category help and comic suggestions (semi-999 challenge related)

[heylook]

hey all,

the great 999 challenge thread had me thinking about themes in comics and looking for suggestions regarding the challenge, but also in general.

I'm the type of person who often consumes entertainment in loosely-labeled themes, so I thought I'd create this thread for myself, but it can be an ongoing "suggestions" thread for people also looking for similar things (westerns, space operas, anthropomorphic, etc)

a couple categories I'm looking for right now:

Music-related comics:
I have a couple "rock n roll" anthology books, some of P. Craig Russell's opera adaptations, etc - but I'm wondering I'm looking for illustrated biographies (I hear that Johnny Cash one is good), or fictitious books that have music as a central theme (Phonogram, etc)...anything really

Mexican/Latin-American Comics:
Been traveling to Mexico lately and been immersed in Latin-American music and movies, and I know there is a history of comics series throughout the 20th century in lots of Latin-American countries and all sorts of genres. I'm looking for books that delve into different latin american culture (specifically Mexican but all included), people, events, etc. But also if there is any really great collections you know of by creators from Latin America (preferably not just all the Brazilians working at DC & Marvel).

Sports Comics:
All that talk about that Roberto Clemente book last year got me thinking about other sports books. I think that someone asked that question on a semi-recent iFanboy podcast but they didn't get that many straight answers. Biographies, themes, whatever. Doesn't have to be a team sport - can be wrestling or boxing or whatever.

Also,

since I'm not a big collector as far as bin-diving, finding things that have been collected into bound volumes is easier than single issues, though if you know of something that is a mini-series or soemthing, that could work obviously.

Other people can ask for category (company, hero-type, etc) suggestions in replies

[heylook]

a couple more:

Environmental Theme Comics
Hippy-dippy or not - about stewardship and based in reality or totally far off. I'm an environmental educator and I know there are a couple things here and there (and that new "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" book coming out soon from Archaia), but I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas regarding that (or if there are specific stand-alone arcs from Swamp Thing or Aquaman or something). Far out sci-fi things welcome too.

Greg Rucka
I think if I do the 999 challenge, I'm going to do a Greg Rucka category, because everything from him I've read I have totally loved, but I haven't read very much other than recent things I suppose (no queen and country even). I'd love suggestions on maybe lesser known works or some personal favorite arcs of his.

[JTobin]

For environmental comics you could try out Grant Morrisons run on Animal Man. If I remember correctly most issues included issues of environmental awareness. The Filth by Morrison might have similar issues, but since I've never read it I hope someone else will be able to confirm that.

For Greg Rucka you can try his great Detective runs from 20000 (issues 242 and onward I believe). Also his Gotham Central run with Ed Brubaker was wonderful and collected in trades recently. Rucks Checkmate run was one of my favorites as well. I feel Chris would be able to do a better job here than I could.

[Ryan 'gobo' C.]

Music themed: Phonogram 1 & 2, Blue Monday, Li'l Depressed Boy, Punk Rock & Trailer Parks