I Read Comic Books discussion

I'm reading John Byrne West Coast Avengers right now. Just read the Great Lakes Avengers intro.

Hi! My name is Atle. My introduction to comics came from my fascination with the Batman movies. I was never much of a reader. But lately have started to really appreciate graphic novels as a medium. Saga was the series that made me fall in love with graphic novels. And now I've started to explore, I just finished reading the underwater welder, which was a very nice reading experience. Looking forward to exploring the comic book world with this community.

Devon wrote: "Craig wrote: "Hi--just joined. My name is Craig and I'm a librarian at a community college in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. I've been reading (and collecting) comics all my life and will read just ab..."

I've been seeing more and more stuff I like from Boom! lately and I read a ton of Dark Horse stuff (Hellboy and related titles). Also all the Dynamite James Bond stuff. I tend to follow creators, so have read Greg Rucka's Oni Press stuff (Stumptown, Queen and Country, Whiteout) and Garth Ennis' and Warren Ellis' Avatar work (the Crossed series, Battlefield, Gravel, Blackgas, etc.).

After reading comics/graphic novels as a kid, I decided to revisit them as an adult of a certain age. My first foray was reading Marvel's Civil War story arc, which I thought was amazing. I then started and am continuining DC's Rebirth line and have been enjoying it a lot, particularly Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns, Deathstroke, New Super-Man and Red Hood and the Outlaws. I am following this reading order to make my traversal which has been very helpful.

I do read stuff other than punching crime, as I've started Sandman, Saga and Rat Queens when I need a break from super heroes.

Tom wrote: "I then started and am continuining DC's Rebirth line and have been enjoying it a lot, particularly Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns, Deathstroke, New Super-Man and Red Hood and the Outlaws. I am following this reading order to make my traversal which has been very helpful."

Wow, that's a really complicated and mostly unnecessary reading order. Except for the few crossovers between titles you can just read a title from beginning to end.

Craig wrote: "Devon wrote: "Craig wrote: "Hi--just joined. My name is Craig and I'm a librarian at a community college in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. I've been reading (and collecting) comics all my life and wil..."

Here's a few creators i would highly recommend checking out

Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Alex Paknadel
Ed Brisson
Simon Oliver
Alex Grecian
Steve Orlando
Adam Glass
Alex de Campi

Chad wrote: "Tom wrote: "I then started and am continuining DC's Rebirth line and have been enjoying it a lot, particularly Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns, Deathstroke, New Super-Man and Red ..."

Yes and no. Using the reading order allows me to catch references in other runs.

Hello, my name is Anthony. I was very happy to see this group of comic readers as I am always on the look-out for suggestions on books and creators I have yet to dive into. I look forward to some good books and conversations!

Anthony wrote: "Hello, my name is Anthony. I was very happy to see this group of comic readers as I am always on the look-out for suggestions on books and creators I have yet to dive into. I look forward to some g..."

I'd highly recommend any works by Ed Brisson and Alex de Campi

Hi all,
My name is Nate and I live in New York. I’ve been reading comics regularly for around 3 years. I didn’t write Goodreads reviews initially, but I’ve done so more frequently over the past year. I’ll read anything from any publisher from any time period, but DC has been my go-to. I’m actually doing a chronological Batman read starting with the Golden Age (on hold at the moment to read other stuff). And I finally got around to Sandman – it might be my favorite comic I’ve read thus far.

I was glad to happen upon this group!

Nate wrote: "Hi all,
My name is Nate and I live in New York. I’ve been reading comics regularly for around 3 years. I didn’t write Goodreads reviews initially, but I’ve done so more frequently over the past yea..."

Welcome to IRCB Nate! That sounds like a great reading project. Are there any particular DC creators you're most fond of?

Kate wrote: "Nate wrote: "Hi all,
My name is Nate and I live in New York. I’ve been reading comics regularly for around 3 years. I didn’t write Goodreads reviews initially, but I’ve done so more frequently over..."

Thanks Kate!

Some DC creators I’m fond of are Marv Wolfman, George Perez, Neal Adams, Alan Brennert, and Darwyn Cooke. I’ve loved what I’ve read from Mark Waid, too, especially JLA: Year One and Superman: Birthright. I’ve heard great things about his Flash run, so that’s next on my list.

I’ve also been loving recent stuff from Peter Tomasi and Tom King. Super Sons by Tomasi is so much fun.

Craig wrote: "Devon wrote: "Craig wrote: "Hi--just joined. My name is Craig and I'm a librarian at a community college in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. I've been reading (and collecting) comics all my life and wil..."

By any chance did you read Mercury Heat? You might like it if you're into sci fi and Crossed.

Tia wrote: "Craig wrote: "Devon wrote: "Craig wrote: "Hi--just joined. My name is Craig and I'm a librarian at a community college in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. I've been reading (and collecting) comics all m..."

Seconding this.

Hi there,
My name is Adam i’m all the way over in Melbourne, Australia. These days I mainly find myself reading Image titles, as well as some Dark Horse and indie Fantagraphics-type stuff. I’m new to the podcast and think you guys do a fantastic job, filling the show with spirited discussion and diverse tastes.

Hey everyone! I just recently discovered this podcast and this group. I'm a lawyer from Puerto Rico who loves comics but hasn't really kept up with whsts new. I've been enjoying the podcast and the dynamic between the participants. I'm looking forward to reading some of the Books of the Month and listening to the new episodes.

Welcome Adam and Lorenzo!

Thank you both for the support!!! What was your favorite comic you read in 2018 (from that year or not)?

Hey, I’m Machteld from Amsterdam. I’ve started reading comics a few months ago and I love it. The comic bookstores are still a bit overwhelming though..:-)
I love Jeff Lemire’s Royal City and Essex County. Tamaki’s This one summer, Guardino’s Blacksad. I find “The Best American Comic 20... “ books a good way the discover new comics. Love the ircb podcast too.

Mike wrote: "Welcome Adam and Lorenzo!

Thank you both for the support!!! What was your favorite comic you read in 2018 (from that year or not)?"

Thanks for the welcome! I didn't read a lot of comics in 2018, but with Marvel Unlimited, I did read Marvels by Kurt Busiek and with art by Alex Ross and found it fascinating. Besides the artwork by the incredibly talented Ross, I thought that looking at events from the eyes of the people that live in NYC was an nice change of pace. It also raises a lot of questions about what it is to be human in an era of superheroes, which was interesting to me.

Atle wrote: "Hi! My name is Atle. My introduction to comics came from my fascination with the Batman movies."

Welcome, Atle! I loved the Batman movies as well, but have had a hard time getting into the comics. Partially because there are so many! I did enjoy Batman: The Long Halloween, mostly because I recognized most of the villains from the movies! Have you read any single-trade Batman stories you recommend?

Machteld wrote: "Hey, I’m Machteld from Amsterdam. I’ve started reading comics a few months ago and I love it. The comic bookstores are still a bit overwhelming though..."

Hello Machteld! I love hearing from people outside the US (where I'm at). If you love Jeff Lemire, I recommend Descender, Vol. 1: Tin Stars, and Grass Kings, Vol. 1 by Matt Kindt--I think it has a similar feel to Essex County, although it's a bit grittier. Are there any books from Amsterdam that you recommend that I might be able to find in English?

Lorenzo wrote: "Thanks for the welcome! I didn't read a lot of comics in 2018, but with Marvel Unlimited, I did read Marvels by Kurt Busiek and with art by Alex Ross and found it fascinating. Besides the artwork by the incredibly talented Ross, I thought that looking at events from the eyes of the people that live in NYC was an nice change of pace. It also raises a lot of questions about what it is to be human in an era of superheroes, which was interesting to me."

Marvels is one of those comics I find myself revisiting every few years. The book is written in such a unique perspective and Alex Ross's art is just incredible. He captures these classic storylines of the Marvel universe and looks at them from this all new perspective, that of an onlooker to the event. It's still one of the finest comics ever made.

Chad wrote: "Lorenzo wrote: "Thanks for the welcome! I didn't read a lot of comics in 2018, but with Marvel Unlimited, I did read Marvels by Kurt Busiek and with art by Alex Ross and found it fascinating. Besid..."

The artwork is something else. It's easy to just look at the panels and forget about the story for a second, but the artwork complements the story so well.

Hello! My name is Caitlin and I am from BC, Canada. I am new in the world of comics/graphic novels. I have recently enjoyed V for Vendetta, Saga, Bone, and many others. I am very excited to be here. :)

Caitlin wrote: "Hello! My name is Caitlin and I am from BC, Canada. I am new in the world of comics/graphic novels. I have recently enjoyed V for Vendetta, Saga, Bone, and many others. I am very excited to be here..."

Welcome Caitlin! I'm Kaitlin! Do you have any favorite authors? How long have you been reading comics?

Kait wrote: "Caitlin wrote: "Hello! My name is Caitlin and I am from BC, Canada. I am new in the world of comics/graphic novels. I have recently enjoyed V for Vendetta, Saga, Bone, and many others. I am very ex..."

Hi Kaitlin! I really enjoy Emily Carroll, Jeff Smith, Alan Moore, Julie Maroh and Aminder Dhaliwal's works. I discovered comics/graphic novels about 2 years ago when I found Nimona at a book store. I knew comics and such existed, but had no idea how much I would love them. They helped me find my love of reading again.

Hey Kait, i love Grass Kings. Thanks for the recommendations. Because i’ve just started reading comics/graphic novels, i don’t know a lot dutch comics yet (i don’t really like the dutch classics). The once i did read and liked: Aimée de Jongh The return of the honey buzzard. And Rembrandt by Typex (who also wrote Andy). When i discover more, i will let you know 😊

Machteld wrote: "The once i did read and liked: Aimée de Jongh The return of the honey buzzard. And Rembrandt by Typex."

Thanks for the recommendations! The Return of the Honey Buzzard sounds like something I would love. I've also really surprised myself by enjoying non-fiction comics. I've added both to my list!

I just finished Audubon, On The Wings Of The World and Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide. I had no idea who Graciela Iturbide was before picking it up at the library, but the art was beautiful. I recommend both if you like graphic novel biographies!

Hey everyone I am Jorge, I live on the Isle of Bute on the west coast of Scotland. I've been reading comics since I was a kid, I love comics - Love me some Sandman, Hellblazer, Judge Dredd, Hellboy, Old Man Logan . . .and Old Man Hawkeye ( can't wait for Old Man Murdoch), Watchmen and millions of others. Currently reading Zenith(phase 4) right now cos I am on a 2000 A.D binge!

Jorge wrote: "Hey everyone I am Jorge, I live on the Isle of Bute on the west coast of Scotland. I've been reading comics since I was a kid, I love comics - Love me some Sandman, Hellblazer, Judge Dredd, Hellboy..."

Hi Jorge! Welcome to the group! I love hearing from people outside the US, and I loved my visit to Scotland (many many years ago). I didn't even know Old Man Hawkeye was a thing!

Do you have trouble getting ahold of comics on an island, or are you mostly a digital collector?

There is nowhere to buy comics on the island unfortunately so I mainly read them online which I didn't like at first but the sheer volume of choice digitally has pulled me in. Old Man Hawkeye is really good. . . making Hawkeye an interesting character you actually give a damn about is an achievement in itself lol but the art is also excellent.

Just realised there is an Old Man Quill( Starlord) out now too. . . maybe they are taking this a bit far, I shall have to read and find out.

Hello fellow comic fans! My name is Nancy and I am a teen librarian in Illinois. I co-write a graphic novels blog (https://graphicnovelty2.com/) although I do like many other book genres too. ElfQuest and X-Men brought me into comics years ago, but my current favs are Locke & Key, Revival, Briggs Land, Northlanders and Kingdom Come.

Nancy wrote: "Hello fellow comic fans! My name is Nancy and I am a teen librarian in Illinois. I co-write a graphic novels blog although I do like many other book genres too. ElfQuest and X-Men brought me into c..."

Welcome Nancy. All my GR friends are starting to pop in here. It's a great group and podcast.

Chad wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Hello fellow comic fans! My name is Nancy and I am a teen librarian in Illinois. I co-write a graphic novels blog although I do like many other book genres too. ElfQuest and X-Men bro..."

Chad- I saw this group because of a comment you made and then checked it out. So I am now a member because of you!

Welcome Nancy! I just got into using my local library for comics a few years ago (and Hoopla!). I love it so much. Thanks for your work as a librarian!

Kait wrote: "Welcome Nancy! I just got into using my local library for comics a few years ago (and Hoopla!). I love it so much. Thanks for your work as a librarian!"

Kait- One of my favorite duties is ordering all the graphic novels for my library's collection. I have doubled the size of the collection, and circulation has increased big time! Plus, I love how Hoopla offers comics for on-line checkouts too.

I’m Frankie and I’m living in San Diego, CA right now. I read a few Batman comics as a kid but I didn’t really have access to more until middle school and then I read watchmen and it blew my mind. My favorite comics would have to be watchmen, daytripper, the umbrella academy, and deadly class but I’m also really into saga and a lot of Grant Morrison. I’ve always been into art which is what really hooked me on comics so when I got into them I switched my career goals from horror special fx make up artist to comic book artist. I’m currently a freelance illustrator and have gotten some neat commissions but I’m still working on the comic part.

frankie wrote: "I’m Frankie and I’m living in San Diego, CA right now. I read a few Batman comics as a kid but I didn’t really have access to more until middle school and then I read watchmen and it blew my mind. ..."

Nice man. What types of art styles do you love? I like realistic and well defined styles (Jamis McKelvie, Steve Epting, etc.) and dark & gritty styles (Paul Azaceta, Sean Phillips, Matthew Dow Smith, etc.)

frankie wrote: "I’m currently a freelance illustrator and have gotten some neat commissions but I’m still working on the comic part. "

Welcome Frankie, What parts about becoming a comic book artist do you find the most difficult? Drawing sequentially, following a writer's script, Marvel style, etc. It's definitely a different animal than just drawing static pictures and I am curious.

Devon wrote: "frankie wrote: "I’m Frankie and I’m living in San Diego, CA right now. I read a few Batman comics as a kid but I didn’t really have access to more until middle school and then I read watchmen and i..."

Those artists are great! I'm a big fan of ink heavy work like Jock especially when it's paired with really dynamic coloring. Love super stylized stuff too like Gabriel Ba, Becky Cloonan, and Alexis Ziritt. I'm also really into Matthew Allison's work even though it's absolutely not everyone's cup of tea. It's like a big "There Are No Rules For Comic Art" reminder.

frankie wrote: "Devon wrote: "frankie wrote: "I’m Frankie and I’m living in San Diego, CA right now. I read a few Batman comics as a kid but I didn’t really have access to more until middle school and then I read ..."

I'd highly recommend the Space Riders series cause Alexis Ziritt did the art on that book and it was a pretty fun read. Also which publishers besides Marvel and DC you love?

frankie wrote: "I’m Frankie and I’m living in San Diego, CA right now. I read a few Batman comics as a kid but I didn’t really have access to more until middle school and then I read watchmen and it blew my mind. ..."

Welcome to IRCB! Have you had a chance to watch the Netflix show of The Umbrella Academy?

I've really enjoyed the first 2 episodes, and am curious what people who've read the comic think of it.

My name is Gilbert and I used to read and collect comic books untill the late 1970s. The best part of my collection at the time was having all the comics that had published Superboy. Due to circumstances at the time I was forced to sell off my full collection.
The reason for my joining this club is because of one bit of information that may or may not be of interest to the group.
As I stated above, my favorite comic was everything Superboy-related. Then in 1958 a new character was introduced, Bizzaro-Superboy. The character was created by writer Otto Binder and artist George Papp as a "mirror image" of Superman and first appeared in Superboy #68.
By pure coincidence, I am reading a novel by the French author Victor Hugo entitled "Les Miserables". You may have heard of it.
Well, the 1940 edition, published by Random House under their Modern Library imprint, shows on page 730, line 26(excluding header), the nickname for one of the characters isSSS: Bizarro.
Just thought you might find this interesting or amusing, or not.

Chad wrote: "frankie wrote: "I’m currently a freelance illustrator and have gotten some neat commissions but I’m still working on the comic part. "

Welcome Frankie, What parts about becoming a comic book artis..."

For me it’s not being a perfectionist or not getting too obsessed with details. It’s really easy to get stuck on a panel because there’s something you want to improve on or change or add and that can seriously kill a project, especially if there’s a deadline. A lot of problems with panels that I got embarrassed about other people ended up enjoying or didn’t notice so it’s a learning process. I’m also still struggling with keeping movement in the framing but I’ve been doing a lot of perspective practice so it’s getting a little easier.

Kate wrote: "frankie wrote: "I’m Frankie and I’m living in San Diego, CA right now. I read a few Batman comics as a kid but I didn’t really have access to more until middle school and then I read watchmen and i..."

I did watch the first episode of umbrella academy! I ended up asking a friend abt the rest of the season haha. They meshed the first two volumes together and changed or took out a lot of the stuff that made me fall in love with it so I don’t think I’m going to watch anymore but as a separate entity it wasn’t bad. I really do recommend the comics though!! The art is amazing, the colorist did incredible things, and it’s a fun read that isn’t afraid to make things weird or serious at times. A lot of things in the show might make more sense too.

Devon wrote: "frankie wrote: "Devon wrote: "frankie wrote: "I’m Frankie and I’m living in San Diego, CA right now. I read a few Batman comics as a kid but I didn’t really have access to more until middle school ..."

Most of my other comics are from image which dominates my collection but dark horse has a couple series I like and so does Fantagraphics and Boom!

frankie wrote: "Devon wrote: "frankie wrote: "Devon wrote: "frankie wrote: "I’m Frankie and I’m living in San Diego, CA right now. I read a few Batman comics as a kid but I didn’t really have access to more until ..."

Yeah BOOM! Is a solid publisher. Here's some publishers i recommend you check out
Vertigo Comics
Black Mask Studios
Aftershock
Oni Press
Action Lab
Lion Forge Studios
IDW Publishing
Avatar Press

Devon wrote: "frankie wrote: "Devon wrote: "frankie wrote: "Devon wrote: "frankie wrote: "I’m Frankie and I’m living in San Diego, CA right now. I read a few Batman comics as a kid but I didn’t really have acces..."

I’m a big fan of vertigo! It’s my favorite DC imprint. I’ve seen some cool stuff from a couple of the others, hopefully I can dig into them sometime soon

Gilbert wrote: "My name is Gilbert and I used to read and collect comic books untill the late 1970s. The best part of my collection at the time was having all the comics that had published Superboy. Due to circums..."

Hi, Gilbert! I think small, personal signs like that can be very meaningful and I’m glad it brought you here :)

Gilbert wrote: "My name is Gilbert and I used to read and collect comic books untill the late 1970s. The best part of my collection at the time was having all the comics that had published Superboy. Due to circums..."

That's so cool Gilbert! Welcome to IRCB! I had to sell a lot of my comics a few years ago too. It's really hard. Have you been able to re-find any Superboy in trade or digital? What kinds of books are you interested in reading now?