Everyone – students, professors, faculty and general people – should read at least one graphic novel.

Graphic novels have a stigma surrounding them that they are for children, they don’t require too much thought to analyze or to find the deeper meaning in them. It isn’t – or shouldn’t – be considered immature to read a graphic novel. They are as important, interesting and intelligent as any other novel- the text is simply accompanied with visually impressive images.

Graphic novels like Watchmen and Maus have received awards and are acclaimed for their art style and story, making it easy to argue that they are credible and interesting novels. Not all graphic novels aim for younger readers, in fact. Most aim for highbrow audiences and attempt to create story arcs that move beyond the typical good versus evil and achieve riveting plot lines and ask moral and philosophical questions that require deep, critical thinking from the reader.

I find graphic novels enjoyable because the author can have the reader see what they want them to see, literally, and leave out the ambiguity of what a place, character or thing may look like. Graphic novels challenge the reader to accept the author’s vision of the world and characters without adding their own input. This allows readers to relax, in a sense.

While comic books focus on action and visuals, the type of thing a younger audience focuses on, graphic novels focus on the narration of a story, how it flows and how the reader will receive the end message. They are made for their story and less for their flashy pictures, though some do contain amazing art styles.

Reading a graphic novel is like watching a movie with subtitles. The reader still gets to see everything that’s occurring in the story and are able to flip through scenes without reading through a sea of text.

Novels and graphic novels are incredibly similar, the main difference being instead of dealing with the excruciating details within a novel describing every little thing – or the lack of detail – a graphic novel shows you the detail instead of having the reader imagine it for themselves.

When considering the next book to read, try picking up a copy of Watchmen, my favorite graphic novel, and give it a chance. I guarantee you’ll enjoy every page.