Graphic novels are like comic books with storylines that are complex and lengthy; people write these novels for mature audiences. Some of these novels may contain short-story anthologies or collections of other comic books, alternatively known as the 'trade paperbacks'. People bind these novels in durable formats unlike comic magazines, which have less durable covers. One can purchase the novels from bookstores or shops that sell comic books; it is rare to find such novels at newsstands because the vendors sell items that people buy on a daily basis. Novels inclusive of graphic content have three major parts- the beginning, the center and the end. The term graphic novels disassociates juvenile from humorous connotations; this implies that these novels have contents that are more serious.

Some people object to the use of the term graphic novel saying that commercial interests have corrupted its meaning; this is in relation to the initial use of graphics in novels. Some people used graphics to decorate the novel while others used it to express the storyline in the form of pictorials. Novel authors adopted this term in about 1978, when people began using graphics to create visual images that demonstrated the storylines. The first person to use graphics in novels was Will Eisner, who wrote the book 'A Contract with God'. William Blake introduced the concept of using images to narrate a story. Later, media houses began publishing comic strips in newspapers as a form of entertainment. Graphic novels may be inclusive of art in addition to the literature; this makes it more enjoyable to read. Many people may not be able to differentiate between comic books and these novels. Comic books consist mainly of graphics while these novels are inclusive of graphics and a storyline.

The use of graphics assists in breaking the monotony in novels and is therefore used strategically to attract people to buy their novels. Reading a large novel that has no pictorials makes the storyline less interesting and this is what prompted people to use graphics in their novels. Graphic novels assist in attracting reluctant readers especially those who have very little interests in novels. Authors write different graphic novels for different audiences; this enables people to access novels that suit their tastes and preferences. Some of these novels may be action packed, romantic, fiction or real-life. The pictorials need to be in line with the story in order to make it easier for the readers to understand.

Graphic novels are an alternative to different layouts as opposed to the belief that they are a replacement of comic books. Authors have the liberty to have both fluffy titles and literary masterpieces depending on their storylines and story settings. Many authors write novels that have storylines borrowed from famous Television characters or audio books. They get ideas on how to express their stories from such media characters. Creating graphic novels requires an author to work with an experienced and qualified artist who has the ability to produce real life images. The use of sequential art may impact the readers humorously, thus making the novel more interesting.