Gripping graphic novels

While children of the '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s lived during the golden era of comic books, the art form has evolved in recent years boasting deeper plot lines, more ambitious storytelling devices and edgier illustrations - a transformation that has seen the traditional comic rebranded as a "graphic novel." Some of these graphic novels have moved away from the typical superhero storylines to explore darker subject matter in a more literary style, becoming culturally relevant in a different manner from their earlier comic counterparts. Now you can experience these gripping graphic novels in time for the holidays with Barnes & Noble el Keycodes.

Watchmen Considered a modern classic and featured in Time Magazine's 2005 list of ALL-TIME 100 Greatest Novels, Watchmen puts an unconventional spin on the established superhero mythology. The graphic novel was created by writer Alan Moore and illustrator Gave Gibbons in 12 issues between 1986 and 1987 for DC Comics. The story serves as a criticism of modern society and the spotless image of the classic superhero.

Watchman is set in an alternate reality of 1980s America where superheroes were once an accepted phenomenon in society. Following the height of their influence in the '40s, '50s and '60s, these costumed crime fighters have been outlawed in the United States - many of them reassuming their private lives or finding work with private corporations and the government. The existence of superheroes has also altered many historic events, leading to a more technologically advanced society, an extended presidency of Richard Nixon and a U.S. victory during the Vietnam War. However, the U.S. and Soviet Union move closer and closer towards nuclear war.

The Walking Dead First published by Image Comics in 2003, The Walking Dead was created by writer Robert Kirkman and illustrators Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard. Recently, the series has served as the inspiration for the popular AMC television show, The Walking Dead, which mirrors many of the characters and story arcs found in the comic.

The story focuses on Rick Grimes, a Kentucky police officer who is wounded following a gunfight with an escaped convict. Waking up from a coma weeks later, Rick discovers that an apocalyptic event has occurred and the world is now inhabited by the walking dead - zombies. After escaping from an abandoned hospital, Rick heads south towards Atlanta in search of his wife, Lori, and son, Carl. When he arrives in Atlanta - which was supposed to be a safe haven for survivors - he finds the city overrun with zombies. Rick escapes Atlanta with the help of a boy named Glen, and discovers Lori and Carl at Glen's camp - along with his former partner, Shane. However, believing that Rick was dead, it is revealed that Shane had begun a romantic relationship with Lori and assumed some fatherly responsibility for Carl - creating a rift between the two friends upon Rick's return. 

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