Graphic novels glossary of terms and ABC allusions.

Graphic novel lingo:

• panel: a box which contains a given scene (box, frame).
• border: the outline of the panel.
• gutters: the space between panels.
• tier: row of panels (left to right) on page.
• balloons: the container of the text- dialogue spoken by the characters.
• tail: pointer leading from balloon to speaker.
• gesture: human movement or expression.
• posture: attitude of the body.

ABC allusions:

• Journey to the West (also known as Monkey King): the third of the Four Great Classical novels of Chinese literature. (The other three are Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, and Dream of the Red Chamber.) The Four Great Classical Novels are considered to be the pinnacle of China's achievement in classical novels, influencing the creation of many stories, theater, movies, games, and other entertainment throughout East Asia including China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
  
• The lion, the human, the ox, and the eagle: references to the cardinal directions; perhaps thought to be Biblical allusions as well.