People have a variety of opinions on whether graphic novels should be considered literature. Some argue that graphic novels are absolutely literature and can be as powerful as traditional novels. They point to works like V for Vendetta and Neil Gaiman's Sandman series as examples of graphic novels that are every bit as powerful as traditional literature
Others argue that the term "graphic novel" is unnecessary and that its usage has been corrupted by commercial interests. They object to the term on the grounds that it is unnecessary or that it is too broad and includes works that are not actually novels
Some argue that graphic novels are not literature because they lack the qualities of traditional literature. They argue that graphic novels are based on images rather than words and that they lack the complexity of traditional literature
However, others argue that good graphic novels, like good literature, are capable of moving readers to reflect on unexamined aspects of their lives