1. Panel: This is the most common meaning. A panel is a single, self-contained image within a comic book, usually surrounded by a border. It's like a "frame" for a single scene or moment in the story.
2. Narrative Frame: This refers to the overall structure of the story. For example, a comic book might be framed as a flashback, a diary entry, or a conversation between characters. This establishes the context and perspective from which the story is told.
3. Graphic Design Elements: This can refer to the various visual elements that make up a panel, such as the use of lines, borders, and colors. These elements can be used to guide the reader's eye, create mood, and enhance the overall visual experience.
4. Physical Frame: This is the literal frame that surrounds a comic book page, like the border of a picture.
Examples:
* "The artist used a lot of negative space in the panel, which created a sense of loneliness." (Referring to a single panel within a comic book)
* "The story is framed as a series of letters written by the main character." (Referring to the overall narrative structure)
* "The use of thick black lines around the panels gives the comic a gritty feel." (Referring to graphic design elements)
* "I have a first edition comic book in a beautiful wood frame." (Referring to a physical frame)
To understand what "comic book frame" refers to in a specific instance, you need to pay attention to the context of the statement or question.