Non-superhero comics
- Thread starter arthwollipot
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theprestige
Penultimate Amazing
Heh. Most of the recommendations fall under the "I'm not much into horror elements or dark humour" embargo.
Preacher, Crossed, Judge Dredd, Transmetropolitan, and Preacher are all right out of Arth's reckoning.
ETA: I mean, Crossed is pretty much the opposite of what Arth is looking for.
Preacher, Crossed, Judge Dredd, Transmetropolitan, and Preacher are all right out of Arth's reckoning.
ETA: I mean, Crossed is pretty much the opposite of what Arth is looking for.
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Safe-Keeper
My avatar is not a Drumpf hat
Absolutely loved Fables. It's got an interesting premise, and it executes it in a great way. Lots of good humor and interesting plays on the old fairy tales.
Being a Scandinavian, though, I just have to mention Donald Duck & Co., which were are born and raised with. There is a weekly Donald comic here in Norway, and it's a precious childhood memory of countless Norsemen. I especially just love Don Rosa's work, his stories were just special in so many ways and I could spend a long, long post talking about why.
There are no horror elements to Transmet. And while it has a twisted sense of humor, I wouldn't say it was dark--it's satirical and irreverant and gross, but come on, the guy's weapon of choice is a "gun" that makes you crap yourself. It's got more in common with Diskworld than anything else.
1. One of the best comic book series of recent memory is Near Death, written by Jay Faerber. It's about a professional killer who is badly wounded, has a near death experience in which he goes to hell for all the murders he has committed, and is so shaken by the experience he resolves to try to save as many lives as he took in hopes this will keep him out of hell.
I know, I know: it sounds like some violent fantasy about how the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is with a badder guy with a gun. It's not. Part of the central character's resolution is to save lives without killing. This is a well-plotted, well-written, intelligent and humane series with intriguing situations, clever solutions, and fascinating characters. It also features one of my favorite comic book romances.
As a bonus, there are no paranormal elements. (Yes, the lead character has an NDE. There is nothing in the book to indicate that what he experienced during the NDE was real.)
The book was published two years ago and unfortunately was cancelled after only 11 issues. But if enough people discover it (and buy digital copies, to show they are interested) there is the possibility it could come back -- which would make me happy. I recommend this book very highly.
2. Strangers In Paradise, written and drawn by Terry Moore. I especially recommend the original 3-issue miniseries, but the hundred or so issues published as an ongoing series are also well-worth reading. This is a comedy/romance series, about an interesting cast of characters and their interactions (with an action subplot which was introduced when the series became an ongoing and which crops up at various times throughout). Very well written, very well drawn -- Moore is excellent at portraying character through plot, through dialogue, through body language and facial expressions.
3. After he finished Strangers In Paradise, Terry Moore did Echo (a science fiction adventure story) and is currently doing Rachel Rising (a horror series, but I think you may find this to be, like Sandman, an exception to your no-horror rule.)
4. Bone, written and drawn by Jeff Smith, is a well-written and well-drawn fantasy suitable for children as well as adults. (And Smith is now at work on a new series, RASL, which is less suitable for children and has horror elements, but might be of interest to you.)
5. True Story, Swear to God, written and drawn by Tom Beland. Like Strangers In Paradise, this is comedy/romance: the true story of how Tom Beland fell in love with Lily, a woman from Puerto Rico, and eventually moved to Puerto Rico to be with her. Sometimes funny, sometimes moving, always brilliant. (It's been quite a while since I saw a new issue but there are a good number of already-published issues for you to enjoy.)
6. Jingle Belle, written by Paul Dini. These are very funny comics about Santa Claus' somewhat rebellious teenage daughter. These have come out sporadically over the last decade or so, mostly as one-shots (and stories in anthologies). Well worth reading (but if you're familiar with Paul Dini's work you already know that).
7. Courtney Crumrin, written and drawn by Ted Naifeh: supernatural fantasy about an unusual girl from an unusual family. Hard to describe so I won't try -- but it's great.
8. The Guild, written by Felicia Day: comics based on the online series. There aren't that many of these that have been published, but the ones I've seen have been very enjoyable.
9. Jane's World, written and drawn by Paige Braddock (with some guest strips by Stephen Pastis of Pearls Before Swine). This used to be an online daily strip, and about 10 years ago Paige began publishing the strips in comic book form. Very funny, with a great cast of interesting characters.
10. Almost anything Peter David writes is worth reading. Much of his comics writing has been superheroes, which you said you're not interested in (your loss) -- but he's also done a good number of Steven King adaptations. And you might also enjoy Fallen Angel (which may have roots in the Supergirl character and comic, but is definitely not a superhero comic).
11. Almost anything Gail Simone writes is worth reading. Much of her comics writing has been superheroes (such as long and brilliant runs on Birds of Prey and Batgirl). But you said you enjoy swords and sorcery; Gail Simone is the current writer on Red Sonja, and the first 6 issues (which I was able to read earlier this year) are quite well done.
12. Almost anything Mark Waid writes is worth reading. Much of his comics writing has been superheroes, but he's got non-superhero stuff you should check out, such as the alternate-Victorian detective series Ruse.
Lots more series I'd mention if I had time, but those are a few to get you started. (Hopefully most of these will be available to you through Comixology or something similar.)
I know, I know: it sounds like some violent fantasy about how the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is with a badder guy with a gun. It's not. Part of the central character's resolution is to save lives without killing. This is a well-plotted, well-written, intelligent and humane series with intriguing situations, clever solutions, and fascinating characters. It also features one of my favorite comic book romances.
As a bonus, there are no paranormal elements. (Yes, the lead character has an NDE. There is nothing in the book to indicate that what he experienced during the NDE was real.)
The book was published two years ago and unfortunately was cancelled after only 11 issues. But if enough people discover it (and buy digital copies, to show they are interested) there is the possibility it could come back -- which would make me happy. I recommend this book very highly.
2. Strangers In Paradise, written and drawn by Terry Moore. I especially recommend the original 3-issue miniseries, but the hundred or so issues published as an ongoing series are also well-worth reading. This is a comedy/romance series, about an interesting cast of characters and their interactions (with an action subplot which was introduced when the series became an ongoing and which crops up at various times throughout). Very well written, very well drawn -- Moore is excellent at portraying character through plot, through dialogue, through body language and facial expressions.
3. After he finished Strangers In Paradise, Terry Moore did Echo (a science fiction adventure story) and is currently doing Rachel Rising (a horror series, but I think you may find this to be, like Sandman, an exception to your no-horror rule.)
4. Bone, written and drawn by Jeff Smith, is a well-written and well-drawn fantasy suitable for children as well as adults. (And Smith is now at work on a new series, RASL, which is less suitable for children and has horror elements, but might be of interest to you.)
5. True Story, Swear to God, written and drawn by Tom Beland. Like Strangers In Paradise, this is comedy/romance: the true story of how Tom Beland fell in love with Lily, a woman from Puerto Rico, and eventually moved to Puerto Rico to be with her. Sometimes funny, sometimes moving, always brilliant. (It's been quite a while since I saw a new issue but there are a good number of already-published issues for you to enjoy.)
6. Jingle Belle, written by Paul Dini. These are very funny comics about Santa Claus' somewhat rebellious teenage daughter. These have come out sporadically over the last decade or so, mostly as one-shots (and stories in anthologies). Well worth reading (but if you're familiar with Paul Dini's work you already know that).
7. Courtney Crumrin, written and drawn by Ted Naifeh: supernatural fantasy about an unusual girl from an unusual family. Hard to describe so I won't try -- but it's great.
8. The Guild, written by Felicia Day: comics based on the online series. There aren't that many of these that have been published, but the ones I've seen have been very enjoyable.
9. Jane's World, written and drawn by Paige Braddock (with some guest strips by Stephen Pastis of Pearls Before Swine). This used to be an online daily strip, and about 10 years ago Paige began publishing the strips in comic book form. Very funny, with a great cast of interesting characters.
10. Almost anything Peter David writes is worth reading. Much of his comics writing has been superheroes, which you said you're not interested in (your loss) -- but he's also done a good number of Steven King adaptations. And you might also enjoy Fallen Angel (which may have roots in the Supergirl character and comic, but is definitely not a superhero comic).
11. Almost anything Gail Simone writes is worth reading. Much of her comics writing has been superheroes (such as long and brilliant runs on Birds of Prey and Batgirl). But you said you enjoy swords and sorcery; Gail Simone is the current writer on Red Sonja, and the first 6 issues (which I was able to read earlier this year) are quite well done.
12. Almost anything Mark Waid writes is worth reading. Much of his comics writing has been superheroes, but he's got non-superhero stuff you should check out, such as the alternate-Victorian detective series Ruse.
Lots more series I'd mention if I had time, but those are a few to get you started. (Hopefully most of these will be available to you through Comixology or something similar.)
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Tomtomkent
Philosopher
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2010
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- 8,607
Charley's War, Ex Machina, From Hell, Scene Of The Crime, I Zombi or Alice In Sunderland.
lomiller
Penultimate Amazing
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2007
- Messages
- 13,208
That’d be my first question as well. There is a much wider variety of subject matter available in manga than in western comics.
Picking a manga about as far away from superhero as you can get I’d recommend Baby Steps. I’m not a fan of either sports manga or tennis but, despite that this tennis based sports manga has been one of my favorite for quite a while now. It’s still shounen so it’s still a fairly simplistic story but it got a charm to it that makes it fun to read.
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dudalb
Penultimate Amazing
DC comics showcase series is reprinting some of it's silver age non Superhero comics. I strongly recommend Joe Kubert's "Enemy Ace",imho the best War comic ever done.
Going in a completely different direction, Donald Duck and Scrooge McDuck comics were always a favorite of mine growing up. They're one of the ways my parents got me to read. I've also found that reading childhood favorites as an adult is surprisingly rewarding in a lot of cases. Can't speak to these (I haven't been able to find my old comics), but it's worth looking into.
Hutch
A broken man on a Halifax pier, the last of Barret
I can't find it in digital yet, but Tales of Honor (dealing with the David Weber SF series set 2,000 years in the future) is now out from Top Cow and seesm to be finding an audience.
Admittedly, I'm prejudiced, being that I have all 22 (or is it 23?) Honorverse books in my library.....
As for online, Schlock Mercenary combines SF, Space Opera, aliens, and a touch of Mad magazine in an enjoyable package.
YMMV.
Admittedly, I'm prejudiced, being that I have all 22 (or is it 23?) Honorverse books in my library.....
As for online, Schlock Mercenary combines SF, Space Opera, aliens, and a touch of Mad magazine in an enjoyable package.
YMMV.
Brainster
Penultimate Amazing
- Joined
- May 26, 2006
- Messages
- 21,951
Yes, the original Carl Barks stories of the 1940s-50s and the 1990s Don Rosa tributes/sequels are well worth reading.
asydhouse
Master Poster
Anything by Bryan Talbot.
http://www.bryan-talbot.com
His Adventures of Luther Arkwright was the most weird and wonderful time-travel/alternate realities science fiction graphic novel of the 20th C. Gorgeous artwork, and a plot and characters to warp your brain.
And have you ever seen the French sf comix magazine Heavy Metal? It used to come out monthly in the 70s and 80s. Jean Giraud (aka Moebius) first published The Airtight Garage in its pages. I don't know if it still exists, or if they have moved online. What an archive of gorgeous material they could post!
http://www.bryan-talbot.com
His Adventures of Luther Arkwright was the most weird and wonderful time-travel/alternate realities science fiction graphic novel of the 20th C. Gorgeous artwork, and a plot and characters to warp your brain.
And have you ever seen the French sf comix magazine Heavy Metal? It used to come out monthly in the 70s and 80s. Jean Giraud (aka Moebius) first published The Airtight Garage in its pages. I don't know if it still exists, or if they have moved online. What an archive of gorgeous material they could post!
Morrigan
Crone of War
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2006
- Messages
- 8,262
Yup. And Transmetropo...
Awwww.
Well those are out I guess. You're missing out though, the stories and writing is fantastic.How about Y: The Last Man, then? No horror, there's some sharp/biting humour but nothing too dark, great writing, great art and a very cool story. By Brian K. Vaughn.
If you are not opposed to Japanese comics, I really recommend Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki. The movie is great but the manga is even better. Epic and beautiful.
And if you're into funny, family-friendly European comics... Astérix the Gaul (the Goscinny albums only, avoid the Uderzo-only ones, some are OK but most are crap) is as good as it gets.
Edit: I should add, it feels good to see someone who loathes superheroes as much as I do. I love comics and graphic novels, but the American market is dominated by superhero comics and it's really quite a shame, since that medium has such great potential for storytelling. And while I'm editing... how about the GRRM stories? I don't know if you like ASoIaF/Game of Thrones, and maybe you don't care about reading/watching yet another version of that story, but you could check out the Dunk & Egg novella adaptations; the graphic novels are very faithful to the novellas, and the art is gorgeous. Wayyyy better than the rather mediocre art in the Game of Thrones graphic novel.
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Yup. And Transmetropo...
Awwww.
How about Y: The Last Man, then? No horror, there's some sharp/biting humour but nothing too dark, great writing, great art and a very cool story. By Brian K. Vaughn.
If you are not opposed to Japanese comics, I really recommend Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki. The movie is great but the manga is even better. Epic and beautiful.
And if you're into funny, family-friendly European comics... Astérix the Gaul (the Goscinny albums only, avoid the Uderzo-only ones, some are OK but most are crap) is as good as it gets.
Edit: I should add, it feels good to see someone who loathes superheroes as much as I do. I love comics and graphic novels, but the American market is dominated by superhero comics and it's really quite a shame, since that medium has such great potential for storytelling. And while I'm editing... how about the GRRM stories? I don't know if you like ASoIaF/Game of Thrones, and maybe you don't care about reading/watching yet another version of that story, but you could check out the Dunk & Egg novella adaptations; the graphic novels are very faithful to the novellas, and the art is gorgeous. Wayyyy better than the rather mediocre art in the Game of Thrones graphic novel.
The highlighted bit - very true.
My wife got me Asterix and the Picts - that also lacked Uderzo.
Worse.
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newyorkguy
Penultimate Amazing
Now here's somone who knows a good comic when they see it.
No I'm just kidding.
These are the only two comics I recognized in this thread. (And you're right, they were hilarious.) How about Archie? Another one I liked was Beetle Bailey. I always thought you could tell a lot about someone by whether they preferred Batman to Superman.
Then I grew up (sort of) and...anyone remember R. Crumb?