Graphic novels welcomed by Man Booker judge

Newly appointed Booker chairman Robert Macfarlane doesn't rule out graphic novels as contenders for the top literary prize

He told The Times that: 'I don't know if we've ever had one submitted but I wouldn't see it as a problem. If one were submitted and it didn't infringe the existing rules then it would be a great discussion to have.

'[Charles] Dickens and [Wilkie] Collins ran their periodical chapters heavily illustrated when the were published in the 19th century.'

This week, the Costa Prize included two graphic novels on the shortlist. Days of the Bagnold Summer by Joff Winterhart was shortlisted in the best novel category along with Hilary Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies. Dotter of Her Father's Eyes, by Mary Talbot and Brian Talbot, is shortlisted in the biography category.

Earlier this month is was announced that Judge Dredd: The Dark Judges by John Wagner was one of the twenty titles chosen to be given away on World Book Night next year.

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