The Graphic Novel

How do we read graphic novels?

Objectives

• To consider how graphic novels/comics convey meaning

• To consider the vocabulary of comics eg icon

• To consider levels of abstraction/simplification and to establish how we identify with cartoons

If it’s not a pipe, what is it?

• Now read and discuss the “Icon.pdf” handout (it’s on Moodle)

• McCloud says “When we ABSTRACT an image through cartooning we’re not so much ELIMINATING details as we are FOCUSING on SPECIFIC details.”

• Reconsider your doodles from the beginning of the lesson – what emotions can you ascribe to them? Label appropriately.

American Born Chinese

• Now let’s consider gene Luen Yang’s style by analysing the panels you have been given

• What idea(s) do you think he is trying to focus our intention on?

• How does he do this?• Consider EVERYTHING

in the panel!