Graphic novels are sometimes dismissed as being just for younger readers, but that's not the case.
Graphic novels are a format, not a genre, and can be non-fiction as well as fiction. So much more than just superheroes and Snoopy, graphic novels now win awards, and are as entertaining as they are diverse. Stunning artwork combines with captions and dialogue to create a unique experience for readers.
Here are our 5 top reasons to give them a go.
1. They’re a gateway
Large blocks of text can be intimidating and unwelcoming for new readers. Images dominate the pages in a graphic novel, which can make for a more enjoyable, more accessible reading experience.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari is a popular piece of non-fiction, but is over 500 pages in paperback format. It’s recently been adapted into a graphic novel to expand its readership still further. Images bring information to life!
A page from ‘Sapiens: A Graphic History’
2. You can learn from them
The term ‘graphic novel’ can be misleading, as they aren’t always novels. They can be non-fiction works like science, history, and memoir, too.
Graphic novels are renowned for sharing diverse and under-represented perspectives. ‘They Called Us Enemy’ by George Takei is a great example, detailing Takei’s childhood experiences of World War II-era Japanese internment camps. ‘Maus’ is another historical work that's become one of the most famous graphic novels of all time – the true story of Vladek Spiegelman and the horrors he and his family faced as Jews in Hitler's Europe.
A panel from 'Maus'
3. They’re beautiful
Graphic novels are the result of writers and illustrators combining creative forces to make something incredible to look at. The artwork in graphic novels is hugely diverse and many have won awards. With a wealth of styles to choose from, its easier than ever to find one that appeals.
4. They’re light
In both senses of the word. Graphic novels are easy to pop in your bag and carry around with you – excluding The Walking Dead graphic novel compendiums which provide a decent workout!
They can often be a light read, too, which is great for getting out of a reading slump, or when you need something to dip into quickly.
'Finding Joy' by Gary Andrews
5. They’re not just for children
One of the biggest misconceptions about graphic novels is that they’re only suitable for kids, when in fact there are graphic novels written for all ages. From supernatural crime and thrillers, to memoirs and autobiographies, we have a great collection available to borrow here at the Library. Why not try one next time you’re browsing?