Do you think the perception of graphic novels has changed over time?

Do you think the perception of graphic novels has changed over time, and if so, how?

I do. I think they used to be just for people who liked comics and could only be bought in comic stores. Art Spiegalman changed the genre and brought widespread awareness to the comic as a novel with historical significance. My 9th grade students read Maus I as a text in their English class. This would not have happened 20 years ago. Now In the bookstores we can now find many types of graphic novels and this is a very positive change.

I think it has. Authors like Alan Moore have really shown us that graphic novels can tell an amazing story. Sailor Twain tells a great story as well. Graphic novels are no longer just for kids. This is a rather adult story and done very well.

Oh absolutely! I belong to an online book group that prides itself on reading high-quality novels and classics, and a number of our members are huge advocates for graphic novels. The genre is no longer looked down on and really is a lot more mainstream now. (Although I've got to admit I felt a bit embarrassed reading it on the bus on my way to work. I wondered what people would think of this grey-haired old lady looking at a picture book with a bare-breasted woman on most of the pages!)

Did it make anyone else feel weird reading it in public? Did you feel embarrassed at all, and if so, why?

I completely agree, graphic novels have certainly become main stream. My son reads them, in fact he prefers them!

Wikipedia reports that the term became known in 1964. So the actual name isn't so new in itself. I do so remember the ten cent Little Lulu comic books! And that could have been a graphic novel, but I'm sure it was only a comic book, or funny book as we called them.

Yes, they are more available and more young adults read them. I think that e-readers make graphic novels more compelling to read.

Yes, as others have stated they have become far more mainstream and are no longer limited to Manga
or superheroes. I do remember reading illustrated classics as a child and i guess that was my first encounter with the genre. The genre today oft times leans towards noir ( the works of Frank Miller or Gaimen come to mind) or serialization based on pop culture icons (ie Buffy).

using such dark charcoal illustrations as Siegel did here added to the atmosphere and sense of foreboding.

Absolutely. I think it's recognized now as an art form and a legitimate literary form.

Graphic novels have become much more mainstream even being used in schools and placed on summer reading lists.

Someone wrote at one time that comic books read by young children are more than acceptable. They are reading, and that is the important thing. What with graphic novels becoming more popular, just think how many adults may prefer this way of reading.

I talked with my 18-year-old granddaughter about Sailor Twain being a graphic novel and her first reaction was no, no, no. She envisioned a rough science fiction book--but then she became so interested and excited, stating, "Oh something on the order of Mark Twain." So I am anxious to see how she does like reading it. I do wish teachers (as "booksnob" earlier wrote she does) would be more open to introducing this type of book to students. My granddaughter graduates this year and yet had no idea how "high-brow" they could be.