Comics and Graphic Novels Flashcards
Negative space
It is important to analyse what is left out and what isn’t; there will always be a reason for white space.
Speech bubble (indirect narration)
These are the dialogues by the character.
Voice-over (direct narration)
The narrator’s words above or below the panel.
Panel
Panels help build a sense of time and space.
Montage
When multiple panels are merged together to form a single long panel.
Gutter
The space between the panel that helps the reader transition and fill the gap between two panels.
Symbols
Symbols are used to communicate abstract ideas effectively.
Emanata
The dots, lines, exclamation marks, teardrops or any other drawings that depict emotions, motion or sounds.
Camera angle
Cartoonists use angles to give their readers a perspective on their characters.
Punchline
The comic strip tends to build up to a single phrase or word which makes one want to laugh.
Colour scheme
Some comics are purely in black and white, which usually show some contrasting ideas, for example justice vs injustice.
Non-sequitur transitions
When one panel does not have any relation to the next panel.
Splash
A kind of panel that spans the width of the page.
