Novels, Only They're Graphic — Daily Controversy #36

Hey there!

Today I (Jack 👋) have a Daily Controversy regarding graphic novels. Here is the question we will be discussing:

“Can graphic novels be considered literature?”

You can go straight to the comments with this one, but I have a few points I’d like to make along with my opinion on this topic if you want to stick around!

(By the way, I recommend all the graphic novels shown in this photo to anyone age eight to twelve!)

Alright, so the controversy is that, yes, graphic novels have words and the word novel in their name, but they’re pretty much just like watching a movie. Personally, I adore graphic novels and I read every single book in each of the series shown in the cover photo when I was younger, but I never counted them as “literature” or actual novels that I read. So, I’m going to give a few reasons supporting each side of this debate to avoid bias or anything.

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Graphic Novels ARE Literature

1. You must read them — Graphic novels are still books that must be read to be understood. They require comprehension and all the same factors as reading an actual book, even if at a lower level.

2. They have the same benefits — Like “actual literature”, graphic novels can benefit readers by exposing them to new cultures, making reading seem fun to reluctant readers, and it aids comprehension, which is helpful for people with ADHD or who haven’t read much.

3. They are still stories — I mean, a book can come in any form, right? Graphic novels are simply stories told with dialogue and artwork. Should the fact that the stories are formatted differently than traditional books diminish the fact that they are still literature?

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Graphic Novels Are NOT Literature

1. They rely on visuals rather than text — Yes, there is some dialogue and description, but graphic novels rely primarily and heavily on visuals, pictures and artwork, rather than words. Literature is TEXT, not PICTURES. Reading a graphic novel just isn’t the same as reading an actual book.

2. They don't have a long history — Unlike classic literature, graphic novels haven't been around for centuries. Some people think they need more time to prove themselves as serious literature.

For further reading, check out this article by Redeemed Reader exploring the same topic: Are Graphic Novels “Literature”?

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The Benefit of Graphic Novels

Whether you agree or disagree that graphic novels can be considered literature, here are a few of the benefits of reading graphic novels:

1. They boost visual literacy — Graphic novels combine words and illustrations, requiring you to interpret both to follow the story, strengthening the reader’s ability to “read” images, such as advertisements, infographics, and even body language in social situations.

2. They can serve as gateways to reading — The engaging artwork and dynamic pacing of graphic novels can draw in readers who might find traditional books daunting. The panels break up the text, making it feel less intimidating. Plus, the visuals can provide context clues, helping readers understand the story even if they encounter unfamiliar words. This can spark a love of reading that carries over to other formats.

3. They offer a rich and diverse range of stories — There’s a graphic novel out there for almost any interest! From science fiction epics to historical fiction biographies, graphic novels can introduce you to new worlds, cultures, and perspectives. The art form itself can also be innovative, with unique styles and storytelling techniques that can add another layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.

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What I Think

Right now, I’m pretty split on this, especially after researching all the supporting topics. I think for now, unless you all try to convince me in the comments, I’m leaning closer to the “Graphic Novels Are NOT Literature” side of this debate. As an experienced reader of both graphic novels and “actual literature,” I’ve discovered that:

1. Graphic novels take MUCH LESS time to read — Whenever I read graphic novels of really any length, it always takes me about thirty minutes to an hour tops. Meanwhile, a normal book of the same length can take me an hour to a whole day to a whole week! Perceive this as you will, but I think it supports my viewpoint in a way.

2. They make it harder to read normal books later — Back when I used to read graphic novels, I would always read normal books at the same time because I didn’t consider them literature. And naturally, since they take less time to read, I read them first. But I found later, when I read my normal books, my attention span had diminished and it was harder to stay focused. 

There’s more, but I think you understand what I’m getting at. Reading graphic novels just isn’t the same as reading normal books. However, I do slightly agree with some of the supporting points which is why I’m pretty split at the moment.

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What Do You Think?

Now, it’s your turn! Leave a comment explaining your viewpoint on this debate. Consider the points I presented and, if you want, share your favorite graphic novels! If you liked this post, please consider clicking the heart button so The YA Section can reach more people. I hope you guys have an amazing day and I’ll see you in the next post! 

Happy arguing! :)