Why do some scholars argue that the difference between comics and graphic novels is misleading?

Scholars often argue that the distinction between comics and graphic novels is misleading because it is based on spurious criteria rather than genuine differences in substance, form, or quality.12

The term "graphic novel" is frequently criticized as a marketing label designed to distance works from the perceived juvenile or subliterate associations of "comics". Because comics encompass a vast array of genres, styles, and age-appropriate themes, the attempt to categorize them by format—such as hardback versus periodical—fails to capture the medium's true diversity. Furthermore, many works labeled as graphic novels are simply repackaged collections of previously serialized comics.132

This perceived need for a separate term is largely rooted in American and British cultural prejudices. In regions like Japan and parts of Europe, such as France, comics are widely accepted as a sophisticated art form for all ages, rendering the distinction unnecessary. Ultimately, many scholars view the term "graphic novel" as a way to enforce an artificial hierarchy that denigrates the medium of comics rather than elevating it.12