Introduction to Graphic Novels
Terms & Concepts
Layout
Panel: a distinct segment of the comic
Frame: the lines and borders around the panels
Gutter: space between framed panels
Bleed: image extends beyond edge of the page
Foreground: panel closest to viewer
(Figure here is most important)
Midground: centers the image- natural resting place for vision (figure here is important)
Background: additional information for the reader (figure here is important to the backstory)
Graphic Weight: the way images draw the eye
Figures
Faces: can be drawn to depict an actual person or represent an idea or group of people
Hands & Feet: position of these can be used to express what is going on in the story
Image Credit: Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis. New York, NY: Pantheon, 2003. Print.
Text
Captions: contain a variety of text elements
Speech Balloons: enclose dialogue and come from a specific speaker's mouth
Special- Effects Lettering: draws attention to the text
Image Credit: Yang, Gene Luen., and Lark Pien. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006. Print.
Image Credit: Yang, Gene Luen., and Lark Pien. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006. Print.
Image Credit: Yang, Gene Luen., and Lark Pien. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006. Print.