graphic novel terms

page 1: layout

panel

distinct segment of the comic, containing a combo of image & text in endless varieties

• spatial arrangement = immediate juxtaposition of present & past

• transitions = instant & direct; exact timing of reader’s experience determined by focus & reading speed

frame

lines & borders that contain the panels (black)

gutter

space between framed panels

bleed

an image that extends to and/or beyond the edge of the page

foreground

the panel closest to the viewer

midground

centers image by using natural resting place for vision;

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/bottom = create visual tension

• midground = more readily accepted image

background

provides additional, subtextual info for the reader

graphic weight

describes the way some images draw the eye more than others; creates a definite focus using color + shading:

• light/dark shades = dark-toned or high-contrast draw the eye more

• pattern or repeated series of marks

  • colors that are more brilliant/deeper than others (contrast)