Graphic novels represent an evolution of the traditional comic book format, distinguishing themselves by combining intricate graphic art with more elaborate and extended narrative structures. Although the term "graphic novel" is frequently used, its definition is somewhat elusive due to its broad application. Yet, within this expansive category, two primary types stand out. The first is the original graphic novel (OGN), characterized by its lengthy and ambitious content, typically presented in a single volume. The second type includes works made up of previously released materials, such as limited series or story arcs from ongoing series.

Interestingly, the term "graphic novel" is primarily associated with American publications. In contrast, similar formats are referred to as "albums" in Europe and "tankobons" in Japan, reflecting different cultural interpretations of the medium. The phrase "graphic novel" was first popularized by the iconic comic artist Will Eisner (1917-2005). Eisner used it to describe his own influential work, A Contract with God, and Other Tenement Stories, published in 1978. However, debates persist about which book truly deserves the title of the first graphic novel, as several earlier publications vie for this acknowledgment.

By the mid-1980s, graphic novels had secured a significant foothold in the publishing industry. They became a staple for major trade publishers, with a steady stream of both original and collected works released each month. The genre has been particularly fertile ground for crime stories, mystery, and detective fiction, genres that have long been popular in traditional comic books and continue to captivate audiences in the graphic novel format.