Graphic novel and comic are two of the terms which are familiar to us. Some people say graphic novels on behalf of comics and think it is fancy to say it.
The format features an illustration of Graphic novels and comics that are completely based on storytelling, but it does not mean they are the same.
Key Takeaways
- Graphic novels are longer, self-contained stories, while comics are serialized and published in shorter issues.
- Graphic novels explore complex themes and narratives, whereas comics focus on episodic storytelling and lighter content.
- Both graphic novels and comics utilize visual storytelling through artwork and text, but graphic novels are considered more literary.
Graphic Novel vs Comic
The difference between graphic novels and the comic is that a graphic novel is a story in the form of a comic strip. On the other hand, a comic contains a sequence of comic strips. The graphic novel is a book that contains the whole story from the beginning to the end. In contrast, comic contains only some part of the story and arrives on the schedule weekly or monthly.
The graphic novel is not a genre but a format. It can be history, fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, or anything in between. It has stand-alone stories and more complex plots.
The comic is a magazine that tells a story with the help of sequences of drawings. The first comic was launched in 1933 in the United States.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Graphic Novel | Comic |
|---|---|---|
| Interpretation | A story that is published as a book but presented in the format of the comic strip. | A magazine that contains the sequence of comic strips. |
| Size | Any size | Standard 6.5″ x 10″ size |
| Length | More extended | Shorter |
| Advertisements | Does not includes | Includes |
| Sold | Both booksellers and comic shops | Only in comic shops |
What is a Graphic Novel?
A graphic novel simply means a full-length story that contains comic content and is represented in a graphical or illustrated style. It has a combination of pictures and text equally to convey a narrative.
The term ‘graphic novel’ was coined by Richard Kyle in 1964 in an essay that is based on the issue of Fanin Capa Alpha comics. In the late 1980s, this term became familiar to the public.
There are endless categories of graphic novels. Some of the three predominant categories are given below:
- Manga: Japanese comics are referred to as manga. Manga is read from right to left and top to bottom. Example- Full Metal Alchemist.
- Superhero Story: It is popular among comics. These are dominated by a few publishers, such as DC, Darkhorse, and Marvel. Example- Batman: Dark Knight Returns.
- Personal narratives (“Perzines”)- These are autobiographical stories. The author’s personal opinions, observations, and experiences are highlighted in them. Example- The Quitter.
- Non-fiction- They are quite similar to Perzines. Also, great social issues are touched up with the author’s personal experience. Example- Pedro and Me.
What is a Comic?
A comic is a publication that contains sequential juxtaposed panels to represent the individual scene in comic art. These panels are accompanied by written narrative and descriptive prose.
The United States and the United Kingdom were the first to popularise comics during the 1930s. Famous Funnies was the first modern comic book that was released in 1933 in the US.
Japan is the largest market for the comic. The United States and Canada are also comic book markets with a value of $1.09 billion (2016).
The main focus of the authors is on the orientation, panel positions, frame of the page, and size. Text (lines), characters, and balloons (speech bubbles) are three of the key elements of the comic.
Main Differences Between Graphic Novel and Comic
- The main aim of graphic novels is to take its readers from the start of the journey till the end. On the other hand, comics are part of a larger whole and do not tell the whole story in a single comic.
- When it comes to maturity rate, graphic novels are for adult readers due to their often-mature themes and are not appropriate for kids.
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Graphic novels are for adults but not the common misconception of the general public thinking comics are for kids.
Very true. Some comic books are targeted at mature readers as well.
For the longest time I thought the same until I found out about alternative comics.
This is very informative, great article.
I always thought there were the same thing!
Yes. Great post. Thank you.
Informative, I’m glad articles like this one exists.
People need to understand the difference and appreciate each for what they offer.
The complexities and depth of graphic novels is very appealing to me.
I had no idea about the history of comics. This was an eye-opener.
They truly are two different forms of expression.
Yes, I agree. Such a well written post.
The comparisons are very useful to get a better understanding of the two.
Absolutely. Very well presented.
Now I know which one to pick when looking for a lengthy story.
This will help me understand what I’m looking for when it comes to a good plot in a book.
Interesting, I have always been a fan of graphic novels because of its complex narratives, but never saw the difference between the two. I’m glad I came across this article.
The differences pointed out are very helpful to understand why many people enjoy graphic novels more.
The differences between the two are wider than I thought. This has been very enriching for me.
Now I can appreciate graphic novels better than I did before.
I’m in the same boat. So glad I understand it better now.