The term “graphic novel” refers to stories that are presented graphically like comic strips in book formats. Whereas comic books generally appear in serial form, graphic novels usually stand alone as monographs; both consist of narratives that communicate as artistic expressions in which a series of still images that may or may not include texts create a story of temporal continuity and movement that advances a plotline. Although picture books for children may appear similar to graphic novels in that text and image are both necessary to tell stories, the graphic novel is differentiated by its more mature content with textured semantics and continuity.
