Source: gallerycomics.com

1. Watchmen

(Watchmen #1-12, DC Comics)

Obvious number one pick is obvious.

Yeah yeah, while I’d rather read Top 10 any day of the week, Watchmen is arguably much better and more impactful.

Watchmen is a murder mystery among current and former superheroes. The story is engaging and fast paced; it’s eminently quotable; and the characters are shockingly easy to understand and grow attached to. Also, I feel the technical aspects of the book are often overlooked. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons absolutely nail the ever loving hell out of this book.

The use of the nine panel grid was, and still is, revolutionary. And the issues themselves are wonderful lessons in storytelling. I mean, God, that Dr. Manhattan issue is brain shatteringly awesome. And the mirrored layout issue? Ugh, so good.

There are too many good things to say about Watchmen that have already been said. And If you haven’t ALREADY read it, seriously, go do it. It will be so goshdarn worth your time and money, it isn’t even funny.

And don’t skip the pirate parts.

Also, I will be at Wondercon this Friday and Saturday, having myself a grand old time. So, if you see me, feel free to come say hey!