An intro to graphic novels

[Just Bob]

I want to get a bit of a grounding in comics culture and graphic novels. So far, I've only read Neil Gaiman's Sandman series (and the Death spinoffs), Marvel 1602 and Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1852867981/qid=1114086727/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_2_1/026-3849195-7381244). In fact, it was Marvel 1602 that made me realize that there are some substantial gaps in my knowledge of superheroes.
What are the best graphic novels out there, in your opinion? Alternatively, what should I read to get a quick catch-up on, say, Spiderman, or Daredevil?

[Bronze-Dragonrider]

Hmm, depends where you left off with it... I have most of the Amazing Spider-man issues on the Straczynski run, untill it changed artists and I stopped getting it. In a word, I can describe most of those being on a Supernatural theme. Should'a kept up with the new ones though, they actually look good.

I know more on the Ultimate Spider-Man series, written by Brian Bendis. Running since 2000 I think. Art isn't spectacular, but I like it :D Only missing 2 issues, and ones that were very intigral to the plot too, where the Comic Store flubbed up :irked:

[Just Bob]

I kind of meant what graphic novels contain most of the 'essence' of the characters, so that I can read them and have a pretty good idea of what they're all about, where they come from and where they go.

[Mausey]

I'm a fan of the Elfquest graphic novels. Actually, I'm a fan of all things Elfquest but the graphic novels are quite well done. :D Graphic novels are what got my eldest son reading so I'm all for them. He started with Treasure Island and Hunchback of Notre Dame and once he finished those he started on heroic fantasy novels.

[Just Bob]

Having looked it up on Amazon, Elfquest looks moderately interesting. The titles aren't numbered, though, so could you tell me where to start?

[Dawn]

Here's a link that should help you, JB. :ok: (http://www.elfquest.com/pubs/RCStories.html) It's the official ElfQuest website.

I stopped reading them in the middle of the Kings of the Broken Wheel storyline, so I can't help you beyond that. :tilt:

[Flinx]

Astro City by Kurt Busiek. The first volume is Life In The Big City
Marvels by Kurt Busiek & Alex Ross