Posted by Kris Bather on January 25, 2009 at 1:40am
Part of my new free on-line mag, Extra Sequential is a regular feature called The Terminal. The aim of this feature is to simplify some common comic book terms. Here's the feature from our first issue. Enjoy!The TerminalThe world of comic books, like any world with a devoted fan base, can appear somewhat confusing to the outsider. The Terminal is a regular feature that will define the common terms used in comic circles. In other words, this is the geek speak you need to know.LCS – Local Comic Shop. A place of wonder and enchantment. And discount bins. To find an LCS near you check out “Books” in your local business directory, or visit www.comicshoplocator.comJumping On Point – A story structured especially for new readers to that particular series, where a knowledge of previous issues is not necessary.The Big Two – Marvel and DC Comics, the two largest English language comic companies on the planet.TPB – Trade Paper Back. (Also known as TP or Trade) A soft, or hard, cover collection of a previously published series, or thematically linked issues. A TPB may collect an entire series if it’s only a few issues, or a few consecutive issues of a larger ongoing series. They sometimes contain extras, such as an introduction, cover gallery, sketchbook, or writer/artist commentary.OGN – Original Graphic Novel. A collected edition, like a TPB, but of new material, whereas a TPB is a collected repackaging of previously published material. The term “graphic novel” is rarely used by comics fans and is often used by misunderstanding mainstream press. The average comic issue contains at least 22 pages of story, and 22 pages is certainly not a “novel.”
A comic book is a single issue of a monthly series. So Spider-Man #480 or whatever is a comic book, not a graphic novel. A graphic novel is usually a different format (hard covers, many more pages) and is a complete story with a beginning, middle and end. A comic book on the other hand is a continuation of a story, so Spider-Man #480 carries on from #479 and all the issues before it, and will continue in #481, etc. Graphic novel tales usually don't continue elsewhere. Hope that clears things up!
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