Written by contributor Lauren Marie
It’s a fact that graphic novels are vastly unappreciated and often this is due to misconceptions about graphic novels and their appropriateness for older readers. However, graphic novels do have value with a large majority of graphic novels actually aimed at older audiences and due to being mostly graphics, offer advantages over regular novels. This list brings you seven reasons why graphic novels are worth your time.
- They are not picture books!
For all you out there that resist graphic novels because you think they are too juvenile, they are not! Just because they don’t have as many words and they have illustrated pictures, doesn’t make it any less of a novel. Actually, if you believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, than graphic novels have the highest word count of all novels, but that’s neither here nor there… Graphic novels, for an older audience, can deal with difficult and complex issues, that are not suitable for younger audiences, including topics such as bullying, mental health issues, and assault.
- They make quick & easy reads
If you’re time poor, but still love to read, graphic novels are a great choice. Graphic novels have such wonderful illustrations, which makes them very quick reads. Usually the text is dialogue, so it isn’t fanciful descriptive language, just basic, everyday language.
- They’re easier to review
This one is for all the book bloggers out there. Need content but don’t have time to read a full length novel? The solution is simple: Graphic novels! I have found in my book review writing that graphic novels are the easiest books to review because they are quick to read. Also, since graphics are incorporated, it adds a new dimension to your reviews, because you can comment on them. For example, the use of colours, framing, and how easy it was to interpret what was happening in the frame. You can also reread the book quickly, if you like having thorough reviews, because you always pick up something in the second or third reread. Unlike other novels, I keep graphic novels on me when I write about them, because it’s so much easier to flick through the book when I need to reference them.
- They’re an easy way to expand your reading preferences
Graphic novels allow you to have a brief encounter with a new genre. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re going to like a genre, or just want to get acquainted with it before you commit to something longer, graphic novels will do the trick.
- They’re a good way to keep up with your reading goal
As I’ve mentioned before they’re quick reads that you can easily get through a few in an afternoon or over a few days. Whenever I look at my Goodreads goal and flinch at how far behind I am, I visit my local library to borrow some graphic novels. I have them read, reviewed and returned in a week and my Goodreads goal is looking much healthier.
- They’re a good way to get out of a reading slump
For those of you unsure of what a reading slump is, it’s when a reader feels discouraged about their reading. Whether that’s not reading at all or just reading very little, graphic novels can help because of their length they can help reignite that passion and drive for reading, without you sacrificing too much time.
- They’re a good way to break up bigger reads
Large novels can be a little exhausting some times, inciting adrenaline rushes and late nights. But graphic novels, while very immersive, are light reads and can give you a break in between larger reads.
