The Fusion of Art and Story: The Magic of Graphic Novels
By Jay Williams, Teen Services Librarian
As an avid reader of Sci-Fi and Fantasy books, visualizing the world the author is creating is crucial. Being able to take the words from the page and build them into rich worlds that are interconnected and vital to the story is key, yet most people will visualize characters and settings differently than the next. This is a fun way to flex one’s creativity and the world is made better by those who take these thoughts and create and share fanart of their favorite books. However, when an author decides to write a graphic novel the illustrations are specifically chosen for the story, a point that cannot be overstated. The author, who doubles as the illustrator for some novels, can also remove any ambiguity about character design and the world by using this format. Graphic novels uniquely combine visual art with written narratives: illustrations, vibrant colors, and detailed artwork transport readers into captivating worlds. The storyline is equally crucial—amazing visuals must align with a compelling plot to create a successful graphic novel. Graphic novels delve into societal issues through visual interpretations. Works like Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis”, George Takei’s “They Called Us Enemy”, and Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” tackle complex themes, fostering emotive connections between readers and the novel that may not be felt in a word-only format.
Graphic novels are also not limited to fiction, while many first think of traditional comics such as superheroes and science fiction, graphic novels are also a great medium for non-fiction genres like memoirs and biographies. Artists vividly depict action, magic, and making fantasy come to life while simultaneously portraying internal feelings enriched with a visual component. Feelings and moods can be conveyed with colors and stylized drawing choices. Contrary to misconceptions, graphic novels are high-quality reading material. They feature complex plots, dynamic characters, and well-presented conflicts. Readers engage with twists, character development, and resolution. They represent a rich literary form with artistic intricacy, narrative depth, and a growing cultural significance. Graphic novels receive recognition as a sophisticated literary form. They offer accessibility to readers of all ages and backgrounds, bridging gaps between traditional literature and visual storytelling. A popular trend we have seen for some time is the blending of classics being retold with the style of graphic novels. This can breathe new life into beloved stories for younger generations of readers and to those who have loved these books for years.
Sometimes we hear that graphic novels are not “real books” or are only for transitioning from picture books to the traditional novel, but that is a limiting view for a popular format. Reading in any format can build empathy, expand your horizons, and escape into a new world. There is no right or wrong way to do that when you read. We encourage children to create and tell stories. We also encourage drawing or painting as a way to express creativity. This should not stop because we supposedly age out of reading picture books. As we grow as people, we can tell more complex stories and being able to tell these stories with illustrations more fully is something wonderful.
Remember, graphic novels are a rich form of storytelling, deserving recognition and appreciation! Here are just a few graphic novels that you can find at the Manhattan Public Library:
“Kindred” by Octavia Butler, “More than 35 years after its release, Kindred continues to draw in new readers with its deep exploration of the violence and loss of humanity caused by slavery in the United States, and its complex and lasting impact on the present day.”
“They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei, “A stunning graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon — and America itself — in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love.”
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “A portrait of race and class, innocence and injustice, hypocrisy, and heroism, tradition and transformation in the Deep South of the 1930s, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird remains as important today as it was upon its initial publication in 1960, during the turbulent years of the Civil Rights movement.”
“Anne of Green Gables” by Mariah Marsden, “When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan who can help manage their family farm, they have no idea what delightful trouble awaits them. With flame-red hair and an unstoppable imagination, 11-year-old Anne Shirley takes Green Gables by storm.”
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, “As could only occur with Bradbury’s full cooperation in this authorized adaptation, Hamilton has created a striking work of art that uniquely captures Montag’s awakening to the evil of government-controlled thought and the inestimable value of philosophy, theology, and literature.”
“Squire” by Nadia Shammas, “Aiza has always dreamt of becoming a Knight. It’s the highest military honor in the once-great Bayt-Sajji Empire, and as a member of the subjugated Ornu people, Knighthood is her only path to full citizenship. Ravaged by famine and mounting tensions, Bayt-Sajji finds itself on the brink of war once again, so Aiza can finally enlist in the competitive Squire training program.”
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Jay Williams, Teen Services Librarian