What are graphic novels?

Comics and graphic novels are becoming increasingly popular as many readers now love to indulge in visuals that complement the stories they read. The combination of images and text can convey complex storylines and themes in a way that is both engaging and accessible.

The sequential art used to create comics and graphic novels has its roots in the prehistoric cave and wall paintings. A great leap took place since the invention of the printing press, and now the art forms have evolved into book-length narratives, covering a wide range of genres.

Keep reading to explore what graphic novels are and find some great books to add to your reading list.

What is a graphic novel?

The term graphic novel refers to a format of storytelling that combines illustrations with text to tell a story. The method of creating a graphic novel is known as sequential art, as the illustrations are intended to be read in a specific order.

The term “sequential art” itself was first coined by American cartoonist Will Eisner in 1985 through his book Comics and Sequential Art. It’s not a drawing technique but rather a way of combining numerous images and text to create a complete story.

Unlike traditional comic books or comic strips, graphic novels are typically published as standalone stories in trade paperback format, and often feature more intricate plots. However, collections of short stories previously released as separate comic books can be classified as graphic novels.

Many believe the first graphic novel was Will Eisner’s book A Contract With God and Other Tenement Tales (1978). In the 1980s, other groundbreaking graphic novels were published, including Maus by Art Spiegelman and Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

These books helped establish the graphic novel as a serious art form. It also paved the way for publishing other acclaimed works, such as Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi and Ghost World by Daniel Clowes.

Graphic novels come in various genres, from science fiction and fantasy to non-fiction and memoirs. Some popular graphic novels feature superheroes, like Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, and others explore more literary themes, like Chris Ware’s Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth.

Today, graphic novels are recognized as a legitimate form of literature. Some of them have won prestigious awards, such as the Pulitzer Prize (Art Spiegelman’s Maus) and the National Book Awards (March: Book Three by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell).

Educators and librarians typically use graphic novels to engage reluctant readers and promote visual literacy skills. These books are also a mainstay in many bookstores and libraries.

What is the difference between comic books and graphic novels?

While comics and graphic novels share some similarities, there are a few key differences between the two. Some of the biggest differences are their length and format.

Comics are usually shorter and rely on episodic adventures. They’re published in serial book form, often in monthly issues. Marvel (based in New York) and DC Comics (based in California) are two major publishers that issue popular American comic books.

Some of the iconic ones are The Sandman by Neil Gaiman, The Amazing Spider-Man by Stan Lee, Batman by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and many more.

On the other hand, graphic novels are book-length, self-contained stories that are usually published in a single volume. They have more complex storylines and often focus on character development and a more in-depth exploration of themes.

In addition, graphic novels can cover various genres, while comics are often associated with fiction. Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud can be a good source to learn many aspects of comics, including its rich history.

The graphic novels you need to try

There are plenty of great graphic novels that you can add to your reading list. Here are some of them:

Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

Set in an alternate universe where superheroes exist, the story follows a group of former vigilantes investigating a conspiracy that threatens to spark a global nuclear war. The graphic novel explores themes of power, morality, and justice.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Persepolis is Satrapi’s graphic memoir that tells the story of her childhood during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. The book is an intensely personal and political account of daily life in Iran. It’s also a reminder of the human cost of war and political repression.

Maus by Art Spiegelman

Maus tells the story of his father’s experience as a Holocaust survivor, from the years before World War II to his parents’ rescue from the Nazi detention camps. The book is a powerful exploration of history, memory, and the human experience of tragedy.

Honorable mentions

Here is a list of other outstanding graphic novels you should read:

• ·Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware
• Ghost World by Daniel Clowes
• A Contract With God and Other Tenement Tales by Will Eisner
• Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
• City of Glass by Paul Auster
• A Distant Neighborhood by Jiro Taniguchi
• Saga by Brian K. Vaughan

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FAQ

What is the difference between a novel and a graphic novel?

A novel is a text-rich book, while a graphic novel combines text and illustrations to convey its story.

What are the three main types of graphic novels?

Three main types of graphic novels are manga, superhero stories, and personal narratives (perzines). Popular manga is usually followed by its anime adaptation.

What are the advantages of reading a graphic novel?

A graphic novel is typically more engaging and provides a complete narrative.

What are some graphic novel genres?

Graphic novel genres include fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, and memoir.

What is the oldest graphic novel?

The oldest graphic novel is A Contract With God and Other Tenement Tales (1978) by Will Eisner.

What is the most popular type of graphic novel?

The most popular type of graphic novel is a superhero story.