15 Comments

Just added all of these books to my reading list!

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I loved all your spooky October reading recs, Susannah!

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Okay, that was fantastic analysis - and explanation. Especiall the show-dont-tell part.

Now, from what I gathered - the big reveal of the next page also came from the staggered panels on the end of the first pair of pages. Clearly, there was a build up over 2 pages that resulted in the next page 'Surprise!'

I am wondering if it was less staggered - and how it would be if the set-up was that on 2nd page or the right hand side page, there would be a reveal.

Like would a 3 piece only panel on facing (left) page and then Bam! Surprise on the Right page work?

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Thanks for your question, Mr Noob! My concern with that suggested arrangement would be that the reader would skip over what was on the left page for the surprise on the right page. It doesn't mean that that arrangement can't work--but I think it would depend on the intensity of the reveal and the effect that the cartoonist is trying to evoke.

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Ah, quite: I was actually thinking back to some 3-panel illustration I saw, which was, to my recollection vertical panels - intense set-up, with something drastic changing just after. I think it was one of the Marvel or DC Superhero Comics - I don't remember which, cos it was just a passing glance, but what you illustrated made me think of that.

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Ha - I just ordered some of those Caran d’Ache non-repro blue pencils for a workshop I’m giving today because I want the kids to feel like “real” comics artists. Now I can point to the photo of you drawing as evidence. Nice topic!

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Ha! Glad I could help, Rachelle :) I like those pencils mainly because they don’t smear. I’ve never actually used them for their non-repo purposes although I know many cartoonists do!

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This is great. I was aware of the concept but it was so helpful to hear how you actually plan a whole spread as a coordinated effort.

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I love a good page turn—nice to show the alternative less successful spread and why to illustrate the point.

Fall Leif is so cute!!😊

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Thanks Anna! It’s such an easier concept to show rather than tell. Fall Leif is cute—he blends right into the leaves a lot of the time!

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Such wonderful advice! Thanks for sharing! 😊

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Thank you, Maple!

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Oooh Ive been meaning to read these two middle grades for a while. Spooky middle grade is my jam!

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Yes, I thought of you, Sarah! Your recent book is one of my to read books too!

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Eeee! Thank you 😊 I hope you enjoy!!

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