I Read Comic Books discussion

Hello Scott, Whitney and Simone. Welcome to the group, it's a really great place to share your opinions on a wide range of comics, and to learn about some really good stuff you might not have heard about before.

Francis wrote: "Hello Scott, Whitney and Simone. Welcome to the group, it's a really great place to share your opinions on a wide range of comics, and to learn about some really good stuff you might not have heard..."

Thank you Francis!

Chad wrote: "Hi Whitney! Have you read any of Archie since the reboot by Mark Waid? It's really good."

Hi! I checked it out at my library last year but, since I usually check out like 60 books at a time, I never got to it! It is on my list. Thanks for the rec!


Francis wrote: "Hello Scott, Whitney and Simone. Welcome to the group, it's a really great place to share your opinions on a wide range of comics, and to learn about some really good stuff you might not have heard about before".

Thank you!

Whitney wrote: "Hi! I checked it out at my library last year but, since I usually check out like 60 books at a time, I never got to it! It is on my list. Thanks for the rec!"

I'm the same. I've got 145 graphic novels out from the library right now and that doesn't count the stuff I have from them as ebooks or from hoopla.

Chad wrote: "I'm the same. I've got 145 graphic novels out from the library right now and that doesn't count the stuff I have from them as ebooks or from hoopla."

LOL! I have 3 library cards (I use two family member's), so I can take out 90 at a time. But 145+?! You must be in heaven (or hell). I've even converted a towel closet into a makeshift bookcase for library books.

Whitney wrote: "Chad wrote: "I'm the same. I've got 145 graphic novels out from the library right now and that doesn't count the stuff I have from them as ebooks or from hoopla."

LOL! I have 3 library cards (I us..."

Geez! You folks are hardcore! I have a 3/4 full book shelf of trade paperbacks. My house is small so there isn't a lot of room for storing a big collection.

I used to have a couple long boxes of Spawn, X-Men, and other random issues from childhood. They've all been sold or traded away.

Props on using your library! I read 'Low' #1 trade paperback from the library. Started 'Y The Last Man' but ended up not finishing it.

Simone wrote: "Hello, my name's Simone. I'm from Italy but I live in the UK. I read pretty much every type of comics, including manga and French BD. My last reading was the first volume of Infamous Iron Man by Be..."

Welcome to IRCB Simone! Do you have a favorite genre that you reach for before any of the others?

Whitney wrote: "Chad wrote: "I'm the same. I've got 145 graphic novels out from the library right now and that doesn't count the stuff I have from them as ebooks or from hoopla."

LOL! I have 3 library cards (I us..."

WOW!!!! How do you carry them all out of the library?!

Kate wrote: "WOW!!!! How do you carry them all out of the library?! "

You smuggle them out 10 or 20 at a time in a book bag. At our library you can renew them up to 6 times so some of them I've had for months if no one else is looking to read them.

Scott wrote: "Whitney wrote: "Chad wrote: "I'm the same. I've got 145 graphic novels out from the library right now and that doesn't count the stuff I have from them as ebooks or from hoopla."

LOL! I have 3 lib..."

My house is small too, so I had to get rid of most of my books long ago. I had many bookcases. I loooove digital comics now. Digital everything. But the library is free and I'm definitely making use of it.

Kate wrote: "WOW!!!! How do you carry them all out of the library?! "

I use those cloth grocery bags. At least 3 at a time. People think I'm strange :)


Chad wrote: "Kate wrote: "WOW!!!! How do you carry them all out of the library?! "

You smuggle them out 10 or 20 at a time in a book bag. At our library you can renew them up to 6 times so some of them I've ha..."

6 times?!! I'm so jealous. Mine is only 3 times. After that long I feel like I own them...

Kate wrote: "Simone wrote: "Hello, my name's Simone. I'm from Italy but I live in the UK. I read pretty much every type of comics, including manga and French BD. My last reading was the first volume of Infamous..."

Hi Kate, thanks for your welcoming. I don't have a favourite genre though I'm very attached to superhero comics. After all, I started with them when I was a little kid! ;)

Francis wrote: "Hello Scott, Whitney and Simone. Welcome to the group, it's a really great place to share your opinions on a wide range of comics, and to learn about some really good stuff you might not have heard..."

Thank you, Francis.

Hello,
My name is Samantha and I’m from London UK.
I’m currently collection Marvel The Ultimate Graphic Novel Collection and I’m enjoying reading the books.
I like Marvel and DC Comics including the movies.
I’m also a fan of The Walking Dead and I also like manga books.

Hi Samantha, welcome to the group, which Marvel Graphic novel have you most enjoyed?

Hi. My name is Vojta, I am from Czech Republic and I read everything I can get :D
Am a big fan of 2000AD, Valiant and also big 2. From creators Ican point out Jeff Lemire, Ben Templesmith, John Smith, Sean Phillips and much more.

Hi. My name is Kryštof and i am from Czech Republic. I read anything i can get . I love Usagi Yojimbo, Jeff Smith´s Bone, Baltimore, Garfield, Daredevil and Moon Knight. My favorite writers are: Stan Sakai, Brian Michael Bendis, early Frank Miller, Jeff Smith, Warren Ellis, Garth Ennis and Jim Starlin. My favorite artist are: Stan Sakai, Alex Maleev, Ben Stenbeck, Goran Pavlov and Jeff Smith.

Hello Vojta and Kryštof, welcome to this group. I live in Scotland and I know some of the American's on here wanted to know what comic book culture was like where I live, so could I ask you what the comic book tradition is in Czech Republic, and what the culture is today?

Well it is hard to say we have a decent success in translating an publishing US, French and UK comics here for about 30 years. It was rly hard until 1989 cause there were the infamous communism regime here. and the commies has already put their finger on the original czech comic art...because of censore and ideology until 90s it was mostly underground comics and even nowadays we have an issue of establishing functional mainstream...some of the artist are trying to do it but is hard...underground comics and serious works are still made but you can feel from it that they are missing the freedom and joy. What we are brilliant in is comics for kids since this was the only one that was not censored so we have a big tradition in it and I dare to say that we are one of the best in the world in it. We are still looking for someone who is capable of modern story telling and art..and we have just partial achievements in this :(

I suspected that Communism would have had a big influence on the comic books produced, It would be fascinating to know if someone had managed to hide a collection of the underground works prior to the 1990's, and perhaps it might be part of a museum collection one day. Of course I understand the risk someone would have taken to collect such things in one place, so perhaps it's a fantasy, but I'm sure there would be a great deal to be learned from such a collection.

I agree with Vojtěch, our comics for kids are really great and they have a big tradition, we even have a movie about our biggest Franchise "Čtyřlístek" (Fourleaf) which has been running since the 60s

Kryštof wrote: "I agree with Vojtěch, our comics for kids are really great and they have a big tradition, we even have a movie about our biggest Franchise "Čtyřlístek" (Fourleaf) which has been running since the 60s"

That has got me interested in a slightly different way, does Fourleaf refer to the four leaf clover? Of course that is a symbol associated with Ireland especially in the UK and the USA, but as a football (soccer) fan I am aware of the Czech team Bohemians who share a name with an Irish football team. Is there a connection between Ireland and the Czech Republic that has led to these similarities or are these just coincidence?

I'm sorry to go off topic so much, and I hope everyone will forgive me. I promise I'll try to only talk about comics from now on.

I would say yeah, because the 4 main characters are lucky to be together. (Probably) Also i'm not into sports so I have no idea, sorry.

Also some Fourleaf's artists were recently fired because they were drawing secret penises into the comics without anyone noticing for years. Just a little fun fact you can tell your friends in a pub or something like that.

Kryštof wrote: "Also some Fourleaf's artists were recently fired because they were drawing secret penises into the comics without anyone noticing for years. Just a little fun fact you can tell your friends in a pu..."

That's hilarious! Can you point to some examples? I tried googling it but everything came back in Czech.

Kryštof wrote: "Also some Fourleaf's artists were recently fired because they were drawing secret penises into the comics without anyone noticing for years. Just a little fun fact you can tell your friends in a pu..."

The most known example is this :)))
The Čtyřlístek thing is for sure connected with the Fourleaf clover in fact that is the correct translate and even the logo. But I do not know about the football team since Bohemia means Czechia in latin but who knows maybe the Bohemian in Ireland is connected to some czech imigrants :))

Thank you for indulging me.

Whitney wrote: "Hi, everyone! My name is Whitney. I’m from Canada..."

Hi Whitney! I loved Alex and Ada as well. I managed to collect and read all of it in about two weeks after picking the first volume up on a whim!

Simone wrote: "Hello, my name's Simone. I'm from Italy but I live in the UK. I read pretty much every type of comics, including manga and French BD..."

Hi Simone! Do you have a favorite BD? I read a few translations recently, including Lulu Anew. I had to special request it from our library, but was very pleased to see it in my local comic shop recently!

Chad wrote: "Whitney wrote: "Hi! I checked it out at my library last year but, since I usually check out like 60 books at a time, I never got to it! It is on my list..."

That's so many! I've hit maybe 18 before, and I thought that was a lot!

Samantha wrote: "Hello, My name is Samantha and I’m from London UK..."

Hi Samantha! Do you have a favorite manga? I have been trying to grab at least one manga book every time I go to the library with the hopes of finding a series I can really get into.

Vojtěch wrote: "Hi. My name is Vojta, I am from Czech Republic and I read everything I can get :D..."

Thanks for the insight into comics history! I admit I don't even know that much about comics history in the US (where I live). Have you had a chance to read Jeff Lemire's Essex County or Black Hammer, Vol. 1: Secret Origins? I loved both of them!

Kryštof wrote: "I agree with Vojtěch, our comics for kids are really great and they have a big tradition, we even have a movie about our biggest Franchise "Čtyřlístek" (Fourleaf) which has been running since the 60s"

Do you know this this series has an English translation? I'm doing some light internet searching. The English-speaking internet has information on the comic, but I'm not finding any information on a full translation of any of the books.

---

Also, welcome to the group all of you! I am always excited to hear about comics from outside of the US!

Sorry for the long post! There was so much to catch up on!

Hi Kait, I believe that except last issue of Age of Doom there is rly few things by Jeff I have not Read :) Essex is my fav. Black hammer is just great but I am fanboy and I love everything except Plutona...Even Lost Dogs which I take as an emotional Hurricane destroying hope and trust in humanity :D

Vojtěch wrote: "Hi Kait, I believe that except last issue of Age of Doom there is rly few things by Jeff I have not Read :) Essex is my fav. Black hammer is just great but I am fanboy and I love everything except ..."

Well, that's a recommendation if I ever saw one! I have added Lost Dogs to my reading list!

OH HAI -- I'm stephanie and I like comics and libraries. I'm an aspiring librarian who works in two different libraries in non "official" librarian roles, and what money doesn't get spent on rent and food and stuff tends to go to my favorite comic book store. I do read a few Marvel/DC comics, but my priorities in buying comics tend to be things from Boom! Studios and stories with interesting characters and story lines that don't make me want to throw myself off a bridge. In other words: I really like comics like Jem and the Holograms, Lumberjanes, Zodiac Starforce, Kim & Kim, Jonesy, etc. ♥ I admit regularly to people that my primary reason for being on Twitter is b/c I love following comic book artists (I swoon daily over things Jen Bartel posts tbh) but am actually really horrible at being on twitter.

I am here mainly because I love talking about comic books and while I've got a few folks who I can talk comics to, I would love to talk about them more. Like all. the. time. everyday. 24/7. just kidding. I have other interests. music and cats. but mostly comics.
okay hi that's me I think I'm done now.

Stephanie wrote: "OH HAI -- I'm stephanie and I like comics and libraries. I'm an aspiring librarian who works in two different libraries in non "official" librarian roles, and what money doesn't get spent on rent a..."

Welcome to IRCB Stephanie! I love libraries too, and those are some great titles you listed. I really like Lumberjanes, and have been meaning to try Jonesy. I've heard from people in this group that it's fantastic!

Do prefer reading in single issues or trades?

Kate wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "OH HAI -- I'm stephanie and I like comics and libraries. I'm an aspiring librarian who works in two different libraries in non "official" librarian roles, and what money doesn't g..." I do both! I have a pull shelf at my local comic book shop, so I collect my faves in single issue, but when I know I want to catch up on something, I definitely appreciate trades. Wic+Div has been exclusively trades for me, as has Saga, which is ideal given just how MUCH there is to both narratives. :)

I am Rick, I am from Kansas, I have been reading comics off and on most of my life. Earliest comic memories are Harvey/Disney/Archie’s. I set a goal for myself this year of reading 50 trade paper backs in the year, I fell just short of that last year.

I don’t read a lot of new titles, I don’t have a pull list at the moment.

Rick wrote: "I am Rick, I am from Kansas, I have been reading comics off and on most of my life. Earliest comic memories are Harvey/Disney/Archie’s. I set a goal for myself this year of reading 50 trade paper b..."

Welcome Rick. Have you heard of www.hoopladigital.com? It's a website with thousands of graphic novels you can borrow digital copies from through your local library. It's pretty awesome.

Chad wrote: "Rick wrote: "I am Rick, I am from Kansas, I have been reading comics off and on most of my life. Earliest comic memories are Harvey/Disney/Archie’s. I set a goal for myself this year of reading 50 ..."

I keep hearing that hoopla has comics, but the library system in my city only has access to the movies/tv aspect of hoopla. And overdrive's offerings are pretty minimal. which is sad for me.

Stephanie wrote: "Chad wrote: "Rick wrote: "I am Rick, I am from Kansas, I have been reading comics off and on most of my life. Earliest comic memories are Harvey/Disney/Archie’s. I set a goal for myself this year o..."

You should speak with your local librarian. They're generally pretty receptive to adding things for their patrons. Chances are they didn't even realize how much comic content is available on Hoopla that your library system doesn't provide. They get all of the DC and Image graphic novels the day they are released plus have tons of stuff by Dark Horse, Marvel, IDW, Valiant, Boom, Dynamite and many others. It's a fantastic resource, especially since most libraries have no idea what graphic novels to order.

I'm a big proponent of making use of your local library. Your property taxes pay for it, so they should get the stuff you want to read. Our library system is fantastic. They even have 3D printers and scanners you can use.

Rick wrote: "I am Rick, I am from Kansas, I have been reading comics off and on most of my life. Earliest comic memories are Harvey/Disney/Archie’s. I set a goal for myself this year of reading 50 trade paper b..."

Hello, Rick. I am doing a lot of 'catch up' myself, having been really into comics up to, say, Batman: Year One, and only getting back into them recently.

Who would you say is your favorite writer, artist, or team 'to date'?

Hi, I'm Fernando. I am from Venezuela. I am practicing reading in English and a wonderful way to start is with comics. I'm a fan of science fiction books.

Fernando wrote: "Hi, I'm Fernando. I am from Venezuela. I am practicing reading in English and a wonderful way to start is with comics. I'm a fan of science fiction books." Learning a language through comics is such a fantastic idea! I need to do that myself with spanish language graphic novels so that I can improve my Spanish skills!

Hi,
I’m Jon, a Multimedia Designer and Comic Book Artist living in the California High Desert with my wife, horses and dogs.

I like retro and independent comics as well as graphic adaptations of prose books.

Also have a large interest in audiobooks and radio drama.

Recent reads and re-reads: “Monstress,” “Jewel in the Skull,” “Elric Vol. 1,” “It’s Superman!,” “Soon, I will be Invincible.”

Fernando wrote: "Hi, I'm Fernando. I am from Venezuela. I am practicing reading in English and a wonderful way to start is with comics. I'm a fan of science fiction books."

Hi Fernando. Welcome to the group. I'm a big fan of science fiction as well. You might like Alex + Ada, Vol. 1 or Descender, Vol. 1: Tin Stars. These are a couple of science fiction comics that I've really enjoyed.

Welcome, Rick, Fernando, and Jon!

Fernando, how is the comics selection in Venezuela? I am always interested in hearing about the comic offerings outside the US.

Jon, I love adaptations as well! I read a lot of YA adaptations--The Graveyard Book, Volume 1 is probably my favorite. Do you have any recommendations? Also, how did you get into working on comics?

Fernando wrote: "Hi, I'm Fernando. I am from Venezuela. I am practicing reading in English and a wonderful way to start is with comics. I'm a fan of science fiction books."

Jon wrote: "Hi,
I’m Jon, a Multimedia Designer and Comic Book Artist living in the California High Desert with my wife, horses and dogs.

I like retro and independent comics as well as graphic adaptations of p..."

Welcome Jon and Fernando!!

Hi Kait and Mike,

Thanks for the warm welcome.

RE: Doing comics.

I was a multimedia designer doing animated, interactive infographics for a news outfit till 2009. It was a good job, where you did everything, research, write, illustrate, animate and code the interactivity. Went freelance after that, doing corporate work which was okay – at least it paid the bills.

Mostly retired. Wanted to do my own thing.

Doing an indy series which has turned into a complete graphic novel (which I hope will be done soon).

I’ve done motion book versions, phone versions and static landscape digital versions of the first couple of issues. Not really interested in doing a print version.

Personally, I think motion is where comics should go. However, I think static scrolling phone format is likely to take over but I'm sure you guys know a lot more about the market than I do.

It’s been a lot of work but very personally rewarding. I’ve grown a lot as an artist and storyteller with a huge improvement over the early issues.

RE: Graphic novels from prose works:
Here’s some retro stuff:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Jon wrote: "Hi Kait and Mike,

Thanks for the warm welcome.

RE: Doing comics.

I was a multimedia designer doing animated, interactive infographics for a news outfit till 2009. It was a good job, where you d..."

Wow, that's quite the journey! I work in design for print media, so that's what I tend to gravitate toward in comics. I have watched a few motions comics, and those that I have seen I have liked. Is your comic available? What's it called?

Hi Kait,

I started out in print also.

The comic is “Mercy is Just My Name.”
You can check it out at:
https://mercyisjustmyname.com/

It has a gallery of the later work, previews, explainer and links.

Final version a couple of months away.

Thanks for being interested.
–Jon

Hi I am Nathan, from Bristol UK.

Haven't been reading comics/graphic novels for too long. I have recently finished Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening, definitely enjoyed it enough to pick up the second chapter next time i head into the city centre - plus the artwork was incredible.
There is also a local Bristol comic book writer/artist/creator (not sure what the terminology would be!) who created a series called MULP: Sceptre of the Sun Issue #1, can't wait for the 5th one of that to come out too!
I also read Buffy, Domino, Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, and others - got a few left on my shelf to cross off.

Looking forward to seeing what other comics people are enjoying!

Hi Nathan, welcome to the group. I'm sure you'll find yourself in good company here.

Hi Nathan! Welcome to the group. It sounds like you have an excellent taste in comics! (I also love Squirrel Girl and Monstress.) Are there any excellent comics from the UK you recommend, other than MULP?