what are graphic novels

A graphic novel is a format of a book that combines words and images to tell a story in a comic book format. Unlike comic books, graphic novels are generally stand-alone stories with more complex plots and can be fiction, non-fiction, history, fantasy, or anything in-between. Collections of short stories that have been previously published as individual comic books are also considered graphic novels. The term "graphic novel" is often used to describe any book in a comic format that resembles a novel in length and narrative development. Graphic novels can be any genre, and tell any kind of story, just like their prose counterparts. Some of the major types of graphic novels include Manga, Superhero Story, and Personal Narratives. Graphic novels are similar to comic books because they use sequential art to tell a story. They can be especially appealing to young readers who are reluctant to pick up a more traditional book and can help struggling readers strengthen vocabulary, build reading confidence and stamina, and develop a deeper appreciation of storytelling.