My girlfriend is starting to read comics:

[sn4tch]

My girlfriend is just getting into comics, and I've been out of the loop for a couple years. I pick up certain trade paperbacks when I hear they're good, but other wise I haven't bought issues of anything since Hush ended on Batman. So far she LOVES Fables, Runaways, and Suburban Glamor. She also read MAUS back in high school and enjoyed it too and loves the TV Show Heroes.

So as best as I can tell, she likes modern day tales with a fantasy twist, and stories of real people with super powers that still act like real people. But she won't touch normal super hero comics. In fact when Marvel universe characters show up in Runaways she loses interest in those stories.

I've already had some good recommendations, but I'm always looking for more.

-Mike (Sn4tcH)

[jgg0610]

Not to pick the obvious but Jack of Fables.

[acomicbookgirl]

Check out the Heroes HC..

[jgg0610]

Also along the same vein as Maus is Persepolis. It's really good and there's a movie of it out right now.

[humphrey-lee]

Can't go wrong with THE SANDMAN, and if she likes that there's LUCIFER too. BONE is probably a must as well. I'd throw in PRIDE OF BAGHDAD, DEMO, and BLANKETS since they're all one volume reads. MY FAITH IN FRANKIE too, that's a solid. And Gaiman's BOOKS OF MAGIC. That's just damn classic.

Maybe look into some of the HELLBLAZER tpbs while at it...

[esophagus]

I commend you on giving us some of the things she enjoys before asking for some books! "I know a girl who wants to read a comic" is certainly not as helpful as this, and that's generally what we see.

I'll back up Humphrey on Demo and Blankets. Not sure where he gets Bone, but it's a fairly safe bet most people would like it.

I recommend the Wildstorm book Ex Machina (Written by the creator of Runaways, BKV), Battle Hymn from Image, and After the Cape from Shadowline. Here are some descriptions for each:Ex Machina is a creator-owned comic book series created by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris, and published by DC Comics under the Wildstorm imprint. The series details the life of Mitchell Hundred (aka the Great Machine), the world's first and only superhero, who, in the wake of his actions on 9/11, is elected Mayor of New York City. The story is set during Hundred's term in office, and interweaved with flashbacks to his past as the Great Machine. Through this, the series explores both the political situations Hundred finds himself in, and the mysteries surrounding his superpowers.
Battle Hymn is a comic book limited series published by Image Comics in 2004-05, created by B. Clay Moore and illustrated by Jeremy Haun. It deals with a super-powered group of heroes during the closing days of World War II, and acts as a dissection of comic book and pulp heroes, with the team being modeled after popular archetypes.Created by Howard Wong After the Cape tells the story of a down on his luck former superhero who, following his retirement as a superhero, has fallen into depression and succumbed to alcoholism. He must make ground breaking decisions about both his superhero career and his duty as both a husband and father.

[gungadin]

Y: The Last Man.

That's always what I give to people to jump them on comics.

[sn4tch]

Y: The Last Man.

That's always what I give to people to jump them on comics.

Actually, we went to the comic store yesterday and they have a BKV display up there with Runaways TPBs and Y: The Last Man. She seemed VERY interested in that. But the 1st volume was sold out.

Also, a Sandman art book caught here eye too. So maybe I'll try a couple of those. I told her that Sandman might be a bit much for her, but if you guys say it's okay...

[gungadin]

Actually, we went to the comic store yesterday and they have a BKV display up there with Runaways TPBs and Y: The Last Man. She seemed VERY interested in that. But the 1st volume was sold out.

Also, a Sandman art book caught here eye too. So maybe I'll try a couple of those. I told her that Sandman might be a bit much for her, but if you guys say it's okay...

Yeah... Serialized... So start from the top. But you should be able to find it most everywhere (that isn't the place you went where it's sold out)...

[xyzzy]

Contemporary set tales with a fantasy/sci-fi twist:

Global Frequency
Hellboy/B.P.R.D.
Demo


Superheroes that act "realistically" but are set in their own universes.

Welcome to Tranquility
Powers


You might also try:

Marvels
Invincible
Top 10
Astro City

[paper]

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen should play to her interest in the fantastic. I agree with the Mike Mignola recs as well (Hellboy, etc.)

The Escapists by BKV focuses on comic book writers, deals with real people, and has the same charm as Runaways and Y: The Last Man.

[mattk]

My wife really liked Superman for all seasons. It has a great "movie" feel to it. I know it's a superhero book, but it's an easier sell than say an avengers or x-men book. My wife watches all the superhero movies and really liked that Superman movie, so it was any transition.

[tlederz]

I find that a lot of my friends that dont normally read comics love Scott Pilgrim. Thats kinda like real people with a twist, right?

[optimus187prime]

Well I have the same situation I got my GF into comics so I am now responsible for getting ($$$, I pay because it is soooo hot when a girl reads comics and is actually into it) the comics and making recommendations to her. Her fav by far is Y but hear are a few others that she enjoys: Ex Machina, DMZ, Fables, Smoke & Guns, Battle Royale, and she is actually up to Vol 5 in Preacher. She hates superhero stuff for whatever reason.

[diabhol]

I've already had some good recommendations, but I'm always looking for more.

-Mike (Sn4tcH)

I just hooked my g/f on Strangers in Paradise.

Next up: Y The Last Man.

[rickweasel]

Y: The Last Man.

That's always what I give to people to jump them on comics.

Would it work for my friend (girl)? I hear most girls love Y: The last man, and from what I heard on another podcast Preacher. She is in to buffy, so I know I will get her season 8 trade.

[jmstump]

I've already seen it listed but Blankets is amazing and I think anyone would be interested.

A fun book that she may or may not get into (and there are really only 12-14 issues to worry about now) and that is Darwyn Cooke's run on The Spirit.

I've seen a little on Fell and it looks pretty good, dark and gritty type of book.

Strangers in Paradise, which I'm sure she either reads already or someone has mentioned.

Last suggestion Mouse Guard. I have not read it but so many people say that it is good. I am just waiting to get my hands on a hardcover of the first book.

Other then everything she already seems to be into Fables, Runaways, etc. I can't think of too much that hasn't already been mentioned. There aren't a whole lot of non-superhero comics out there. Those that are not also are usually just sci-fi, Fantasy, or other guy type of books.

[snooganshooligan]

I suggest Optic Nerve by Adrian Tomine, which is unfortunately not a monthly title, but still a great read. And along the line of Blankets is Box Office Poison.
Or if you want something more adventure based, Bone.

[deezer]

I second Bone and Mouse Guard... maybe X-Factor if she likes Heroes? Either way, it's a good book

[bellahadrian]

Another great comic for women is Alias! It's on the line superhero yet not really superhero. Its a good intro to the Marvel universe and the Avengers series. I recently reread and was totally fell in love with Jessica all over again. I ordered the Pulse trades the same day and am starting to get the New Avengers trades to follow Jessica's story.

[charlie-blix]

I'm going to get Noble Causes for my g/f to read. I figure all the drama in the book should make for a good read for her.

[oceanblue]

As a girlfriend I will say that I first wanted to read what my boyfriend was reading so that he thought I was amazing and would brag about me, Sandman happened to be the comic I started with.

Now, I think I would suggest American Virgin, Fables, and Jack of Fables. The story is easy to get into a follow, there is a lot of emotional connection and drama, and the artwork doesn't require an intense study for someone who is just starting to find their way into the world of comics.