Comics writers and artists have developed their own specialized terminology, thanks to the unique way words and pictures combine on a comic book page. Since text in a comic often functions differently than text in other media, many parts of a comic have distinct names.
Each page of a comic book has at least a few written components. Nearly all kinds of text will be found in any given comic, though the amount on a particular page may vary – some may have very few words at all. Here are the primary categories.
The Text-Related Parts of a Comic Book Page
Some of the text in a comic book will share a name with a common typographical term, while other kinds of writing are unique to comics. The major types include:
- Title. Not surprisingly, this is the name of the comic on the front cover – but it may also refer to the name of the story, if the comic is a continuing series. Given the nature of comics, the title is nearly always large, colorful, and especially ornate. Text introducing the title, whether on the front or back cover, or on the inside splash page, is called the Blurb.
- Credits. Also common is the prominent display of the names of the major contributors to the comic – credit usually goes to the artist (or penciller and inker) and writer, as well as to the colorist, letterer, editor, etc. Like a movie marquee, the credits promote the "stars" of the comic, whose talent may prove an added attraction for comics fans.
- Lettering. This refers to most of the text in a comic book. Until the 1990s, most comics were hand-lettered, though a few (such as E.C.'s 1950s titles) featured typeset text. Now, most lettering is done on computers, though the style and conventions of hand lettering remain. As in typesetting, Bold Letters are an option for emphasis, and are used freely. In addition, Open Letters are drawn in outline, leaving room for color to be added. Open Letters are often used for titles or sound effects.
- Captions. Lettering not in a speech or thought balloon is usually in a caption, in a separate frame. Traditionally, captions consist of third-person narration addressed directly to the reader. But many comics also use captions in cinematic ways, to convey voice-overs, interior monologues, or other dialogue being spoken outside of a particular panel.
- Indicia. This term is for publication and other technical information not part of the comic book story itself. Indicia may include the name and address of the publisher, copyright notices, and subscription information. The indicia in a graphic novel may have its own inside page, much as in a regular novel; monthly comics usually have the indicia in fine print at the bottom of the splash page to save space.
- Sound Effects. Any writing meant to convey a noise or sound is called a sound effect. Sound effects are most often made up of open letters, and shaped to suggest the kind of sound – loud or soft, harsh or mellow – which they are meant to evoke. Perhaps the most distinctive element of comics, these can include "BIFF!" "POW!" "BLAM!" "KA-BOOM!" and other endless variations.
Reading the Written Parts of a Comic Book Page
Sound effects, blurbs, and captions are some of the basic written elements of a comic-book page. While they can be big or small, few or many, it is nearly impossible for a comic not to have some written text which can fall into one of these categories.
Learning the names for each written element of a comic book page makes it easier to talk about comics, and to analyze how words affect the craft of comic books. However, to fully analyze any particular comic, it is necessary to know the visual parts of a comic book page as well.
Luke Arnott - Luke Arnott has a Master's Degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Western Ontario, where he is currently enrolled in the ...
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