Graphic Novel Terms

Gutter

The white space that separates panels from one another

Pointer

Indicates the words a particular character is speaking

Tier

Refers to any row of panels

Panel

A single frame or box that generally contains one sequence or segment of action

Sound effect

Words often separate from speech balloons that include sounds

Border

The edge of a particular panel

Emanata

Graphic signs used to relate information that cannot easily be perceived such as states of mind particular feelings or other non-visible phenomena

Caption

Information bubbles or boxes that are generally separate from the rest of the panel or page

Speech balloon

Indicates dialogue in a text

Iconography

Both visual & images used in a work