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Manga Monday!

Writer's picture: Mark NorthcottMark Northcott

Panels, Pixels, and plot twists


Manga Monday: Panels, Pixels, and Plot Twists!


Welcome to Manga Monday, where every line you draw pulls your readers into a world of action, drama, or maybe just really intense lunch breaks. Manga isn’t just about art—it’s about storytelling. Those tiny boxes, aka panels, are your stage, your canvas, and your opportunity to make readers laugh, cry, or gasp, “Did they really just do that?!”


This week, I want to talk about the magic of paneling. Panels guide the reader’s eye and set the rhythm of your story. Are you building suspense? Use tall, narrow panels to slow things down. Want an explosive moment? Go full-page with a burst panel that screams, “Boom!”






I recently worked on a manga-inspired piece featuring a hero mid-leap, cape billowing, eyes locked on the villain across the battlefield. It’s a chef’s kiss moment of drama, but guess what? It didn’t start that way. My first draft looked more like a potato with arms than a daring protagonist. The key was refining the pose, emphasizing the movement, and playing with the panel’s layout until it clicked.


💡 Challenge for You: This week, try sketching your own manga panel. It could be a dramatic action scene, a heartfelt moment, or even a goofy reaction shot. Don’t overthink it—just let your creativity flow! Share your work and tag me so I can cheer you on and maybe feature your piece in next week’s post.





Manga is all about creating moments that stick with your readers long after the last panel. So go ahead, grab your pen (or stylus), and start sketching your masterpiece!



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