Novel Terms

What is the definition of a panel that bleeds?

• The blank space between panels.

• The center of a panel – how an author uses this space helps to create tone and mood.

• The border that surrounds and contains the text.

• When an image goes past the border of the page.

What is a panel?

• The border that surrounds and contains the text.

• When an image goes past the border of the page.

• The box or segment that contains the image and text.

• The heaviness/intensity of a line or block of shading for focus.

What is graphic weight?

• The heaviness/intensity of a line or block of shading for focus. The darker/thicker the weight the more important the scene or element.

• The use of prior knowledge to “fill in the gutters” and innately create narrative sequencing in a series of panels.

• The panel or part of a panel that is closest to the viewer.

• Information bubbles or boxes that are generally separate from the rest of the panel or page. Often used to create a voice-over technique to the action in front of us. They are also spaces for soliloquies, personal thoughts, and, occasionally, dialogue.

Why are some speech bubbles different shapes?

• To make the story more interesting for the reader.

• To emphasize and support the mood and tone of the story.

• To illustrate that some characters are more important than others.

• Graphic novels require the use of different shapes and colors.

Panel

• A single frame or box in which a single scene or action takes place.

• Lines used to convey emotion.

• The space between panels on a page, shows passage of time.

Gutter

• When the artwork extends beyond the edge of the page.

• The space between panels on a page, shows passage of time.

• Lines used to convey emotion.

Caption

• Lines used to convey emotion.

• A box of text typically used for narration or providing additional information.

• The heaviness of a line or shading for visual focus

Speech Balloon

• A rounded or oval-shaped graphic containing characters' spoken words.

• The elements in the front of a panel, closer to the viewer.

• Lines used to convey movement or action in a static image.

Grawlix

• A narrative device where a character's thoughts or commentary are presented in the form of a spoken monologue typically not directly addressed to other characters. This can be represented by captions or text boxes.

• Symbols (such as !@#$%) used in place of profanity in speech balloons.

• A full-page illustration, typically used for impactful moments.

Onomatopoeia

• box containing text separate from the main action, often providing context.

• Words that imitate the sound they describe (e.g., "Pow," "Bang," "Zap").

• single frame or box in which a single scene or action takes place.