Graphic Novel Features
Structural Features
Panel: An individual frame containing a single image, sometimes with text, depicting one moment. Pages usually have multiple panels of varying shapes and sizes that contribute to the meaning.
Panels are read from right to left and top to bottom.
Frames: Borders around the panel, traditionally rectangular. Different lines, shapes, and sizes can be used for effect, such as:
Jagged or wavy lines: Convey mood.
Cloud-shaped lines: Signify a dream.
Abnormal shapes: Signify a change in time or location.
Gutters: The space between framed panels. Readers mentally link the panels, filling in the spaces to join the story together.
Shot Types Film language is used to describe framing:
Close-up Shot: Subject's head takes up most of the panel and is used to reveal emotion through facial expression.
Mid Shot: Subject is seen from the waist up, showing emotion through facial expression and body language.
Long Shot: Subject's entire body is seen, along with some of the setting, showing emotion through posture and gesture.
Narration Box: Usually a rectangular box at the top or bottom of a panel containing the narrator's dialogue, so they can speak directly to the reader.
Speech Bubbles: Usually round frames that look like bubbles with a tail leading to the speaker, contain direct speech from characters.
Scream Bubbles: Jagged or sharp edges used when a character is raising their voice. Can also be used for radio, TV, or other electronic sounds.
Thought Bubbles: Cloud-shaped edges used to show that a character is thinking or dreaming something.
Colored Bubbles: Bubbles in different colors to convey various moods or ideas.
Icicle Bubbles: Bubbles with icicles hanging from the bottom, used to depict an icy or hostile tone.
Transitions: The type of shift or change that occurs between panels:
Taking Action: A character or object progresses through an action.
Moments in Time: A small change in time between panels that are part of the same moment.
Scene Change: The panels show a change in time and/or location.
Shifts in Focus: The panels change to focus on different parts of or perspectives on the same scene.
Switching Subjects: The panels occur in the same scene but display different elements or topics.
Other: Anything that doesn't fit into the above or two panels with no logical relationship to one another.
Splash: A panel that stretches along the whole width of the page.
Bleed: When an image runs outside the frame to the edges of the page.
Stylistic Features
Lighting & Color: Used to show different moods. Bright colors and light often indicate fun and happiness, while dull colors and dim lighting may show gloom and sadness, or create tension/suspense. Colors may have specific associations (e.g., red for violence, danger, or romance).
Onomatopoeia: The formation of a word to imitate a natural sound. Used in graphic novels to represent sounds with graphic words.
Setting: The time and location depicted in the background of a panel can give information about the story or help convey mood/atmosphere. Consider the associations we have with certain places and how the setting drives the narrative.
Emanata: Teardrops, sweat drops, question marks, or motion lines that convey a character's emotions or movement.
Objects: Can be important and meaningful, used symbolically to reveal information about a character, setting, or theme. Consider connotations of different objects (e.g., a skull for death, a red rose for love/romance).
Facial Expression: Using the movement of facial features such as eyes, cheeks & mouth to communicate.
Body Language: The position in which someone holds their body. This nonverbal communication tells us about the person’s mood.
Gesture: The movement and positioning of the hands and arms to communicate or undertake action.
Gaze: Where the person is looking and who or what the person is looking at. This can draw our focus towards something.
Posture: The position in which someone holds their body. This nonverbal communication tells us about the person's mood.