What is the graphic novel? In the last few years, comics have grown up. A wealth of ambitious, innovative works is giving a cultural prestige comparable to art and literature to what has traditionally been considered a children's product. It might be said that we are actually witnessing the birth of a new art form. By means of a historical essay, Santiago García reviews the history of the comic from the 19th century to the present day, telling a story that reveals the keys to how and why cartoons are maturing into one of the new millenium's most vibrant means of expression. What is the line leading from Popeye to Maus? How did we get from Mortadelo to Arrugas? 'La novela gráfica' answers thse questions.