What are graphic novels?
Defining graphic novels is quite hard but in its simplest definition they are book length comics that can cover any genre or subject - you might be surprised to know they aren’t just about superheroes. For example, British author Raymond Briggs’ graphic novel Ethel and Ernest portrayed his parents' 41-year marriage. Ethel and Ernest won Best Illustrated Book in the 1998 British Book Awards and in 1992 Swedish born author Art Spiegelman was awarded a special Pulitzer prize for the graphic novel Maus: A survivor’s tale - about surviving a Nazi concentration camp. Awards and recognition like these symbolise for some the rising popularity and mainstream acceptance of graphic novels.

‘I read comics as a kid so just got into graphic novels as I grew up and it’s cheaper buying them as a novel rather than as individual comics’ Scott, 24, Cheshire

‘Graphic novels aren’t just for geeks it’s a valid form of fiction’ Danny, 26, Scotland

Rising popularity
Worldwide graphic novel sales over the last 18 months have seen large percentage increases, and in the UK more and more publishers - like HarperCollins and Macmillan - are expanding their collections in this area. The popularity of Japanese manga has helped the growth in sales. Bookstores like Waterstone’s are increasing the stock of graphic novels in all their branches. Publishers are also planning graphic novel adaptations of Shakespeare plays and children’s books to reach a younger audience.

‘I don’t read graphic novels and I must admit I thought they were all about superheroes but they aren’t it’s just a different way of telling a story and the images can be so expressive.’ Elaine, 23, Liverpool.

In the cinema
There has also been a recent Hollywood trend of taking graphic novel characters and putting them on the big screen. So if you have never read a graphic novel before you may have seen a film adaptation of one without even realising it. Along with the popular American superheroes like Batman, Superman and X-Men you may have seen films based on characters developed by UK writers including the recent V for Vendetta (2006), The League of Extraordinary Gentleman (2003), From Hell (2001) and Tank Girl (1995).

Career possibilities
If it’s a career in graphics novels you want, either as a writer like Alan Moore (Watchmen, V for Vendetta, From Hell and The League of Extraordinary Gentleman) or illustrator like Kevin O'Neill (Nemesis the Warlock, Marshal Law and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), there are full time and part time courses available at universities and colleges to enable you to develop your skills.

It looks as if this trend is going to be popular for some time to come.

Lucy
October 2006