Adult comic books are aimed at a more mature audience, so they can explore darker aspects of human nature. Take 'Maus' for example, it deals with the horrors of the Holocaust in a very raw way. In children's comics, such heavy and disturbing topics are avoided. Moreover, adult graphic novels may have more complex narrative structures, while children's comics usually have a more straightforward plot to keep it easy for kids to follow.
Disney adult stories often focus on deeper themes. For example, in 'The Lion King', for children it's mainly about the adventure of Simba. But for adults, it can be about the cycle of life, death, and taking responsibility.
Graphic novels are usually longer and more complex than comic books. They often have a more developed story and characters.
The main difference is in the language. The children's versions use simpler words and shorter sentences. For example, the original 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen has complex language with many archaic words, but the children's version will use modern and easier words.
Graphic comic novels use visual elements. While traditional novels rely solely on text to convey the story, graphic comic novels have panels and illustrations. For example, in a graphic novel like 'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns', the dark and moody illustrations add to the overall atmosphere in a way that text alone couldn't in a traditional novel.
Standalone graphic novels are complete stories in one volume. Serialized graphic novels, on the other hand, are released in parts over time. For example, a standalone like 'Persepolis' has a beginning, middle, and end all within one book. A serialized graphic novel might have cliffhangers at the end of each issue, like some superhero comics. Standalone graphic novels often have a more self - contained narrative structure, while serialized ones can be more episodic.
Well, in terms of art, nonwestern graphic novels can be very different. In many African graphic novels, the art is inspired by local art forms like tribal masks and sculptures. The colors used may be more earthy and represent the natural environment. Meanwhile, western graphic novels tend to have a more commercialized look in some cases. Also, the cultural values depicted in nonwestern graphic novels are often distinct. For example, in Middle Eastern graphic novels, there may be a strong emphasis on religious and moral values, which may be presented in a different way compared to how western graphic novels handle similar themes.
The main difference lies in the target audience and the content. Young adult fiction is aimed at teenagers who are starting to form their own opinions and understand the world in a more nuanced way. So, books like 'The Maze Runner' series by James Dashner often have elements of survival, mystery and a bit of romance. Children's literature, such as 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak, is designed for younger children. It uses more vivid illustrations and basic language to tell a story, usually with a very clear good - vs - - bad message.
The reading experience of a graphic novel is more like reading a book. You can sit down and read it from start to finish without interruption. Comic books, being part of a series, sometimes leave you hanging at the end of an issue, waiting for the next one. So, it's a more fragmented reading experience.
Modern comic books are way more diverse in terms of themes and styles. Traditional ones often stuck to classic superhero stories.
Foreign comic books often have different art styles and storytelling techniques. They might focus on diverse themes and cultural elements that are unique to their origin.