Funny Pages

1. Funny Pages

2. Synopsis • The Funny Pages text is similar to a newspaper comics section, with three to four cartoons on each page. There are single and multiple frame strips consisting of four to eight frames each. The role of the cartoonist’s text and illustrations are each critical in the creation of the cartoon’s humour.

3. Text Type • Narrative • Comics

4. TextFeatures • serial strips • single and multiple frame cartoons • second-last frame (penultimate) of multiple frame stripsisdifferentthanother frames; it sets up the punchline in final frame • colour v. black & white serial strips • interplaybetweenpictures and text • different sizes of frames • dialogue iscommonelement in these cartoons • speech bubbles are similarexcept for radio voice in « Zits » • meaning of details in illustrations (e.g., boldedcapitalscanindicatefear)

5. Background Knowledge • Who reads the comics of the newspaper or the pull-out comic section? • Which ones do you like to read? • Why are comics fun to read?

6. First Page • Findyourfavourite cartoon on this page and explainwhyyoulikeit.

7. After Reading • How did the cartoonist create humour? • Notice that the second last frame (penultimate) in each multiple frame strip is different. Why does the illustrator do that? • Is black and white more effective than colour? Why or why not? • Look at the authors’ choice of words in the three comic strips. Where are they most effective? Explain.

8. Independent Work • Read the second page of the Funny Pages on yourown. • Complete readerresponse.