Best graphic novels that aren’t about superheroes that everyone should read

Strictly speaking, a graphic novel is a form of literature which combines words and images to tell a story. A surprisingly contentious classification, many enthusiasts continue to argue over what exactly separates a comic from a graphic novel.

The word ‘comic’ derives from the ‘funny pages’ which were common in late 19th century and early 20th century Western newspapers. These serialised strips were eventually compiled into complete, volumised collections, which later became what we now consider to be a modern comic book.

Meanwhile, its Japanese counterpart known as ‘manga’ – which was largely inspired by comic books left by American GIs following the end of occupation – offers so much more than serialised comedy.

With an overwhelming number of genres spanning from dystopian romance to cyberpunks in outer space, many modern graphic novel enthusiasts credit the unprecedented popularity of manga with setting the creative standard for 20th and 21st century graphic novels.

But what exactly is it about graphic novels that appeals