The Best Graphic Novels: Reading Truly Is Better With Pictures

Ever since 2005's big screen port of Frank Miller's classic "Sin City," graphic novels have become all the rage - exploding into the mainstream and invoking a great deal of interest in these very underrated masterpieces.  Graphic novels, in short, can be though of as novel-sized comic books.  They are written as a limited series, unlike their more brief and frequently issued comic book cousins. Some graphic novels are purely black and white, while others are in color.

One of the most interesting aspects of graphic novels is that they typically stray away from the spandex-clad superhero genre, calling more attention to street life, primal danger and less fantastic situations that readers can relate to. Graphic novels usually involve plots for the thinking man - filled with deep psychological or dimensional oddities.

Thanks to all of this hype, most people who barely even knew about the existence of graphic novels are now in tune to what they're about. In fact, several movies such as V for Vendetta, From Hell, 300, Constantine and A History of Violence have been released to the big screen, while many viewers hadn't even known that they were originally graphic novels. Here, you'll be able to learn more about what the classics are, and what the buzz is about (and hopefully, you'll add them in your collection - to read again, and again, and again!)

Below are listings of what are considered by most to be the best graphic novel series of all time. Keep in mind, these authors have completed many works - most of which are notable, and worthy of your own research! I've included volume one of the books that are a multi-part series, assuming that you are unfamiliar with those particular series, and need a place to begin.

Want to create your own graphic novel? (Get taken down to the bottom of this page for some great resources!)

Of course, with every new trend, there's the spark of inspiration to be a part of it. Such is the case of creating your own graphic novel!

Writing, sketching and painting are difficult tasks - let alone, having the wit, complexity and imagination to devise your own plots, characters and somehow join them all together in a story that will interest other people. Use the following resources to help you do just that - and get started on your own graphic novel today!