Analysing Graphic Novels

*Key Features of Graphic Narratives

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. 

*Analysing Dialogue
*Visual Metaphors

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.

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

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 comic strip page to understand comic strips further.

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