Graphic Novels as a Form of Art

Literature and visual arts play a very important role in our society, and in many different ways. Art, as a whole, can be a form of escape (whether through literature, film, or creation). It equally serves as a means to inspire and can even help people heal emotionally. Art can be a distraction, a saving grace, or a form of therapy, and its ability to serve more than a single purpose is part of what makes it so beautiful.

Graphic novels serve as an intersection between literature and visual arts which allows them to appeal to a wider range of people. The illustrators of graphic novels create entirely original art that aids in the storytelling process through visual means and allows the reader to grasp concepts that can be difficult to relate through words alone, particularly emotions. These works of art also allow readers and art connoisseurs to discover art styles of a wide variety, whether in the form of simple sketches (like in Gabrielle Bell’s Lucky), or more realistic drawings (like the work of Alex Ross, who has done work for both DC and Marvel comics). Graphic novels are not limited simply to drawings, however, and can include a variety of other mediums like paintings, photography, and even collage.

Graphic novels can also be a fun and relatively affordable way to collect original art. Professional art can be an expensive and complicated process if you don’t know how to go about purchasing it, or have the means to invest in a well-curated collection. Art books and graphic novels are a more wallet-friendly version of collecting visual art and displaying it in your home for you and your friends or family to enjoy! It also just looks great on your shelves.

What are some of your favourite non-traditional visual art forms? Or graphic novels? Tell us below!