essential comics and graphic novels

The essential elements include a good story. It's the foundation of any comic or graphic novel. Characters are also crucial. They need to be interesting and relatable. The art style is another key element. It should match the tone of the story. And of course, the layout of the pages, how the panels are arranged, affects how the story is told.

Some of the essential ones could be 'The Dark Knight Returns' which shows an older Batman coming out of retirement. 'Batman: Year One' that details his early days as Batman. And 'Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth' which is a very dark and psychological take on Batman's world.

Some of the essential ones might include 'All - Star Superman'. It's a great take on the character, showing Superman's selfless nature. Another could be 'The Dark Knight Returns' which has an interesting take on Superman in a darker world. 'Superman: Red Son' is also key as it explores what would happen if Superman had landed in the Soviet Union.

Definitely 'Wolverine: Weapon X'. This one is crucial as it details his time at the Weapon X program. It shows the brutal experiments he endured which shaped him into the fierce and often tortured character we know. It's a dark and gritty look at his past that is central to understanding his character.

'Daredevil: Yellow' is also essential. It gives a different perspective on Daredevil's origin story. The art style and the way the story is told make it a must - read for any Daredevil fan. It has a certain charm and nostalgia to it.

One of the great ones could be 'The Flash: Rebirth'. It delved deep into the character's origin and his return in a really engaging way.

Pencils are essential. You can use different grades for sketching and shading. Good quality paper is also important, something that can handle erasing and different mediums if you plan to add color later. And don't forget an eraser. If you're going digital, a drawing tablet and software like Adobe Illustrator or Clip Studio Paint are great. They give you more flexibility in terms of editing and adding special effects.

Well, 'The Sandman' by Neil Gaiman is an essential graphic novel. It has a richly detailed and dream - like world filled with a diverse cast of characters. 'Bone' by Jeff Smith is another one. It combines elements of adventure, humor, and fantasy in a very engaging way. Also, 'Fun Home' by Alison Bechdel is important. It's a memoir in graphic novel form that deals with family secrets and self - discovery.

Some essential Dark Horse graphic novels include 'Sin City' by Frank Miller. It has a distinct noir style with gritty stories and unique art. Another one is 'Hellboy' which features a great character with an interesting backstory and lots of supernatural elements.

You need drawing tools such as graphite pencils for sketching out the initial ideas and concepts. Erasers are essential to correct mistakes during the drawing process. For inking, waterproof pens or brushes are often used. And if you want to add color, colored markers or digital coloring tools if you're working on a computer are great options.