A better guide and introduction to the world of graphic novels there could not be. There's enough scope here for the die-hard comic book fan and the comic book curious alike.
I'll declare an interest here though; I'm the author of a number of the reviews featured in this volume. So I'm bound to be pro more than negative.....but for very good reasons.
It's a slick publication, very professionally put together. The many contributors bring a sharp and critical eye to each graphic novel, scoiring them from 1 to 5, five being the highest. So it's not just a pat on the back and tub-thumbing.
The usual suspects are here, Maus, V For Vendetta, Watchman and The Dark Knight Returns. But then there's a more interesting assortment that probably only lacked a decent marketing budget and the sales force and distribution of say Marvel and DC. But that's all they lack.
Worth your time and hard earnt cash would be (to mention but a few):
Orient Gateway by Vittorio Gardino
Bookhunter by Jason Shiga
Chicken With Plums by Marjane Satrapi
After The Rain by Andre Juillard
The list goes on.
Let 500 Essential Graphic Novels be your guide to graphic novels and no I don't get a percentage of the profits......I don't do this for money (just as well really), I do it for the format, the art and the writing.
Comics aren't just for kids........this guide shows the way!
