This library is a non-exhaustive, ever-expanding catalogue of comics devices. New devices will emerge as I or other creators, critics, scholars identify them.

As you study and make use of the library, please do not restrict yourself creatively by following the definitions too rigidly. When I catalogue these devices, I think of them as tools and jumping-off points, and I highly encourage you (especially if you’re a young creator) to do the same. The purpose of naming and defining the devices is to help you better your craft (if you’re a creator) or discuss how a comic creates meaning (if you’re a scholar). The devices are meant to be used in a typical way or serve as inspiration for new ways of storytelling. Additionally, all devices are of neutral value, regardless of how they might be overused.

These devices build upon each other in a linear order, starting from Rhythm.

Devices are organised by category: Encompassing, Composition/Layout, Pacing, Panel, Gutter, Pencil/Inks, Colour and Lettering.

Some of these devices have never been named and/or defined formally until now. In regards to credit, please check the respective Contributions box under the explanation of each device to identify their authors. The full name of the website is “The Creator’s Guide to Comics Devices” and the editor/curator is Reimena Yee.

While comics can employ techniques or devices from rhetoric, literature, poetry, film, theatre and visual arts, the library features and adopts these external devices as specifically comics devices based on whether it can be defined or expressed structurally or visually via the formal attributes of comics.