Features of a Graphic Novel

Definition of Graphic Novel  Combines elements of narrative, speech, illustrations and images  Longer than a comic book  Higher quality than a comic book  Bound as real book rather than staples as with comic

Panels  A panel is a box containing pictures, showing what is happening in the story  Represents a moment in time; a single action  Panels are arranged left to right, top to bottom

Panel positions  Full page panels are used for effect – artist can show greater detail of a scene, can be used for emphasis (can even be a two page panel)  Overlapping panels – depict almost simultaneous events in the storyline  Floating panels – smaller panels placed over larger panels; usually conveys events happening simultaneously over the same time period in two different locations

Gutter  The space between panels

Splash page  Opening page of a graphic novel; contains title, subtitles, and credits for writers and artists

Word Balloon  Oval in shape; contains dialogue of characters, speech balloon often has squiggly shape attached pointing to the speaker

Thought Bubble  Silent thoughts of characters contained in these fluffy clouds with scalloped edges, bubbles lead to thinker

Letters and Documents  Used to move the story along – as the character reads the information, so do we

Caption Box  Rectangular box at top or bottom of panel – is a narrative aid that helps reader to understand setting shifts and transition between panels

Bug’s Eye View  Depicts panel from the ground up (looming)

Top of Hat View  Shows scene from above (looking down)

Lighting  Plays a crucial role in creating mood and feeling within the panel  Darkness = mysterious, foreboding  Brightness = happy, positive

Sound  Shown through words (onomatopoeia) and how they are drawn (vibrating word shows alarm clock)

Text Features  Bold: boldness or strength  Italics: projects intensity of conversation  Smaller print size: conveys a whisper  Different fonts: dialects and different languages

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