Graphic Novels. I am getting so sick of this term. Not because it is invalid, but because it has
become misused and abused. It all
started with Hollywood ,
of course. Some suit somewhere decided
that the general public looks down on comic books, but graphic novels are
acceptable. So suddenly you hear every
actor and director working on comic book adaptations referring to the “graphic
novels”. Sounds very tony, much more
high class than the oh so pulpy “comic books”.
Unfortunately, it also sounds like bullshit because it doesn’t fit. Graphic Novels are actually a very specific
thing within the realm of Comic Books.
In the 1970’s the medium of comic
books had been around for over thirty years.
The artists working within it were starting to feel constrained by
it. They wanted to experiment and really
do things that were different. Some of
them wanted to do much more serious work.
Thus, the “Graphic Novel” was born.
Will Eisner’s A Contract With God is
considered by many to be the first of them.
It had four short stories that all took place within a 1930’s 
Comic books are serialized
fiction. They are published (generally
speaking) on a monthly basis and while issues can stand alone, they are all
part of one giant ongoing story. That
obviously says nothing about the quality of their content. Nor does the finiteness of Graphic Novels say
anything about their quality. Somehow
along the way, the term Graphic Novel became accepted as something more
serious. Something of consequence. Which is all fine. Most creators who set out to do a proper
Graphic Novel are usually trying to say something a little more important. Whether they are using original creations or
pre-existing characters they are trying to set themselves apart from the rest
of the books by creating a large story that can be read in one volume. Because of the import of some past Graphic
Novels, it is a an announcement of serious intent and a proclamation of quality
or importance.
Quite a while back publishers
started collecting their regular comic books into paperback collections. Usually it was special, popular or
“important” storylines. These are referred
to as Trade Paperbacks. The practice has
become so prevalent though, it is basically every book published these
days. When the book is special or
important they might do a Hardcover Collection.
Although they are starting to do that more and more as well, and in the
process are diluting the inherent importance brought by a hardcover. Unfortunately, strapping a bunch of comic
books together in one volume DOES NOT make them Graphic Novels. If it was not originally published as a
Graphic Novel, it is a comic book. So
what’s wrong with that? Absolutely
nothing.
In the day and age of “Let your
Geek Flag fly.” and people who are constantly proclaiming that “Geeks rule the
Earth.” There is nothing wrong with
saying that you love comic books. At
least there shouldn’t be. So when I see
comic book shop owners saying “Come in for the latest Graphic Novels!” it’s
quite a bit disheartening. You sell
comic books, own that. Be proud of
it. Comic books are one of the great
American institutions. They were
invented here, they were perfected here.
Unlike Rock and Roll, we still do it, and always have done it,
best. So comic book fans and comic book
sellers unite and embrace that thing which we love: COMIC BOOKS!
Oh, and their fancy cousin, the Graphic Novel.
Sean Stoltey, writer, raconteur
and retired rabble rouser, hails originally from California's Central Coast but
currently resides in Southern California's BEAUTIFUL--San Fernando Valley.
Screenwriter, Comic Book author, these are things he does because he's too poor
to be a Producer or Publisher.
Sean has been reading comics,
watching movies, reading books and selling his soul (or at least his hearing)
to Rock'n'Roll for as long as he can remember. He has been discussing and
arguing about these things for almost as long.
So now he has come here to throw
his opinions in your face as well and hope that, even if you don't agree,
hopefully you will enjoy them. For the record: Kirk was the greatest Enterprise
Captain, Han was the only one that shot, Led Zeppelin was the greatest Rock
band to walk the Earth and Keith Richards is the coolest undead person to walk
the Earth. Coolest living people are my sons and my Mom and Dad. My Dad F---in'
rocks, and my Mom can kick your ass.
You can ask Sean anything at http://www.formspring.me/WWest3001 contact
him via twitter @WWest3001 or boring old e-mail at SeanStoltey@yahoo.com
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