Parts of a Graphic Novel

Caption

Written usually in white box — not speech bubble. Think of it like voiceover. Helps with scene-setting, description, narration, etc.

Speech bubble

Rounded rectangular squares that contain dialogue and a “tail” to indicate who is speaking.

Thought bubble

Cloud-like shape that includes thoughts instead of dialogue.

Gutters

The space between the panels. It is crucial for pacing and flow in a graphic novel, influencing the reader's experience by controlling how quickly they move from one panel to the next.

Spread

An image that spans more than one page

Tier

One row of panels

Panel

A single frame or artwork in a graphic novel containing a scene or action

Composition

How the text, panels, dialogue, etc. are arranged on the page.

Sound effects

A sound represented in text; the font, coloring, and lettering of sound effects are important to conveying the sound to the reader

Motion lines

Lines used to suggest movement or speed in a panel, enhancing the action and dynamic quality of the scene.