Elements of the Graphic Novel

how the panels are arranged on a page

• layout

• panel

• frame

• gutter

Contains a picture that puts forth an idea. Should be a complete thought

• layout

• panel

• frame

• gutter

The lines and borders that contain the panels. They separate different panels.

• layout

• panel

• frame

• gutter

The space between framed panels. This is where time passes.

• layout

• panel

• frame

• gutter

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

• frame

• gutter

• bleed

• splash page

One panel that takes up the entire page.

• splash page

• bleed

• gutter

• frame

Boxes containing a variety of text elements, including scene setting, description, and passage of time.

• speech balloons

• captions

• thought balloons

• sound effects (onomatopoeia)

Oval or circular shapes that enclose dialogue with an arrow indicating which character is speaking.

• captions

• speech balloons

• sound effects (onomatopoeia)

• thought balloons

These are words that imitate thes ound they make and are usually represented in stylistic font.

• sound effects (onomatopoeia)

• thought balloons

• speech balloons

• captions

Show the thoughts (internal dialogue) of a character. It is usually cloud-shaped and connected to the character.

• sound effects (onomatopoeia)

• thought balloons

• speech balloons

• captions