Confessions of a Comic Book Fan: Volume 4, Comics I Wished I Owned

In this Confessions column, I will note the comics I wish I owned. Like talking about crossovers this is a broad subject. I've come to the conclusion I have enough comic books, there is no need to add to them unless it's a title I really have to have like Iron Man.

For the sake of conversation, there are many specific writers I would be happy to add to my collection, too. I have the two best graphic novels from two of my favorite authors: Watchmen by Alan Moore and The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. Still, my collection could encompass much more from other writers. Lately I've been picking up a lot of Grant Morrison's work, whether it be from the library, at the comic shop, or just finding it by luck in my collection. Another talented writer - who I read in Iron Man and The Authority - is Warren Ellis.

There are a couple sets of graphic novels I would love to have. Being a comic fan for most of my life, I have a good understanding that cliffhangers are very common, so I tend to get the complete story not just for its worth but for being able to read the story from beginning to end. Some comic books have stories that aren't resolved for twenty issues or more, some only require you to read a few comics. One series I've had a taste of and would be more than willing to fork over money for would be Akira. Katsuhiro Otomo proved he was a master of the medium with this set of graphic novels. There are six volumes, and I've come close to purchasing them on many occasions.

Fantasy is a field I like to write and read in. I'm always intrigued when it finds its way to comics, especially when it was based on a book. I have walked past Dragonlance novels at the local Barnes & Noble many times, even forked over the money for the first book of the series, Dragons of Autumn Twilight. When I found out that a comic book was created out of it I almost purchased it, but then I found it at my local library. If you liked Lord of the Rings, the books or the movies, then this series should be a joy. It doesn't compare to Akira, but when taken as a fantasy comic, it succeeds where many series have failed.