What is a graphic novel? A graphic novel is a book-length story told primarily through sequential art and images, accompanied by text such as dialogue or narration. Unlike comic books which are serialized, graphic novels are typically standalone works with a beginning, middle, and end. Some key characteristics of graphic novels include: Use of panels, speech bubbles, and graphic designs to convey the story visually Frequent use of onomatopoeia (words representing sounds) to enhance the visual storytelling Plots that can stand alone as a complete narrative, rather than an ongoing series Lack of advertising that is often found in comic books The term "graphic novel" was popularized by Will Eisner with the publication of his 1978 work "A Contract with God". Since then, the medium has gained mainstream recognition, with many graphic novels receiving critical acclaim and prestigious literary awards. Graphic novels have become popular for their ability to ...