Textual and pictorial components in the focus: paratext in translated graphic novels
Summary In spite of manifold textual-pictorial make-up and remarkably varied meaning making function, paratext is one of the neglected research topics around graphic novels (graphic narrative in general). Even more so, this goes for translated graphic novels. Distinguishing between carrier media of paratext (front and back covers, blurbs) and forms of information (introduction, imprint, appendix), this study starts from describing most characteristic components of graphic novels’ paratext. Different from many articles on graphic narrative, this contribution is not only based on English, French and German, but also on Slavic (Czech, Polish, Serbian) source and target texts. All source texts are internationally respected, prize-winning examples of the genre. Comparative analysis profits from this enlargement of research material: it yields new insight into meaning making contained in or connected with paratext – including target recipients’ privileged position.