5 Graphic Novels to Immerse Yourself Into

Dante Nahai/Staff Writer

With mandatory lockdowns and maintaining social distances from people, it has been almost impossible to see the latest films outside of our homes. Who knows when will be the next time we’ll be seeing a proper comic book flick or TV series. In the meantime, I encourage the more casual comic book film fans to check the source material for some of their favorite heroes. Here’s a list of fantastic graphic novels that are just as great as their film/series counterparts, if not better and in no particular order.

Note: All of the comics listed can be read on comixology.com

“The Immortal Hulk” by Al Ewing and Joe Bennet (Marvel Comics) 

Take everything you know about The Incredible Hulk and throw it out the window. I consider “The Immortal Hulk” series a reimagining of the Hulk. No, he isn’t a different character- it’s still good old fashioned Bruce Banner. But the way Hulk works in this series is different. He is no longer just incredible- he’s immortal. Even if you don’t know much about his character, this series is a great jumping-on point. As of now, there are 37 single issues, and six volumes. 

“Batman: The Long Halloween” by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale (DC Comics)

Do you like mafia crime, a gritty noir story and Batman? Well, this is the series for you. The Long Halloween is considered one of the best Batman stories ever written. Its influence can be seen in films like Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” and it will probably have the same effect on Matt Reeves’s upcoming film, “The Batman.” The wait for the next Batman film might be longer than expected, so now is the best chance to get to know more about the world’s greatest detective.

“V For Vendetta” by Alan Moore and David Lloyd (Vertigo Comics)

“V For Vendetta” is an essential Alan Moore story, a tale of the loss of freedom in a totalitarian society, based in future England. Moore’s masterful storytelling shines bright in this graphic novel, while Lloyd’s illustrations use dull yet colorful panels to push that feeling of dread. V, the guy who made the Guy Fawkes mask popular, is a compelling character who has his twist.  

“Fight Club 2” by Chuck Palahniuk and Cameron Stewart (Dark Horse Comics)

Yes, I am ignoring the first rule of fight club, but we still got a second one. Some don’t know that “Fight Club” was based on a novel written by Chuck Palahniuk. So a sequel was a little random but it is fun to see a continuation of the stories of Tyler Durden, Marla Singer and The Narrator (the reader learns his name too). It still has that fight club feeling to it. Even if you’ve only seen the film, the graphic novel is still worth the read. 

“God Country” by Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw (Image Comics)

For the past two years, Donny Cates has made a huge impression in comics. He now works for Marvel and has series on characters from Thor to Silver Surfer. But before all that, “God Country” is a series that put him on the map. It’s about an old man with his talking sword. That’s as much of a summary I’ll give. Shaw’s art helps create brilliant splash panels and climactic fights. Cates has confirmed that a film script for “God Country” has been completed. Until then, get to know these unique characters before they hit the big screen. 

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