Some misinterpret graphic novels for picture books. They dismiss them as immature, goofy or simply as reads that belong in the children’s section of the library. However, none of this is true.

A graphic novel is actually a great medium for incredible stories. Unlike comic books, graphic novels are easily digestible because they contain a single continuous narrative, usually collected in one edition. This makes them addictive, engrossing and thought provoking. So for those just looking to dip their toes in this world of illustrations, why don’t we begin with some of the most popular graphic novel literature adaptations? These books may already be classics in their own rights but their illustrated editions have helped rope in more readers and elevate their status.

The Week brings you some of the graphic novels that have made their way into the literary canon.

The Metamorphosis
Kafka’s classic tale of family, alienation, and a giant bug gets the acclaimed graphic artist Peter Kuper’s treatment here. Kuper presents a brilliant, darkly comic reimagining of the iconic story. Kuper’s electric drawings—which merge American cartooning with German expressionism—bring Kafka’s prose to vivid life, reviving the original story’s humor and poignancy in a way that is bound to surprise and delight readers of Kafka and graphic novels alike. Kuper’s bold style proves to be a perfect fit for this literary adaptation.

What’s more, since the work is such a delicate balance of art and literature, everyone will recognize the existential drama and uncanny wit of the original text as well.

Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde: The Happy Prince
Arguably the most famous and beloved of Oscar Wilde’s nine fairy tales, this particular rendition stands apart from the others due to its brilliant illustrations by a master of comic art. After dying young, the Happy Prince’s soul inhabits a beautiful ruby-encrusted statue covered in gold leaf which is perched high above the city. But when he sees the poverty, misery and desperateness of his people, he enlists the help of a barn swallow to remove the gilding of his statue and shower the riches on his people. The illustrations make the read that much more of a perfect introduction to the world-famous author and his timeless writing.

Wuthering Heights, the graphic novel: Original Text
A favorite book of many readers, this classic tale of wild, passionate and intense love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff is presented as a full-color graphic novel, featuring beautiful hand-painted watercolor art work. The traditional approach taken to the art in this book creates a wonderful sensory experience that is certain to engage any reader. Another positive here is the fact that the graphic novel stays true to the original novel. It utilizes all the authentic text and dialogue. This graphic novel was specifically designed to encourage readers to enjoy classical literature. They also offer alternative text versions to cater for different readership levels.

Moby-Dick: A Pop-Up Book
“Call me Ishmael.” Three of the most famous words in all literature, they begin Herman Melville’s masterpiece, Moby-Dick. Now, the epic saga of Captain Ahab’s obsessive quest for the white whale comes vividly to life in this three-dimensional graphic novel, the first of its kind. This phenomenal work is the creation of multi-talented artist Sam Ita, apprentice to Robert Sabuda—one of the world’s master paper engineers. Every amazing element is awe-inspiring: there’s not just one pop-up per spread, but several, surrounded by colorful comic book-style panels that convey the story’s drama. It’s one of those books that enthrall both adults and children alike.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Illustrated Classics): A Graphic Novel
The idea for The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde famously came to illustrator, Robert Louis Stevenson one night in a dream. This graphic novel adaptation by Andrzej Klimowski and Danusia Schejbal has transformed that dream into an exquisite nightmare.

Their faithful adaptation combines an already-chilling tale with truly haunting artwork. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the story of a respectable London doctor who ends up leading a dreadful double life—as a doctor, and as a cold-blooded murderer. Fans of Stevenson’s original novel and new readers will be riveted by this fascinating moral thriller.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This Saddleback’s Illustrated Classics series features classic Shakespeare retold with graphic color illustrations. Educators using the Dale-Chall vocabulary system adapted each title. Each 64-page, soft cover book retains key phrases and quotations from the original play. A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes place in mythical Athens. The theme of the story is that love has no laws and is blind and unpredictable. This story is an entertaining fantasy that takes the reader through a romantic farce on a midsummer’s eve. This is during a time of great rejoicing amongst the elves and fairies that live in the woods and the graphic novel helps it all come to life.

The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel
With more than two million copies sold around the world, The Alchemist has established itself as a modern classic that is universally admired. Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. Acclaimed illustrator Daniel Sampere brings Paulo Coelho’s classic to new life in his gorgeously illustrated graphic novel adaptation. The combination of the art and the words help create a far bigger impact and helps the writer spread the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts and following our dreams.

V for Vendetta
This graphic novel has actually been voted as the best dystopian classic. The work that inspired the excellent movie goes much deeper than its silver screen progeny; it was one of the big three, along with The Watchmen (also written by Vendetta‘s author, Alan Moore) and The Dark Knight Returns, that moved the graphic novel solidly into the realm of mature audiences. That much is clear from the very first scene: Vendetta deals beautifully (and sometimes, brutally) with the threats to individual freedoms that misaligned governments can and have turned against their people, with drastic effect.

A graphic novel is actually a great medium for incredible stories. Unlike comic books, graphic novels are easily digestible because they contain a single continuous narrative, usually collected in one edition. This makes them addictive, engrossing and thought provoking. So for those just looking to dip their toes in this world of illustrations, why don’t we begin with some of the most popular graphic novel literature adaptations? These books may already be classics in their own rights but their illustrated editions have helped rope in more readers and elevate their status.

The Week brings you some of the graphic novels that have made their way into the literary canon.

 
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