Graphic Novel terms and concepts

Front

What is the gutter?

Back

The space between the panels.

Front

What do motion lines indicate?

Back

They show that there is action in the scene.

Front

What is a caption in a graphic novel?

Back

Text that speaks directly to the reader and often appears under the comic panel.

Front

What do words like Bang, Pow, and Wham represent?

Back

They are sound effects.

Front

What are the spaces between panels called?

Back

Gutters.

Front

What is a panel in a graphic novel?

Back

A distinct segment of the comic that contains images and text.

Front

What is a speech bubble?

Back

A graphic element that contains dialogue spoken by characters.

Front

What is a thought bubble?

Back

A graphic element that represents a character's thoughts.

Front

What does the term 'bleed' refer to in graphic novels?

Back

When an image extends beyond the edge of the page.

Front

What is the purpose of a splash page?

Back

To create a dramatic effect by using a full page for a single image.