The library is under construction! Fleshing out definitions, adding and creating comics as examples - if you can help, that'd be so much appreciated! :)

The Creator's Guide to Comics* Devices

*sequential art, graphic narrative, graphic literary, visual-literary and all other euphemisms for comics

Rhythm

Comics have visual rhythm and language-based rhythm. Visual rhythm guides aesthetic harmony and flow. Language-based rhythm guides pacing and expectation. Both are capable of producing evocation as an outcome. (more…)

Evocation

The act of recalling or creating emotional or sensual effects using panel arrangement, mark-making and colour. (more…)

Contraction

A successive sequence of panels or gutters that contract in size, to quicken pacing or evoke a specific effect. (more…)

Expansion

A successive sequence of panels or gutters that expand in size, to slow down pacing or evoke a specific effect. (more…)

Under and Overlapping Panel

A panel underlaps or overlaps with another's, suggesting spatial and temporal simultaneity with each other. (more…)

Flow

Flow arises when some or all visuals elements of the page are used to establish the best reading order as intended by the creator. (more…)

Tracking

The reader's eye follows or 'tracks' the movement of a character or object across the panel or page. Often employs kinesthetic evocation. (more…)

Long Drop

A specific type of movement tracking that spreads vertically across more than half of the height of its container (panel, page or webpage). (more…)

Long Path

A specific type of movement tracking that spreads horizontally across more than half of the width of its container (panel, page or webpage). (more…)

Smear

Partial duplication or smearing of an element to evoke motion blur or quick movement within a panel. (more…)

Pop Out

An element (character, object, speech balloon, etc) 'pops out' of the panel. (more…)

Crossing

An element (object, character, speech balloon, etc) crosses a gutter from one panel to another. There are three types: crossing over, under and within. (more…)

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New in Store & Events

Comics Devices Reference Zine (2023 edition)

A 12-page zine showcasing the devices in this library as of 2023. Perfect for students, teachers and anyone who needs a quick, in-person reference if there's no wi-fi available.

Buy the zine from the Sequential Artists Workshop (US only), or order directly from Reimena (Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia only).