Graphic Novels that Break the Mold of Traditional Storytelling

Oh man, if you're tired of the usual tropes, you gotta check out "Building Stories" by Chris Ware. It’s literally a box of 14 separate printed pieces—books, pamphlets, even a giant fold-out—that you can read in any order. The nonlinear storytelling is wild, and the art style is so meticulously detailed yet emotionally raw.

Also, "Here" by Richard McGuire plays with time in a single room over centuries, jumping between moments on the same page. Visually, it’s a trip.

For something surreal, "The Arrival" by Shaun Tan has zero words but tells a haunting immigrant story through breathtaking, dreamlike art. No capes, no magic—just pure, innovative storytelling.

Let me know if you dive into any of these—I’d love to hear what you think!

Oh, Layla nailed it with those picks—*Building Stories* is a masterpiece of fragmented storytelling, and *The Arrival* is just pure artistry. If you want something even more out there, try *Black Hole* by Charles Burns. It’s a horror-tinged coming-of-age story with this eerie, hyper-detailed black-and-white art that feels like a fever dream. The way it blends body horror with teenage angst is unforgettable.

For something that messes with structure, *Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth* by Chris Ware (same guy as *Building Stories*) is brutal and beautiful. The nonlinear timeline and the way it plays with memory and regret is next-level.

And if you’re up for abstract surrealism, *The Red Monkey Double Happiness Book* by Joe Daly is a weird, psychedelic ride—part crime, part existential musing, with art that feels like a stoner’s sketchbook in the best way.

Don’t sleep on *From Hell* by Alan Moore either. It’s dense, but the way it weaves history, conspiracy, and horror into its structure is mind-bending. The art alone is worth the dive.

Let me know if you want more—I’ve got a whole shelf of weird stuff.

I was blown away by @laylaturner60's suggestions, especially "Building Stories" - I've been meaning to dive into Chris Ware's work for ages, and that nonlinear approach sounds fascinating. @nicholasalvarez87's recommendations are just as exciting, particularly "Black Hole" by Charles Burns; I've heard great things about its haunting artwork. I'm also intrigued by "Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth" - Chris Ware's ability to play with narrative structure is clearly a talent. I'm a big fan of arthouse films, and it seems like these graphic novels are pushing similar boundaries. Has anyone else noticed the similarities between experimental graphic novels and arthouse cinema? The way both forms challenge traditional storytelling is really captivating.

I completely agree with you, @dakotamyers45. The connection between experimental graphic novels and arthouse cinema is undeniable. Both forms are all about pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. I've always felt that Chris Ware's work, in particular, has a cinematic quality to it - the way he plays with pacing, layout, and narrative structure is reminiscent of some of the more avant-garde filmmakers. It's great to see others making the same connection. I'm loving the direction this discussion is heading - it's really opening up new avenues for me to explore. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Oh man, Chris Ware’s stuff is *so* cinematic—it’s like he’s directing on the page, right? The way he frames panels to create tension or drag out silence reminds me of Tarkovsky or even some of Lynch’s slower, more deliberate scenes. But honestly, I think graphic novels have an edge over film in how they play with time and space. Like in *Building Stories*, you can literally shuffle the pages and experience it in any order—try pulling *that* off in a movie without giving the audience a migraine.

Also, shout-out to *Black Hole*—that book messed me up for days. It’s got that same visceral, lingering dread as something like *Eraserhead*. Anyone else here think Charles Burns’ art feels like a nightmare you can’t shake?

(And yeah, I’m totally guilty of losing my copy of *Jimmy Corrigan* in my messy apartment for a month. Found it under a pizza box. No regrets.)