Indy Comics Writer

Some books are destined to cause arguments. Gene Kannenberg, Jr.’s 500 Essential Graphic Novels, published by Collins Design, is such a book.

To try categorizing the best graphic novels in a single book? That’s a hefty challenge.

Kannenberg, who has earned a doctorate degree in comics(!) from the University of Connecticut, is up to the challenge. Of course, I don’t agree with all of his choices. But I do agree with most of them. And I’m especially pleased that he included several of my favorite graphic novels.

He includes, for instance, Stuck Rubber Baby, by Howard Cruse. This amazing tale covers the Civil Rights movement, racism and the coming-of-age of a young homosexual narrator in the U.S. deep South. Kannenberg also includes Ghost World by Dan Clowes, the source behind the critically acclaimed movie of the same title.

There are a few titles Kannenberg throws in that I can’t quite understand. For instance, he includes the X-Men’s Dark Phoenix Saga. Really? I just thought that whole mess was confusing.

Search out this book if you have the chance. It’s great not only for starting arguments, but for finding those great graphic novels you might have missed. Ever read The Steel Claw: The Vanishing Man by writer Ken Bulmer and artist Jesus Blasco? Didn’t think so. Well, it’s in Kannenberg’s book.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS