Graphic Novel Breakdown
What are the parts of a graphic novel?
If you’re new to the world of graphic novels, there are a few terms you might not be familiar with. This week I’m answering the question;
“What are the parts of a graphic novel?”
Graphic novels and comic creation can include; panels, captions, thought bubbles, roughs, inking, sound effects, gutters, lettering … the list does go on.
Don’t be put off! These are simple enough terms that as an illustrator you would already know many of. As a reader you will have seen them, but it’s simply a matter of putting a name to them.
Below is a brilliant and simple graphic showing what you will encounter on the page when you’re looking at a comic or graphic novel. This graphic comes from the website Difference Engine. An independent comics publisher based in Singapore. They also run wonderful workshops for comic creators and creators in general.
Link: If you wish to delve further into all the bits and pieces of a graphic novel, an absolutely brilliant resource is the website Comic Devices. Here you will discover a wealth, a library, a big olde heap of terms used in comics / graphic novels.
“Curated and edited by cartoonist Reimena Yee, the library was developed to provide language for creators, readers and other colleagues in the ecosystem to speak about comics on its own terms.”
- Comic Devices Website
Read: The ‘read’ I’m suggesting today was published back in 1980. This means finding one in print might prove a little tricky. However, thanks to the Internet Archive, you can read a copy of the Lexicon of Comicana online! Written by Mort Walker and originally published by the Museum of Cartoon Art.
Intended as a satirical look at the devices used by comics artists. This funny yet practical guide became somewhat of a reference tool, after Walker researched and complied information relating to cartoons from around the world.
Next time, you can count on it, we’re talking word counts!
Until then, grab a graphic novel!
Karen
Have a question about graphic novels? Have a graphic novel you love and would like to share? Drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you.
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Pre-order Inked, a middle grade graphic novel by Karen Wasson and Jake A Minton