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

Speech Bubble/ 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

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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