Understanding Comics

Panel (definition)

• A portion of the comic that does not contain frames

• An image that extends to and/or beyond the edge of the gutters and/or page

• Boxes containing text elements such as setting, description etc

• A distinct segment of the comic, containing images and text

Frame

• The borders that surround the panels

• The blank space between panels

• An image that extends to and/or beyond the edge of the gutters and/or page

• Boxes containing text elements such as setting, description etc

• Internal dialogue that occurs within a specific character's head

gutter

• The borders that surround the panels

• The story that occurs within the text

• The space existing between each frame. Forces the reader to 'read between the lines'.

• Use of colour or shading to highlight one segment within a panel

• The part of a work depicted as nearest to the viewer

bleed

• The borders that surround the panels

• Where the story within the text takes place

• The part of the image somewhere between the foreground and background

• When the artist draws on himself during the creative process

• An image that extends to and/or beyond the edge of the gutters and/or page

captions

• Boxes containing text elements such as setting, description etc

• A commander of a ship in the navy

• A distinct segment of the comic, containing images and text

• the story that occurs within the text

• The process of filling in the missing details of what is viewed as we move from panel to panel in a comic strip

speech bubble

• Lettering that draws attention to text; used to highlight onomatopoeia and impact words (pow, miaow)

• Dialogue that comes from a specific character's mouth

• the main 'good' character within the text

• where the story within the text takes place

• When a character's words are ignored by other characters

thought bubble

• Dialogue that comes from a specific character's mouth

• the main character within the text, usually acting in opposition to the protagonist

• When one character can hear what another character is thinking. Often used in speculative fiction.

• Use of colour or shading to highlight one segment within a panel

• Internal dialogue that occurs within a specific character's head

special effects lettering

• Lines that represent characters or objects in motion

• Use of colour or shading to highlight one segment within a panel

• Lettering that draws attention to text; used to highlight onomatopoeia and impact words (pow, miaow)

• The written code within a comic book or graphic novel

plot

• Where all the action takes place

• To move from panel to panel as you read

• A representation of a person or thing that is exaggerated or distorted for comic effect

• The story that occurs within the text

• Choice and use of colors by an artist

character - protagonist

• The main, usually 'heroic' character within the text

• The main character within the text, usually acting in opposition to the hero

• The first character to die in the text

• A representation of a person or thing that is exaggerated or distorted for comic effect