Literature - Graphic Novel Terminology

Graphic Novel/Comics

Sequential visual art paired with minimal text to tell a story; individual pictures become 'the art of comics' when arranged intentionally in sequence

Icon

Any image used to represent a person, place, thing, or idea

Non-Pictorial Icons

Icons whose meaning is fixed and absolute regardless of appearance (letters, numbers, symbols) because they represent invisible ideas

Pictorial Icons

Images whose meaning is fluid and variable according to appearance; they differ from real-life appearance to varying degrees

Universality Effect / Amplification Through Simplification

The simpler/more abstract an image, the more universal and widely relatable it becomes; a cartoon face is 'you,' while a realistic face is 'another'

Frame

The lines around an image; when missing, ask why and what effect that creates

Panel

Each individual framed image; offers the reader a specific point of view (P.O.V.)

Layout

How panels are organized on a page; typically read left to right, top to bottom

Gutter

The space between panels where transitions occur; the reader must mentally 'fill in' what happened between panels

Splash

A panel that spans the full width of the page; grabs attention and often establishes setting, time, place, or mood

Bleed

A panel that runs off the edge of the page; creates a sense of timelessness since time is no longer contained by the panel's boundary

Foreground

What's depicted closest to the reader; usually the main subject

Midground

Subjects depicted in the middle of the scene, in front of the background

Background

Objects furthest from the reader; usually conveys setting and contextual details

Graphic Weight

The amount of contrast in an image (e.g., black vs. white, vivid vs. muted color); used to emphasize certain icons and create comparisons

Mise en Scène

Everything that exists within a frame: placement of people/objects, color and lighting choices, background/setting, and use of space

Use of Line

Lines convey emotion and mood; bold/angular lines suggest harshness, gentle curves suggest whimsy/innocence, neurotic lines suggest betrayal or anxiety, etc.

Captions

Boxed words that give voice to the narrator

Speech Balloons

Bubbles extending from a character's mouth containing their dialogue; jagged-edged balloons indicate shouting

Emanata

Artistic symbols representing feelings, emotions, or movement (teardrops, sweat drops, exclamation marks, motion lines, etc.)