Graphic Saturday! Spotting graphic greatness

How do you spot a potential good graphic novel?  Hmm, that's a good question.   We want to make  good expending of our money while  been satisfied with whatever we read.  Usually we read a synopsis or follow friends recommendations and then we make a  buy.  But how can we be sure?  Simply, we can't.  Buying  comic is like buying a new book, it is a gamble.  It can be pure greatness or a bunch of forgettable pages.

So, this is my guide to find great comics, graphic novels and even books:

One of many stack of books
Graphic Saturday! at Jessy's Bookends

1. Do not succumb to pretty covers!  I used to be drawn to pretty covers.  Still do, but it has less power over me now.  One day, my husband told me: " Stop looking for pretty covers.  Probably you have been missing great books."  So true, since then my obsession for gorgeous covers has been tamed.
2. Stay away from amazing art hiding awfully boring story lines!  One of my fave graphic novels is Neil Gaiman's The Sandman Series.  Why?  Art in the series kept improving with every number.  The story is the strongest suit of the series.  Coloring is incredible, it is done in a way that creates ambiance and climate.  Characters are individuals with an independent voice.  It is the kind of work that can maintain its currency.
3.  Cliche MC is a big NO!  Read the synopsis.  Synopsis are your best friend when looking for that next reading.  The Cinderella girl finds the rich guy and leaves happily ever after.... Stay away from that.  Look for edgy, quirky characters.  Look for MC who set their own pace because they are the ones driving the action.
4. Read something out of your comfort zone! Stop yourself if you  read five consecutive romances and you are picking a sixth.  Try a new genre.  Maybe find a new author.  Read something you usually wouldn't pick.  I have found great books by picking new genres of bargain bins at the book store.  Give this a go, won't be disappointed.
5. Google it! Read about the author. Visit their blog or website.  Make a stop at their book or comic imprint.   Get to know more authors like the one you enjoy.
6. Hop from Blog to Blog! Bloggers have great content that will save you time.  Any reader can find recommendations and reviews in the blogging world.  For instance, if you are looking for Manga, Alison at Alison Can Read has a Monday's meme dedicated to that genre.  If you are looking for comics or graphic novels visit Jessy's Bookends every Saturday.
7. Tweet, Tweet and other social networking blasts!  I follow you, you follow me, we follow authors, we follow publishing houses and the following goes on and on.  We gather all sorts of info just by following at twitter.  We read about new books, new authors and even giveaways.  We bloggers use social networks as a strong tool to promote our content.  Get a twitter user account and be part of the information torrent.   If you don't have a goodreads account, it would be time.  If you are reading this, definitely you are part of the same species as me: those who carry books everywhere  in a plethora of formats.  So, goodreads should be good for you.  One of the benefits is that you can receive recommendations from other users and share reviews.  If you want you can even add me by clicking the button on the  menu on the right side of this blog.

Hope these recommendations can be helpful while buying that new comic book or any kind of book.  Do you have more ideas?  Share them with me on  the comments section.