Graphic Novel/Comics Terms and Concepts

Panel

• A distinct segment of the comic, containing a combination of image and text in endless variety.

• An image that extends to and/or beyond the edge of the page.

Frame

• The lines and borders that contain the panels.

• Provides additional, subtextual information for the reader.

Gutter

• The space between framed panels.

• The panel closest to the viewer.

Bleed

• Allows centering of image by using natural resting place for vision.

• An image that extends to and/or beyond the edge of the page.

Foreground

• The panel closest to the viewer.

• A pattern or repeated series of marks

Midground

• An image that extends to and/or beyond the edge of the page.

• Allows centering of image by using natural resting place for vision.

Background

• The use of light and dark shades

• Provides additional, subtextual information for the reader.

Graphic weight

• Dark-toned images or high-contrast images

• A term that describes the way some images draw the eye more than others, creating a definite focus using color and shading in various ways

Faces can be portrayed in different ways - true or false

• True

• False

The positioning of hands and feet can be used to _______ what is happening in the story