Glossary of comic book terms

A comic book where the cover is bound with glue to the interior, resulting in a square spine. During this period other famous superheroes were introduced. Roles within the comic book publication process all of these people work as a team to create a comic book. A defect of a comic book caused by improper storage that results in uneven pages and the bowing of the spine. Short for trade paperback although some trades are also available in hardcover, a trade is a reprinting of anywhere from 412 issues of a monthly comic book, though six is the standard. With the creation and introduction of superman, began the super hero comic book movement. A comic book that is from a widely known original owner collection. So here we are, providing definitions for some comics terms. Abrasion an area of a cover or spine has been roughened by rubbing against a rough surface.

List of terms for comics studies by andrei molotiu. Comics as a medium has a specialized terminology, some of which is also used on this wiki. Platinum age comics published from approximately 19001938. A glossary in my, very likely fruitless, efforts to expand the market and fandom of comic books beyond their large and small screen adaptations im going to wind up using a lot of comic book slang terms this is because shorthand is the way that english functions in conversational language. This includes panel descriptions, number of panels per page, the dialogue, captions.

Below youll find a list of a number of different terms that are broken up into different categories to help things make more sense. Our glossary was designed to help visitors to our website understand unfamiliar book related terms. The term comic or comic book or comic title itself can ambiguously refer to various formats in which comics are published. It is recommended to read comic writing tips for beginners before exploring the comic terminology. A series is also sometimes called a title, which refers to the entire series, not a single, discrete unit. Comic as a singular noun is sometimes used to refer to individual comics periodicals, what are known in north america as comic books. Panel a panel is one of the boxes on the page of a comic book. Pages in category comics terminology the following 68 pages are in this category, out of 68 total. Comic books have a greater variety of units of encapsulation than comic strips, including the panel, the page, the spread, and. List of terms for comics studies by andrei molotiu 26 jul i put together the following list of terms, for the use of my students at indiana university, bloomington and at the university of louisville, over the more than a decade that i have been teaching courses on comics. The creators project each page is a loving tribute to a comic book. Well supplement this with more indepth editions going forward.

Visual glossary of terms used in comic book grading comic. Jul, 20 buying and selling comic books is more complicated than one would expect. When talking to comic book fans it can sometimes feel like they are speaking another language. Glossary of grading terms bend when part of a comic is curved, interrupting the flat, smooth cover surface. Greetings, loyal cubers, and welcome to the index for comic book glossary. This can include, but is not limited to, comic book art published and unpublished, convention sketches, pinups, color guides, newspaper dailies and sundays, card art, etc. Comic books have a greater variety of units of encapsulation than comic strips, including the panel, the page, the spread, and inset. Visual glossary of terms used in comic book grading this is by far the largest glossary of comic book gra.

Although the term implies otherwise, the subject matter in comic books is not necessarily humorous, and in fact its dramatic seriousness varies widely. The comicraft glossary of lettering terms ever wondered what to call those little lines of weathering on the bottom of sound effects. Variant covers are a large part of comic book collecting with each cover giving readers something new to collect. Comic are visual art presented in a sequential manner. Otaku a term used to describe diehard fans of anime and manga outside of japan. Others again define it as a book with a squarebound spine, even if it is a collection of short strips. It can also be used for the reader to interpret what the ending of the comic means by the use of the panels.

Feb 11, 2016 this is a basic glossary of comics terms. Mini comic a comic or fanzine that is smaller than the conventional comic book size. Home rare books book collecting guide abebooks glossary of book terms. Similarly, all of the formats referenced can be called comics or comic books. A glossary of comic book terms more than you want to. If you plan to start writing comics, it is important to have information about comic terminology. The buyer needs to know exactly what condition each book is in, as the slightest imperfection can have a major impact on value. It can all get a bit confusing for someone new to comic books. Generally these comics are handmade, selfpublished with small print runs.

All of these people collaborate together to make a. The fold and stapled or glued edge of a comic book. This glossary of comic book terms aims to help those unfamiliar with the comic book lingo so that they can join in the conversation. Welcome to a new installment of comic book glossary. Comic book dealer a person who buys and sells comics. Those comics that do, especially cgc graded books, can attain the highest possible market value that is out there.

Terms and definitions in comic book grading if there is one important thing you should know immediately, then comic book grading comes first. Panel refers to one block or square on a comic strip or on a page in a comic book. Familiarizing the terms used in comics is essential. Weve done a comics glossary before on video, but for those of you who prefer print, weve got you covered. This list of terms breaks down the different roles within a comic book, commonly referred to as the creative team. Visual glossary of terms used in comic book grading. As defined by scott mccloud in understanding comics, comics are juxtaposed pictorial and other images in deliberate sequence, intended to convey information andor to produce an aesthetic response in the viewer. This glossary offers quick definitions of terms used in discussing the marvel cinematic universe and this wiki. A cover of a comic book where a painting was used for the artwork instead of a line drawing.

Writer the writer is responsible for the script that the artist penciller, inker, colourist, letterer, etc. What you might not be aware of, however, is that there are. This includes panel descriptions, number of panels per page, the dialogue, captions, sound effects aka sfx, and any other notes that will help the artist effectively bring the story to life. An international glossary of comic terms infoplease. This glossary of comic book terms can help those unfamiliar with comic book terms so that they can join in the comic book conversation. Aug 30, 2008 posted in, editorials tagged back issue, back wall, comic book gutter, comic book rating, comic book rating all ages, comic book rating mature readers, comic book store, comic book supplies, comic shop locator, crossover, glossary of terms, graphic novel definition, graphic novels, independent comics, one shot comic book. In englishspeaking countries, manga is a generic term for all graphic novels and comic books originally. Glossary of comics terminology buffyverse wiki fandom. As a result of the search i came up with the following site. Polypropalene a type of plastic used in the manufacture of comic book bags.

There are photo examples of the terms but please keep in mind that book characteristics and conditions vary. Feel prepared to enter the shop and talk comics with this guide to comics terminology. Some would have its use restricted only to longform narratives, while at the other extreme are people who use it as a synonym for comics or comic book. Bends will not show distinct lines see also creasefold. A more complete guide to book sizes, book conditions and binding terms can be found through the aforementioned links. Text containers balloons aka speech balloons, bubbles the objects that are used to contain the dialogue that the characters in the comic speak. In englishspeaking countries, manga is a generic term for all graphic novels and comic books originally published in japan. A comic book issue that is published only once with no plans of a series. A glossary of basic comics terms we know comics can be confusing, and part of clarifying it is defining the vernacular for new readers. Including batman, wonder woman, flash, green lantern and captain america. Search the glossary of book terms to unravel the puzzling language you may have found in the description of your book.

At long last, we present to you the glossary of comic book terms. A comic book is a magazine or book containing sequential art in the form of a narrative. A distinct segment of the comic, containing a combination of image and text in endless variety. After the grading scale section theres a glossary list of common terms used for defects and other grading criteria you should know too. Terms and conditions serves as both a digestible guide to the doc and a visual history of comics. Several attempts have been made to formalise and define the terminology of comics by authors such as will eisner, scott mccloud, r. Glossary of comics terminology hey kids comics wiki fandom. A glossary of comic book terminology creator resource.

A comic book cover overlaid with a ridged plastic sheet such that the special artwork underneath appears to move when the cover is tilted at different angles perpendicular to the ridges. Balloons are frequently rounded, but can take many shapes including rectangular. A comic book can stand on its own or be a part of a series. Whats the deal with volumes, and what even is a trade.

Much of the terminology in english is under dispute, so this page will list and describe the most common terms used in comics. Comic book repair the term concerns about that process of restoring, mending, or repairing a loose staple or a tear of a comic using a tape, glue, or other similar materials. A oneissue only comic, also referred to as standalone issues. This will only happen if there is a market for your comic though. It is sometimes applied to works that fit this description even though they are serialized in traditional comic book format. However, comic book repair is considered as a defect. May 22, 2018 a glossary of comic book terminology for this weeks how to get into comics, i wanted to cover something that can confuse a lot of people.

Glossary of comic terminology comic are visual art presented in a sequential manner. The term is commonly used to disassociate works from the juvenile or humorous connotations of the terms comics and comic book, implying that the work is more serious, mature, or literary than traditional comics. Although the term implies otherwise, the subject matter in comic books is not necessarily humorous, and. A glossary of comic book terms this entry was posted on june 5, 2012, in information and tagged art, books, colorist, comics, drawing, inker, nerd, penciler. This is part 1 in a crash course on comic book lingo that will help you navigate the comic book store or that pile of old comics in the garage. Because many fans may be unfamiliar with these terms, this article gives an overview of the most important terms used on this wiki. This includes panel descriptions, number of panels per page. You might be familiar with general grading terms like mint mt, very good vg, and poor pr. The comicraft glossary of lettering terms balloon tales.

Graphic novel is a term whose definition is hard to pin down, but usually refers to selfcontained, book length form. Visual glossary of terms used in comic grading and description abraded corner corner area is rough. Now all you have to do is check the comicraft glossary of lettering terms from air to zigzag tail, theyre all here. May include extreme edge of corner or cover area around corner.

The cca was the comic book equivalent of the mpaa rating. The first half of the glossary contains terms az and is followed by two book anatomy illustrations, descriptions of the various book sizes, a guide to condition ratings, and the most common abbreviations used in the world of books. A brief glossary of comic book terminology sciencedirect. This page gives you the basic comic book grading definitions and 10 point scale, and a glossary of grading terms lingo. Its important to note that comics are a medium of storytelling, not a genre of story. They typically have smooth edges, but can also have jagged or irregular edges. A complete glossary of comic book condition abbreviations. Creative roles within a comic book creation all of these people collaborate together to make a comic book.

For example, a panel depicting a mysterious woman looking at a blank paper might be. Griffin griffin is a recent graduate of the university of wash ington graduate school of library and information sci ence, seattle, wa 98195. Still others have used the term to distance their work from the negative connotations the terms comic or comic book have for the public, or to give their work an elevated air. Original comic art a broad term used to describe a piece of art that is related to comic books. Most copies of youngblood, west coast avengers, and x will never do as well as a highly sought after spiderman, batman, or other mainstream comic book. Transitions, part 2 welcome to a new installment of comic book glossary. The first half of the glossary contains terms az and is followed by two book anatomy illustrations, descriptions of the various book sizes, a guide to condition ratings, and the most common abbreviations used in the world of. Comic books, like most subjects, use many specialized terms. The buyer needs to know exactly what condition each book is in, as the slightest imperfection can have a major impact on value you might be familiar with general grading terms like mint mt, very good vg, and poor pr. If youre a fan of reading comics and want to ascend to the next step of geekdom by reading about. The side of a comic book opposite the opening edge. The term comic or comic book or comic title itself can ambiguously refer to various formats in which comics. Panels offer a different experience than simply reading text.

Posted in, editorials tagged back issue, back wall, comic book gutter, comic book rating, comic book rating all ages, comic book rating mature readers, comic book store, comic book supplies, comic shop locator, crossover, glossary of terms, graphic novel definition, graphic novels, independent comics, one shot comic book. It is the key to understanding the hobby of comic book collecting, or any hobby that involves collecting valuables and antiquity, and dealing with people in the comics industry with success. This is a glossary of terms related to comic books. Additionally, reasonable efforts to redeem this content in particular, carefully removing a sticker covering codes are not considered to reduce the grade we would assign the book. A floppy comic is also known as an american comic book.

Buying and selling comic books is more complicated than one would expect. Letter col or letter column a feature in a comic book that prints and sometimes responds to letters written by its readers. We know comics can be confusing, and part of clarifying it is defining the vernacular for new readers. Scott mccloud in his book, understanding comics, describes closure as a phenomenon of observing the parts but perceiving the whole. Several different processes that reduce acidity in paper.