For those who are not interested in comic books but wish to read and perhaps enjoy the art form I would suggest the graphic novels 300 and V for Vendetta. It helps that these two graphic novels have been turned into movies recently. Having taken a course on graphic novels and rhetoric I believe that a literary minded person would find great interest in these two novels, and others once the graphic bug has bitten.

The key to graphic novels is to look at each aspect of the graphic novel. The colors, words, and images are all important. Like a movie each of these come together to make an impression on the viewer. Unlike a movie it is every easy to go back and reassess what you have already seen. There are far too many nuances for the reader to see the first time. Indeed, it is better to read and discuss with someone else what you have seen as then you are more likely to enjoy the graphic novel.

Traditional graphic novels may turn off the reader as the story seems to be known or generic. Also, many of the traditional characters have a large back story that a reader may not have knowledge of. This does make a difference to the way in which one reads the graphic novel. Once you have become accustomed to graphic novels and find a character that intrigues you it is a worthy endeavor to attempt to read through each of these novels in an attempt to learn and become more knowledgeable about this character.

Another option is to read Maus or Persepolis as they are biographies in the form of graphic novels. There is more than one installment of each of these graphic novels and so the reader is given the option to continue with the story that is presented or stop at the first installment as it is complete on its own.

These four options give every reader the chance to enjoy a graphic novel and then to explore other possibilities. The options soon become endless as there are a great many writing styles and artist styles available for the reader. If you are willing to look past the stereo types and search for something that speaks to your intellect I have no doubt that you will find a great many graphic novels that interest you and give you something new to think about along with a new way to look at the world.

Learn more about this author, Charles Brokaw.
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