Are Graphic Novels Real Novels? Exploring Ice Cream, Genre, and more...

Recently the topic came up in my college novel writing class, as to whether or not graphic novels are legit novels. I thought this was an interesting question, so here's my two cents...

A classmate wrote, "I am not a fan of graphic novels. I love illustrations, but I think they should be limited to the first page of a chapter. Do you think the artwork in a graphic novel tells more of the story than the actual writing? Do you think a graphic novel could be converted into an actual novel, or do you think the pictures are the only things holding the book together? (I hesitate to use the phrase 'actual novel' because it means a graphic novel is not an actual novel, but you get the gist.)"

My response:
To answer your question, I think novels are like ice cream. Some people like vanilla, others like chocolate. If you're a vanilla lover, that doesn't stop other people from eating chocolate ice cream. The same could be said about genre. Many people who like Romance, can't stand Scifi, Fantasy, or Horror (and vice versa). Nevertheless, each of these genre giants have huge followings and are commercially successful. My point is, one man's trash is another man's treasure. As long as people are still buying and reading graphic novels, they will continue to be around. 

As for the question, "Do you think the artwork in a graphic novel tells more of the story than the actual writing," everyone knows the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words. So yes, in that regard, I think there's a good point. The pictures do a great deal of the storytelling in graphic novels.

Can graphic novels be converted to an actual novel? 

I think the answer is a resounding yes. Although we see most graphic novels translated into screenplays for movies and TV, it is possible for them to be translated into novels. Generally speaking however, most of the time novels are adapted into graphic novels. 

Batman vs Superman was a film adaptation of a graphic novel.

What is the purpose of a novel?

The other point to consider is that, at it's core, a novel is about telling a story. The purpose isn't to make people read words, but rather to immerse the audience in a fictional world. This allows them to see through the eyes of the characters, and in someway, learn lessons from the different points of view. In that respect, I don't think it matters whether or not a book has 1000 pictures or none. If the story is told, and the reader engages, then the author did their job.

What do you think? Do graphic novels truly deserve the title novel? If not, why? If so, what is your favorite graphic novel?

It's finally here!!! About Face: 3 Badass Tips for an Awesome Military Transition

It's been over a decade since I decided I wanted to write, and today I'm proud to announce that my first book, About Face is available on the Kindle. 

Illustration by Samantha Peterson

That's right! 

I am FINALLY a self-published author. This is one step toward my ultimate goal of becoming the greatest story-teller of all time (and then taking over the world ***strokes beard*** Muhuhahahaha). 

But that's a topic for another blog post... 

When it comes to military transitions books, veterans are given a firehose of instructions. How to dress, how to write a resume, how to give an interview, blah, blah,blah… This information overload, can overwhelm military members to the point of inaction. About Face provides quick tips that cut through the BS, so you can take action immediately. Once you’ve finished reading these badass tips, you’ll be able to identify common pitfalls that most military members make, and change your course before it’s too late. Not only that, but you’ll be able to navigate the unknown jungles of the corporate sector with confidence and ease. 

In the end, you’ll regain control of your career and get the job you deserve. 

Whether you’re active duty planning to get out, a veteran who’s already transitioned, or a supervisor who wishes to assist your troops, About Face will give you the tools you need to make the right decisions. Furthermore, family members will benefit from this book by identifying what is expected out of their military spouse, and assisting them with this major life event. 

So go ahead and give it a shot. 

It’s only 25-ish pages long (an hour’s investment of reading time) and will save you years of anguish down the road. 

Below is an excerpt from About Face. ENJOY....

STATEMENT: Batman, (AKA Bruce Wayne) is the most badass superhero in all comicdom. (<-- That’s a period, indicating the end of the conversation)

More badass than Flash or Wonder Woman. And yes, even more badass than Superman (that’s right, I said it).

Why?

Because unlike Supes, or Flash, or the rest of the Justice League, his badassery comes from within. He’s just a regular guy like you and I. He has no superpowers. He can’t fly, or shoot frick’n laser-beams from his eyes. Instead Batman relies on his intellect and badass bat-gadgets to get the job done. He uses an impressive bat-bag of bat-tricks (baterangs, batmobiles, batbelts, and bat-etc..) to protect Gotham from the machinations of criminals, like the Joker.

Batman has different tools for different situations. Each of them tailored to the specific needs of the problem.

The same holds true for your new career.

TAP Class is just one tool in the toolbox. Like the Batsuit, you’ll use it in almost every encounter. But there will be times where you’ll need different, more advanced tools to face the challenges that are certainly lurking in the alleyways of your future. Of course there are several books out there (like this one), and YouTube has a shit-ton of informative videos (like my YouTube Channel) to help veterans with their transition.

The following are a few suggestions on how to increase your badassery:   

1. Read Books: There are a ton out there. From interview tips, to social media management, and negotiating salary, there are a ton of books out there  to help you out. I try to read one a month. This keeps me fresh and up-to-date with emerging strategies, technologies, and trends.
2. Youtube: If you’re not much of a reader, then there’s always videos. According to YouTube’s statistics page, YouTube has over 6 billion hours of video. Believe it or not, 100 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute! The great thing about Youtube and similar repositories is that they’re updated daily with new, groundbreaking information. The other added benefit is that you can search for very specific answers to very specific questions. 
3. VA Online Resources: Although they’re not always the most user-friendly, or up-to-date, sometimes you can find some real gems buried away in this material. Check out the “Resources” section at the end of this book for a few of these helpful links.

If you'd like to read the rest of the book, please click on this link which will take you to the Amazon page.

Till next time, may the Force be with you...

-Josh

Superhero Birthday Challenge

Today is my birthday. 

Yaaaay....

And this year to celebrate, I wanted to do something a little different. I'd like to challenge everyone to do one simple quick act of kindness. 

Checkz outz the video belowz for details.

As promised, the following (below) are just a few ideas to get you started. This is by no means an all inclusive list. Just something to get the brain juices flowing. And of course if you come up with a better idea, then by all means--do that.  

• Call/text and old friend/family member and tell them you were thinking about them
• Buy some food and give it to a homeless person 
• Spend some time with your kids (playing with legos/transformers/barbies is acceptable)
• If you're at a restaurant buy someone a meal/coffee
• Order a gift card/flowers for someone online
• Take someone out for breakfast (don't forget pancakes!)
• Hold the door for someone else
• Leave a big tip for your waiter/waitress
• Make someone a meal/cookies/brownies/cheesecake
• Bring in doughnuts to your office--just because
• Pick up some litter 
• Donate clothes/gently used items to goodwill
• Give random compliments throughout the day
• If you've been in a disagreement lately, tell the person it's water under the bridge
• Tell a teacher/firefighter/military member/police officer how much you appreciate their service
• Donate to a fundraiser/charity of your choice
• Give someone a high five