by Crayon

Created on: April 24, 2009

Before I get into what comic books I recommend for people who don't like comic books I feel that it is necessary to clear up a common misconception. There seems to be a lot confusion about the difference between graphic novels and comic books these days and it will be helpful for a beginner to be able to distinguish between the two.

A Comic book is released serially with a part of the story told in each installment whereas a graphic novel is an entire story released in one installment. It is common for comic books to be collected in large installments once the story or story arc has been completed, these are called trade Paperbacks (TPBs). People often mistake trade paperbacks for graphic novel due to the fact that they resemble graphic novels in every way except for the fact that they were originally released in smaller installment.

"Watchmen" for example is not a graphic novel even though it has been called the most beloved graphic novel of all time. The fact of the matter is that is was released as a comic book originally. This effects the pacing of the story because the author had to end a chapter every twenty-two pages (the length of a standard comic book) so as to not end that months issue in mid-thought.

All of my recommendations are comic books and not graphic novels, in fact, I would be hard pressed to think of any actual graphic novels, as it often makes more sense financially to release a story in segments and then re-release it as a trade paperback. This way the story has more of a chance for building a following because people don't have to shell out fifteen dollars all at once they can buy the installments in three dollar increments and, therefore,` will be more willing to take a chance on a new story. I think that often times people feel better calling comic books graphic novels as they feel it adds gravitas to the medium.

Now, on to my recommendations:

"AIR" (Written by G. Willow Wilson with art by M.K. Perkins): The story of a flight attendant who is deathly afraid of flying and what happens after she falls in love with a man who could either be a Muslim terrorist or a steadfast hero, or both. This story has a lot of twists and turns and I would hate to give away any of the surprises. All I will say is that it has to do with a new and better mode of transportation, Amelia Earhart and often times reminds me of the television show LOST.

"CRIMINAL" (Written by Ed Brubaker with art by Ryan Phillips) One of the most prolific and perhaps the most preeminent

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