I am looking for graphic novel recommendations. I want stories that are self contained and in one book. Ideas?

Question

I enjoy things like The Watchmen, From Hell, Ronin, and Akira which is complete in six books. I like not having to know previous mythology.

I enjoy things like The Watchmen, From Hell, Ronin, and Akira which is complete in six books. I like not having to know previous mythology. I would also like that the stories be completed and I don't have to wait for more issues to come out.

Answer 1

Naruto, is my favorite graphic novel. It has a great story line and in the first book it explains the story on the first page(like a prolouge) Its got plenty of action if thats what your looking for and so far there is 12 books since the story isnt over yet(its fairly new) I think the artwork is very good too. Bottem line: try it and if you dont like it take it back they are only 7 dollers each. But i think you will like it.

Answer 2

Exactly what the other people said.

Dark Knight Returns

300

Sin City

Maybe Frank Miller's run on Wolverine? I've never read it, but seems like it gives a Ronin vibe

Animal Man (Grant Morrison's run, I believe)

Kingdom Come

Black Orchid (By Neil Gaiman)

V for Vendetta (Movie < comic)

Lots of others; once you're done with these you should look around

You really should look into some comics that need more than one book. The first Sandman is kinda self-contained and introduces you to the character, I'd highly suggest you try that. And if you get used to needing more than one book, try Preacher, 100 Bullets, Fables... Lotsa stuff

Answer 3

The trade paperback I'm currently reading is Bone, which actually covers all 55 issues of the series in one volume. It might seem slightly cartoony and child-like but it has a very engrossing story that appeals to adults and the younger crowd as well. Also along the same bent is Cerebus and Usagi Yojimbo, but they are definitely more adult, with plenty of violence.

Along the lines of Watchmen, is The Invisibles. You can find it on Amazon with every 2 books covering a run of the series (I believe there is a total of 4 series runs with the last one in only one book). Plus it's written by fellow Brit Grant Morrison.

Answer 4

The sin city graphic novels have always been my favourite.the artwork captures the gritty dark world of basin city perfectly plus you cant go wrong with the characters,stories or the text.I recommend getting "that yellow bastard" or "the hard goodbye" first.Also check out hellboy which is interesting as it delves into mythology and is written like a detective story but with a demon as the main character.Hellsing would be somewhere similar along the lines of that as well except thats a manga and instead of a demon,theres a vampire.Both are excellent nonetheless.

Answer 5

Nice books so far. I'd recommend these titles, all of which are graphic novels, either one shot or part of a series.

In no particular order:

Bone
Cerebus
100 Bullets
Sin City
Violent Messiahs
Dawn
Spawn
Wolverine:Enemy of the State
Next Men
Preacher
Grendel
Elfquest
The Crow
Batman: Dark Knight
Batman: Dark Knight Returns
Batman: Hush
Batman: Knightfall
Chris Claremont's run on the X-men
Aliens Vs. Predator
Sandman


There are many, many more titles that I can't think of at the moment without perusing my overloaded bookshelves...

Answer 6

Most Frank Miller graphic novels are 1 shots, V for Vendetta is anopther descent 1, A history of Violence. Arkham Asylum may be the best ever 1 shot graphic novel. and of course there is The Death of Superman, which is the highest selling graphic novel ever.

Answer 7

Batman: Year One by Frank Miller
The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
any of the Sandman graphic novels by Neil Gaiman

All of these are gritty and and dark. In other words, pretty graphic.

Answer 8

i like jla vs wildcats

you know what? try to get a comics catalog, the collectors' items type

Answer 9

one word Transmetropolitan by warren ellis


it's not all out yet but you could try battle pope too