Glossary Guide
This page provides quick definitions for terms used in Graphic Novel Scene reviews and in the comics community in general. Many of these definitions are open for debate (that’s half the fun!), some are not. They are presented here as a quick reference for the newcomer and expert alike.
Sequential Art- a story told through the use of juxtaposed words and pictures in sequence. (see Understanding Comicsby Scott McCloud for a much more detailed and fascinating explanation.)
Comics- term used in the industry and in Graphic Novel Scene to refer to sequential art storytelling, as in comic books, comic strips and graphic novels. The term was first derived from newspaper strips, known as the funnies or the comics. The current usage does not refer to comedy, as any kind of story can be told using the comics form.
Comix- this spelling is usually used to refer to the underground comic book movement of the sixties and seventies. It was used as a way to seperate independently produced, uncensored comics from the mainstream commercial output.
Manga- Japanese for comics. (Some sources sight the actual translation as “frivolous pictures”) Manga does not refer to subject matter or content and is not a genre in itself. but many attributes of populat Japanese graphic novels have become known as the manga style. The majority of manga is produced and published in black and white, using artwork that is heavily influenced by animation style drawing. Stories tend to be highly character driven and told in multi-volumne but closed-ended series.
Manwha- comics and graphic novels originally produced in Korea. Similar in tone and style to manga but with it’s own distinct flavor.
American Manga- comics produced in the west using manga styles and forms, often utilizing Japanese settings and themes. Originally American manga was limited to manga fans blatantly copying story types and art styles that were seldom seen in this country. Today, many talented artists and writers are blurring the lines between typical Japanese and American fare.
more to come…