You're a nerd — don't bother denying it.
But what kind of nerd are you? Do you only play video games or do your interests expand beyond the glossy surfaces of compact discs?
Needless to say, the historical diversity of nerds is jarring in its scope: Computer geeks dominated the turn of the century, fans of science fiction television serials typified the '80s, and the post-war era belonged to Dungeons & Dragons nerds and roleplayers.
But, I say we start before all that — with comic books
As long as pretty graphics or controller inputs aren't the only appealing aspects of gaming to you, comic books will probably prove of interest. If you consider yourself a gamer, I'm confident that you'll take pleasure in reading the following comic books. With any luck, they may even enhance your appreciation for video games in general!
So, without further ado, here are the top five comics (in no particular order) which are sure to convert any gamer into a regular customer at the local comic book store.
Y: The Last ManSimilar to: Fallout 3 and Wasteland
Over 60 issues and six years, Brian K. Vaughan explored the idea of a world without men. Instead of a garish, sexualized hyperbole, the result was a breathtaking adventure which followed the life of Yorick Brown and his Capuchin monkey, Ampersand — the only male mammals left alive after a sudden, inexplicable disaster, later dubbed the "Gendercide."
Widely considered the best comic of the decade, the series evokes the same tangible sense of solitude and desperation that the Fallout series has worked so hard to perfect. As opposed to a nuclear war, Vaughan tempts the readers with an equally jarring concept: a world ruled by women.
If you enjoyed Bethesda's 2008 wasteland adventure, you'll undoubtedly appreciate the high-concept that Y: the Last Man offers.
The Walking DeadSimilar to: Left 4 Dead and Dead Rising
When there's no room in hell, the dead will appear in fantastic comic books. And so, Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard set out to create the quintessential zombie comic series.
Luckily, they succeeded.
If the social implications of Dead Rising, the non-stop action of Left 4 Dead, or the political intrigue of Resident Evil drew you to their respective franchises, you'll find a lot to love in The Walking Dead. More than a simple chronicle of the travels of its protagonists, the series questions social convention and challenges who we are.
In the same way that the original George Romero flicks stood for more than cheap thrills and gore, The Walking Dead scrutinizes everything from the traditional family unit to racial identity.
While you won't be directing each pistol round or shotgun blast, Charlie Adlard's art delivers the same pleasure provided by a game controller. Each frame feels as impactful as a headshot in Left 4 Dead. Considering the $2 price tag for most issues, this is a definite must-buy.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Similar to: Batman: Arkham Asylum and (strangely) Lego Batman
You knew this was coming. I mean, come on — how could I not mention Batman?
Penned by Frank Miller (300, Sin City, and V for Vendetta), this four-issue series introduces many of the ideas that Arkham Asylum would later capitalize on. The Dark Knight Returns tells the tale of a middle-aged Bruce Wayne, who leaves retirement in order to hit the streets and fight crime once again. Batman isn't afforded the same carte blanche he used to receive from the police forces, however. Battling street thugs, criminal masterminds, and the U.S. government simultaneously, the 55-year-old Batman begins to push his limits.
This series isn't all guts and glory. Frank Miller's sharp sense of humor actually reminds me of the simplistic wit of Lego Batman.
Given the mainstream accessiblility of the Caped Crusader, this one won't be too difficult to find or to digest.
Similar to: Age of Conan, God of War, Dante's Inferno
Nothing says "manly" like a bare chest, blood-soaked hair, and a 6-foot broadsword. By that standard, Conan is probably the manliest man in Hyboria.
Originally conceived by Robert Howard, this sword-and-sorcery universe has taken many forms throughout its century long history. While Arnold Schwarzenegger did the character justice in the 1982 film adaptation, Kurt Busiek truly brings Conan to life in this comic book series. This is truly the pen and paper equivalent of the video game industry's most successful hack and slash titles. The sheer amount of decapitated heads, maimed corpses, and sexually fulfilled women left in Conan's wake is astonishing.
Yet, in spite of the unapologetic nudity and gore, Conan tells an intriguing tale. Whether Busiek confronts prostitution, slavery, or misogyny, he does it with class.
If God of War is your cup of tea, then so is Conan.
Similar to: NeoTokyo, the Matrix Online, Deus Ex, System Shock 2, and ONI
Not quite a "comic book" per se, Ghost in the Shell was first translated in '93 and has since become a prolific manga property, both at home and abroad. Since its '95 film adaptation, the license has exploded in popularity.
The manga follows Major Motoko Kusanagi as she arraigns and arrests cyber-criminals. Hackers, crackers, and spammers beware — Kusanagi is as dangerous as she is sexy.
If you're looking for unfettered violence or action, this isn't the series for you. Ghost in the Shell boasts the same precise pacing and persuasively realistic characters as Deus Ex and its sequel. Needless to say, few have managed to compete with this manga's quality in writing.
If the idea of a cyberpunk thriller interests you, Ghost in the Shell will likely quench any thirst you have for the genre.
During their "Golden Age," comic books captivated the attention of approximately 60% of the American public. Throughout the '30s and '40s, readers of all ages enjoyed the colorful antics of archetypical heroes like Superman, Captain Marvel, and the Green Lantern. This period helped usher in the comic book as a mainstream form of art.
Today, however, most estimates claim only 100,000 active readers remain in the United States. While the artistic vocabulary of writers and illustrators continues to evolve, fewer and fewer fans are willing to sit down and appreciate them.
Why do you think comic books have waned in popularity? Do you think the success and ubiquity of video games and other interactive media has something to do with their steady decline?