Let’s dive into the dynamic world of graphic storytelling, where art and stories are combined to create compelling experiences.

The words “comics” and “cartoons,” though often used interchangeably, have distinct meanings. In essence, comics are typically books or magazines that use a specific visual format. They feature comic art arranged in a sequence of panels. Popular examples include iconic comics featuring characters like Spider-Man and Batman. In short, comics are publications that blend visuals and text to tell stories.

Meanwhile, cartoons are a style of drawing that can be funny, serious, or even thought-provoking. They typically come in two forms:

In the past, many viewed comics and cartoons as just light entertainment with unrealistic visuals. However, educators are increasingly recognizing their potential as powerful learning tools. That’s because complex topics in history, science, math, and more can be conveyed through vivid illustrations and engaging stories!

Graphic novels are similar to comics but feature longer narratives, detailed artwork, and complex themes that provide a richer storytelling experience. Let’s compare a part of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in its traditional novel format and its graphic novel adaptation. You’ll clearly see how the two styles tell the same story differently.

Then, one dark night in November, I came to the end of all my work. The rain fell against the window. I put together all my instruments, so I could give life to the thing on my table. Then I saw the creature’s yellow eyes open. It breathed hard, and its arms and legs shook.

How can I describe this thing I had worked so hard to make? He was very tall. I had chosen his face as beautiful. Beautiful? How wrong could I have been? His hair was black and shiny. His teeth were white and perfect. But these things made the rest of him seem even more horrible. This was what I had worked on for almost two years. I had worked for a beautiful dream of creating life. But in that moment, all beauty was gone. I was filled with horror. I ran from the workshop to my bedroom.

I fell down on the bed and went to sleep. I dreamed I saw Elizabeth. She was young, healthy, and beautiful. But when I took her in my arms to kiss her, she changed. Her face looked dead. Then, for a moment, I thought I held the dead body of my mother in my arms.

I woke up with a start. Then I saw IT ― the thing I had created. His yellow eyes looked straight at me. From his mouth came an awful sound. He reached toward me.

I ran outside. I spent the rest of the night in the yard, walking back and forth. When morning came, I began walking through town. I had no idea where I was going. I knew I couldn’t go back to my house, where the creature was waiting.

Originating in Korea in the early 2000s, the term “webtoon” combines “web” and “cartoon,” referring to digital comics. With the growing popularity of the Internet and the decline of traditional media, webtoons were designed to fit digital platforms and attract new audiences.

The success of webtoons stems from several key factors. Their vertical scrolling layout, perfectly suited for smartphones and tablets, creates a smooth and enjoyable reading experience. Readers can enjoy webtoons anytime and anywhere. Additionally, webtoons incorporate interactive features like explanatory sections and fan communities, fostering a strong bond between creators and readers.

Recently, the impact of Korean webtoons has grown far beyond digital comics, sparking a wave of cross-media collaborations that have brought them into mainstream entertainment.

Graphic storytelling is an umbrella term for various formats that combine visuals and words to tell stories. As we’ve seen, it’s a powerful way to blend images and text to create engaging and meaningful narratives.

To wrap things up, here’s a quick overview of the main types of graphic storytelling to help you understand them better: