Graphic NOvels

Definition
A novel illustrated panel by panel, either in color or black and white. Sometimes referred to as extended comics, because the presentation format (panel by panel illustration, mostly dialog with usually little exposition) suggests a comic. So too does the emphasis on action in many graphic novels. Characters who are not human, talking monsters, and imaginary beings sometimes populate graphic novels, bringing them closer to science fiction or fantasy than realism.

GRAPHIC NOVEL VS COMICS

Graphic novels are a book in which the narrative is conveyed with sequential art (which is the term used to indicate multiple images (often combined with text) arranged in sequence next to each other in time and space to form a story). Comic books rarely exceed thirty pages, but graphic novels can be any length. In other words, graphic novels are basically long comic books. Moreover, historically, comic books have come out on a monthly basis with a continuing story, but most graphic novels just tell a single story that is complete within its pages. The length of the graphic novel allows it to present stories of greater intricacy and profundity than can a comic book.

TYPES OF GRAPHIC NOVELS

Superhero Stories- involve a character, or characters, familiar to most readers; include those about Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Birds of Prey

 Human Interest Storycover a broad range of subjects, but are similar to traditional fiction stories. Manga - form of graphic novel that has stemmed from Japanese comics as an outgrowth of anime. Adaptations or Spinoffsgraphic novels about a wellknown character, whether from film, classic literature, or popular culture, adapted into graphic form.

 Satire- questions political systems or social mores. Nonfiction graphic novels- though not technically novels, are still narrative in nature, and told in pictorial form. Therefore, these stories are also classified as graphic novels .

 "Both as an information professional and as a superhero, I appreciate the value of graphic novels. By providing young people with material in which they will be interested, and by providing them with a glimpse into our world, we, as librarians, and we, as superheroes are inspiring them to read. Once again, I implore you. Help us continue to fight the good fight, to inspire in thousands of children, adolescents, and teenagers a love of reading, regardless of literary format. -Barbara Gordon