I’ve tried to read a lot of graphic novels but I just really can’t get into them for some reason. I always end up wishing they were just a ‘normal’ book instead.
What are some graphic novels that you know of that just wouldn’t work in book-form? That rely on them being graphic novels?
by Lather
5 Comments
“Promethea” by Alan Moore gets really experimental, and makes a case for the strengths of comics as an art form.
I would say [Persepolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persepolis_(comics)). The author herself said that she did this to make the work more accessible.
I would suggest to try some Manga instead
There is as much variety in graphic novels as they are in books. You might want to read something that appeals to you, more than reading something in a different format for the sake of it. If you’re not that into art, it might not matter what the story is.
But for what it’s worth, I’ve shared some well regarded series below.
If you like the supernatural “Hellboy”, in particular uses all aspects of the medium well. Mike Mignola is an incredibly talented creator. The almost monochrome art style of “Hellboy” and it’s gothic sensibilities establishes an atmosphere that represents the medium’s best. I wasn’t expecting it to be as deep or the setting as well realised as it was.
“Locke & Key”, is another more recent one that has intricate art and really combines writing with artistry in a special way. Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez are an incredible pairing for this.
“Sandman,” for Neil Gaiman at his best.
“Hellblazer,” (loosely related to Sandman) but if you read enough Hellblazer you’ll see the same character, written and drawn by some of the industry’s best and the character Constantine depicted in different ways over time in very different stories. Some are more like noir detective stories, others lean into the magic.
If you like superheroes “Watchmen” (which turns the concept on it’s head and can be a hard read) or “V for Vendetta”. For more traditional, but updated takes on Batman, anything by Frank Millar ( “Batman: Year One” for example ). Or try something different by him, “Ronin” and “Sin City”, Millar has both a distinctive visual style and great writing.
For something different “Y: The Last Man”, the concept alone is interesting or “Preacher” ( consistently gratuitous but there is a good story there. It tries a little hard to be edgy, but it’s still a great story )
I saw someone else recommended “Persopolis”, I’d second, and another along those lines is “Maus,” for more serious, real world topics.
All of the above would meet any well regarded book series or TV show head on and come out well.
Panther by Brecht Evans works exceptionally well specifically as a visual experience. I don’t think it *could* be anything else. (It’s pretty unsettling and could be read as a story about >!child abuse!<, so be advised.)