Verbal–Illustrative Transformation in the Graphic Novel Asterios Polyp: Systematizing the Foundations of Semiotic Cross-Shift

Subject of the study is the intermedial relations between verbal and illustrative sign systems in David Mazzucchelli’s graphic novel Asterios Polyp. Object of the study is the interaction of verbal and visual signs in the structure of a creolized artistic text. Aim of the study is to identify the principles of semiotic transformation, in which a verbal sign loses its autonomy and becomes illustrative, while a visual sign, conversely, transcends iconicity and acquires linguistic and narrative functions. The analysis focuses on grapheme-image isomorphism, phonetic motivation, calligrammatic transformation, and font-based individualization. To achieve the stated aim, the study applies exhaustive sampling of key episodes, comparative and interpretative analysis, and paragrammic analysis. The selection of these methods is motivated by the need for a comprehensive examination of transitional forms of verbal and visual signs, revealing their cognitive and semiotic mechanisms, assessing functional and conceptual significance, and exploring how these elements generate new semantic levels within the graphic novel. Scientific novelty lies in developing a systematic typology of artistic-semantic principles underlying semiotic cross-transition in Asterios Polyp. Analysis demonstrates that: 1) grapheme-image isomorphism provides cognitive recognition; 2) phonetic motivation translates verbal signs into the visual-iconic sphere via acoustic representation; 3) calligrammatic transformation desemanticizes verbal signs based on context and indexical reference; 4) font-based individualization forms visual polyphony and carries subject-marking functions. These processes reveal the dynamic nature of semiotic cross-transition, reflecting character psychology and the author’s creative intent. Practical significance of the study lies in its application to research in visual semiotics, intermediality in contemporary culture, and in teaching courses on paralinguistics, paragrammic analysis, and the study of artistic texts.

semiotic cross-shift, graphic novel, artistic creolized text, typographic individualization, intermedial relations, verbal-illustrative transformation, poetics of the hybrid text, typeface, intermediality, grapheme