Graphic Novel

Conventions
 Lesson objective
We will revise the conventions of graphic novels
and consider how authors use both written and
visual elements to convey meaning.
 an introduction
There are many different ways of storytelling, some of which are what we call
multimodal - that is, they combine at least two differed modes. Both comic books and
graphic novels have become extremely popular in contemporary society. These texts use
both text and images to tell a story.

Although we might read and enjoy these texts, we might not be familiar with the
metalanguage needed to anlalyse them. Graphic novels and comics both use similar
conventions, but before we delve into our study of graphic novels, it's important to
discuss what makes them different from comics.

a Definition
As previously stated, graphic novels are
narratives told through both pictures and
words that work together to convey
meaning.
Traditionally, comic books were a
cartoon style but graphic novels have
developed to include many different
styles.
So how are graphic novels different to
comic books?
They are longer and more complex, have a more developed
storyline and form a complete narrative
They include more serious content, cover an array of
genres and convey their story in a more mature way
They are usually written for an adult audience and contain
adult themes
They might delve deeper into character development
including more detailed backstories and conflict
They are usually published in the style of a novel rather
than a magazine
structural
features
 panels
A panel is an individual frame that consists of a single
image depicting one moment that is sometimes
accompanied by text.

Most pages of graphic novels will contain multiple

panels and these panels can be in different shapes and
sizes which can contribute to meaning.

When we read a page of a graphic novel, we read the

panels in order from right to left and from top to
bottom.
 frames
Frames are the borders that go around the panel.
They are traditionally rectangular in shape.
Some graphic novelists might use different
lines, shapes and sizes for various effects.

This might be to convey mood (jagged or wavy

lines), signify a dream (cloud shaped lines) or to
signify a change in time or location (an
abnormal shaped panel).
 gutters
The gutter is the space between the framed panels. As readers, we naturally fill in these spaces by
mentally linking the panels and joining each moment of the story together.
 splash bleed
A splash is a panel that stretches A bleed is when an images runs
along the whole width of the page. outside the frame to the edges of
the page.
 shot types
When discussing framing we can use the same language as film to refer to an image as a close-up,
mid shot or long shot depending on how the content is framed.

CLOSE-UP SHOT MID SHOT LONG SHOT

A subject's head takes up most of the A subject is seen from the waist up. It A subject's entire body is seen as well
panel. It is used to reveal emotion shows emotion through facial as some of the setting. It shows their
through facial expression. expression as well as body language. emotion through posture and gesture.
 narration box
A narration box is usually a rectangular box at the top or bottom of a
panel. It includes the narrators dialogue so they can speak directly to
the reader.

speech bubbles
Speech bubbles are usually round frames that look like bubbles with a
tail leading to the speaker. They contain direct speech from the
characters.
 speech bubbles
Speech bubbles can appear in different styles to convey various moods or ideas.

Scream Thought Icicle Coloured

Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles

These have jagged or sharp

These have cloud shaped These have icicles hanging
edges and show that a These can be used as a
edges and are used to show from the bottom and can be
character is raising their quick way to convey the
that a character is thinking used to depict an icy or
voice. They can also used mood or emotion of the
or dreaming something. hostile tone.
for radio, TV or other characters.
electronic sounds.
 transitions
Transitions refer to the type of shift or change that occurs between panels. There are various styles of
transitions including:

A small change in time between panels

MOMENT that are part of the same moment. TAKING A character or object progresses through
an action.
S IN ACTION
TIME

The panels occur in the same scene but The panels change to focus on different
SWITCHI display different elements or topics. shifts in parts of or perspectives on the same
NG focus scene.
SUBJECT
S
Anything that doesn't fit into the above or
SCENE The panels show a change in time and/or
two panels with no logical relationship to
location. other
CHANG one another.
E
stylistic
features
 lighting & Colour
Lighting and colour may be used to show different
moods. For example, bright colours and light are often
used to show a sense of fun and happiness, while dull
colours and dim lighting may be used to show gloom and
sadness or to create tension or suspense.

Colours may also have specific associations. For

example, red might communicate ideas of violence,
danger or romance depending on how it’s used.
 onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is the formation of a word to imitate the natural sound of
something associated with it. These are used in graphic novels to
represent sounds with graphic words.
 setting
The time and location depicted in the
background of a panel can give
information about the story or help convey
mood or atmosphere.

Consider the ideas or associations we have

with certain places and how the setting
helps to drive the narrative.
 emanata
Emanata refers to the teardrops, sweat
drops, question marks, or motion lines that
convey a characters’ emotions or
movement.
 objects
Objects can be important and meaningful.
They can be used symbolically to reveal
information about a character, setting or
theme.

Think about the connotations of different

objects. For example, a skull could
represent death or a red rose could
represent love or romance.
Facial Expression
A form of non-verbal
communication using the
movement of facial features such
as eyes, cheeks & mouth.
body language
Posture
The position in which someone
holds their body. This nonverbal
communication tells us about the
person’s mood.
Gesture
The movement and positioning of
the hands and arms to
communicate or undertake action.
Gaze
Where the person is looking and
who or what the person is looking
at. This can draw our focus towards
something.
 your turn
Choose three scenes (1-3 pages) of the graphic novel and make notes on the use of the
following conventions. Consider how these are employed to convey ideas or position
audience response.

• Panels & Frames • Transitions • Objects

• Shot Types • Onomatopoeia • Lighting and Colour
• Narration Boxes • Emanata • Setting
• Speech Bubbles • Body Language
elements used:
elements used: