Reading a graphic novel offers a different kind of engagement. The pictures act as a guide and a supplement to the text. It can be a quicker read in some ways because you can get the gist from the visuals. A novel, however, demands more concentration. You need to really dig into the text, interpret the metaphors and descriptions. The experience of a graphic novel can be more immediate, while a novel often provides a deeper, more cerebral experience as you piece together the story from the written words alone.
The reading experience of a graphic novel is more visual - heavy. You look at the pictures as you read the text. For a novel, it's all about the words and your imagination creating the scenes.
When reading a graphic novel, the visual elements enhance the story. It's like watching a movie in your head with the added bonus of text. In a novel, the reading experience is more about getting lost in the written language. You have to focus more on the descriptions and the flow of the words to build the story in your mind. The pacing also feels different. In a graphic novel, it can be faster as the pictures can quickly convey emotions or actions. In a novel, the pacing is more controlled by the author's writing style and the amount of description given.