Some Graphic Novel Basics
Graphic novels use text and pictures to present information Graphic novels use the same format as comic books Graphic novels differ from comics in that they usually contain stand-alone stories with complex plotsGraphic novel is a format, not a genre
Milestones in Graphic Novel World 1978-Will Eisner coins term graphic novel to distinguish his book A Contract With God from traditional comic books. (Although the term and others similar to it were used previously, this was the GN that facilitated adoption of the term on an official level).
Milestones in Graphic Novel World 1986- Batman: The Dark Knight Returns written by Frank Miller and published by DC Comics, is released. This reintroduced Batman to the general public in his more psychologically dark 1930s era conception. This new incarnation was dark and troubled and ushered in an era of grim and gritty superheroes.
Milestones in Graphic Novel World 1987- The Watchmen by Alan Moore (illustrated by Dave Gibbons), is published by DC Comics. One of the first superhero graphic novels to present itself as serious literature, its the only graphic novel to ever win the Hugo Award. It is also the only graphic novel to appear on Time Magazines 2005 list: The 100 Best English Language Novels from 1923 to the Present.
Milestones in Graphic Novel World 1992-Maus: A Survivors Tale written by Art Spielgelman, wins the Pulitzer Prize Special Award for Letters.
Milestones in Graphic Novel World 2005-Graphix Scholastics graphic novel imprint for children is launched.
Milestones in Graphic Novel World 2006-Gene Yangs American Born Chinese is a National Book Award finalist in the category of Young Peoples Literature and in 2007 it wins the Michael L. Printz award for excellence in Young Adult literature.
How to read a graphic novel
A Graphic Novel PagePages consist of a variety of elements
Panels-squares or rectangles that contain a single scene
Gutters-space between panels
Dialogue Balloons-contain communication between/among characters
Thought Balloons-contain a characters thoughts
Captions-contain information about a scene or character
Sound Effects-visual sound clues i.e.. Wonk! Pow!
Thought BalloonSound Effect
PanelGutterDialogue BalloonCaption
How to Read a Graphic Novel PageGraphic novels are read left to right, just like traditional texts
Dialogue BalloonsDialogue balloons are read left to right or top to bottom as is appropriate. 12354
Sometimes it can get a little more complicated
1324But the basic left to right rule still applies to panels
and dialogue balloons as well1234567
Major Types
Humor
Non-Fiction
Fantasies
AdaptationsSpin-offsor
Realistic Fiction
Personal Stories
*************Superhero Story: Superhero graphic novels have taken the most popular form of comics and turned what were once brief episodic adventures into epic sagas. Superhero comics are dominated by a few mainstream publishers Marvel, DC, and Darkhorse. Titles: Batman: Dark Knight Returns, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Astrocity. *****Jay Hosler: PhD in Biology (teaches at Juniata College in Huntington, PA)********Also: Give it Up! And other short stories by Kafka, The Jungle, Spy vs. Spy********Personal Narratives ("Perzines"): are autobiographical stories written from the author's personal experiences, opinions, and observations. Titles: Fun Home, Blankets, Lucky, The Quitter. ****Brian Selznick blends text and visual (text-less) narrative to produce more than an illustrated novel.
Jeff Kinney Diary of a Wimpy Kid also uses pictures (with word balloons) to advance the story.
