HOW TO READ A GRAPHIC NOVEL
A Guide
What is a graphic novel?



Sometimes referred to as a comic book, a graphic
novel is a sequential, comic-style narrative in book
form.
It is a medium, not a genre. Many different genres
exist within the graphic novel realm.
Graphic novels can be analyzed for both their text
and their images.
How do I read this?

Like any other text,
graphic novels are
read from left to
right, top to
bottom.
What elements do graphic novels
contain?






Panels—squares or rectangles that
contain a single scene.
Gutters—space between panels.
Dialogue Balloons—these contain
conversations between characters.
Thought Balloons—these contain the
thoughts of a single character.
Captions—these contain information
about a scene or a character.
Sound Effects—these are visual
sound cues (i.e. whap, pow, boom,
zip)
Panels

Panels—
squares or
rectangles
that contain
a single
scene.
Gutters

Space between
panels.
Dialogue Balloons

Contain
conversations
between
characters.
Dialogue Balloons

Dialogue balloons are
read left to right, top
to bottom.
Thought Balloons

Contain the
thoughts of a single
character.
Captions

Contain
information
about a scene or
a character.
Sound Effects

visual sound cues
(i.e. whap, pow,
boom, zip)
More cool things…

Transitions

Graphic novels transition from panel to panel and page to
page in order to:
Slow time
 Emphasize an action sequence
 Utilize juxtaposition for emphasis and meaning


Perspective

Graphic novels utilize the same terms as film and
photography, such as:
Close-up, medium-shot, long-shot
 Tilt-up, tilt-down
 Panning and tracking

Make your own!


Now that you are an expert on graphic novels,
make your own comic page. In comic form, tell the
story of your morning routine before school.
Utilize as many graphic novel elements discussed as
possible.