Back from the comic store.

Buffy #51 was not an abomination. Not the greatest book ever, but I didn't think it was that bad. In fact, there were some sequences that I liked quite a bit. I do have some objections to some of the directions they went, but overall it reminded me of the "False Memories" arc rather than the eye-gouging aspects of the recent run. So take that for what it's worth. I will try to give a full review on Sunday, if anybody is interested.

My recommendation of Fray was based on a Jossverse way of entering comics. Like I said, that was what got me back into them. Of course, Sandman should be on anyone's must read list. Lucifer is a fine follow-up to that series. Currently, the top periodicals that I would recommend to anyone interested in literate comics would be Promethea, League of Extraordinary Gentelemen, Fables, and Y - The Last Man.

I think Promethea is in a league of its own (no pun intended), but it can be some tough going in points. Alan Moore's genius can sometimes overwhelm.

For people who've already read those books, the Lucifer spinoff is really very good as well.

Agreed. And rather surprising, given how disappointing House of Secrets and some of the other spinoffs were.

Again I say V for Vendetta. Also the Marvels TPB. A re-telling of all the Marvel Comics characters' stories from an outsider's POV. Good stuff.

And rather surprising, given how disappointing House of Secrets and some of the other spinoffs were.

Gaiman says in his introduction to the first Lucifer TPB that whenever anyone asked him which character from Sandman he thought would make for a good spinoff, he always said "Lucifer," and they always said "ahahaha, very clever," and gone on. He was, of course, quite happy about being proven right.

He was, of course, quite happy about being proven right.

snerk.

Listen to the master, little grasshoppers...

I remember walking into my comic book shop a couple of years ago, when I was just starting to get into the habit, and seeing these posters for Lucifer. The posters talked about how well reviewed the series was. At the time, I hadn't read Sandman, so I didn't make any connection. I just thought it strange that the word LUCIFER would be so prominantly displayed (this being the South and all).

I am now reading it on a monthly basis and trying to find cheap back issues to get up to speed. I really enjoy the intricate plotting, so different than most mainstream fare these days.

In my attempts to catch up on posts, I now have no idea who the comics recommendations are for, but here's my two cents:

I agree with all the recommendations for Sandman - or heck, anything by Gaiman - Stardust, Violent Cases, Black Orchid, Signal to Noise. t /fangurl I'm not so big on the spin-offs. Lucifer has moments, and the new Hunter series is ok. In general, I'll skim most of the Vertigo titles, but I haven't been in love with much of their new stuff.

I'll also second Alan Moore - I'm a big Promethea fan and "Watchmen" and "V for Vendetta" were some of the comics that convinced me that comics could be a literate, adult art form.

If you're looking for other good 'adult' comics, I also recommend "The Tale of One Bad Rat" by Brian Talbot, Eddie Campbell's "Bacchus" books, "Arkham Asylum" by Grant Morrison & painted by Dave McKean. Also, Mike Mignola's "Hellboy" series is a lot of fun. Think Lovecraft with a large dose of sarcasm. I loved Mignola's one-off "The Amazing Screw-On Head", but it's a bit surreal so YMMV (Your Mignola May Vary). I'll also pick up durn near anything painted by Jon J. Muth (Moonshadow, Mystery Play).

I used to love Cerebus, but now I'm holding on through sheer stubborness so I can see the end, already, and trade in all my 'phone book' collections. Dave Sim is occasionally brilliant and I love his artwork, but he is a misogynist prat I wouldn't want to have over for dinner.

Other recommendations: David Mack's "Kabuki" series and "Scud, Disposable Assassin". Scud is only available in trade paperbacks, but it was funny while it lasted and comes with actor/soundtrack suggestions.

off to the large pile of posting,

Lea

I used to love Cerebus, but now I'm holding on through sheer stubborness so I can see the end, already, and trade in all my 'phone book' collections. Dave Sim is occasionally brilliant and I love his artwork, but he is a misogynist prat I wouldn't want to have over for dinner.

You know, this is the second time I've heard that this month...

You know, this is the second time I've heard that this month...

wow. I thought I was the only female who actually owned a complete Cerebus set.

wow. I thought I was the only female who actually owned a complete Cerebus set.

One of my best friends (male) and I were discussing it. I don't own one, because, well... I can just read his, and I only buy things I plan on re-reading (Fray, Tales, etc.), but this is almost word-for-word what he said.