How can one distinguish between a manga and a graphic novel just by looking at them?
Check for cultural cues. If there are a lot of Japanese cultural elements like references to Japanese food, traditional clothing, or Japanese - specific settings, it's probably a manga. Graphic novels will tend to have more Western cultural references. For example, if there are American cityscapes or Western - style buildings and characters with Western fashion, it's more likely a graphic novel. And of course, if it's labeled as manga or graphic novel, that makes it easy too!
Look at the art style. Manga usually has very characteristic Japanese - influenced art. Characters often have large, expressive eyes, and the line work can be very detailed yet have a certain simplicity. Graphic novels can have a much more diverse range of art styles from very realistic to highly stylized but not typically with that distinct manga look.
The direction of reading is a giveaway. If it's read from right to left, it's likely a manga. Most graphic novels are read from left to right. Also, the cover design can sometimes give it away. Manga covers often have a very specific layout and use of color and text that is different from what you might see on a graphic novel cover. They might use more Japanese characters or have a more anime - like aesthetic on the cover.
