Vocab 1
The individual frames or boxes in which scenes are illustrated.
panels
Rounded or oval-shaped containers that hold characters' dialogue
speech bubble
A cloud-like shape containing text that represents what a character is thinking.
thought bubble
A bit of text appearing outside of panels, usually providing narration or additional information.
caption
Words that phonetically imitate real-life sounds
onomatopoeia
The space between panels on a comic book page
gutter
An artist who goes over the pencil sketches in ink to finalize the artwork.
inker
The artist responsible for the initial drawing or sketching in a comic book
penciller
The artist responsible for adding color to the inked drawings.
colorist
The person responsible for adding the text elements like speech bubbles, captions, and sound effects
letterer
A style of comics originating from Japan.
manga
A long-form comic book that often tackles more complex narratives and themes.
graphic novel
A comic book story told in sequential installments.
serial
A collection of short comic stories, usually by various authors and artists.
anthology
The consistency of story elements over multiple issues or series.
continuity
A comic book that tells a complete story in a single issue.
one-shot
A storyline that spans multiple series, often bringing together characters from different universes.
crossover
Short for "retroactive continuity," it involves altering previously established facts in a storyline.
retcon
A full-page drawing in a comic book, often used for dramatic effect.
splash page
An ending that leaves significant questions unanswered, designed to entice the reader into following the story into the next issue.
cliffhanger
The backstory that explains a character's history and how they acquired their powers or skills.
origin story
The official or established storyline within a particular comic book universe.
canon
A collection of stories originally published in comic book issues, republished in a single volume.
trade paperback
An alternative cover art for a particular comic book issue, often produced in limited quantities.
variant cover
A comic strip or comic book that is published primarily or exclusively on the internet.
webcomic