When I browse the library shelves, I admit I don’t normally venture into the graphic novel section. I’ve read a few “pure” graphic novels, but basically I’m a read-the-words-and-make-my-own-picture kind of reader.

But graphic novels continue to be on the rise. So I decided to review one.

To make it more meaningful, I chose the Twilight volumes – I’ve already read the book. How do the graphic novels differ?

Twilight: The Graphic Novel is told over two volumes, based on the work of Stephanie Meyer, art and adaptation by Young Kim. (I couldn’t find a website to link to that I was certain was the correct Young Kim – so if anyone knows it, please tell me.)

First impressions?

Graphic novels are heavy! First thought when I picked it up. The paper is thicker than the novel, as it needs to be I suppose. It gives you this super quality feel, I was already open to loving the reading experience.

The next thought I had was, what awesome covers. I love how the two link together. Aren’t they delicious?

So, how did my reader experience compare?

The graphic novel zipped past much faster than the written novel had. The illustrations were amazing – the skill required to convey emotion was obvious. With kids, it’s so important that they learn how to read emotions through facial expression, and be able to explain how they and others might be feeling. Reading graphic novels would give fab practice.

So much of it is dialogue, it’s like watching a play on paper.

Personally, I felt it went too fast. Bella’s love for Edward is pretty insta anyway, but in the graphic novel it was light-speed-insta. I like existing in the character’s head and figuring out where they’re going and how they tick. Call me old-fashioned!

Oh, and I like how I imagined the characters in my head when I first read the novel. Kim’s renderings were beautiful, but they weren’t mine. It made it hard for me to bond with the story. If I hadn’t read the novel first, I wouldn’t have encountered this issue.

On the flip side, I loved seeing the setting illustrated. It was more vivid than my brain had ever managed.

My verdict?

If given the choice, I’ll stick to reading written novels rather than graphic novels. But if there’s a graphic novel out there that isn’t an adaptation, I’m now more ready to pick it up.

I could grow to love this format!