There often comes a time when making comics that one needs to illustrate a scene with two characters simply talking to one another for multiple panels at a time. A skilled writer can learn to convey the information needed through more action and visuals and less chit chat. I like to think I’m getting better as a writer, but I still have a ways to go. 😅 Luckily, there’s a trick you can use once you get to the drawing phase to help prevent the page from getting monotonous.

You may notice in the first two images above that panel one changes from the original pose to a closeup of Kraal’s face, partially obscured by Chris’ hand and the plate. Since there were already several panels of Chris and Kraal just standing in profile, I decided to add a bit of visual variety. This trick comes from a well known article among comic creators called Wally Wood’s 22 Panels That Always Work!! It talks about this very technique, and offers 22 examples. When you have two characters just talking to each other, don’t just show the same thing over and over. Show a close up of one of the characters in one panel, show an over the shoulder shot in the next panel, show the two characters in silhouette, show one character’s hands fiddling with some object they’re holding, etc. These tricks can help keep things visually interesting long enough for your readers to digest the dialog until the story gets back to the action!

Read the comic page: https://awwfeathers.com/comics/page263/