I think, perhaps, the term that some posters here are missing is Graphic Novel.
They are generally not your fathers (or your own younger day) comics.
"A
graphic novel is a type of
comic book, usually with a lengthy and complex storyline similar to those of
novels, and often aimed at mature audiences. The term also encompasses comic
short story anthologies, and in some cases bound collections of previously published comic book series (more commonly referred to as
trade paperbacks).
Graphic novels are typically
bound in longer and more durable formats than familiar comic
magazines, using the same materials and methods as printed books, and are generally sold in
bookstores and specialty comic book shops rather than at newsstands.".....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_novel
http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/spotlight/sp200601/