Book Reviews _ Not everyone can read through a 500-page novel without feeling fidgety. If you’ve ever felt as if you can relate to Gaston asking Belle, “How can you read this? “There are no pictures!” It just means that you prefer your stories a bit more on the visual side. Not to worry, there are always… Comics!
Comic books have earned a significant place in entertainment through the decades and have inspired various films and even movie franchises. With symbolic art styles used to present vivid storytelling, comic books have long since developed a culture of their own. If you are craving stellar storylines and vivid imagery, here are 8 comic books that will definitely impress readers and cinephiles alike.
- The Amazing Spider-Man
Starting off with a childhood staple, Spider-Man, one of the most famous and beloved superheroes of all time, had humble beginnings in a comic anthology. Considered a classic Marvel superhero with several films, Spider-Man follows a teenager who acquires powers after a radioactive spider bites him. Despite the action going on, the comic also holds deep lessons on responsibility and power.
- Calvin and Hobbes
Even if you haven’t read the actual comic book yet, there’s no doubt you already know this from the comic strips in the newspaper. Depicting a delightful friendship between a boy and his imaginary tiger friend, this witty comic is worth reading in its full glory and is guaranteed to amuse.
- The Adventures of Tintin
Set in the 20th century, the comic follows a young Belgian reporter and his dog Snowy. First appearing as comic strips in a Belgian newspaper, the story’s success led to it becoming an entire series of comic books. The comic has since been made into animations, with a movie being produced in 2011 based on The Secret of the Unicorn, featuring beloved characters such as Captain Haddock, Thompson & Thompson, and Bianca Castafiore.
- The Sandman
Taking a dramatic turn, this comic series carries none of the lighthearted humor that Tintin carries. On the contrary, The Sandman, based on Dream, or Morpheus, the god of dreams, is comprised of mythology, metaphysical entities, and anthropomorphic personification bleeding into a DC Universe horror setting.
- Asterix
Let’s be honest. Everyone loves Asterix, Obelix, and Dogmatix. Set in a Gaulish village by the sea, the comic series usually involves the protagonists holding out against an invasion by Julius Caesar’s army. With a magic potion that grants the drinker superhuman strength and clever names such as Getafix, Vitalstatistics, Unhygienix, and Fulliautomatix, this witty series is sure to delight readers of all ages.
- The Walking Dead
Not many people are aware that the hit TV series The Walking Dead actually started off as a comic book. The comic series, which follows Rick Grimes and others during a zombie apocalypse, has been a hit due to its compelling plotline and its gripping themes of morality and survival.
- Maus
When you think of comic books, you think they’re not that deep. Right? Created by Art Spiegelman, Maus: A Survivor’s Tale is a work of metaphor, presenting the experiences of Spiegelman’s father as a Holocaust survivor. Being the first graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize, it is a mix of genres, including history and fiction, and one that would make an absolutely intriguing read.
- Batman: The Dark Knight
There’s no question about the fact that Batman is somewhere at the top of the comic book hierarchy. Featuring the iconic D.C. Universe superhero donning his black cape and pointy mask, reading this comic will make you an official comic book enthusiast. Following Bruce Wayne’s life in the infamous Gotham City, the comic delves into the superhero’s undeniable ties to it.
