Analysing Comics

What's the difference between a comic strip and a graphic novel?

A graphic novel and a comic strip are both forms of visual storytelling, but they differ in some ways. One key difference is length. A comic strip is a short-form comic that typically appears in newspapers or magazines. It usually consists of a few panels, with each panel containing a sequence of images and dialogue that tell a story or deliver a punchline. Comic strips are usually published in daily or weekly instalments, and each instalment is relatively self-contained. On the other hand, a graphic novel is a longer-form narrative that tells a complete story in a single volume. It typically consists of several chapters or sections, with each section containing multiple pages of images and dialogue that advance the story. Graphic novels can be standalone works or part of a series, and they cover a wide range of genres, including memoir, fiction, and non-fiction.

Check out the graphic novel page to understand graphic novels further.

Key Features of Comics

You can also look out for...

*Visual Metaphors
A visual metaphor is when one thing is used to stand in for another. Movie makers can do this to strengthen the meaning that they are creating in any given moment. Read through the slides to learn more about visual metaphors and see examples.
Irony
Essentially, irony describes an incongruity between what is expected and reality. It is used to describe when things emerge in a manner that is the direct opposite of expectations. Look through these slides to learn more about the different types of irony. 
*Analysing Dialogue
Dialogue is a very important aspect of any narrative. Not only does it expose what characters are consciously and unconsciously thinking and feeling, it can demonstrates power dynamics between characters. Use this guide to help with your analysis of dialogue. 
Key Features of Typography
Comics often include a lot of writing. The design and arrangement of that writing can be very important for constructing the meaning of a text. Aside from reading through slides, this webpage contains more information about typography and comics. 

Don't forget to consider the relationship between the language and the image!

Ask yourself if the relationship between the text and image are doing any of these things. 

Complementing each other: The text and image can work together to complement each other and provide additional information. For example, the text might provide dialogue or narration, while the image shows the action or emotion being described.

Contrasting each other: The text and image can also be used to create contrast and tension. For example, the text might describe a happy scene, while the image shows a sad or angry character.

Providing different perspectives: The text and image can provide different perspectives on the same event. For example, the text might describe a character's thoughts, while the image shows their facial expression.

Creating irony: The text and image can also be used to create irony, where the meaning of the text is different from the meaning of the image. This can create humour or add depth to the story.

Click the image to follow access some extra material related to comic strips. Use these resources to deepen your understanding of the different ways in which authors develop meaning in graphic novels.