Our Primer On Graphic Novels and Making Them
Introduction
Graphic novels have shifted from niche interests to widely recognized literary works. For creators, the process of making a graphic novel can seem daunting. It combines visual storytelling and narrative construction, requiring effort, skill, and planning. This guide aims to outline the steps involved and provide practical advice for those starting out.
Why We Are Exploring This Topic: This post is part of an effort to explore graphic novels as we prepare to commission and publish our own. By sharing what we learn, we aim to support creators and readers interested in the medium.
What Are Graphic Novels?
Graphic novels are often misunderstood or lumped in with traditional comic books, but they stand apart in unique ways. Simply put, a graphic novel is a book-length story told through a combination of artwork and text. They can cover any genre from. fantasy, mystery, autobiography, historical fiction, and more—and are bound as complete stories, unlike serialized comic books.
Differences Between Graphic Novels, Comics, and Manga
Now i’m not sure we need to go here, but why not…
Graphic Novels vs. Comics:
Length and Completeness: Graphic novels are typically longer and tell a complete story, while comics are often part of a series or ongoing story arc.
Depth of Storytelling: Graphic novels can delve deeper into character development and complex narratives.
Format and Structure: Comics often come in a standard 22-page format with cliffhangers, whereas graphic novels are more akin to traditional books with chapters.
Graphic Novels vs. Manga:
Cultural Origin: Manga originates from Japan and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, while graphic novels have a broader, global presence.
Reading Format: Manga is typically read from right to left, which is different from the left-to-right format used in most graphic novels.
Art Style: Manga often has distinct stylistic features like exaggerated facial expressions and specific tropes, whereas graphic novels showcase diverse art styles that vary greatly across different creators.
Publication: Manga is often serialized in magazines before being compiled into volumes, while graphic novels are generally published as standalone books.
Just finished reading Vagabond Volume 4 by Takehiko Inoue, based on Eiji Yoshikawa's Musashi. This manga masterfully tells the story of Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary samurai, blending stunning artwork with gripping character development and action. A true masterpiece for fans of historical epics and thoughtful storytelling.
Popular Genres in Graphic Novels
Superhero stories: Expanding on traditional comic book themes.
Non-fiction and memoirs: Examples include Maus by Art Spiegelman and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.
Fantasy and science fiction: Titles like Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples.
Horror and thriller: Such as Junji Ito’s Uzumaki, which, while classified as manga, demonstrates the power of visual horror storytelling in illustrated works.
Did You Know? According to a report from the American Library Association, graphic novels are one of the fastest-growing categories in libraries, with more readers than ever exploring their rich storytelling potential.
The History and Evolution of Graphic Novels
Graphic novels have a fascinating history that traces back further than most realize. Their roots are intertwined with early illustrated works and comic strips. Let’s explore how they evolved into the compelling medium we know today.
Early Roots
The first precursors to graphic novels appeared in the 19th century, with works like The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck by Rodolphe Töpffer, widely considered the first comic book. This paved the way for illustrated storytelling to become a respected art form.
The Modern Graphic Novel Movement
It wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that the term "graphic novel" gained widespread recognition, thanks to seminal works like A Contract with God by Will Eisner. Eisner’s work demonstrated that comics could tell mature, complex stories that appealed to adults, opening the door for more innovative titles.
Key Milestones in Graphic Novel History:
1986: Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons redefined superhero narratives and cemented the legitimacy of graphic novels as literature.
1992: Art Spiegelman’s Maus won a Pulitzer Prize, breaking ground as a biographical graphic novel depicting Holocaust survival.
2000s to Present: Titles like Persepolis, Bone by Jeff Smith, and The Sandman series by Neil Gaiman attracted mainstream audiences, boosting the credibility and reach of graphic novels.
Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment by Roger Stern, Mike Mignola, and Mark Badger. A powerful tale of magic, redemption, and an unexpected alliance, all brought to life by stunning artwork and gripping storytelling.
Why Read Graphic Novels?
If you’re still wondering whether graphic novels are worth your time, consider this: graphic novels combine the best elements of literature and visual art, making them unique in how they engage the brain. Here’s why you should explore graphic novels:
Unique Storytelling Benefits
Immersive Reading Experience: The combination of visual art and narrative creates an immersive experience unmatched by text alone.
Visual Learners: Graphic novels are especially beneficial for those who process information better through images.
Complex Themes Made Accessible: Works like Maus and Persepolis introduce complex historical and social themes in an accessible format.
Manga Comparisons: While manga also delivers immersive experiences, it often follows specific cultural storytelling traditions, whereas graphic novels may feature a more diverse range of global storytelling techniques.
Adventures of a Japanese Businessman by José Domingo. A surreal and wildly imaginative graphic novel full of quirky characters and bizarre situations, capturing the chaos and humor of an ordinary man’s extraordinary journey.
Educational Benefits
Enhanced Literacy: Studies have shown that graphic novels can enhance reading comprehension and encourage reluctant readers.
Visual and Critical Thinking Skills: The need to interpret both text and images helps readers develop stronger analytical skills.
Manga and Literacy: Similarly, manga has been shown to engage younger readers and bridge gaps in literacy, particularly among those who prefer visual media.
Fact: According to a study by the National Literacy Trust, 64% of educators found that graphic novels support students in becoming more enthusiastic about reading.
Resources for Aspiring Graphic Novel Creators
Exploring graphic novels and starting your own journey as a creator can be supported by invaluable resources. Here are some top recommendations:
Forbidden Planet: A legendary shop in central London, known for its vast collection of graphic novels and comics. Visit Forbidden Planet
Broken Frontier: A fantastic resource for insights and updates in the UK comic and graphic novel world. Explore Broken Frontier
Avery Hill Publishing: A renowned UK publisher focusing on indie comics and graphic novels. Check out Avery Hill Publishing
Gosh! Comics: A well-loved shop in central London offering a curated selection of graphic novels and expert recommendations. Visit Gosh!
Preparing to Commission Graphic Novels: Lessons Learned
As we begin the process of commissioning graphic novels, it has become clear how important it is to identify our goals and requirements. This has taken us over a year of discussions with artists, colleagues, and friends to clarify our direction and approach.
Finding the right artist is key. They need to align with our vision and have a schedule that matches the demands of this kind of project, as graphic novels require significant time and commitment. Equally important is working with a writer who can communicate depth effectively within the constraints of a visual medium. Writers experienced in crafting scripts for collaborative projects bring valuable skills to this process.
Once these elements are in place, the next challenge lies in combining them into a cohesive whole. The balance of storytelling, visual design, and project management is crucial to achieving the desired result.
We plan to share more about the graphic novels we’re developing soon. In the meantime, we hope this overview has been useful in providing some context for the steps involved.
