Some Definitions and Explanations

There are a lot of terms tossed about in this medium. What do they all mean and what's the difference between them?

We'll start with the basic (although still debatable) definition of sequential art, or comics:

Sequential Art: "...the arrangement of pictures or images and words to narrate a story or dramatize an idea." --Will Eisner, Comics & Sequential Art.

Sequential Art/Comics: "juxtaposed pictorial and other images in deliberate sequence, intended to convey information and/or to produce an aesthetic response in the viewer." Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics.

Graphic novels are, essentially, sequential art in bound, novel form. They may be a volume of a larger work, or they may be a complete work in themselves. "Graphic novel" can have several connotations, and is a relatively underused medium (although this is beginning to change). However, the essence of it simply refers to the way it is presented, similar to how a novel is different from a novella is different from a short story or poem.

A webcomic refers to any comic that is presented and read online.

So where does "cartoon" fit into all of this? The word "cartoon" has very specific connotations and generally suggests a quick, humorous, and childish strip or drawing. People use "cartoony style" to refer to simplified, exaggerated and funny looking depictions. (Not to be confused with caricatures, although the two are very closely related.) As such, the term "cartoon" tends to be something of a pejorative for those who want to change the public perception of comics as being strictly funny or strictly for children. Since there are other terms that describe comics more succinctly, "cartoon" is usually used in this sense to convey something about the art style or storytelling goal. Be wary when referring to other people's work as "cartoons." Some might lovingly embrace the term, but others are likely to be offended. It's a word that ends up carrying more connotation than it's worth.

For more specific information, check out Wikipedia--comics and these texts:

Drawing Words Writing Pictures, Jessica Abel and Matt Madden
Making Comics, Scott McCloud
Understanding Comics, Scott McCloud
Reinventing Comics, Scott McCloud

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