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 week, we covered how to create dynamic compositions. This week, we’ll dive deeper into arranging panels to enhance storytelling.
Here is a sample of one of my own thumbnailed pages where I've only just laid out the text and art....next will be to review what I state below....
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:
Natural Eye Movement – In manga, readers scan from right to left. Placing speech bubbles and focal points in a natural sequence helps prevent confusion.
Panel Size & Shape – Large panels emphasize key moments, while small panels quicken the pace. Experiment with different shapes for emotional impact.
Overlapping Elements – Having a character’s hand or an object extend beyond the frame can guide the reader’s eye smoothly across panels.
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.
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