Warren Ellis answers a not-uncommon question, offering suggestions about how to write a comic panel. Yes, panel, not page:
You’re also, wherever possible, looking for an interesting image. But don’t confuse “interesting” with “splashy.” You’re still trying to serve the demands of storytelling, telling the story as clearly and simply as possible. In most forms of narrative, each panel must have a relationship with the panels on either side of it. You’re plotting out a sequence of motion in a series of stills. Imagine it like that, and you may be able to get a better sense of how a story in comics might flow. It’s not a perfect analogy, but it might be worth considering if this is something you’re having trouble with. You’ll develop your own view, approach and methods as you go. Everybody does.
This reminds me of part of the discussion from the latest episode of Kieron Gillen’s always-enjoyable podcast Decompressed, which this time features an interview with Al Ewing about Jennifer Blood #17. Except, even if you don’t follow Jennifer Blood, there’s a lot to love in this podcast, as the two talk about the technical aspects of writing and what the artist of the book – Kewber Baal – brought to the work that wasn’t asked for in the script. Anyone interested in process should check this one out.
