Graphic Novels vs. Comic Books || What is the difference?

[@agnesverga673]

I had no idea a graphic novel is supposed to be a singular story, while a comic is part of a series. I used them pretty interchangeably

[@funfuz]

All graphic novels are comics, but not all comics are graphic novels.

[@JigglyCox]

Scott McCloud ❤️

[@numbersguy8737]

I'd agree with that

[@nniiann]

comic book, graphic novel, manga, manhwa, manhua: *exist* me: *picture book*

[@TheGingerburger]

You forgot about "cinebooks" and "illustories"

[@virajpatil5963]

i prefer movies adopted from novel

[@StudioLindsay]

This was really interesting. I always thought “graphic novel” was an umbrella term for comic book series, manga, and graphic novels, because in my local bookstore they’re all shelved under the Graphic Novels sign.

[@leoraaileen]

omg this was exactly my line of thought too hahahah

[@Opalescent]

Had no idea about the beginning, middle and end thing with how to define a comic book!! Definitely learned something, great video! ^^

[@iamsherilynj]

omg. Thank you for the confirmation. I just published my 1st graphic novel on Amazon and I debated for almost a year after creating if it was a comic or GN. Although I called it a comic for a year I finally went with GN, and after hearing your example...'the beginning, middle, and end' confirmed my decision. Thank you. Ha!

[@Bibliofilth]

I read a ton of comics but somehow never knew this was the distinction between graphic novel/comic. This makes so much sense! Excellent break-down.

[@cidnyaa]

AHHH this video is so important ! Thank you so much! I love this so much. I love finding other booktubers who read graphic novels and comics! I recently made a video about the validity of Graphic Novels as literature. Its so interesting about the technicality of Volumes vs Bindup comics because some people consider volumes as one complete story arc despite it not being the end. I do comic journalism outside of my booktube and we consider Volumes to be Graphic Novels when they are collected and then single issues as comics. The interchangeable terms we only discuss when its collected. What starts to get the conversation a little muddled is when comics get the Compendium (Saga for example), Omnibus, or deluxe editions. Even then a lot of journalism interchanges the terms. 🥰 Can't wait to binge watch your channel now 🥰

[@megwithbooks]

Omg wow this was fascinating!! I had always called heartstopper a graphic novel! Thanks for the great info and video🥰🥰

[@literaryartist1]

Agreed. I tend to think of Graphic Novels as a stand alone, novel length, story arc. As far as "Comics" = Issues, Collections, Runs, etc...

[@LuxuriousBlu]

Thanks for this information; necessary resource for the community. I do try to respect the comic book nerds' terminology when I talk about collections of comic book issues and refer to them as bind-ups, but sometimes I mix up and use graphic novel in place of bind-ups. But after how you broke it down I have a way better understanding of the differentiation, and will help me to not make that mistake again.

[@andreac4757]

A graphic novel is a type of comic book though. It’s still a comic but what gives it that specific name is the format in which it is released. Single issues and collected editions are the other types of comic books.

[@jasonepstein8746]

I think it’s important to distinguish them so that people know what they are getting into. However most people don’t know this. I just learned now.

[@AsgersWeb]

I mean a book with a number can be a graphic novel. It’s often but like Death of the Family is a graphic novel because it has a definitive beginning middle and an end even tho it says vol 3 on the side.

[@BookishJenn]

I was today years old when I finally learned the difference 😬 thanks for sharing!

[@yabookprincess]

Yeah I need glasses in videos to see but it's so frustrating when there's a glare

[@LilyEleanorReads]

this was so interesting and informative!! i've definitely just referred to everything that wasn't a single issue/superhero type thing as a graphic novel in the past just based on what other people did but i'd never really looked into it! but now you say it, i don't know why changing the story from a single issue to a bind up would change what it actually is. Definitely going to keep this in mind and try to use the correct terms going forward!!

[@ramannoodles.25]

A little while ago, I was trying to figure out the difference and couldn't find any videos that addressed this specifically (although I will admit my search was pretty cursory), so thanks so much for making this video, it was super helpful! I have always used the term graphic novels, since I, for some reason, assumed comics had some extra specifications that I just didn't know about, but now that I know this, I get to say I read comic books. How exciting!

[@Leyla18231]

Thank you for this quick, but in-depth explanation!

[@ComicsTeacher]

Interesting discussion. I think it’s ok to call a trade a graphic novel. The complete story is an interesting thought, but if we look at prose books, the Hunger Games for example, while there are multiple books, each of them is still a novel. Also, comics is a medium, and comic books and graphic novels fit into the medium. We need to remember that as well.

[@JigglyCox]

So I've been down a rabbit hole as I'm looking at sequential comic writing as a part of my PhD and the collection of singles into a volume is called a "Trade". I 100% agree, a graphic novel is a comic series finished or a presented finished narrative, you are so spot on. I've been reading literary scholars who couldn't wrap their heads around this and you nailed it in one video 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️

[@rin9144]

As someone who has been reading manga for years yet know nothing about comics & graphic novels, this has been super informative. Cause manga with multiple volumes or a standalone are the same thing. We call done-in-1 volume or chapter works one-shots haha.

[@ejreads7638]

i knew there was a distinction but it never occured to me that the books divided into volumes were comic books, but that makes so much sense!

[@kalindramizuel4474]

I do kind of compare graphic novels to movies since a movie has a beginning, middle, and end. But sometimes movies will release ‘2’ (like frozen & frozen 2) but it still has a beginning, middle, and end. It just happened that you’re already familiar with the characters and settings. While I compare comics to dramas in television since it still needs the next episode to continue the story until the last episode finish. Like how you need to buy the next comic book because the last comic book you read still hasn’t finished. This is my opinion and my way of simplifying things?

[@jordanbyford2693]

The eisner awards are considered comic book awards but graphic novels and graphic novelists have also gained a eisner award so there's obviously an acceptance in the industry for both yes or no ?

[@halinahetman6407]

Thank you for the definitions, I was using the terms interchangeably but now I understand I love graphic novels but I am not a comic fan.

[@bookish.j3669]

I've only read a very small handful of comics or graphic novels and never knew the difference between the two so thanks for making this!

[@kellyblack2010]

So what if it’s a situation where you have multiple graphic novels with self contained stories but it there all part of an over arching storyline… are all of them considered a graphic novel series or dose it become a comic book series then?

[@caitlinbrady4407]

I understand how and why people use the terms interchangeably. I do it myself, but I would love to live in a world where I could effectively search by those terms. Sometimes, I want a full story and I would love to be able to actually get results that show that when I search for "graphic novel."

[@paperbacksandplanners]

This was super interesting! I've never really considered the differences between the two terms before. I definitely use 'Graphic Novel' way more often, but it's good to know that, that's not actually 100% accurate in all cases. I feel like 'Comic Book' has a weirdly negative connotation surrounding it, like it's not real reading or something. Especially with so many teachers/schools not allowing Comics or Graphic Novels for required reading.. *eye roll*

[@loureadingthings]

your glasses are gorgeous!! also thank you for the video, it was very informative!

[@mikwrites]

Agreed with the @jaded reader below, I knew the different I think subconsciously but I use them interchangeably ? So that has got to stop! thanks for this - this was super educational and amazing to see your collection too! I don't read many comics or graphic novels but I want that to change, you've already given great reccs - so I need to push these up on my TBRs!!

[@johnnypalooka]

For years people would say they read graphic novels because they were ashamed to admit they read comic books. Don't ever be ashamed to say you read comics. Sandman, Watchmen, Saga and Walking Dead are all comic books and they are awesome.

[@bookscoffeewithromie]

this was so interesting?????? i totally thought saga was a graphic novel series, so getting more info as to why it isn't was actually super helpful, now i won't make the mistake anymore, thanks!

[@KathyTrithardt]

What I find most fascinating about this is you can have a novel that is part of a series, but apparently you can't have a graphic novel that is part of a series.

[@KathyTrithardt]

(I use graphic novel and comic book interchangeably, but have pretty much always called anything not a single issue a graphic novel.)

[@joeysoprano7978]

Thanks for enlightening us

[@TheBookishMom]

I never really thought about the differences between the two. I mean I know they are different but never really thought more into it. I guess I always thought Graphic novels were just longer I guess lol

[@cielosbookishplans8455]

Cute glasses!

[@YTLawnGnome]

I appreciate this as a fellow collector. I do have a few graphic novels but, I still prefer to go for the actual issues because it part for the reading but, also part for the collectors value. I haven't read Hush just yet because I actually want to try and find the original Batman Comics that the story is in. Batman issues 608-619 to be exact. You and I should talk comics sometime! I would love to know more about what you're reading.

[@wellreadandhalfdead1683]

I always say in my video 'graphic novel' and 'comic book bind-up' but I guess I never considered the difference! Like I thought Heartstopper was considered a graphic novel but now I can see why it's not. Thanks for the educational video!

[@yabookprincess]

Honestly been always wondering what the difference was

[@MaedBetweenthePages]

I didn't know these distinctions! Thanks for making this :)

[@bjspeaksauthentically8420]

Never knew the difference. Thank you for the info. I would've been calling my upcoming series a graphic novel when it's really a comic book series. You saved me the embarrassment.

[@itsarendezvous]

What would you call a novel, so majority writings, with images incorporated?

[@tristanirby6272]

Good explanation. In my opinion I feel comic books do tell the stories of the characters but they don’t go deep into their background and I think they are more mild. While graphic novels seem more darker and get more in-depth into the characters backstory. Plus I feel Comics are more for kids while GN are more for teens and young adults

[@TheBookFinch]

I tend to use the terms interchangeably. Interestingly my native language only has one word that encompasses both terms, so that's probably one reason why I jump between using comics and graphic novels. I think the most important thing is that your point comes across to the people listening. That said, this was super interesting! I learned something new and that's always fun. :)

[@imasisara]

To maybe add a bit to the definition - to me, a comic is a serial publication, so it is not all released at one time. A graphic novel, as you said, is simply a novel in a picture form, so has a complete story within a set publication date. Maybe this is getting a bit technical (but I am a librarian, so it is kinda my job to be technical), but that way things like Maus or Persepolis (which have both been published in 2 volumes) are still considered graphic novels rather than comic books.

[@ReadingWithNori]

Nice! Love this. Thanks 💜

[@dwighttaylor2184]

I'm curious I'm bout to work on my next novel but I want to work with art this time. But the bulk of the book will be written word. About a 4 word to 5 art ratio. I came here looking for answers. Is it even practical. What do you call this

[@dgs788]

This is a great video! I worked out a comic shop for three years. A lot of people don't know this info

[@thetbrdiaries]

I have always kind of wondered where the line is with this, I don't read many graphic novels but now I think technically I mean comic book series! I think I will start calling them comics more, especially something like Heartstopper which is released in installments online and then published in bind-ups so it fits the definition of a comic really closely. Honestly, I think people probably use graphic novel more to make it sound more "legitimate" in a world where a lot of people think of superheroes when they hear comic book series.

[@Tarasreadingnook]

Your opening gives me 90s vibs.😎 Thank you for this video I seems interchangeable 🤷‍♀️

[@darricktv9857]

Would Scott Pilgrim be considered a comic?

[@piezademibibliotekg]

Wow! Thanks for your insight on the difference!! I alwasy have issues categorizing my reads and now I have a better reference for it! Love your style as Booktuber!! I wih you could publish more!!!

[@rolandnerdtherioes]

I use them interchangeably, but usually describe contained stories like Watchmen as graphic novels. However, if I talk to people who dont read comics I say graphic novels because people are like eww weird comic books, but if you said graphic novel most people dont know that also means comic if they dont read it.

[@readbymarta2781]

this was sooo informative omg i had no idea what the difference was, i use the two words as synonnyms

[@JadeJuniiper]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this video!

[@NovelSarahndipity]

i totally just thought the difference was it's binding. OOOPS.

[@takaotanimoto]

I respectfully disagree with a complete story in one book being a graphic novel. You have a lot of good points, but to me a graphic novel is a complete story written by the same author. A comic is a neverending story written by multiple people. In europe and asia, sometimes the divide long novels into different books, but it's still a novel. Then again, you're completely welcome to disagree. Your explanation was very well done.

[@booksvsmovies]

As someone getting into sequential art, the terms can be really confusing. I had to watch a few videos to learn the differences between omnibuses, trade paperbacks, single issues and the like. And I haven't even learned the minutia of the terms in regards to manga yet. I do think that terms are important and reviewers should make an effort to use the right terms so they don't spread misinformation.

[@NicoleJ.]

Oh god, I finally get it!! I seriously thought they were the same thing, just that one sounded fancier LOL

[@LoveLeighReading]

I will normally use the names interchangeably when it comes to bound items. I normally read web comics/web toons, so it is not often that I read a physical copy of a book. Speaking of that I would love to see a review video from you in the future where you read completed comics on the Webtoon platform. I really think you would like the stories Under the Ageis, Flow or Winter Woods.

[@confessionofabookdragon]

To be fairly honest I just thought graphic novels were bind ups of comic book series. It is interesting to learn that people considered graphic novels to have a beginning, middle, and end. I think this topic varies from person to person. To me personally I have always consider that comic books that is bind up a graphic novel, but then you will have those sets of people who believe that there is a huge difference between them and say graphic novels have a beginning, middle, and end. I say you do you and I will do me. Question for you, what is your all time favorite Batman graphic novel?

[@ReadingWithNori]

I haven’t read too many of Batman’s Arks but I do I have one and it’s called Hush. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things

[@confessionofabookdragon]

@@ReadingWithNori I also heard great things about Hush, but not have yet read it. Want to though. When it comes to Batman I love reading Harley Quinn comics.

[@KLC228]

I'm new to this medium and have only read a few but I've enjoyed all of them so far and this was super helpful. Since I'm new to them, I usually refer to them as what I've heard others call them because I don't know anything but I've also been mislead a lot it seems since everyone calls Saga a graphic novel lol

[@vezeggsy9594]

Does anyone know if they sell bloom in stores and if so where? :)

[@ReadingWithNori]

I don’t know why but I’ve seen Bloom in the YA Book sections in Barnes & Noble

[@vezeggsy9594]

@@ReadingWithNori thanks for telling me:) I’m planning on going to Barnes and Nobles on Saturday ☺️

[@WhoPickedThisBook]

That vintage Superman comic!!! 😍 Whenever I’m talking about graphic novels/comics, if I’m talking about a single issue, I’ll say comic. If I’m talking about a bind up of issues or a complete story, I’ll say graphic novel ❤️Nicole

[@awanderingmind]

Very interesting! I didn't really know the difference before watching this video

[@ComicBoomTube]

Just discovered your channel. Love your content. Subscribed! 👍

[@jelanikt8783]

As a field of study, both fall under the title of Sequential Art.

[@JadeJuniiper]

it’s weird, because I did know the difference but I still do you use them interchangeably?? Honestly though, something you said on Twitter a while back made me think I’m going to stop doing this! While I don’t personally care if I use the terms incorrectly on my platform I’m kind of spreading misinformation and some people they care and then use my misinformed information. So I’m actually going to try and use the correct terms moving forward!

[@mariaspitzkat3046]

But what about the comics which are combined into a graphic novel like V for Vendetta or Maus ? Are they Graphic Novels even if you can also purchase them in separate issues or are they comics even though you can also purchase all issues in one book ? (love your video btw.

[@slingv2.082]

So “dog man” is a graphic novel? Wow

[@hannahcanreadsometimes]

This is so interesting and I feel so informed thank you for this video!! 💜💜

[@lostmymindinbooks]

Definitely learned something! Will probably come in handy for me ☺️

[@PageDweller]

Well hot damn, the beginning-middle-end thing is absolutely helpful. So most Manga would be considered comic book series then? I loved this thank you so much for making a video that's concise, informative, and full of examples! Now if I ever get questions about "does this count as a book" I can just show them this lol. I have used it interchangeably, and now I wonder if my local comic shop thinks I'm an idiot. 🤣

[@yabookprincess]

I love your shirt!

[@allbymyshelf8020]

this was so interesting! i've always assumed that only the thin, stapled ones were comics and as soon as they're put into bind-ups they're graphic novels! Although it doesn't really make sense that that would change what they're called😅 great video!

[@jadechoung]

Thanks for this! I definitely learned a thing or two!

[@belovedsantoryu4568]

I kind of disagree... At least I'm confused because, under that logic, a series of text books, for example the Dune series or Lord of the rings aren't novels perse.... And I'd argue they're still novels, they're just serialized because of it's longitude....

[@Joannotations]

Very interesting, I've never really thought about the difference between the two before! Also I'm totally the same, I always start filming and then realise my glasses are still on, too late 😂😂

[@zombieed_0498]

So the walking dead is just a comic?

[@ReadingWithNori]

Yes, it’s a comic.

[@AwesomeSpidey22]

Collected editions or single issues they are all comics. It's just the way it released. 😊

[@nubiicreativecompany]

I just say Graphic Novel Series when it’s more than one. They seem like the movies of comics/manga, just saying

[@Valaina07]

see it is interesting because i always thought that comics was a 'genre' specific to the marvel/dc style stories where there are many interweaving storylines, hence not being a singular story. for instance the bind ups sometimes have issues from various storylines. whereas graphic novel series' were stories that were shorter, single plot stories. similar like how you would have a trilogy vs a 20 novel series, the story isn't complete but there are installments. but what you've said here makes a lot of sense. i honestly hadn't really thought about it much beyond what i've heard other people say. like i've only seen Saga described as a graphic novel. so i called it that. but hmm you've made me think ahahah Honestly though i don't think it matters all that much, as long as comics/graphic novels are given equal respect I don't mind how people use the language. it is all rather fluid in my mind. same with genres and some age definitions. who the heck knows sometimes how to define a story. is it an enjoyable experience? if yes then that is all that really matters to me. if we break it down simply ahaha

[@leoraaileen]

so bc of this video I realized most of the 'graphic novels' i read are comics hahaha oops!! thank you for this vid! and bc of this I also checked out bb free and omg the art is gorgeouuuuuussss

[@ReadingWithNori]

It’s ok! I’ve done in my previous videos too lol and it is!!

[@yabookprincess]

I've learned so much already wow

[@WithLoveFeli]

I found your channel through this video and I'm so glad I did! So, on goodreads and such, do you count comics in your reading numbers? And do you count graphic novels? Also - since it has to be a start until end to be a graphic novel, does this mean a collection of comics can be a graphic novel? :P

[@ReadingWithNori]

If it’s on good reads I’ll count it lol and what do you mean by collection?

[@bigty390]

Do Manga vs Novels

[@sakurahan91]

A graphic novel is a story that’s told through art and text so yes, a volume 1 is still a graphic novel.

[@howdyhoward]

this was super helpful!

[@PawManjar]

So... i used to work at a comicbook store and we used to get this question a lot. And while we used to use the same criteria that you explain, my boss always told us that stories as SAGA (just to put an example) are graphic novels because they're managed by arcs. Like, book one in a book series and so on. Yes, they don't have an end to the story but the problems won't be the same, the next volume will deal with the consequences of the first arc and the story moves on.

[@ReadingWithNori]

Ok, I see!! That’s Interesting 🧐

[@jonathanscott5029]

Graphic novel= movie......comic book=tv series

[@abhijeetbhor4375]

Thnx i was very confused 🙏

[@Negative.headspace]

I have a female character id love to bring life to

[@robbertmango]

Someone who gets it!

[@galexiefaraway]

Me reading the title of this vid: omg I don’t know. What ISSSSSSS the difference!? *clicks*

[@galexiefaraway]

SAGAAAAAAA🤍

[@galexiefaraway]

Woahhhhhhhhhu shook okay. Saga isn’t a graphic novel. 😱😱😱

[@melo27]

The graphic novel is more real!

[@stayywhelmed]

So I actually use TPB, or trade paperback, for the bind-up of comics as that is what they are legitimately called within the comic book world. I'm by no means an expert or trying to come across as a know it all, I've just been reading comics for several years and thats how I learned about the term. Definitely appreciate this video and the discussion. I wish more people in the booktube community were open to reading comic books and recognizing that what they call graphic novels are actually comic books, even if it is in a collected format.

[@LittlePiscesReading]

❤️

[@jhonatanchambi478]

Beautiful woman. Greetings from Machu Picchu - Peru

[@uu119816]

It is stupid