Comics and graphic narrative

Separated panels and linked scenes show a flow of time or events.

Visual traits

• separated panels
• linked scenes
• reading flow

Expected changes

• Panel divisions are more likely to appear
• Changes between scenes are more likely to be legible

Definition

Comics and graphic narrative use a sequence of panels, scenes, or images to show events or passage through time. They do not determine a particular work, character, audience, print format, or regional style.

In more detail

Panel transitions, reading flow, and repeated people or scenes create a continuous reading beyond a single image. Line work, color, medium, and the presence of dialogue can be specified separately.

Includes

• Images that show events through a sequence of panels
• Graphic narratives read through changing scenes

Excludes

• General illustration completed as one image
• Recreation of a named existing work or character
• Specification of a print format or audience

What this does not imply

• A named work
• creator
• character
• or regional style
• Dialogue
• print format
• or intended audience

Variability

Panel count and spacing can adjust the pace of time and reading.

Usage

• Make event order and panel reading order clear
• Do not specify a named work or character

Distinguish similar expressions

• Use illustration when only one finished image is wanted

Typical uses

• Show a short event through consecutive scenes
• Organize movement or time changes with panels

Possible failure modes

• Panel order cannot be read
• Too many scenes obscure the main event