Well, it could be that the 'piece by piece graphic novel' has a very immersive quality. Since it's presented piece by piece, it draws the reader in as they try to assemble the full picture in their minds. The characters in it might be developed in a piece - by - piece manner too. You start with just a few details about them and as the story progresses, more and more pieces of their personalities and backstories are revealed. And the overall theme of the graphic novel might be something that can only be fully understood when all the pieces are put together, like a puzzle.