Graphic Novels

I enjoy reading graphic novels and comics/comic strips; I think students should be taught to read them critically, just as they would a boring ol' book with no pictures -- why this layout, these colors? what does the facial expression or font style tell you about the characters?  Reluctant writers can create comic panels as a way of learning and practicing the elements of fiction and non-fiction writing.  Can you tell me a story using these images and/or can you tell me the story without the images?