Austin Improv

The Watchmen ftw

From Frank Miller:

Sin City
The Dark Knight Returns
300

Alan Moore:

The League of Extrodinary Gentlemen

Alex Ross:

Kingdom Come

For the Love of God, Give Me Time Beavers Now.

Justin Davis wrote: It actually took me a bit to get through From Hell. It reads much more fluidly after the first 100 pages. I'm not the biggest fan of much classic gothic literature, and From Hell is definitely classic gothic literature. The book falls directly into that vein when it goes on for page after page after page describing the scenery and architecture of London, describing the links to cryptic happenings in the book.

I'm not sure what my favorite one is.

I'm not too familiar with classic gothic literature as a genre... other examples?

I will say that the thing you disliked is my favorite part of From Hell. How the architecture and myth stuff informs the rest of the narrative. That's what I meant by layered. Also, words.

shando wrote:

Jastroch wrote:But if I had to CHOOSE, From Hell. The rich, densly layered JAck the Ripper narrative based story is nothing like the Chicago-style movie. I've probably read it close to seven times.

I totally agree with Jastroch, but then why did he have to ruin his post by climbing on his silly "Chicago-style" hobby horse. Sleeping dogs and all that.

PS: Jastroch--

It was a silly joke. A quip if you will.

acrouch wrote:Anything by that crazy son of a bitch Grant Morrison. Especially
The Invisibles.

That shit was insane, in a good way. I had to stop reading it.

Asaf wrote: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Probably the worst comic to movie translation in the history of anything. Talk about raping the source material.

Jastroch wrote:

shando wrote:

Jastroch wrote:But if I had to CHOOSE, From Hell. The rich, densly layered JAck the Ripper narrative based story is nothing like the Chicago-style movie. I've probably read it close to seven times.

I totally agree with Jastroch, but then why did he have to ruin his post by climbing on his silly "Chicago-style" hobby horse. Sleeping dogs and all that.

PS: Jastroch--

It was a silly joke. A quip if you will.

I know.

First, let me state that I am delighted to know someone else who has read Big Numbers.

Second, hell yeah to The Watchmen, The Invisibles, or pretty much anything by Mo(ore|rrison).

Third, I really can't stand the whole Gaiman/Sandman thing.

Fourth, Frank Miller is freaking insane.

Fifth, not really graphic novels, but I'm really enjoying the Walking Dead series, and the Flight books.

That is all.

majcher wrote:
Fourth, Frank Miller is freaking insane

Oh good Christ. Thanks for providing me insight into the mind of an emotionally stunted man with an actually cartoonish view of the world, histroy, and human beings. I've always wondered how self aware Miller was, and turns out he's really still just the creepy 13 year-old boy at the back of bus taking out his violent revenge fantasies via drawing. The sad thing, we find ourselves in a world where this guy is interviewed as a reasonable source to turn to when talking about foreign policy. My decision not to see 300 has been vindicated.

shando wrote:

majcher wrote:
Fourth, Frank Miller is freaking insane

Oh good Christ. Thanks for providing me insight into the mind of an emotionally stunted man with an actually cartoonish view of the world, histroy, and human beings. I've always wondered how self aware Miller was, and turns out he's really still just the creepy 13 year-old boy at the back of bus taking out his violent revenge fantasies via drawing. The sad thing, we find ourselves in a world where this guy is interviewed as a reasonable source to turn to when talking about foreign policy. My decision not to see 300 has been vindicated.

There was a huge discussion about this on a comic book message board I frequent when this news broke over a year ago. I think you read a bit too much into that article and Miller's quotes.

Is there no superhero love here or is it all indie or mature comics in this thread?

Invincibleis an awesome book. The Ultimate Invincible collections are what I wish more collections were like. There are two out now and a third one coming out in July. If you're curious about this one, try to avoid any spoilers because the twist that happens halfway through the first Ultimate collection is actually shocking and well-told.

The New Frontier is an amazing book and one of the most expansive books I've read. I picked up the Absolute edition at buy.com for half price. I would definitely qualify it as one of best graphic novels/trades ever created.

Jastroch wrote:I'm not too familiar with classic gothic literature as a genre... other examples?

I will say that the thing you disliked is my favorite part of From Hell. How the architecture and myth stuff informs the rest of the narrative. That's what I meant by layered. Also, words.

Frankenstein is the probably one of the most famous examples of classic gothic literature and a book that the first part of From Hell reminds me the most of. Wuthering Heights is another one.

I also dabble in making comics, myself. I almost have enough to make a graphic novel on its own, but I need to remake the first act of the series.

Here's a small preview for the next episode if I can ever get around to it. It's the ultimate apocalyptic war story. All you need to know is that it's about a group of pilots and soldiers trying to survive an epic battle that's going to reduce the population into triple digits by the time it's over.



And a short sample page... (the guy in the black fighter is named Rap. It's not a typo.)



Believe it or not, there's also a love story mixed in there. I might post the final product when it's done if you guys would allow it.

I also do comedy comics, but they're a bit... eh... lowbrow. Click here and scroll down to see what I mean.

Justin Davis wrote: There was a huge discussion about this on a comic book message board I frequent when this news broke over a year ago. I think you read a bit too much into that article and Miller's quotes.

I was actually responding to the NPR interview streamed off the truly icky blog Little Green Footballs. The text interview was only secondary to my complaints.

I love all illustrations from Alex Ross. Good god that's some amazing stuff.

Marvels - Kurt Busiek and drawn by Alex Ross
Zero Girl- Sam Keith
Arkham Asylum - Grant Morrison and drawn by Dave McKean

I like Frank Miller's Sin City series but sincerely I do not like his Batman stuff.

Robin is my all-time favorite and I will buy almost any graphic novel that features Tim Drake...even though sometimes the art might not be that great. Thought I have not yet bought the military-based one that is out right now...dunno about that one.
I am very picky when it comes to what art is featured in a graphic novel.