Graphic Novels & Comic Books: What's the Difference?

Personally, I think there is no physical difference between them...

Some of the most successful movies today are based on either a graphic novel or a comic book. Usually the ones based on graphic novels are more critically and commercially successful, while comic books are only commercially successful.

So it seems, there is a difference in appeal and story. The stories of graphic novels are meant to make one think, to focus on something completely different from real life. More of an alternate universe, where we can identify with characters from a different world, because they are more human than freak.

Comic books are merely to entertain, no one can really put themselves into a comic's characters' shoes because they aren't like us. They're superheroes with superpowers. I'm sorry but I don't think I can truly identify with someone who can fly.

Later this year, another adaptation is going to be released. The Spirit is based on a newspaper comic strip from the 1940s, however, I think the film makers may be juicing it up, making it not as innocent as it probably was. It is directed by Frank Miller, who is responsible for the graphic novels Sin City and 300. The man playing "the Spirit" is really not a household name, but others who are (Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jaime King, and Eva Mendes) will be starring. Here's the official website. Take a look at the trailer....

Now another movie based on a graphic novel will be released on March 6, 2009, and is one of the most anticipated films of next year. Watchmen is based on arguably the best graphic novel of all time, according to critics and fans. The film stars people who are not well-known to the public, but well-known to the critics.

The story is an interesting one. Imagine superheroes who are not super and have the same problems as you or me, and also have some psychological damage going on. The heroes names are: Nite Owl, The Comedian, Ozymandias, Silk Spectre and Dr. Manhattan. It sounds similar to 1999's Mystery Men, but without the comedy and with a better story.


The official website. The trailer....

I always feel that Hollywood is so unoriginal and all they do is use other peoples' stories. In this case, it's kinda a good idea. They seem to make better movies when they are based on graphic novels. When based on comic books, they take too many liberties. But then again, directors filming graphic novels-turned-movies, they are fans and want to make it as faithful as possible, while most directors making comic book movies are usually not fans at first but turn into fans thus changing and tweaking the story here and there.

But that's show business.