Graphic Novel Terms

Front

What is a panel?

Back

The box or segment that contains the image and text.

Front

What is a thought bubble?

Back

A graphic element that represents a character's thoughts, typically depicted as a cloud-like shape with a tail pointing to the character.

Front

What is the gutter?

Back

The space between the panels.

Front

What is graphic weight?

Back

The heaviness/intensity of a line or block of shading for focus. The darker/thicker the weight, the more important the scene or element.

Front

What is a speech bubble?

Back

A graphic element that represents spoken dialogue, typically depicted as a rounded shape with a tail pointing to the character.

Front

What is a splash page?

Back

A full-page illustration that is often used to introduce a scene or create a dramatic effect.

Front

What is a frame?

Back

The border that surrounds a panel, helping to define the space and separate it from other panels.

Front

What is a comic strip?

Back

A short series of panels that tell a story, often humorous, in a sequential format.

Front

What is a character design?

Back

The process of creating the appearance and personality of a character in a graphic novel.

Front

What is a narrative arc?

Back

The chronological construction of plot in a story, including the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.