The average number of actual words in comic books and graphic novels can vary depending on a number of factors. First and foremost, the length of the story being told will greatly impact the word count. Some graphic novels are one-shots, meaning they tell a complete story in a single issue, while others are part of a larger series or run. Additionally, the style of writing will impact the amount of words used. Some comics utilize more dialogue-heavy writing, while others rely more on visual storytelling.
With all of that being said, the average number of actual words in a comic book or graphic novel can range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand per issue. On the lower end of the spectrum, books aimed at younger audiences, such as those from DC's "DC Zoom" or Marvel's "Marvel Superhero Adventures" imprints, may have fewer words per page. This is because the target audience is still developing their reading skills and may have trouble with more complex text.
On the higher end of the spectrum, graphic novels aimed at adults, such as "Watchmen" or "Sandman", may have more words per page. These works often deal with more mature themes and use dialogue and narration to explore complex ideas.
Of course, it's important to note that word count isn't necessarily indicative of quality. A well-crafted story can be told in just a few pages, while a poorly written work can drag on for dozens of issues. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the story is engaging and well-told, regardless of the number of words used.
