Focus on Writing Graphic Novels for a 
Nod Toward Literature

There are many different types of writing. There is the screenplay, the thriller, the saga, the western, and so on. If you’re a writer, you may have written some of these types. Or at least you’ve read some. It may take time to discover your favorite style of writing. Through the years, I have written short stories, articles, screenplays, and novels (yet to be published). Now, I would like to focus on writing graphic novels. These seem to offer exciting challenges.

Let’s take a deep dive and explore the graphic novel to discover exactly what it offers. The graphic novel is being recognized as a legitimate part of literature, having previously been considered by many to be less sophisticated. However, the graphic novel is fast gaining popularity:

Although the graphic novel relies heavily on art (graphic), this article’s main focus is on the writing aspect of the graphic novel.

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The term graphic novel was popularized in the late 20th century. However, it had its humble beginnings in the mid-1800s, with works like "The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck." The graphic novel became more popular in the 1970s with Will Eisner's "A Contract with God.” Many consider this work to be one of the first modern graphic novels portraying realistic urban stories that went beyond the boundaries of what comics could. 

In the 1980s and 1990s, "Maus" by Art Spiegelman and "Watchmen" by Alan Moore stepped upon the scene. They incorporated complex themes that brought them literary recognition.

Focus on Writing Graphic Novels and 
Know its Relationship to the Comic Book

When many people think of the graphic novel, they don’t understand the difference between it and the comic book. The graphic novel is not merely an extension of the comic book. However, they do have something in common: they share art as a way of storytelling. 

The graphic novel differs from the comic book in that the graphic novel:

• gives a complete story like a novel.
• does not depend on episodes like comic books.
• explores a variety of genres and themes, including, but not limited to, historical dramas, science fiction, memoirs, and social commentaries. 

The focus on varied narratives, unlike the comic book, is what allows it to march up to the front of the line when speaking in terms of literature. 

When you focus on writing graphic novels or on reading them, you will realize the impact that art plays in evoking mood and clarity, traits necessary to become a potent platform for powerful storytelling. 

When graphic novels use art to tell stories, they captivate people of differing age groups. What emerges is that libraries and schools are latching on to the use of graphic novels as educational tools. These agencies are recognizing the potential of the graphic novel to involve readers who might be challenged by more traditional mediums. 

Graphic novels offer rich stories that draw the same critical eye and discussion as novels. For instance, the title "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi gives a personal history that reveals a vivid cultural, social, and political narrative compacted into visual storytelling. The powerful sensory experience comes with reading the text combined with the impact of visual art. This combination can conjure emotions, explore complex ideas, and teleport readers into another dimension in ways a traditional novel and art alone cannot.

Focus on Writing Graphic Novels and 
Listen to its Voice

To recap, graphic novels are a form of storytelling that combines visual art with narrative text, such as fiction, non-fiction, and adaptations of literary works. Graphic novels deeply explore themes that appeal to the young and adults alike. They bring a voice into the literary world, which may have been unheard. These voices are global and have become a stage for exploring themes of culture, identity, resilience, and others. 

To focus on writing graphic novels means that they go far beyond entertainment to that which is sustainable. By targeting far-reaching audiences, these novels become more relatable and impactful.

As stated previously, graphic novels should be recognized as a significant part of the literary landscape since they can provide powerful storytelling and equip readers with different writing skills. 

Open your mind to the thought of embracing the graphic novel. It just might be the next exciting adventure for you. This may be an open door for you to walk through and find the combination that leads to fulfillment. The combination:

Story and art. Story and art.

Images by Tai