Some of spent our formative years with our noses between the pages of Batman or the X-Men. While it's true that not everyone will share our enthusiasm for our beloved comics, it is possible to suggest certain titles for friends that might otherwise turn their noses at spandex-clad muscle heads and women with implausible cleavage.

For the friend who likes history: "Rex Mundi," by Arvid Nelson (Dark Horse Comics). This sprawling Holy Grail epic is set in a 1930s Europe that never happened-a time line in which political powers are askew, and murder, intrigue, and magic are the name of the game.

For the friend who likes day-time television: "Strangers in Paradise," by Terry Moore. This is sort of the polar opposite of the typical comic in that the main characters are females, with realistic body types, and realistic struggles. There's nothing heroic about "Strangers in Paradise," except the bravery of the creators in using a comic book format to tell an innovative and moving story of the human condition.

For the friend who likes fairy tales: "Stardust," by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess (DC Comics). More an illustrated bed-time story for mature audiences, "Stardust" is a beautiful and rich fantasy about love, friendship, and adventure. Brilliantly entertaining and imaginative.

For the friend who likes classic literature: "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," by Alan Moore (DC Comics). Please, please, please forget you ever saw the atrocity that they tried to pass as a film version of this great, cerebral work. One could spend weeks pouring over these comics to catch all the allusions to historical and literary figures.

These comics might make great gift ideas-after all, wouldn't they be touched that you want to share something you enjoy with them, in a way they can enjoy as well? Of course they would.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Browers.
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