Graphic Novels: Meaning, Form, and Distinction

Authors

  • Alen Itty Jose
  • Dr. Ashley Susan Philip

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24113/smji.v13i1.11749

Keywords:

Comics, Graphic Novels, Sequence

Abstract

Graphic novels and comic books are frequently assumed to be interchangeable, yet they differ in important ways in terms of structure, purpose, and presentation. While both use sequential art to tell stories, graphic novels typically offer a more extended, cohesive narrative, often resembling the depth and complexity of traditional novels. In contrast, comic books are usually shorter, serialized, and episodic in nature. This article explores the defining characteristics of graphic novels and examines how they diverge from comic books in storytelling approach, thematic scope, and publication format, highlighting why the distinction between the two forms is significant.

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Author Biographies

Alen Itty Jose

Research Scholar

Mar Thoma College

Thiruvalla, Kerala, India

Dr. Ashley Susan Philip

Associate Professor

Mar Thoma College

Thiruvalla, Kerala, India

References

Baetens, Jan. “Graphic Novels: Literature without Text.” English Language Notes 46.2 (2008): 77-88. Print.

Baetens, Jan., and Hugo Frey. The Graphic Novel: An Introduction. New York: Cambridge UP, 2015. Print.

Devitt, Amy J. “Generalizing about Genre: New Conceptions of an Old Concept.” College Composition and Communication 44.4 (1993): 573-86. Print.

Groth, Gary., Robert Fiore, eds., The New Comics. New York: Berkley Books, 1988. Print.

Hatfield, Charles. Alternate Comics: An Emergent Literature. Jackson: Mississipi UP, 2005. Print.

Jacobs, Dale. “Marveling at The Man Called Nova : Comics as Sponsors of Multimodal Literacy.” College Composition and Communication 59.2 (2007): 180-205. Print.

Marion, Philippe. Traces en cases. Louvain-la-Neuve: Académia, 1993. Google Book Search Web. 4 July 2016.

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Published

30-01-2025

How to Cite

Jose, A. I., & Philip, D. A. S. (2025). Graphic Novels: Meaning, Form, and Distinction. SMART MOVES JOURNAL IJELLH, 13(1), 37–47. https://doi.org/10.24113/smji.v13i1.11749