Monday, May 28, 2012

Review Panels in Comics and Graphic Novels


How to Become a Comic Strip, Comic Book and Graphic Novel Artist


Okay, let's get back on track. Let's review.

Comic book page
art © 2012 H. Simpson

We've been discussing using geometric page layouts called grids to create a visual rhythm and tempo with repetition and variations in panel shape. The variations are used to highlight dramatic moments in the narrative.

Panels frame and contain the content for the reader. The size of the panel can be an indicator of how much time passes. Comics don't have movement to indicate time. But when you think about it no media does have movement. Film, video and animation all have still frames. We are given the illusion of movement by the rapid projection rate.

The eye moves more quickly over smaller panels. Larger panels make the eye linger longer, so it seems  more time is passing.

Now we're going to discuss free form page designs. This means you don't decide to use a grid and every page can have different panel shapes.

The size and number of the panels on the page is decided by:
  • Story
  • Action
  • Anchor Image
  • Passage of time
So I'll start breaking this down next time.

to be continued...

read next - Free Form Panel and Page Design for Comics and Graphic Novels
previous - A nice method to do thought balloon lettering.

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Remember… Just Create!

If you are interested in further expanding your knowledge, then I recommend these books.

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copyright 2012 H. Simpson

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