User Blog:
The Top 5 Graphic Novels of 2009

Volume two of this amazing series completes what I think as THE best Superman story out there. Not set in current continuity, not bogged down by past horrible storylines and mullet hairdos, All Star Superman boils Superman down to the basic iconic nature of the character while still keeping a fresh approach. This Superman is strong, smart and caring, using his brain just as often as his brawn, a very silver age feel to a book ahead of its time. Grant Morrison shines here and Frank Quietly's art has never been better. In this volume, Superman struggles to complete his labors before his own body kills him, thanks to Luthor oversaturating his cells with our yellow sun. Here Superman battles fellow Kryptonians, defeats a Sun-Eater, travels and escapes from Bizarro World and of course, takes on Luthor in a climactic battle for the fate of Metropolis. Simply not to be missed and highly accessible to a non-comic reader.

2. LOCAS II
By Jaime Hernandez
Published by Fantagraphic Books
Retail Price: $39.99

Locas II compiles all of Jaime's post-Love and Rockets Vol 1 comics in this amazing looking hardcover book. Clocking in at 416 pages for only 40 bucks, Locas II follows the lives of Jaime's main characters--Maggie, Hopey, Ray, and Penny--while introducing us to some new favorites, most notably the frogmouth Vivian. They've all grown up since the first volume and I honestly think that these stories are better as we read about their lives, loves, losses, obsessions and regrets. This book is not to miss.