a
medium used to express ideas via images, often combined with text or other visual information. Comics frequently the form of juxtaposed sequences of
panels of images. Often textual devices such as
speech balloons, captions, and
onomatopoeia indicate dialogue, narration, sound effects, or other information. Size and arrangement of panels contribute to narrative pacing.
Cartooning and similar forms of illustration are the most common image-making means in comics;
fumetti is a form which uses photographic images. Common forms of comics include
comic strips,
editorial and
gag cartoons, and
comic books. Since the late 20th century, bound volumes such as
graphic novels, comics albums, and have become increasingly common, and online
webcomics have proliferated in the 21st century.