The library is open to contributions. Find out how you can help.
NOTE 11 April 2026: The bug affecting the main pages should be resolved for good.
It is recommended that you begin exploring the library with the Frontmatter in the order provided below, before looking at Devices
About
The mission of the library and the wider taxonomy project.
– To Do List
A substantial list of future updates to the library.
– Site Index (you are here)
An index of all the pages in the library.
– Site Updates
A log of major changes and updates.
– Contribute
Ways for folks to contribute to the library.
– Links
Other resources and readings focused on comics craft and scholarship.
– Newsletter
Sign up to the newsletter to get updates straight to your inbox.
– Store & Events
Buy or sign up for stuff related to comics devices and comics craft from the curator.
Introduction
The origin story and personal motivations behind the taxonomy project.
Defining Comics
Comics have many names and definitions. This page briefly describes the taxonomy’s definition of comics for the intended use case of the library.
The Basic Blocks
An introduction to the basic blocks of comics, providing context and scaffolding for the categories and language used by the taxonomy for its definitions.
– Panels and Gutters
– Time and Space
– Arrangement and Layout
– Language or Devices
A Note on the Devices
A set of warnings, rules, recommendations and such for the best experience of using the library.
Devices
Archive
The full library of devices.
Gallery (under construction)
Galleries of comics pages and panels featuring the use of each device.
Curator-Taxonomist’s Footnotes (under construction)
Articles explaining my reasoning for choosing the name and definition for the device, and an overview of the device in scholarly, practical and critical discourse if extant. Contains acknowledgements of creators, scholars and critics who contributed to the text of the devices.
Musings (under construction)
Potential devices… or not?
Categories
Macro-Level
Devices that can be applied to pages as whole.
Micro-Level
Devices that can be applied to elements (background, character, colours, etc) interacting within, between or outside panels.
We accept proposals of new devices, comics examples and any additional content to strengthen the practical usability and academic robustness of the library.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this library originates (the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation) and on which its contributors reside around the world. We pay our respects to the people of the Kulin Nation, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, as well as First Nation Elders overseas, past and present.