Another one is 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. It is an autobiographical graphic novel that chronicles the author's life during and after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. The simple black - and - white art style combined with the deeply personal and political story makes it an atypical and important graphic novel.
'The Sandman' by Neil Gaiman is also highly regarded as an atypical graphic novel. It weaves together elements of mythology, fantasy, and horror in a complex and dream - like narrative. The art varies throughout the series but is always used to enhance the otherworldly atmosphere of the story, which is quite different from the more straightforward graphic novels.