An Introduction to The Graphic Novel Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics Gabriel Ba & Fabio Moon’s Daytripper

What is a Graphic Novel? “Expensive Comic Book” – Alan Moore

A Graphic Novel is... A way to express ideas A visual medium like film or painting A format defined by images used in a sequence

A Graphic Novel = Literature & Art

Talking about Graphic Novels: Literature Plot Characters Dialog Setting Audience

Talking about Graphic Novels: Art Style Color Design Symbolism Perspective Lettering

Graphic Novel Vocabulary Gutter Layout Panel Sound Representation Speech Balloon Thought Balloon

The Panel Sometimes the physical page functions as the panel. Occasionally the panel is only a suggestion for the artist who does not contain the art within the frame.

The Gutter The space between panels. Serves as a transition between events. Signifies a movement of space and time (or sometimes both).

Sound Effects Color, font, size & shape all are used to convey audio information in a visual medium. Sound effects exist outside of the dialogue/thought balloons.

Balloons (Speech & Thought) The balloon is used to express a characters thoughts and speech. Balloon shapes are often used to emphasize tone of characters voice.

Brief History of Graphic Novels 1954- Seduction of the Innocent published; Comics Code Authority created. 1978 – Contract with God by Will Eisner 1986 – Frank Miller writes Batman: The Dark Knight Returns 1987- Alan Moore writes Watchmen 1992- Maus: A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spielgelman wins the Pulizer Prize

Famous Graphic Novels Maus (1980) – Art Spiegelman Watchmen (1987) – Alan Moore V For Vendetta (1988) – Alan Moore The Sandman (1989) – Neil Gaiman Sin City (1991) – Frank Miller Understanding Comics (1993) – Scott McCloud Persepolis (2000) – Marjane Satrapi Blankets (2003) – Craig Thompson Fun Home (2006) – Alison Bechdel American Born Chinese (2006) – Gene Luen Yang Blue is the Warmest Color (2010) – Julie Maroh Daytripper (2011) – Gabriel Ba & Fabio Moon