Podcast: How to Read Graphic Novels

Introduction

• Purpose: Provide a primer and tutorial on graphic novels, their reading, and analysis
• Graphic novels: Fictional stories presented in comic strip format, published as a book
• Differences from comic books: Graphic novels are one-time publications, comic books are serialized

Types of Graphic Novels

1. Fictional Stories
   • Completely fictional or based on history (e.g., "300")
2. Non-Fictional Stories
   • Autobiographical or historical (e.g., "Maus" about the Holocaust)
   • Social/political topics (e.g., "March" series about American civil rights)
3. Adaptations
   • Movies or classic novels adapted into graphic novel format (e.g., "The Handmaid's Tale", "1984")

Reading Graphic Novels

• Read actively, similar to any written text
  • Purpose can vary: enjoyment, visual analysis, textual analysis
• Make inferences and interpretations
• Added analysis layers compared to traditional novels

Analysis of Graphic Novels

Overlaps with Film Analysis

• Literary Level: Commonalities with literature (setting, plot, characters)
• Dramatic Level: Visual components like live theater
• Cinematic Level: Visual storytelling elements (framing, camera angles)

Visual Track Analysis

• Depth Examination
  • Background, midground, foreground
• Framing Choices
  • Close-up, medium shot, long shot
• Camera Angles
  • Eye level, low angle, high angle, Dutch angle

Text Track Analysis

• Speech Bubbles
  • Solid line: Direct speech
  • Cloudy/bubbly: Thoughts
  • Jagged line: Shouting
• Narration
  • Progresses the story without speech bubbles

Panel Transitions

• Gutter: The space between panels
  • Brain fills in the gap, similar to film editing
  • Has its own grammar (e.g., dissolve indicates time passing)

Conclusion

• Graphic novels bridge the gap between literature and film
• Provide a comprehensive analysis framework similar to film
• Opportunity for deeper exploration in academic courses

Additional Information

• Encouragement for questions and further exploration
• Invitation to delve into graphic novels in class