1. HOW TO READ A GRAPHIC NOVEL A Guide

2. What is a graphic novel?  Sometimes referred to as a comic book, a graphic novel is a sequential, comic-style narrative in book form.  It is a medium, not a genre. Many different genres exist within the graphic novel realm.  Graphic novels can be analyzed for both their text and their images.

3. How do I read this?  Like any other text, graphic novels are read from left to right, top to bottom.

4. What elements do graphic novels contain?  Panels—squares or rectangles that contain a single scene.  Gutters—space between panels.  Dialogue Balloons—these contain conversations between characters.  Thought Balloons—these contain the thoughts of a single character.  Captions—these contain information about a scene or a character.  Sound Effects—these are visual sound cues (i.e. whap, pow, boom, zip)

5. Panels  Panels— squares or rectangles that contain a single scene.

6. Gutters  Space between panels.

7. Dialogue Balloons  Contain conversations between characters.

8. Dialogue Balloons  Dialogue balloons are read left to right, top to bottom.

9. Thought Balloons  Contain the thoughts of a single character.

10. Captions  Contain information about a scene or a character.

11. Sound Effects  visual sound cues (i.e. whap, pow, boom, zip)

12. More cool things…  Transitions  Graphic novels transition from panel to panel and page to page in order to: Slow time Emphasize an action sequence Utilize juxtaposition for emphasis and meaning  Perspective  Graphic novels utilize the same terms as film and photography, such as: Close-up, medium-shot, long-shot Tilt-up, tilt-down Panning and tracking

13. Make your own!  Now that you are an expert on graphic novels, make your own comic page. In comic form, tell the story of your morning routine before school.  Utilize as many graphic novel elements discussed as possible.