"When I put together a graphic novel, I don't think about literary prose. I think about storytelling"

In this quote, Ted Rall highlights the difference in between traditional literary prose and the visual narrative medium of graphic novels. By specifying, "I don't think of literary prose", Rall recommends that the conventions and standard concerns of prose writing-- such as fancy descriptions, internal monologue, and the precise use of language-- are not his primary focus when producing a graphic book. Rather, his attention lies on "storytelling", which suggests a wider, more holistic approach to narrative production where visuals and dialogue play a vital role.

Graphic novels, as a medium, are distinct in that they blend art and text to convey stories in ways that are not possible with words alone. The juxtaposition of images with concise text enables an immediate and often visceral type of storytelling. This can enable creators to communicate complicated ideas and feelings with a single illustration or a series of panels, something that may take pages of text to explain in a standard novel.

Rall's emphasis on storytelling rather than prose highlights the visual-centric nature of his work. This method prioritizes the smooth integration of art and story, where the visual aspects are not just illustrative, but essential to the story itself. Through strategic use of images, layout, and pacing, graphic books can direct the reader's emotions, supply context, and convey tone in a manner that stands out from literary prose.

Additionally, this focus on storytelling over prose recommends a democratization of narrative methods, acknowledging that stories can be informed effectively outside the confines of standard literary approaches. Rall's viewpoint suggests an appreciation for the interactivity and engagement that graphic books can promote, allowing readers to piece together story components both visually and textually to form a cohesive understanding. This fusion of visual and textual storytelling reflects the distinct collective artistry intrinsic to the graphic novel medium.