Comic Books for Girls

It’s no wonder girls don’t read comics books. The comic book store is teeming with unwashed, testosterone drenched males, who generally all turn their head at the first sign of a female in the store. Even if the girl is willing to brave the perils of the comic shop, they’re treated to a large selection of huge boobed and often hostile female superheros.

But there are comics books out there that girls love, and most can be ordered off of the Internet or found in a regular books store, such as Barnes and Noble or Borders. At the very least, you can make your significant other go to the comic store and get them for you. Here’s a list of my top five comics for girls, all available in trade paperback.

Sandman

Written by Neal Gaiman (author of American Gods), Sandman follows the tale of Morpheus, the king of dreams. Morpheus has been doing his thing for billions of years, when one day he has the realization that he must change his ways, or die. Not an easy thing when you’ve been alive for so long. Sandman has nothing to do with tights or super powers, and is one of those few comics that have earned literary acclaim. Start with Preludes and Nocturnes.

Fables

Bill Willingham takes us through the story’s of fairy tale and folklore characters, collectively known as the Fables. The Fables have been forced from their homeland by the enigmatic Adversary, and are now forced to live amongst normal people (Mundys) in New York. Seeing how each fairy tale character relates to others is a real treat, and the reveal of the Adversary’s true identity is a moment of shock and genius. Start with Legends In Exile.

Bone

Bone follows the adventures of three… well, Bones. Fone Bone, Phoncible P. “Phoney” Bone and Smiley Bone have all been run out of Boneville, and face various adventures across a fantasy landscape. Written by Jeff Smith, Bone is comedic high-adventure that comes off as a cross between Lord of the Rings, and Walt Kelly’s Pogo. Bone can be purchased in one gigantic 1,300 page volume called appropriately Bone: The One Volume Edition, for $40.

The Walking Dead

After waking up from a coma, Rick Grimes discovers a world over-run by zombies. He sets out to find his family, and help what few living people are left. It’s best described as a Night of The Living Dead movie that never ends. Robert Kirkman wisely steers away from an action oriented comic and focuses instead on personal drama, with the occasional ax to the head. Start out with Days Gone Bye.

Strangers in Paradise

Terry Moore tells the story Francine, Katchoo, David and Casey and their tangled interpersonal relationships. A bit like a soap opera with more realistic characters and dialog, there is also a thriller plot that plays out in the story. Strangers in Paradise fans are very loyal, and often actively post on the discussion board: www.sipfans.com. Start out with Strangers in Paradise Pocket Book 1.