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Mastering Panel Flow In Manga Storytelling

One of the key elements that separates good manga from great manga is panel flow—the way readers' eyes move smoothly across the page. Last episode, we covered how to create dynamic compositions. This time, we’ll dive deeper into arranging panels to enhance storytelling.

Understanding Panel Flow

Panel flow is essential to pacing and mood. Whether an action scene or a quiet moment, the way panels are placed impacts how the reader experiences the story. Here are three core principles to master it:

person holding opened book

  1. Natural Eye Movement – In manga, readers scan from right to left. Placing speech bubbles and focal points in a natural sequence helps prevent confusion.
  2. Panel Size & Shape – Large panels emphasize key moments, while small panels quicken the pace. Experiment with different shapes for emotional impact.
  3. Overlapping Elements – Having a character’s hand or an object extend beyond the frame can guide the reader’s eye smoothly across panels.

Peanuts comic strip open on a book.

Exercise

Take a favorite manga scene and analyze its panel flow. Sketch a similar scene using the principles above. Adjust panel placement until the flow feels intuitive and compelling.


Mastering Panel Flow In Manga Storytelling
Mark Northcott March 31, 2025
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