How are graphic novels commonly distinguished from comic books?

While the term "graphic novel" is often used to distinguish certain works from "comic books," it is important to clarify that this distinction is largely a marketing construct rather than a formal or artistic one. Many scholars and critics argue that the two terms refer to the same medium—the combination of words and images—and that the separation is rooted in cultural prejudices that view comics as juvenile and graphic novels as more "serious" or "literary."123

Commonly, the distinction is made based on the following characteristics:

• Format and Distribution: Comic books are traditionally viewed as periodicals published on a weekly or monthly basis, often sold at newsstands or specialty comic book stores. In contrast, graphic novels are typically presented as complete, long-form narratives published in hardback or paperback and sold in bookstores.14
• Target Audience and Content: Graphic novels are often marketed toward a mature audience, featuring sophisticated artwork and serious themes, whereas the term "comics" is frequently associated with children's publications.13
• Production: While some graphic novels are created specifically for book form, many are simply repackaged collections of previously serialized comics.13

Ultimately, the term "graphic novel" is often used to resituate comics for audiences uncomfortable with the perceived stigma of the medium.12