Graphic Novel Terms

Codes & Conventions

the organizing grammar & structure of the visual media world, building blocks of media, unique for each medium

form & structure for graphic novels

Panels

individual pictures with image and/or text

develop different parts of the story: plot, characters, setting, theme, symbols, foreshadowing

Gutter

space between framed panels

action between panels is inferred

Frames

lines and border that frame panels, many variations

frame design can reinforce events in panels

Tiers of Panels

row of panels, reading left to right and top to bottom

Bleed

when picture bleeds to end of the page, often devoid of words

Splash

full page illustration surrounded by border

can also bleed

Spread

image spanning two or more pages, often devoid of words

Text Codes

frames and effects used on the written text

Speech Balloon

enclose print-text words within a visual boundary that divides artwork from the printed-text, varies in appearance

alternate to show conversation or merge to show the same topic

Thought Bubble

shows characters’ thoughts

Balloon Tail

point to whom the character is connected to, can show speaking inside and outside the picture

Caption Box

rectangle or square boxes that contain information about a scene or character or act as a narrator

location & time, internal monologue, spoken & editorial

Sound Effects

words that give a sense of sound and noise, usually stylized to show emphasis or properties of noise

Grawlixes

symbols that together imply obscenities, censorship/something naughty

Graphically Enhanced Text

special graphical treatment to make words stand out

often highlights onomatopoeia, impact of words, can show singing

Technical Codes

how the image is presented on the page (designed & framed)

Extreme Long Shot

images that show objects/people in a small scale - looks like we are far away

can show setting - landscape, crowd of people, environment

Medium/Mid Shot

shows characters and body language

shows movements, gestures, facial expressions, emotions

Close Up

shown in large view

usually a character’s face - emphasizes character over setting

Extreme Close Up

very large view - smaller portion of larger object

can be uncomfortable to the reader

Eye Level

characters seem at eye level - neutral perspective means mimicking how we see people in real life

Bird’s Eye View

angle that looks down on the subject

can make character seem vulnerable/weak/frightened, dramatic angle

Worm’s Eye View

angle that looks up at a subject

shows the size/significance of a character - makes them seem heroic/powerful/dangerous

Graphic Weight

describes how some images draw the eye more than others

creates contrast

Light Focal Weight

the “lightness” of an area

can enhance darker parts of the image

Heavy Focal Weight

graphic heaviness of an area that draws the reader’s eye

Color

its presence (or lack of it) can make a statement - carry various weights

heaviest to lightest visual weight: red, blue, green, orange, yellow

Bold/Brilliant Colors

draw the reader’s eye - create high impact

Symbolic Codes

non-verbal communication showing internal state of character, usually seen with caricatures - exaggerated parts of a character

Body Language and Posture

position of a character’s body or limbs, can communicate various emotions

Gestures

movements of a part of a character’s body - usually head/hands - to express meaning

Facial Expressions

movement/position of a character’s face muscles - universal

Emanata

lines/squiggles that emanate from an object/character to show states of being