graph-ic nov-el
(noun)
a novel in comic strip form.

A graphic novel is similar to comic books in that it uses sequental art to tell a story. Like comics, graphic novels use images, dialogue, and narration to develop themes and ideas. However, they are longer works than comic books and are often divided into chapters. This includes collections of short stories that have been previously published as individual comic books. The graphic novel work or collection is then, in its entirety, to follow a narrative structure with a beginning, a middle, and an end. And each individual work can be a stand alone work or a part of a series.

Graphic novels are different from illustrated novels in their relationship between text and image. In an illustrated novel, illustrations complement and extend the text, while in a graphic novel, the illustrations are central to telling the story, with the visuals often conveying as much or more meaning than the words. Graphic novels use sequential art to tell the story, whereas illustrated novels integrate images within a traditional prose-heavy format. Illustrated novels are usually for children, however graphic novels tend to be for both children and mature readers.

There are endless ways to categorize and sub-categorize graphic novels. Graphic novels encompass a wide range of types, organized by narrative focus, origin, and genre. Much like traditional novels, graphic novels can explore any topic and belong to a variety of genres, from fiction to autobiography. There are five predominant types of graphic novels: manga, superhero stories, non-superhero stories, personal narratives, and non-fiction.

Manga

Manga is a Japanese word for comic and originated in Japan or is by a Japanese artist (or mangaka). It is read from top to bottom and right to left (as is the traditional japanese reading pattern). It comes with its own method for their unique style and its way and kind of storytelling. Manga is a distinct style of comic typically characterized by black-and-white art, exaggerated features, and a right-to-left dialogue placement/reading format. While the term technically refers to Japanese comics, it often describes the specific aesthetic regardless of the creator's country of origin.

Superhero Story

These forms of graphic novels take the most popular type of comics and fleshes them out some. The brief episodic adventures are turned into longer collections of epic sagas. These stories commonly features protagonists with superhuman abilities.

Non-Superhero Stories

This broad category includes a diverse array of fictional stories that do not involve superheroes. They can range from comedy to serious drama, showcasing the versatility of the medium.

Personal Narrative

These are autobiographical stories written from the author's personal experiences, opinions, and observations. These stories are biographical or autobiographical.

Non-Fiction

These are also from the author's personal experience, but the author is generally using their own experience to touch apon a greater social issue.These graphic novels present factual information in a comic-book style. They can cover a wide array of topics, such as historical events, social issues, or science.

Homework:

Collet or read one of each type of graphic novel category or e-book within the following weeks.

Bibliography