'Tis graphic

It started, like most good things do, within the family.  My older cousin, Dr. Cousin, MD now thank-you-very-much, had a knack for sharing some of his best finds with us.  He is the one who introduced my sister and I to Watchmen by Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman many years ago.  And its really stuck with both of us, so much so that I bought my sister The Walking Dead graphic novel for Christmas this year, tres a apropos.  The wonderful world of graphic novels is an adventure, to sum it up quite inadequately.  In a time when we are constantly and relentlessly bombarded by colours, sounds, images and data, a graphic novel - to me - can still overwhelm all of those things and put me into sensory overload.

I picked up the first volume of The Sandman series by Neil Gaiman this weekend from a comic book store (perhaps a story for another day), surprised that I hadn't delved into it sooner.  The pictures are a vortex that literally suck you into the page and force you to pay attention, if the font alone doesn't do it.  One of the most arresting characters that crops up in the book is the Sandman's sister.  She doesn't stick around for long but when she's around, ::shudder::, you want her to go away but at the same time, you don't.  She is the embodiment of the Grim Reaper / Death and leaves no victim alone or behind, releasing the old and ill from their suffering but also snatching babies from their cribs.  Quite a family though, don't you think?  Dreams and Death as brother and sister.

So what is your newest form of distraction or escape?  And what are your tried and true methods?

Comments

  1. I've never read a graphic novel! But what a form of escape!!

    My tried and true method are tv shows that I've seen a thousand times - reruns of friends and whose line is it anyway come to mind.

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  2. I can't believe I've never read a graphic novel. It seems like something I'd enjoy considering I'm a) an avid reader and b) very visual. Looks like a great distraction!!

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  3. I have heard nothing but good things about Sandman ( did you hear about Neil Gaiman planning a prequel for it?? ), so I definitely want to check it out sometime. But speaking of graphic novels...have you heard of V for Vendetta? It's a must read :)

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  4. I've never read graphic novels, but I saw The Watchmen movie when it came out and absolutely LOVED it. I never read comics as a kid either, unless you count the wrappers of Bazooka Joe gum with the Archie series on them! Haha. Dr. Cousin might be on to something though.
    Favorite form of escape? Watching a Gary Oldman move ;)

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  5. I haven't ever picked up a graphic novel. I feel overstimulated just looking at your picture. However, I do watch The Walking Dead, and can't wait for it to come back in October.
    *Erin

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  6. I love looking at art as a form of escape! I bet I would like graphic novels as well, as I love comics & kawaii!
    :)
    Allison
    A's Fashion Files

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  7. Hm, I've never read graphic novels before. Maybe I should remedy this situation. As a kid, I used to create my own comic strips about teenage angst (of course). My favorite form of escape is a good old fashion book (the more engrossing the better) and Vanity Fair.
    PS~Have you seen/heard Gaiman's commencement speech? SO good!

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  8. I've never read one of these but heard the watchmen was amazing which is something I can't say about the movie... Ha!

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  9. You've gone through some pretty intense (and interesting) graphic novels! Rorschach reminds of Batman, just a little more stubborn and a little crazier. I haven't read the Walking Dead, but I've watched the show. As with the Doctor, I've missed a few episodes--I don't know how Rick got out of the tank.

    Escape? I'm pisces, supposedly my whole life is one big escape! lol I've gone through phases, learning about different things: fishing; hunting (reading only); cigars; wines. I've read an embarrassing number of Star Trek books. Different things

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  10. I enjoyed Kingdom Come, way back when. :)

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  11. I have yet to read a graphic novel--though I do love Neil Gaiman.

    As for escape . . . reading, mostly, with an occasional movie thrown in! :)

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  12. i must admit i have only ever read one comic and it was watchmen, and it was amazing...i should read more

    -Jessica
    http://www.jumpintopuddles.com

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  13. Love this image. I haven't read a graphic novel in so long! Haven't indulged in much lately...but I totally should get back at it. It's nice to have these things. =)

    xo,
    nancy

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  14. I love Neil Gaiman, so Igutta check out that classic

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  15. I read Watchmen about year ago. Very good stuff. Haven't seen the movie yet

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  16. Ooooo spooky. My brother used to read these comics when he was little, they always interested me but I never took the time to read them. I tend to jump into a book whenever I want to get away, or some kind of other-worldly type film like Harry Potter or Willow where I can daydream about living in a place completely different to where I don't want to be at that moment.xx

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  17. I've never gotten into graphic novels, maybe I should give it a go!

    I have found a nice escape in good movies and tv shows, but it isn't new to me. I'm still making my way through The Sopranos (with a small Band of Brothers detour) and I've decided to start making my way through AFI's best 100 films of all time. Casablanca will arrive in my mailbox tonight, I'm really excited.

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