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Can Graphic novels be better than books?

Discussion in 'Tea Room (Book Chat)' started by Kindler, 10 Jun 2017.

  1. Kindler

    Kindler Active Member

    Prompted by the news that they are about to make a graphic novel of "To Kill a Mockingbird", it occurred to me that Graphic novels have the best of both worlds when it comes to conveying information, being able to use both words and pictures to convey meaning at the same time.

    Not only can you see the images and ideas in front of you, which can be just as strong and descriptive as prose, but you can also include dialogue and the thoughts and dreams of the characters as well.

    Admittedly, sometimes just reading something allows you to use your imagination and construct the images, sounds and feelings in your mind, but having guidance in front of you can bring home what the author was truly aiming for instead of your approximation of it.

    So, yeah graphic novels for me, I might even read War & Peace if they ever did it that way :D
     
  2. Reader

    Reader Vile Critic

    I am not sure I agree. Books can be better for the same reason radio plays have the best special effects. How do you convey the simple horror of the phrase "too many eyes" in a grpahic novel without making it look silly to some? "Too many" explicitedly tells the reader it is over their tolerance and lets their imagination do the rest.

    I think either, done well, can be different but excellent. A great graphic novel will be better than a bad book. The reverse is also true: a great book will be better than a bad graphic novel.
     
  3. Kharyode

    Kharyode New Member

    It really depends on how you will read and comprehend. If you think graphics Novel makes you to understand what you are reading.. Anything good will surely be better than anything bad.
     
  4. Julia

    Julia Member

    I think that some books are better as a graphic novel. I just started reading graphic novels and at first I did not think I would like them. I found that I do enjoy them differently than reading a novel. It's good to let go and see the character exactly the way the author sees them instead of what we create them in our minds.
     
  5. Laibrown

    Laibrown New Member

    Graphic novels have their place so also are books. I actually do read and appreciate both for different purpose. The graphic novel, I enjoy the visual representation it so fascinating that it gives me a actual or close to actual picture of the story, at least it aids my imagination. And books I enjoy all the detailed expression, and comprehensiveness of the book. But on a scale of preference, I will go for books because graphic novels have robbed of he reader the imaginative power, but with books you can create your character and interprete the story by yourself.
     
  6. Demi

    Demi Member

    I read a lot of things, but one thing I've yet to touch are graphic novels. I have been thinking about reading them, but in the end they just don't intrigue me enough.
     
  7. Julia

    Julia Member

    I thought the same thing and I avoided them when looking for something to read. A friend of mine suggested The Complete Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi. I decided to give it a try and loved it. I have been reading graphic novels ever since.
     
  8. Demi

    Demi Member

    Julia, maybe I'll give them a try soon. I have help myself back from reading certain types of books and genres before, only to be upset when I finally give the book a try and love it.
     
  9. Jordan

    Jordan Active Member

    Graphic novels have their readers, like any other book. I never read comics or graphic novels when I was younger, though as an adult I've added some to my reading repertoire. Like other books, they grow with you. In the library I worked at we had a collection for every age group. They're the best thing for me when I get into a reading slump.
     
  10. I've never tried to read a graphic novel. Thought it was mostly just comic book stuff. I prefer to use my imagination and create the scene and characters as I read. I believe I'll try your suggestion, Julia. It can't hurt.
     

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