The term graphic novel refers to various types of comics in book format. Just as in general literature, many genres exist under this term. In addition to horror, action, political thriller, documentary or tragicomedy, experimental works have also appeared over the years. So there seem to be no limits. Complex stories are told on many pages, most of which are similar to classic novellas. The drawing styles range from experimental designs to traditional comic formats. In some cases, elements of photography are also incorporated into the design, so it is not yet possible to clearly define the medium. The written word by the author and the illustrations by the illustrator allow for numerous variations of expression. Graphic novels are often published as bound books as opposed to comics in booklet form. In terms of content, they deal with topics that are often aimed at adult readers. Due to the format, the price of these books is higher than the price of a comic book, which can be purchased at a newsstand. This is why "graphic novels" are sold in bookshops, especially as the level of sophistication of all the works is in no way inferior to that of novels.

The genesis of the graphic novel cannot be clearly determined. The books by the British cartoonist Raymond Briggs could be cited as early works that have not yet appeared under this designation. Briggs gained popularity with The Snowman (1978) and When The Wind Blows (1982) and his works were subsequently labelled as graphic novels. Early American authors and illustrators whose works can be described as graphic novels include Will Eisner(The Spirit 1940), who coined the term graphic novel and applied it to several of his works, Alan Moore(Watchman 1987) and Neil Gaiman(The Sandman 1989- 1996). Art Spiegelman's Maus is still considered one of the best graphic novels and was honoured with the Pulitzer Prize. Maus was drawn in the black-and-white style of underground comics and tells the story of Spiegelman's father, who survived the Holocaust. More recent representatives include Shaun Tan(The Red Tree, 2001), Daniel Clowes(Ghost World, 1993-1997) and Craig Thompson(Habibi, 2011). The Australian author and illustrator Shaun Tan also created graphic novels suitable for children with his imaginative ideas and special style.

The various possibilities for creating a "graphic novel" are therefore almost limitless. Such a "graphic novel" can be described more as a literary work that utilises artistic elements and can even be enlightening. A graphic novel can be made into a film, be an adaptation of a novel itself or tell autobiographical stories. Even the visual arts can be used as a means of expression to advance the content of such a story. Over the last thirty years, the graphic novel has become increasingly important as a means of artistic expression alongside film, photography and novels.