Ep. 1 Page 12
Abt_Nihil on Aug. 18, 2007
Now that I'm looking at these pages I think I should make the text smaller… the speech balloons look like they're about to burst, which makes the amount of text even more intimidating.
Speaking of intimidating amounts of text, here's some more for you:
Since TheMidge28 mentioned it on the previous page (and the problem may reappear) I'll try to reduce your potential confusion over who says what. Some of my basic personal rules are:
1. Speech balloons' arrows point as directly as possible to the person speaking.
2. If speakers change from A to B and back to A within one panel, then A's two balloons should be connected like Jack's in panel 1 here.
3. If you're not sure which balloon is next, try the nearest one.
4. Small bubbles (like the “Ginger Ale” one in the first panel) are asides and their placement doesn't matter much.
I sometimes get confused over this myself when reading manga, since mangaka don't seem to bother much arranging the balloons' arrows, sometimes leaving them out entirely. When I leave arrows out, then it's likely you shouldn't know who says it (at the time you're reading it at least)… like during the scene transition on the previous page. You need to read the next one to find out ;-)
I try to follow the standard rules I grew up with, but if there are any more problems, please point them out so I can fix them!
Sorry for lecturing ^^;
Fitz at 3:24PM, Sept. 4, 2007
Yeah the speech bubbles are just a BIT confusing - but I managed to go through the page pretty much without getting lost. we must've grown up on the same comics. Though I've only read a couple mangas in my life. Strangely enough, I leave out the arrows pointing at the person speaking, too - but there's little room for confusion since there are only two guys and they have different speech bubbles each... Though I actually used a lot of arrows in the newest episode. But back to your comic... She's sooo hitting on the chubby guy ;) Who doesn't look all that chubby ;)
TheMidge28 at 8:37AM, Aug. 19, 2007
you art and layouts are always great...I hope I am not being a putz with the little additions here and there? is this our female lead with a courting beau...or two new people? Thanks for the clarifications in your notes...I wouldn't get hung up on western rules...I just happen to be western and had questions...but draw it as you see fit...if you are truely happy with it then what am I to say anything?