Here, by Richard McGuire, is considered to be a transformative text in the graphic novel genre. Definitions of the graphic novel genre vary widely. It has its origins in the comics genre, but graphic novels are distinct from comics in their long-form storytelling and, often, in their deeper characterization and interest in complex, literary themes. The term “graphic novel” was first used in 1964 by the comics historian Richard Kyle, writing in the fanzine Capa-Alpha, but the graphic novel did not achieve widespread public awareness until the late 1980s, with the publication of Art Spiegelman’s Maus (1986) and David Gibbons and Alan Moore’s Watchmen (1987), both of which have been widely taught in high school and university literature courses. The primary differences between a comic and a graphic novel are the length, formatting, publication, and perceived subject matter. For many, graphic novels must include more serious adult themes that carry a message over a longer narrative. In fact, length and public perception are major factors in distinguishing graphic novels from comics. Even though graphic novels are considered more literary, they do share many aspects with comics. Both use the visual medium to tell a story and often use panels to frame moments of the stories.