I want a list of the absolutely best graphic novels.

Okay. I'll bite. But maybe you should clarify a few things:

Must it be an Original Graphic Novel or will any Collected Edition do?
For example, you state The Killing Joke. But the Killing Joke is also included in the DC Universe Stories of Alan Moore, which has other comics as well.

I see some people are including "runs" such as Sandman, which is technically multiple books, but could be considered by some to be a single story. Is that acceptable?

Are we supposed to specify which print edition?
That can make a big impact on the material, and sometimes the presentation will help push one book over another.
For example, Killing Joke was originally a prestige format one shot. Later it became a HC. And recently a Deluxe HC. Which one are you listing?

Whats the overall purpose of this thread? Are you looking for a recommendation for a book to read, are you looking for another one of those trite "best of" lists, or are you genuinely interested in hearing more about what people like?

I can't play until I know the rules of the game.

'Reading' / 'Reading soon' stack: DC/Vertigo - ArtOps, Batgirl, Gotham Academy, Gotham by Midnight, Injustice; Marvel - Allred's Silver Surfer; Other - Abe Sapien, Descender, Fight Club 2, Goon, Mind MGMT, Southern Bastards