An
Introduction
to Graphic Novels
Definitions:
The shortest definition of
a graphic novel is this: "a book-length comic."
Robin
Brenner,
http://lair.noflyingnotights.com/what.html)
The term graphic novel has come to mean a
sophisticated story told between two covers, usually a 64, 128,
or 176 page book, as opposed to a collection of comic strips in
book form. The term can also refer to nonfiction narrated in
the same format. A similar but different kind of publication is
the "trade paperback," a collection of episodes in comic form
that attempts to tell a complete story within the boundaries of
the ongoing series, such as Spiderman. (p.55)
Weiner, Stephen.
"Beyond Superheroes: Comics Get Serious." Library Journal
(February 1, 2002): 55 - 58.
Types:
superhero
story - character familiar to most readers, but explores some
strange aspect of a normally sanitized character
human
interest story - similar to what one might find in regular
fiction
manga
- Japanese comics that are an outgrowth of Japanese animation.
Artwork resembles cartoons rather than action figure. If you're
looking for a place to start with manga go here:
http://comicsworthreading.com/good-manga-starting-points/
nonfiction
- not novels but still narrative in nature
adaptations
or spin-offs - stories of well-known characters, such as Luke
Skywalker or Kipling's characters from the Jungle
Book
satire
- question our political system or social
mores
Weiner, Stephen.
"Beyond Superheroes: Comics Get Serious." Library Journal
(February 1, 2002): 55 - 58.
Visual
Elements:
panel
may consist entirely of sound effects
a
word balloon partially covering another to indicate
interruption; or may stretch over two panels to draw the eye in
the correct path
parts
of art extending beyond the border and sometimes being noticed
by characters
sequence
of shrinking panels that may represent a fade-out, character
blacking out, etc.
huge
words that crowd out the art
"impossible"
segues and angles
nonstandard
use of color
odd
shapes for word balloons
Rothschild, D. Aviva.
Graphic Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book-Length Comics.
Englewood, CO.: Libraries Unlimited, 1995.
For Futher
Reading:
Gravett, Paul.
"Graphic Novels: Everything you Need to Know." Harper Collins,
2005.
McCloud, Scott.
"Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art." New York: Harper
Collins, 1993.
McCloud, Scott. "Reinventing Comics: How Imagination and
Technology are Revolutionizing an Art Form." Harper Collins,
2000.
What's
the deal?explanations, definitions and
faq's
(A website devoted
to comics and graphic novels)
An
Interview with Max Spiegelman, Author of
Maus
