What are the differences between a graphic novel and a conventional novel? Here's the information I know through comparison between the two....

It sounds like you have a great understanding of the structural differences between graphic and traditional novels, including uses and effects of such differences for the author's purposes. Perhaps the next item of comparison should be how these two types of texts affect readers differently.

While reading a traditional novel, we experience the flow of "natural reading," meaning that our brains register whole sets of words simultaneously, rather than focusing on individual words (which can...

It sounds like you have a great understanding of the structural differences between graphic and traditional novels, including uses and effects of such differences for the author's purposes. Perhaps the next item of comparison should be how these two types of texts affect readers differently.

While reading a traditional novel, we experience the flow of "natural reading," meaning that our brains register whole sets of words simultaneously, rather than focusing on individual words (which can happen in short dialogue bubbles of graphic texts). Therefore, we cover more text in the same amount of time we would spend on a graphic novel, which generally has shorter groupings of text. As we read a traditional novel, our brain registers the word groupings using various area of the brain (touch, vision, emotion, etc.) To fully make meaning of the words, the brain then associates them with our own real-life experiences. Of course, all this happens within milliseconds as our eyes scan across the page. However, this also means that we don't take much time to consider any one idea (generally required for retention of data) unless we choose to stop and re-read or take notes.

Due to the verbal-visual blend of a graphic novel, there is generally less text to be read on each page, and the flow of reading is interrupted more often as our eyes scan to the pictures. However, studies show that this multi-modal method of reading is actually more effective for retention of data. Rather than relying only on textual evidence, our brains must also decipher visual and spacial evidence on the page. As a result, our neuron activity is increased as we read and even afterwards, as we remember the story and accompanying graphic images. For this very reason, foreign language learners not only have an easier time reading a graphic novel in the new language, but it also helps them acquire and retain the language faster. The same is true for anyone wanting to acquire new data.

One study done at Ankara College Foundation Private High School compared similar-level students’ comprehension of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Not surprisingly, the group using a graphic novel approach scored significantly higher on the posttest than did those reading the traditional play format. The days of believing that comic books are just for young children are past. We live in a multi-modal, digital world, and whether we simply want to enjoy a colorful story or acquire some new knowledge, choosing a graphic text is not only fun but an effective brain activity.