The attraction is that some of these graphic series reflect the problems teenagers have in adjusting to social relationships, the demands of a workplace and life in general for the younger person.

I have several graphic novels translated from the Japanese; one is a hefty life story of a young would-be artist, his struggles and the compromises that he has to make.

Graphic novels are an important part of current literature; most are serious and bear no relation to "cartoon" or comic strips and stories.
The Japanese have made a large contribution to this genre.

I have one graphic biography that details the life of a young Iranian woman, another that graphically tells the story of a New Yorker affected by the destruction of the twin towers and another that details the siege of Saravejo and its effects. All are large, serious contributions to modern literature. All have received detailed review In the sections of newspapers and magazines devoted to current writing (e. g., the NY Times Book Reviews).