However, under the Marvel Comics umbrella are various smaller imprints, with timelines and storylines that can differ from that of the Marvel Universe. The Avengers movies and the mainstream Marvel comic books all take place within the Marvel Universe - the central Marvel storyline. Here’s a history lesson for you: Marvel Comics is the publisher of all Marvel stories. Miles Morales: Straight out of Brooklyn by Saladin Ahmed and Javier Garron And in this story, he’s set his sights on Commissioner Gordon as the subject of his social experiment.Ģ.

After reaching his breaking point and turning into the Joker we know today, he sets out on a mission to prove that all humans can be pushed to their mental breaking point and turn into a lawless killer just like him. The graphic novel is considered the definitive Joker origin story, one which also starts with an engineer who quits his job at a chemical company to pursue his dream of becoming a stand-up comedian - only to fail miserably. If you enjoyed that particularly dark and gritty take on the Joker’s descent into madness, you will surely also enjoy Batman: The Killing Joke, as it provided the foundation for writer/director Todd Phillips’ film adaptation. But the Joker is enjoying a particularly strong resurgence lately as the titular focus of the the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning 2019 film Joker, starring the also Oscar and Golden Globe-winning Joaquin Phoenix. The antics of this psychopathic criminal mastermind have never really vanished from pop culture discourse. Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland Which graphic novel should you read next?ĭiscover the perfect graphic novel for you.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of great graphic novels out there, you can also take our 30-second quiz below to narrow it down quickly and get a personalized graphic novel recommendation 😉 Featuring everything from superheroes to memoirs, from manga to skillful adaptations of classic works of literature, these stories will delight fans of all ages - and demonstrate this form of storytelling’s enormous range.

With their inventive blend of visuals and writing, comics are a powerful exploration of the depth of storytelling.And graphic novels, bound together in a larger, sturdier form than the flimsy comic book, have made it even easier for people to explore and enjoy this rich blend of truth and fiction.īelow, we’ve gathered the 100 best graphic novels published to date. But these days, more and more people are realizing the rich potential found within the pages of a good comic. They were once considered an indulgence for children, a cheap, meaningless entertainment meant to be grown out of. Since they first rose to popularity in the 1930s, comics have been a staple of the literary landscape.

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