A study on the theme of migration in the graphic novel: Shaun Tan's the Arrival and the visual representation of migration

Throughout history, humanity has used art as a means of expression to convey emotions and communicate significant experiences to future generations. Sequential narrative, a form within visual arts, forms the foundation of contemporary graphic novels and comics. This narrative technique presents events within an aesthetic structure while leaving interpretative gaps that invite the reader to become an active participant in the story. Especially in moments of social and individual rupture such as war, migration, and alienation, this form enhances the viewer's capacity for empathy. In this thesis, Shaun Tan's The Arrival-a graphic novel rich in visual signs and possessing a universal language-is analyzed through a semiotic approach. The artistic representation of the migration experience is examined through symbolic images, characters, settings, and narrative structures. Within this context, the central research question is: "What narrative power does the graphic novel possess in representing social phenomena such as migration and war?" The findings reveal that graphic novels are not merely aesthetic storytelling tools; they also function as powerful artistic forms that visually document collective memory and establish an emotional connection with the audience. This study aims to bridge the disciplines of art and sociology by contributing to academic interest in the field of graphic novels and laying the groundwork for further research in this area. Keywords: graphic novel, migration, war, semiotics, collective memory