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From Panels to Prestige: The Rise of the Graphic Novel as a Literary Form and Its Unique Narrative Capabilities

Author : Jyotsna Kumar

Abstract :

Graphic novels are regarded as a high-value literary form, and whether it be social, historical, or personal themes, visual art and textual narratives are blended well to explore these themes. No longer dismissed as juvenile or lowbrow, the medium has gained critical and academic acclaim. This paper examines the rise of the graphic novel as a serious literary form, analyzes its unique multimodal narrative structure, and explores its cultural impact. Through an in-depth discussion of key works such as Maus, Persepolis, Fun Home, Blankets, Daytripper, and American Born Chinese, this study argues that graphic novels offer narrative capabilities unmatched by traditional prose.

Keywords :

Graphic novel, literary form, multimodal narrative, visual art, textual narrative, storytelling, traditional prose.