P-C, to quote Mark (of Mark Reads), SHIT JUST GOT REAL.

This was a very Mark moment for me. I just. I just. WHAT THE FUCK. And I love that it even makes sense in the context of the Quarter Quell. The twist escalates each year, and it seems to be a natural progression from just throwing MORE kids in the ring. How about throwing the BEST kids in the ring? And it also makes me wonder because it is SO conveniently timed whether the Capitol didn't just make this one up to send everyone a message. Even when things seem a little contrived, Collins makes it believable enough.

Also also also I really hope that Haymitch has to go back. He has to, right? She wouldn't just give us Katniss and Peeta again. I WANT TO KNOW HOW HE WON IN THE BIGGEST HUNGER GAMES OF ALL TIME.

This might be the wrong thread, but does anyone want to recommend good graphic novels?

Chew and Atomic Robo are two of my favorites right now. Maybe not as dark and gritty as he's looking for, but immensely entertaining. I think everyone should be reading Chew because it's awesome. The art style reminds me of The Umbrella Academy, too.

You can also check out my comics tag. Lots and lots of recommendations for you.

Ooh, thank you, P-C.

Who also reminds me I need to finish Catching Fire, damn it. I just ... I'm so worried!

For Amy

Books of magic is a spin-off from Sandman.

Books of Faery spin-off from Books of Magic.

Fable - hmmm not up to Gaiman standards but fun. A lot of the graphic novel authors are informed by a liberal world view. Far from propaganda, but how you see the world affects the world you write. Fables is written by someone with a very conservative viewpoint, and that occasionally shows. Again not propaganda, but simply a matter of world view informing world creation. If I have not mixed you with another poster, that may be something you find a plus.

When they announced the Quarter Quell, my jaw fell open and I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach. I did not expect that at all!

Amy - Scott Pilgrim is a lot of fun!

I don't think of Sandman as much more graphic or sexual than Watchmen or VfV, though.

Continuing the Gaiman theme, 1602 is good, but works far better if he's familiar with Marvel characters/basic canon. Bone may not be "adult" enough for his taste, though I'd recommend it.

Does he like Buffy? Fray is fun.

For less fiction-y stuff, I like American Born Chinese. If he's at all interested in WWII/Holocaust then Maus is a classic for a reason.

I think Sandman is more likely to give you nightmares, but that doesn't exactly go away with growing up.

I still think of the Corinthian and shudder, amongst others.

Yes. Definitely creepier. But not really more graphic.

Gaiman's sense of the perverse and fucked up definitely puts Moore's to shame.

Ben loved Umbrella Academy, which I think is just pure fun, but he's also really interested in Watchmen, and he's definitely mature enough for some of the stuff listed here. Maus, especially. I wouldn't have said the same of his brother at this age, at all.

The thing with Ben is that he'll come to S. and I to talk about what he's read or seen or learned in history, and he really loves the art aspect of the graphic novels. So I trust him to bring it up if something freaks him out or confuses him, but I also like giving him food for thought.

Thanks so much, people. This has been really helpful.

I think the sex in Watchmen is more graphic (in the literal sense) than the sex in Sandman, but the violence and gore are about even.

It sounds like he might like The Cartoon History of the Universe.