Do you think comic books are "real books" or "literature"?

I didn't really start reading more for fun until I was in my late teens or early 20s. Before that, I would read when I had to, like for school. My parents wanted me to read more, but at the time, it was just boring to me. Maybe because the books they got me just weren't interesting. Although, I was interested in comics and read them when I was younger and loved them.

My parents said they didn't want me reading just comics because they aren't 'real books.' I guess now I can maybe see their point of view. I mean, yeah, comics and graphic novels are books, but they may not be 'literature.'

I would compare it to films. I love superheroes and blockbuster action, but I don't think Marvel movies are real cinema, and they shouldn't be at the Oscars. Same with a lot of other spectacle movies. Are they 'movies'? Sure, but they aren't true films or cinema.

What do you think?