Visual Narrative (Cartoon, Comics and Graphic Novel)

Visual Narratives (Cartoons, Comics, Graphic Novels)

The overarching category for texts that tell a story or make a comment through a combination of images (often in panels) and text. (Umbrella: Core Concept)

Purpose of Visual Narratives

To entertain whilst making topical social commentary. (Umbrella: Context/Purpose)

Context of Visual Narratives

Found in online/print modes (newspapers, magazines, online blogs, social media) and often deal with current events. (Umbrella: Context/Purpose)

Panel

A single frame containing a segment of the narrative. Its size and shape can influence the pace and emphasis of the story. (Umbrella: Visual Element)

Frame

The border or outline around a panel. It separates the panel from the rest of the page. (Umbrella: Visual Element)

Gutter

The space between panels where the reader infers what happens between the frames (this is called 'closure'). (Umbrella: Visual Element)

Bleed

When an image extends all the way to the edge of the page, with no frame or margin. (Umbrella: Visual Element)

Level of Abstraction

How realistic or cartoony the art is. Realistic = detailed; Abstract = simplified or symbolic (e.g., Maus). (Umbrella: Visual Element)

Negative Space

The empty or unoccupied areas in a panel. It helps define the subject and can create mood or isolation. (Umbrella: Visual Element)

Background/Midground/Foreground

The layers of depth in a panel, used to show distance, focus, and importance. (Umbrella: Visual Element)

Emanata

Visual symbols that represent emotions, sensations, or ideas (e.g., a lightbulb for an idea, sweat drops for nervousness). (Umbrella: Visual Element)

Speech Bubble

The rounded shape containing the dialogue or thoughts of a character. (Umbrella: Textual Element)

Caption

A text box (usually at the top or bottom of a panel) that provides narration, context, or internal monologue. (Umbrella: Textual Element)

Sound Effects

Words drawn into the art (e.g., "BAM!", "WHOOSH!") that add auditory elements to the visual narrative. (Umbrella: Textual Element)

Dialogue

The spoken words of characters within speech bubbles. It reveals character and advances the plot. (Umbrella: Textual Element)

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting elements together (e.g., light-hearted dialogue with dark imagery) to create a specific effect, like unease. (Umbrella: Interaction of Text & Image)

Satire

The use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of politics. (Umbrella: Stylistic Device)

Irony

The difference between the way things are and the way they are supposed to be or are expected to be. (Umbrella: Stylistic Device)

Humour

The quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in literature or speech. (Umbrella: Stylistic Device)

Shot Types

The framing of the image in a panel (e.g., close-up, wide shot) and the angle (high angle, low angle) used to influence the reader's perspective. (Umbrella: Stylistic Device)

Closure (Panel Transition)

The mental process where the reader fills in the gap between two panels to understand the narrative flow. (Umbrella: Stylistic Device)

Pacing

The control of time and movement in a comic (e.g., using motion lines or the size/number of panels) to speed up or slow down the story. (Umbrella: Stylistic Device)

Masking

The way text and image are combined or layered (e.g., a speech bubble masking part of the artwork). (Umbrella: Stylistic Device)

Visual Analysis Framework

Questions to ask: How does colour influence mood? How does panel arrangement affect pacing? What emotions are conveyed through line work? (Umbrella: Analysis Framework)

Textual Analysis Framework

Questions to ask: What does dialogue reveal about characters? What impact do sound effects have? What do captions provide to context? (Umbrella: Analysis Framework)

Interaction Analysis Framework

Questions to ask: How do visual elements work together with textual elements to create meaning? What effect does this interaction have on the reader? (Umbrella: Analysis Framework)