What do you enjoy about Graphic Novels?

[That's Funny]

The question is quite simple I have been tasked to find out what people enjoy about reading Graphic novels, this can range from anything like you enjoy them because of the art style or narrative, also could you give an example of one of your favourite Graphic Novels and give a reson as to why it is your favourite.

You may also include Manga examples if you like any.

 

[Dragon_of_red]

The Narrative is the best reason you read a graphic novel, or read anything really, but the artwork needs to be as good as it can be too.

 

[Wilbot666]

The thing I enjoy most about them is that Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon wrote so many of them together.

 

[Horizontalvertigo]

I enjoy the graphic styles that are in them, not to mention the visual jokes that can be achieved. There is so much more than one can do with a graphic presentation rather than a printed publication.
Although I think the Graphic novel will die in the wake of free webcomics. There are some stupid ones out there but there are some brilliant ones, beautiful art, and excellent stories.

 

[Kaboose the Moose]

I've only ever read Alan Moore's Watchmen novel and as awesome as it was, I guess my knowledge is limited for this topic. At any rate, I really liked the story progression and character development that went into it. There is something about seeing pen and ink bringing a world to life that is just a little bit more satisfying than seen it via pixels.

 

[Nightmare963]

The Narrative is the best reason you read a graphic novel, or read anything really, but the artwork needs to be as good as it can be too.

good point. youre wrong.


check out "bunnywith" by alex pardee. narrative doesnt even come close, but i love that little comic like the son i don't want.


EDIT: ack, but then again, it may not count as a "graphic novel". still, my point remains.

 

[damselgaming]

Well (as much as it is cliche now) the first one I read was Watchmen, which my brother in law gave me for my 16th birthday. At first I was a bit "Why did he get me a comic?" then I read it and was actually blown away at the intresting story and symbolism etc. All things I thought 'comic books' lacked. Since then (due to money and time constraints) I have read V For Vendetta, which also impressed me incredibley.
In short, because I was surprised at how awesome they were and I'm a sucker for anything with a good story/characters.

 

[Mr_spamamam]

They require less concentartion than a book, and if yoiu have to put it down for any reason, then its alot easier to find where you were. Dont get me wrong , i do love books, but sometimes i really cna't be arsed to read a book.

Also when i read, i like to read the whole thing in one go rather than starting and stopping, but that isn't always the way it works out.

 

[Jumping_Over_Fences]

I don't like having to spend money and waiting weeks (may time months) in order to pick up all the original issues of a comic series. I like to have anything in one convenient place.

 

[FallenJellyDoughnut]

There are GOOD graphic novels WITHOUT sex in them?! Who would have thought.

 

[JemJar]

Spoiler: Views on the power of the Comic as a medium.

And idea stolen for a little book Alan Moore produced called "Writing for Comics" (my ex-girlfriend wanted to be a comic writer / artist) is the hybrid nature of the comic book medium.

They offer a visual medium much like a film allowing visual gags, amazing vistas and action sequences - as well as the instant sub-conscious emotional connection that comes with looking at a human face and facial expressions.

But they also offer the flexibility of a book, the ability to narrate without it seeming corny and a better option to explain backstory. Crucially they also allow the reader to flip back a few pages to clarify something that is confusing or to check some trail of clues.

This last point is possibly best explained by it's deficiency in cinema, there are several references in the Matrix and Fight Club (to name two amongst many) which only seem significant on the second or third viewing when the viewer knows the final plot exposition.

Spoiler: My personal choices: Transmetropolitan and The Comic Book.

For my own personal favourites I'd go with two: Transmetropolitan and The Comic Book (collected as The Trade Paperback).

To deal with them in reverse order I like The Comic Book because it is deliberately a parody of the superhero comic book genre in general. Indeed, self-deprecating references to the generic nature of the comics and heroes it parodies are numerous and well-toned. And the art style, deliberately two-tone (purely black and white) is frankly beautiful.

Transmetropolitan offers a quirky vision of a future made more real by it's many flaws and horrific injustices. Warren Ellis' creation of a future where pollution has wrecked the landscape, advertising has become increasingly aggressive and the class divide is wider than ever seems somehow more real than the classic sci-fi cleanliness and socialist utopia.

Into this world corrupt in both the physical and moral sense he plunges Spider Jerusalem - simultaneously sadistic and empathic, cruel and generous. He could be easily paralleled with Dr House and Dr Cox (from House and Scrubs respectively) and other similar characters who aim to do the right thing but are happy to be mavericks about it. Spider even takes far too many drugs just like House.

I will admit to anyone who loves Trans and reads this that personally I didn't like the ending. I just didn't, but I wont explain why for fear of spoiling it.

 

[Sick boy]

I read graphic novels purely because I find them awesome and everyone I read is like "Wow, I am a changed man for the rest of my life."

 

[ChromeAlchemist]

Despite the fact that there is very little difference between a comic and graphic novel (which I hope people realise) the only real notable advantage is that it's all in one trade paperback and is a finite story to some extent.

 

[Da Joz]

I like the artwork and that they take less time to read than regular novels.

 

[That's Funny]

So is there noone else who would like to comment, I don't think I have enough answers yet.

 

[GodsAndFishes]

Being able to spend enough money to buy two books and having the reading time of less than one.

 

[That's Funny]

There are GOOD graphic novels WITHOUT sex in them?! Who would have thought.

Yes that is good to know but it doesn't help with my investigation.

 

[drakenabarion]

I enjoy the Sandman most. I enjoy that for its clever little ideas which all together made for an enjoyable experience. Sure there is plot, but that isnt always the main focus.