Graphic Novels

The first self-proclaimed graphic novels were published from 1976-1978.

Sin City, Frank Miller (2001)
The film adaptation released April 2005 was co-directed by Robert Rodriguez and Miller with 'special guest director' Quentin Tarantino. 

Reference to propaganda- images of glory and power. 

Extreme violence.
I think it is easier to accept such horror when presented in a static image as it appears less real and naturally drawings are some-what removed from reality.
Battle Royale
(April 2006)
Originally a novel by Koushun Takami, Battle Royale was then adapted into movie by Kinji Fukasaku. Following the popularity of the movie, Takami worked with artist Masayuki Taguchi to adapt it into a Manga.

Early comic books were primarily comedic- they illustrated comical shenanigans. But there has always been an adult nature to the world of comics, nit necessarily through violence or sexual nature, but in language and subject. The beauty of the comic book format is that images are universal and can be understood by all ages, even if certain layers of meaning may not be grasped by a younger reader.