In Defence of The Graphic Novel

The graphic novel. Often dismissed as mere comics or relegated to the realm of entertainment for children (certainly not true!), graphic novels are, in fact, powerful and sophisticated works of art that deserve to be recognized as legitimate literature. We propose 4 contenders for graphic novels which should definitely be on your reading list as exciting works of literature.

Breaking Stereotypes: Maus

Art Spiegelman’s Maus is perhaps one of the most compelling arguments for the literary value of graphic novels. A Pulitzer Prize-winning work, it powerfully blends a huge historical event with deeply personal narrative. Tackling the weighty subject of the Holocaust through the use of anthropomorphic animals to represent different ethnic groups, Spiegelman creates a poignant and allegorical exploration of the human condition, memory, and trauma. The combination of visual imagery and textual narrative in Maus elevates it to the realm of high literature. An absolute must for anyone interested in Holocaust literature or the Second World War.

Gothic Poetry: The Crow

James O’Barr’s The Crow is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of a dark and gritty urban landscape; with its dark and slightly hyper-real setting, it might fit the tag of an urban fantasy. The Crow follows the journey of Eric Draven, who returns from the dead and engages in a murderous rampage to avenge the murder of his fiancée. O’Barr’s stark and evocative artwork, combined with his poignant writing, creates a hauntingly beautiful narrative that transcends traditional genre boundaries. The Crow is overshadowed by its movie adaptations (with a new movie on the way) but the graphic novel is a hidden gem and a must for anyone interested in the gothic and macabre; the graphic novel Edgar Allen Poe would’ve written.

Alan Moore

You can’t talk graphic novels without mentioning Alan Moore. Moore is arguably one of the best contemporary storytellers. Having written comics for Marvel, DC, 2000AD, Image and Warrior he is one of comic books giants. It is his graphic novels he is most famous for, and his writings which have been adapted for screen; Watchmen, V for Vendetta, From Hell, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Batman: The Killing Joke.

Deconstructing Superheroes: Watchmen

Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ Watchmen stands as a seminal work in the graphic novel genre, subverting the conventions of superhero narratives to deliver a complex and thought-provoking story. Through its intricate plot, morally ambiguous characters, and exploration of themes such as power/misogyny, morality, punishment/vigilante. Watchmen transcends its comic book origins to offer a profound commentary on society and the human condition. There’s a reason why this graphic novel has big screen adaptations and also why they have been problematic for fans; the structure and content of the book pose difficulties for filmmakers to adapt. Several characters could conceivably have a movie of their own.

Political Allegory: V for Vendetta

Alan Moore’s V for Vendetta is a dystopian tale that remains as relevant today as when it was first published. Set in a totalitarian future Britain (heavily influenced by Margaret Thatcher’s government), the graphic novel follows the masked vigilante known as V as he seeks to overthrow the oppressive regime by instigating insurrection. Through its exploration of political corruption, totalitarianism, religion, and the power of individual freedom. V for Vendetta serves as a powerful allegory for contemporary politics. V for Vendetta stands as a work that challenges readers to question authority and resist injustice. V for Vendetta could stand as a pillar of dystopian literature following Orwell.

We should not underestimate the power of graphic novels as a form of literature, but rather embrace them as a legitimate and valuable contribution to the literary canon. The medium offers visual additions to narrative and limits exposition which, by masters, can be used to shape the stories they tell and give us a different way of storytelling apart from traditional literature adding to our tapestry of reading.

If you’ve considered reading comics but find the huge numbers of available collections daunting then graphic novels offer self-contained stories accessible to the literature reader.

Darren Ellis is a teacher, creative and owner of Rotten Poetry. He reads classic literature, fantasy, sci-fi, literary fiction and history.