what's the difference between a graphic and a visual novel? When I was a kid in the 80s they were all called comic books
And sneered at by adults and regarded as trash (except maybe Asterix because one learned history and Latin there).
Visual novel example of Umineko:
(just flip through it for a few seconds to get the idea, better to show than to describe in detail).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaIXt4qVJWU&list=PLdyU6Nd-103adhYebWb_yha3RNuadQ0Om&index=3VN's are either PC programs or sometimes on game consoles. But if they have any game elements at all, it's going to be just a branching storyline based on dialogue choices (like the Choose Your Own Adventure books).
The first VN, interestingly, was made back in 1982 and was based on the book
Lolita.
And sneered at by adults and regarded as trash (except maybe Asterix because one learned history and Latin there).
Given my general impression of American graphic novels, I might tend to agree... but surely I'd find at least a few to like if I consciously started looking.
Problem is, I've never gotten a good impression of American comics in general. No, I'm not excited about the rehash of same superhero movies based on the same stories again and again... absolutely no creativity.
That's why I mainly stick to the Japanese side of things. I'd rather see a story about kids that are raised peacefully in what they think is an "orphanage" but is actually a human farm, where they are sold to and eaten by monsters when they turn a certain age. Interesting plots like that, not just superheroes until my eyes bleed.

Trying not to get ranty, just something I've felt more strongly about over time.
