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The problem with graphic novels --- and yes, I know there are notable exceptions, but those only prove the general rule true --- is that ...
1. The so-called "literary" or high-brow graphic novels tend to have high concept stories, a strong theme, decent writing, and absolutely godawful art. Look at some of the examples ladyvibrant posted above. They are only a small fraction of what you'll find on the shelves.
2. The graphic novels and comics with the truly beautiful art is mostly found in super hero comics, the major of which are shallow, puerile, preachy, and badly written.
It's a very rare graphic novel that manages to have both great art and great writing.
MAUS and PERSEPOLIS are truly great and moving stories, but I don't think anyone is every going to label the art as beautiful or inspiring. It's functional. The art does its job, but not much more.
For graphic novels that manage to pull off both a great story and great art, I'd recommend:
PRIDE OF BAGHDAD, written by Brian K. Vaughn and illustrated by Niko Henrichon.
DAYTRIPPER, written and illustrated by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá.
You also can't go wrong by anything from Will Eisner, who is rightly considered the Mozart of graphic novels.
The only graphic novel I have read is "My Friend Dahmer" by Derf Backderf because I wanted to know another pov from somebody who some what knew him.
Yeah, this was a good, candid graphic novel.. I say 'candid', because I thought the author depicted himself pretty honestly.
Him and his friends basically (callously) exploited and ridiculed Dahmer, not fully realizing how troubled Dahmer was becoming.. it's a unique (first hand) document on the formative years of an infamous killer.
I'm currently reading an old '8os issue of Weirdo, that was largely illustrated and produced by Mrs & Mr Crumb.
It's more magazine, than full length graphic novel. But it contains similar art styles and this issue has some early Peter Bagge work..
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