A graphic novel is a work in the medium of comics, which is long-form, and stands alone as a complete work (as opposed to comic books which are typically short serials). The term also implies that the book is published in a higher quality format than a traditional 'newsprint and staples' comic book. Some graphic novels have originally appeared in serial, comic book format. When bound together, they become a graphic novel if they tell a complete, stand-alone story. The high-quality binding alone done not make a graphic novel.

The term graphic novel is sometimes preferred by creators and readers who want to differentiate the work from lighter works intended for children.

Notable examples of graphic novels:

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