Choosing the correct dimensions for your graphic novel is a vital part of the printing process. This guide will discuss the common sizes used and clarify useful terms such as trim size, bleed, and binding, as these factors can greatly influence the resultant appearance of your book.
Dimensions and Terminology
Rooms for trim and bleed
- The standard size for most comic books is 6.875” x 10.438” bleed. This refers to the dimensions before the pages are trimmed down. The trimmed size is usually 6.625” x 10.187”.
- Trim size refers to the size of the pages after they have undergone the trimming process. If you want an image to go all the way to the edges of the paper, you should draw outside the live area, which is inside the trim cut. This will ensure that your artwork remains in the final cut of the book.
Binding types
- Saddle stitched books are popular among traditional comic books. The pages are folded, trimmed to the required size, and stapled together along the folded spine. This is a practical choice as these books are easy to store and transport.
- For larger works like graphic novels, perfect binding is more suitable as it can support a higher page count. It provides a sleek, weighted aesthetic and its spine is easily readable when shelved.
Size Variations
- You can request custom book page sizes like 5.5” x 10.5”. The size you choose to go for ultimately depends on your specific preference and target reader. Individual narratives may benefit from a unique comic book size. However, the typically chosen dimensions can be more cost-effective and practical from a storage and logistics point of view.
- Over the years, the standard size for comics has evolved due to various factors. In the past, comic books used to be around 64 pages long, providing 4 to 5 adventures within the covers. However, with changes in the paper industry and economic fluctuations, the page count was reduced to 48 and then 32 pages.
- International variations like the Japanese Manga and the South Korean Manhwa have different format sizes, contributing to the diversity in the comic book world.
Emergence of Different Forms
Conclusions
Creating a graphic novel is an art with many influencing factors, one of which is the size of the pages used. By understanding the common dimensions for printing and other industry-specific terms, you can make informed decisions that will enhance the quality of your book project. This guide provides you with the vital knowledge to ensure that your final product is professional, appealing, and fits well within the existing marketplace. Happy creating!