Understanding Graphic Novels: Elements, Reading Techniques, and Color Psychology

1. BIG Definition! • Comics (kom’iks) n. plural in form, used with a singular verb. 1. Juxtaposed pictorial and other images in a deliberate sequence, intended to convey information and/or to produce an aesthetic response in the viewer.

2. How to Read a Graphic Novel Following the Action and Picking up the Cues

3. How to Read a Graphic Novel Page Graphic novels are read left to right, just like traditional texts

4. A Graphic Novel Pages 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 character’s thoughts Captions: contain information about a scene or character Sound Effects: visual sound clues i.e.. Boom! Pow! Zam!

5. Label the Page • Using the six (6) typical elements of a graphic novel page (listed on the prior slide), label the comic of the rock climbing girl. • You may draw arrows to the corresponding element or rewrite on the cartoon itself. • Be prepared to share.

7. Dialogue Balloons Dialogue balloons are read left to right or top to bottom. 1 4 2 3 5

8. Sometimes it can get a little more complicated… On your note sheet, label the proper order for reading the page. (Use numbers to indicate.)

9. The basic left to right rule still applies to panels 2 1 3 4

10. 2 …and dialogue balloons as well 1 3 4 5 6 7

11. The Meaning and Psychology of Color Source: http://www.squidoo.com/colorexpert/

12. Green

13. Green • Is the pervasive color • The natural greens are seen as tranquil and refreshing • Green is considered the color of peace and ecology The physical and mental effects * Soothing* Relaxing mentally as well as physically* Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety* Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony

14. Yellow

15. Yellow • Shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness • Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future • The physical and mental effects: * Mentally stimulating* Stimulates the nervous system* Activates memory* Encourages communication

16. Purple

17. Provokes a sense of mystic and royal qualities • The physical and mental effects:* Uplifting* Calming to mind and nerves* Offers a sense of spirituality* Encourages creativity Purple

18. Orange

19. Orange • Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy • The physical and mental effects: * Stimulates activity* Stimulates appetite* Encourages socialization

20. Red

21. Red • Recognized as a stimulant • The physical and mental effects:* Increases enthusiasm* Stimulates energy* Encourages action and confidence* A sense of protection from fears and anxiety

22. Blue

23. Is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed • Invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming • The physical and mental effects:* Calming and sedate* Cooling* Aids intuition Blue Source: http://www.squidoo.com/colorexpert/

24. Brown

25. Says stability, reliability, and approachability • The physical and mental effects:* Feeling of wholesomeness* Stability* Connection with the earth* Offers a sense orderliness Brown

26. White

27. White • Projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality • The physical and mental effects:* Aids mental clarity* Encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles* Evokes purification of thoughts or actions* Enables fresh beginnings

28. Black

29. Black • Is authoritative and powerful • Evokes strong emotions • The physical and mental effects:* feeling inconspicuous* a restful emptiness* mysterious evoking a sense of potential and possibility