A NEW MEDIUM: THE JOURNEY OF THE GRAPHIC NOVEL AS AN ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

Abstract

Background. This article explores the defining characteristics and cultural significance of graphic novels as a legitimate literary and artistic medium. It highlights their distinctive narrative structures, artistic styles, and thematic depth, emphasizing how these elements contribute to their complexity and richness. The study addresses the pursuit of cultural legitimacy within graphic novels, tackling the stigma traditionally associated with comics and advocating for their recognition as serious literature. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to define the unique attributes of graphic novels in order to clarify their role as representatives of visual literature. To achieve this aim, we will address several objectives: 1) to analyze the narrative and artistic components of graphic novels, 2) to illustrate how these elements amplify marginalized voices through autobiography, 3) to evaluate the impact of the book format on narrative delivery and reader engagement, and 4) to critique the binary distinction between fantasy and reality in graphic novels. Methods. The study employs descriptive methods of investigation, enabling a comprehensive multimodal analysis of the graphic novel format and its syntactic components. Results. The findings reveal that autobiography plays a significant role in graphic novels, enhancing their ability to foster social commentary and amplify marginalized voices. Additionally, the materiality of the book format influences narrative delivery and reader engagement, while the critique of fantasy versus reality uncovers nuanced representations of truth within the genre. Discussion. The final perspective is to analyze translation variants and examine how the relationship between text and image is reflected in different languages. This exploration underscores the capacity of graphic novels to engage with socio-political themes and contribute to public discourse, positioning them as a dynamic and impactful medium that transcends traditional literary boundaries and enhances cultural understanding.