Showing Movement in Comics

by Frank Miller

SHOWING MOVEMENT

I was talking to my brother about writing scripts for comics and mentioned that I sometimes forget that what I'm writing can't move. I'd start accidentally writing as if it were a movie script, with characters moving around, then realize that I had to think in stills!

There are multiple ways to create motion, and action, in comics.

- Extreme Poses -

Still images give you the chance to choose the exact moment in time you want to show. Well, it obligates you to do that, really, but let's keep it positive, here! Showing the extreme moment, or close to it, can give the maximum amount of drama or excitement for a character who's running, jumping, punching or being punched, or whatever other kind of action you're showing. A fully extended fist, an extremely slanted line of action on the victim - motion and drama well expressed. Here's a panel from bravo1102's Belle's Best, here on the Duck


by bravo1102
Visit this comic here! https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/Belle_s_Best_the_Films_of_Belinda_Brandon/

- Blurs -

That image also makes use of a blur effect, which adds nicely. The blur is good for an extra aggressive, powerful motion, or one that's supposed to be particularly fast.

- Motion Lines -

Before blurs were as doable as they are now, motion lines can show movement as well! Which parts of a character or object will have lines extending from them, showing the movement. This is handy to show a specific path an object, character, or part of a character, is traveling.


by John Byrne

Of course, manga and anime will use motion lines as a background, to show movement/action.

- Multiple Panel Action or Multiple Figures -

The final way that comes to my mind is the multiple panel or multiple figure action. Instead of motion lines, we'll see several panels, laid out to appear as if they're happening quickly.


by John Byrne

Or you can have multiple images of a character in different poses/locations in one panel, to show an acrobatic fight or travel through a series of obstacles, or whatever.


by Harry Lucey

Are there any I've missed? There must be! How do you like to show motion, movement and action in your comics? What style suits you?

Okay, I'm movin' on now. Have a good one!

-Banes


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