Elements of Graphic Novels

Graphic Novel/ Comic Terms and Concepts

Review the terms and compete in the quizizz activity

Layout

• Panel: A distinct segment of the comic, containing a combination of image and text in endless variety.

• Panels offer a different experience than simply reading text:

• The spatial arrangement allows an immediate juxtaposition of the present and the past.

• Unlike other visual media, transitions are instantaneous and direct but the exact timing of the reader’s experience is determined by focus and reading speed.

Layout (continued)

Frame: The lines and borders that contain the panels.

Gutter: The space between framed panels.

Bleed: An image that extends to and/or beyond the edge of the page.

Layout (cont.)

• Foreground: The panel closest to the viewer.

• Midground: Allows centering of image by using natural resting place for vision. The artist deliberately decides to place the image where a viewer would be most likely to look first. Placing an image off-center or near the top or bottom can be used to create visual tension but using the midground permits the artist to create a more readily accepted image.

• Background: Provides additional, subtextual information for the reader.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of a panel that bleeds?

• The blank space between panels.

• The center of a panel – how an author uses this space helps to create tone and mood.

• The border that surrounds and contains the text.

• When an image goes past the border of the page.

Multiple Select

Which is a close up?

Multiple Choice

What is the gutter?

• When an image goes past the border of the page.

• The box around the images.

• When a draft isn't used because it has errors.

• The space between the panels.

Multiple Choice

What is a frame?

• The order of elements on the page.

• The border that surrounds and contains the text.

• The heaviness/intensity of a line or block of shading for focus.

• The location of the text.

Multiple Choice

What is a panel?

• The border that surrounds and contains the text.

• When an image goes past the border of the page.

• The box or segment that contains the image and text.

• The heaviness/intensity of a line or block of shading for focus.

Figures

• Faces: Faces can be portrayed in different ways. Some depict an actual person, like a portrait; others are iconic, which means they are representative of an idea or a group of people. Other points to observe about faces include:

• They can be dramatic when placed against a detailed backdrop; a bright white face stands out.

• They can be drawn without much expression or detail; this is called an “open blank” and it invites the audience to imagine what the character is feeling without telling them. 

Figures (cont.)

• Hands/Feet: The positioning of hands and feet can be used to express what is happening in the story.

• For example, hands that are raised with palms out suggest surprise. The wringing of hands suggests obsequiousness or discomfort.

• Hands over the mouth depict fear, shame, or shyness.

• Turned in feet may denote embarrassment, while feet with motion strokes can create the sense of panic, urgency, or speed.

Text

• Captions: These are boxes containing a variety of text elements, including scenesetting, description, etc.

• Speech balloons: These enclose dialogue and come from a specific speaker’s mouth; they vary in size, shape, and layout and can alternate to depict a conversation. Types of speech balloons include those holding:

• External dialogue, which is speech between characters

• Internal dialogue, which is a thought enclosed by a balloon that has a series of dots or bubbles going up to it

Text (cont.)

Special Effects Lettering

This is a method of drawing attention to text; it often highlights onomatopoeia and reinforces the impact of words such as bang or wow.

Multiple Choice

Which is a thought bubble?

Multiple Choice

Which is a speech bubble?

Multiple Choice

What is the difference between a graphic novel and a comic?

• Graphic novels are longer (a book).

• Graphic novels are serious.

• Comics are always funny.

• Nothing, they are the same.