Manga/Comics Panelling (Basic)

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Are you planning on creating some manga or comics on the future? Or are you currently working on it?
Then it's time for you to know some panelling/layout guidelines..
So in this tutorial I will state some effective panel layouts that are greatly used by comic and manga artist.
I know there are a lot but i'm giving you only 4 just to introduce panelling/layout and what factors you should consider.

First of all,

What is Panels?

Panels allows you to emphasize emotions, scenes, moods and the flow of the story on your comics or manga.
It tell the transitions of your story and It helps your viewer to understand whether your story is in
future, flashback or in present time.

1. This first example of panels are usually used in japanese comics:


As you can see they place a very small panel in here.
Wonder how artist used this?
Take a look at this manga courtesy of kimi to boku manga series

and

Did you notice the flow?
It give you just a bit of what's going to happen next and usually give the full information on the next few panels.
Usually the drawing place here have less details.
So eventually the flow of the readers eyes will be:


 The readers eyes don't focus much on the small panel, indeed proceed to the next panel which the conversation proceeds.

2. Second example of panels is this:


This panelling usually used in sequence to sequence transition. 
(ie.,when all of the characters do the same thing at the same time.)
Here's the example (psycho busters manga page 40)
 
What do you notice about the transition? Is it fast or slow?
Well in this case, the flow of the readers eyes was fast because it gives a very straight and short look towards the transition.
It looks like you are only glancing on the characters shown.
so, the sequence of reading will likely be:


3.Third example of panel is:


Do you already know where is this panel usually used?
Right! It usually used in comic strips or even meme comics!
Here's the sample(courtesy of rivkah's tutorial manga):

This panel gives a smooth and a little slow flow on the transition.
The readers eyes go straightly on each drawings in the panel.
The sequence of reading are like:


4.The fourth and last example of panel is used when you want to emphasize the scene or character.


Here's the examplenaruto shippuden manga:
 
In this you can clearly see what's happening on the scene.
but like the first panel example, it only give you a bit of what's going to happen next.
This time, the drawing place here have more details and have more feelings on it, whether it's the most funniest scene, most romance or most terrifying scene etc.,
Sequence of reading are more like:



Random Tips:
*Don't put transitions that are not related to the first panel.
It cause confusions on the readers mind, unless you know the Non-sequiter technique of transitions.
which i hope i can make tutorial about transition soon
*Don't over crowd the page with panels! It will cause too much confusion on the image transitions.
*A little visual variety keeps the storytelling interesting.
*Be sure you have your story done before creating/starting your work. It's best to have guideline done first.


Hello Everyone!! Welcome to my very first tutorial.
This is just a bit understanding on manga/comics creation.
I suggest to read other manga/comics and tutorials to learn new things.
Each and every artist have their own techniques and ideas on how they panel and I'm respecting it.
Hope you enjoy and learn new things from this tutorial and stay tuned on my future artworks.
JYA NEE ~



image credits: google and mangareader and modified by chittandaeru.


© 2014 - 2024 Chiinyan
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skai-san's avatar
very helpful thanks for this!