Cartoon techniques

Question 1

Action line

Answer 1

Lines used to suggest movement or action within a scene.

Question 2

Alley

Answer 2

The space between two columns of panels, typically found in traditional comic strips

Question 3

Balloon (Speech Balloon)

Answer 3

A graphic element that encloses a character’s dialogue or thoughts. Speech balloons are typically round or oval, while thought balloons often have a cloud-like shape.

Question 4

Balloon Tail

Answer 4

The line extending from a speech or thought balloon that points to the character speaking or thinking

Question 5

Bleed

Answer 5

When an image or color extends to the edge of the page or panel, going beyond the typical border

Question 6

Caricature

Answer 6

A portrayal of a character or person with exaggerated physical features or personality traits, often used in satire

Question 7

Double Page Spread

Answer 7

A single image or illustration that spans across two pages, often used for dramatic effect in comic books or graphic novels

Question 8

Establishing Shot

Answer 8

A panel or image that sets the scene or location, often at the beginning of a new sequence.

Question 9

Emanata

Answer 9

refers to the lines, shapes, or symbols that are used in comics to visually represent emotions, actions, or reactions. These are often drawn radiating from a character or object to indicate things like:
* Emotion: Lines or squiggles around a character’s head to show confusion, dizziness, or surprise.
* Action: Motion lines used to indicate movement or speed (e.g., lines trailing behind a character or object to suggest movement).
* Sound Effects: In some cases, emanata can also include symbols like “sweat drops” or “puffs of smoke” to convey anxiety, stress, or an explosion.

Question 10

Exposition

Answer 10

The portion of the story that provides important background information, often through dialogue, narration, or flashbacks

Question 11

Heavy Black

Answer 11

A technique where large areas of a panel are filled with solid black, often used to create contrast or emphasize mood.

Question 12

Iconography

Answer 12

The use of recognizable symbols, images, or motifs that convey meaning in a comic. For example, a hero’s mask or a villain’s dark clothing

Question 13

Inking

Answer 13

The process of going over pencil drawings with ink to define the final artwork. Inkers often add shading, textures, and detailing to the artwork

Question 14

Jump Cut

Answer 14

A transition between two scenes or actions that may disrupt the natural flow of time. It’s often used to create emphasis or surprise.

Question 15

Kickoff

Answer 15

The opening sequence or event that sets the story in motion, particularly in serialized comics.

Question 16

Lettering

Answer 16

The process of adding text to a comic, including dialogue, captions, and sound effects. A letterer is responsible for this

Question 17

Mimicry

Answer 17

A technique in which characters, often in parody, replicate the appearance or behavior of other characters or tropes

Question 18

Narration Box

Answer 18

A rectangular box used for narrating or providing additional context, typically used for internal thoughts or setting up a scene.

Question 19

Non-Sequitur

Answer 19

A joke or comic that presents an absurd, unexpected, or random punchline that doesn’t follow logical structure, often used in gag comics.

Question 20

Pacing

Answer 20

The speed at which the story progresses, determined by the number of panels per page, panel transitions, and timing of events.

Question 21

Reframing

Answer 21

A change in the perspective or angle of a scene, often used to highlight different parts of the action or provide new insights

Question 22

Recurring Themes

Answer 22

Motifs or subjects that are revisited throughout a comic or comic series, adding depth and continuity to the narrative.

Question 23

Vignettes

Answer 23

Short, self-contained scenes that may not be connected directly to the main plot but offer a slice of life or emotional depth