afsnitning

Afsnittning is a Swedish term that refers to the process of dividing printed matter into sections or episodes, typically in a serialized format. This concept is well-known in the context of comics and graphic novels, where each episodic installment is called an afstand.

The term afstandning originated in the 19th century in Sweden, where it was used to describe the act of dividing a serialized novel or story into individual chapters or episodes. The technique was popularized through the printing of Swedish literary magazines, such as Blixten, which published serialized stories on a weekly basis.

In comics, afstandning refers to the way in which a story is structured into individual episodes or installments, often with each installment featuring a self-contained storyline while also contributing to a larger overall narrative. This structure allows readers to buy and read individual episodes without needing to purchase the entire series upfront.

The concept of afstandning has been influential in the development of modern Western-style comics, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many notable comics creators, such as Carl Barks and Hergé, made use of the afstandning technique in their work. Today, the afstandning structure remains a common feature of comic books and graphic novels worldwide.