great thing about the Comixology app is the free comics, good way to try a series (normally offer issue one or a previewer) without spending any money.
Definitely stick with Fables. I’m about 4 books in and it just keeps getting better.
I haven’t read any Hawkeye, but I do love Matt Fraction so I might need to give it a look.
I really like Matt Fraction’s style. What do you recommend of his?
I really enjoyed The Five Fists of Science, which was a single stand alone book he did with some other guys. It has issues, but it’s a lot of fun. Everything else I’ve read has been random issues of superhero comics he’s worked on, and while I really like his style, I don’t know if i’d recommend any if you weren’t already somewhat of a fan of the character.
will have to check it out
I’d never heard of Comixology! Oh my gosh, I’m definintely going to check that out. Haven’t read the Hawkeye or Batman graphic novels but I’m a huge fan of the Fables. I binge read them and got up to #14 so I still have a few before I’m fully caught up. I haven’t read too many other graphic novels but I did read the first in Y: The Last Man series. Wasn’t too bad, not my favorite, but I’ll likely continue someday when I have time.
Binge reading Fables would of been heaps of fun. I read all of Y: The Last Man, I didn’t think too highly of it either but there are a lot of fans out there.