I think today no more existiert the "naked" version of dot matrix LCD.(the driver circuit too complicated with many IC-s and expensive) The modules contains a driver, character generator,some flash for customer definied characters, and parallel or serial interface. In the very old time i've seen a few pieces, but - just thinking about - need one EXOR-gate for each dots for driving or staircase signal generator for multiplex-mode (DC-component of drivig signal not allowed)! So this method is dead.