Top 10 Graphic Novels
Comic books have had a rich and storied history, influencing society and culture in undeniable ways. Yet, they still maintain a bad rap in contemporary culture. They were prevalent and quite popular half a century ago, when World War II was raging and adults were turning to comics to see morale-boosters like Captain America simultaneously punching out Nazi and Japanese caricatures in one mighty swing.
Since then, graphic novels have done their damnedest to promote comic books as a legitimate source of literature, and judging by the massive influence of comics in movies, television, and the public eye, it’s slowly but surely starting to work. This list represents the graphic novels that I believe do that very thing the most effectively; They strive to prove that just because it’s a comic book, or contains superheroes, doesn’t mean it can’t tell a story as superbly as any prose novel ever could.
1. Watchmen by Alan Moore, art by Dave Gibbons:
When the first issue of Watchmen was released in 1987, it breathed new life into a shallow medium rife with campy stories and “aw, shucks” humor. With compelling characters, a complex, carefully narrated plot, and an unforgettable climax, it’s no wonder that, for better or for worse, Moore’s magnum opus has become the unanimous champion of the medium today.
Cost: $12
2. Maus by Art Spiegelman:
The only graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize (albeit a Pulitzer Prize Special Award), Modern Literature and History courses around the world often cite Maus as required reading - and for good reason.
Cost: $10
3. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller:
Much like Watchmen did for comics in general, The Dark Knight Returns did for Batman: it singlehandedly changed the franchise from a hokey Adam West character play to the raw, gritty badass opus we see today. Seriously, who knew that a story about a retired, geriatric Batman donning his cowl once again would be so entertaining?
Cost: $10
4. Sandman by Neil Gaiman:
What if the Sandman really existed, and he did more than just sprinkle dirt in your eyes to help you sleep? It’s a basic premise, but the result is a rich, intellectually satisfying fantasy story, with elements of comedy, pure horror, and suspense thrown in for good measure.
Cost: $10-$16
5. Preacher by Garth Ennis, art by Steve Dillon:
Ennis’ controversial religious/supernatural/Western epic is what introduced me to the medium and what an introduction it was! Ennis has penned what is quite possibly the ugliest, most pitiful comic book character in history in the person of a botched-suicide loser who calls himself Arseface…yes, that’s not a typo.
Cost: $10-$13
6. Blankets by Craig Thompson:
From one religious comic to another, except this one carries a more serious tone. Thompson has the amazing ability to perfectly recapture the twists and turns of adolescence, creating a yarn that’s so relatable that even the most hardcore, emotionally stubborn man will shed a bittersweet tear (or two) and unendingly sign to thoughts of his first love.
Cost: $23
7. Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware:
Ware’s innovative novel incorporates creative layouts and simple drawings to create one of the most emotionally packed examples of modern American literature. With a jarring style and off-putting subject matter, the comic may not be for everyone, but, in my eyes, it sets an indisputable benchmark for storytelling in the medium.
Cost: $15
8. Superman For All Seasons by Jeph Loeb, art by Tim Sale:
Superman’s invincible, right? How are you going to make someone like that relatable?” Superman For All Seasons manages to humanize Clark Kent in a way that no other comic has, or probably ever will, and finally makes the public care about the Man of Steel yet again.
, each or 9. We3 by Grant Morrison, art by Frank Quitely:
We3 is a shining example in modern comics that less can often result in much, much more. It’s Homeward Bound on steroids and PCP, with a plot involving the US Army chasing after three experimental future weapons that consist of a dog, a cat, and a rabbit in high-tech exoskeletons.
Cost: $11
10. Bone by Jeff Smith:
Smith’s huge tome may not have the heavy influence of some on the list, or may not be quite as serious, but it’s just a well told story that, above all, is fun.
Cost: $10+
Agree? Disagree? Leave us a comment and let us know.
Batman is good…
Yes. Batman is classic.
However, I can’t wait till the Watchmen Movie.
Can someone tell me what is the difference between a comic and a graphic novel?
These are all great choices.
Patrick:
You probably already know that comic books come in issues. Basically graphic novels collect all those issues in one volume so you can read the complete story without having to buy each individual issue.
Great article, keep up the great work!
Although Hollywood made watching the movie an embarrassment, the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is my favorite graphic novel by far.
I’m a big fan of The Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman.
It’s kind of a toss-up whether it’s a true graphic novel per se, but I’ll throw in my vote for yes.
Here’s a review of it on NYTimes.
WOW. How could I have forgotten about The Killing Joke.
This one creeps me out even ’til today.
I hear Heath Ledger used this novel to help him with his role in the Dark Knight.
Though it might not fit well as a top 10, I really enjoyed Red Son. Just the whole concept of Superman being in the hands of the USSR was a great twist on the tale.
Graphic novel is just a pretentious word for a comic. It’s all sequential art.
Usually, more adult/indie fare are labeled as graphic novels. Superhero/kiddie stuff is usually just called comics.
MOST OF THOSE BOOKS ARE ARE A JOKE. IF YOU WANT A VIOLENT, MANLY READ, CHECK OUT NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, BY CORMACK MCCARTHY.