By Lauren Matthews, fourth year Msci Physics and Philosophy
What do you think of when someone mentions comic books? Goofy heroes in spandex and underwear? Children’s cartoons? Arguments over the exact shape of Batman’s cape? The world of comic books is often overlooked as too childish, nerdy or just inaccessible. In reality, this medium is just as capable of complex and diverse storytelling as any other.
As a fourth year university student, so much of my energy is taken up by lectures and coursework that, like so many others, I don't read half as many books I used to. Dense text doesn’t feel as accessible after a day of deciphering heavy papers or staring at a computer screen. Luckily, this hasn’t stopped me from reading great stories! Collected into a graphic novel or monthly released single issues, the 20-30 page comic's bite-sized narrative chunks allow you to get wrapped up in a different world and finish in time for the next lecture.
I read my first comic in secondary school, after my obsession with the Marvel movies led me to pick up a famous run of Hawkeye comics. I was immediately hooked. Over the years, I picked up the odd title here and there but nothing really lived up to the excitement of discovering Matt Fraction’s writing and David Aja’s stunning art.
'Storytelling in a way that can’t be captured by words alone'
The real turning point came with Ram V and Filipe Andrade’s The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, an indie comic, in which Death faces unemployment after the birth of a baby that will grow up to invent immortality on earth. A beautiful and layered story tackling our relationships with death and mortality and the line between the two. With all of its magnificent writing wrapped up in gorgeously illustrated scenes of Mumbai in dreamy pastel tones. It's storytelling in a way that can’t be captured by words alone.
While Superheroes dominate the comic industry, with Marvel and DC being two of the biggest publishing houses, there’s a whole world of incredible indie publishers, writers and artists creating incredible artworks of all genres. From introspective memoirs like It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth (Zoe Thorogood) or Persepolis (Marjane Satrapi), to award winning horror Something is Killing the Children (James Tynion IV), to sci-fi fantasy epic Saga (Brian K Vaughn), there is a graphic novel for everyone. Even comics centred around superheroes range from classic capers to intelligent character work to high-concept masterpieces. There’s also no need to worry about starting points or past continuity with almost all indie works. Even characters that are part of huge universes, like the Marvel or DC heroes, will have plenty of one-off stories perfect for new readers.
'Holding physical copies and looking at the huge range of art styles is a great way to find which comics resonates with you'
If you’re unsure where to start with a series or how to find the best stories for you, visit your local comic book store! Holding physical copies and looking at the huge range of art styles is a great way to find which comics resonates with you. Most importantly, talking to the employees at stores like Forbidden Planet or Excelsior is the best way to find something truly tailored to your interests. The staff are always friendly and excited to talk about the comics they're passionate about. Both of these stores offer student discounts, helping to make things even more accessible. If you’re worried about your student budget, you can also find great deals buying graphic novels second hand or trying those in the DC compacts range. These are smaller, softcover editions of classic stories for only £8.99.
So, without further ado, here’s a few great stories to get you started:
- Seconds by Bryan Lee O’Malley
A promising young chef is given the power to rewrite her past. From the writer of Scott Pilgrim, a heartfelt story about learning to be at peace with our mistakes.
- Saga by Brian K Vaughn & Fiona Staples
An epic Sci-Fi Fantasy Space opera about alien soldiers from two sides of a war falling in love. A no-holds-barred, unparalleled exploration of every aspect love, war and human relationships.
- Thieves by Lucie Bryon
After a house party, a girl wakes up surrounded by stolen objects. A sweet, unconventional and fun story of queer love and friendship.
- The Department of Truth by James Tynion IV & Werther Dell'Edera
A secret government department in charge of keeping conspiracies in check. A tense and twisted atmospheric horror.
- Everything Dead and Dying by Tate Brombal & Jacob Phillips
The sole survivor of the zombie apocalypse chooses to live peacefully alongside the undead. A haunting and beautiful character piece and love story set against the gore of a zombie outbreak. This is a new series so pick up the first two issues at your local comic book store now!
Featured Image: Epigram/Lauren Matthews
Do you read comics?
