Reading A Graphic Novel

Hollis Margaret Rudiger discusses the idea of visual detail in storytelling and asserts, “A good visual storyteller creates suspense and anticipation through the artwork as much as, if not more than, through the text”.

When analyzing graphic novels, various questions can be asked, similar to when analyzing any other text. “What can we tell about the narrative content?” “What is the significance of the subtle differences between the top panoramic scene and the bottom one?” One complaint many new readers of graphic novels may have is that of getting confused by the panels. Rudiger addresses this:  “Even as an avid reader of graphic novels, I sometimes need to reread the same panels a few different ways until it makes sense. That’s OK”.

A couple of key comics terms: panel, balloon, border, gutter, bleed, and chapter opener.

The images that are usually laid out within borders are known as panels.

Balloons are graphics used to assign ownership of dialogue on a particular character. Those used represent an internal dialogue are referred to as "thought balloons". The shape of the balloon will indicate the type of dialogue contained, with thought balloons being more cloud-like and connected to the owner by a series of small bubbles.

The border or edges of a panel, when drawn, are called frames. These are normally rectangular in shape, but this shape can be altered to convey information to the reader. A cloud shaped panel can indicate a flashback or a dream sequence, whilst one with a jagged edge can be used to convey anger or shock. A panel without a frame is used to convey space. The frame itself can be formed by the image. For example, a scene can be framed by a door frame or by binoculars.

The gutter is the space between borders.

The term bleed refers to text and illustrations that run to the edge of a page.  Full bleed is usually used on a comic book cover, and is when the art is allowed to run to the edge of each page, rather than having a white border around it. Bleeds are sometimes used on internal panels to create the illusion of space or emphasize action.

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Armed with this knowledge, it is time to dive headlong into the novel.  So, with your partner, look carefully back at each frame from the first chapter.  Examine the art in each panel and consider the following:

How do the pictures in the panel advance the story or help develop a character?

Is there information in the picture not provided in the text?  If so, what?

With a sticky note, mark the panels you find most expressive or informative.  Be prepared to share your findings with the class.