Graphic Novel or Novel First?

When I read Coraline, the graphic novel version, I couldn't help but sense that something was missing. Was it me or was it that the pictures provide an idea of what's happening but not alot of insight into the characters. Maybe you need more words for that. This book defintely peaked my curiosity about the novel. I felt it to be creepy and spine chilling at times. Can't wait to see the movie too.