| name | visual-narrative |
| description | A visual narrative skill used by the dialogue-writer and comic-editor agents. Provides speech bubble systems, sound effect typography, Show-Don't-Tell principles, and visual metaphor techniques. Used for 'speech bubbles,' 'sound effects,' 'visual storytelling,' 'comic direction,' and related topics. |
Visual Narrative — Visual Narrative Methodology
Expert knowledge used by the dialogue-writer and comic-editor agents when integrating dialogue and visual elements.
Why Visual Narrative Matters
In comics, dialogue accounts for only about 30% of the storytelling. The remaining 70% is conveyed through art, composition, expressions, sound effects, and white space. The less dialogue, the stronger the comic.
Speech Bubble System
Speech Bubble Types
| Type | Shape | Use | Prompt Instruction |
|---|
| Normal Dialogue | Rounded ellipse | Regular conversation | "speech bubble" |
| Thought | Cloud shape | Inner monologue | "thought bubble, cloud shape" |
| Shout/Emphasis | Explosion/Jagged | Loud voice, anger | "burst speech bubble, jagged" |
| Whisper | Dashed ellipse | Low voice | "dashed speech bubble, whisper" |
| Electronic Voice | Rectangular border | Phone, broadcast, AI | "rectangular speech box" |
| Narration | Rectangular box (top) | Commentary, time markers | "narration box, caption" |
| Emotion Symbol | Symbol only | ?, !, ..., heart | Symbols without bubbles |
Speech Bubble Placement Rules
- Reading order: Top-to-bottom, left-to-right (for left-to-right languages)
- Tail direction: The bubble tail points toward the speaker's mouth
- No obstruction: Bubbles must not cover important visual elements
- Maximum 3: No more than 3 speech bubbles per panel (split panel if exceeded)
- Use blank space: Placing bubbles in the top third of the panel is most natural
Sound Effect Typography
Sound Effect Library
| Category | Examples | Context |
|---|
| Impact | WHAM! CRASH! BAM! THUD! | Punches, collisions, explosions |
| Movement | WHOOSH~ SWISH! ZOOM | Running, flying, spinning |
| Emotion | Thump thump, Shiver, Tingle | Heartbeat, fear, excitement |
| Environment | RUMBLE, SPLASH, RUSTLE | Thunder, water, wind |
| Daily Life | CLICK, SCREECH, DRIP, SNAP | Doors, brakes, drops, cameras |
| Silence | ... (dead silence) | Tense quiet |
Sound Effect Design Rules
- Size = Volume: Larger text = louder sound, smaller text = quieter
- Tilt = Speed: Tilted text = fast movement
- Color = Nature: Red = destruction, Blue = cold, Yellow = electricity
- Position = Source: Place near the source of the sound
- Font: Use a different font from body text; handwritten feel recommended
Show-Don't-Tell Principle
Show Through Art, Don't Tell Through Dialogue
| Bad Example (Tell) | Good Example (Show) |
|---|
| "I'm so angry!" | Clenched fist, gritted teeth in close-up |
| "This place is dangerous" | Cracked walls, bloodstained signs, warning lights |
| "A lot of time has passed" | Changing seasons, grown trees, rusted objects |
| "I started to like her" | Eyes drifting toward her, flushed cheeks |
| "This is a precious object" | Trembling hands carefully clutching it |
Emotion Visual Codes
| Emotion | Visual Code |
|---|
| Anger | Forehead veins, shaking frame, red background, gritted teeth |
| Sadness | Rain/snow overlay, dark tones, slumped posture, tears |
| Joy | Bright tones, flower petals/light rays, wide smile |
| Fear | Wide eyes, darkness, long shadows, trembling hands |
| Surprise | White pupils, halo effect, startled posture, sweat drops |
| Tension | Narrow panels, consecutive close-ups, dark-light contrast |
Page Transition Techniques
Scene Transition Methods
| Technique | Description | Use Case |
|---|
| Cut | Immediate scene change, no connection | Time/location change |
| Dissolve | Two scenes overlapping in one panel | Flashback, daydream |
| Wipe | Diagonal/horizontal scene split | Simultaneous events |
| Match Cut | Object in Scene A matches object in Scene B | Metaphorical connection |
| Color Shift | Color change indicates time/mood shift | Past (sepia) -> Present (full color) |
Text-Image Density Balance
| Scene Type | Text Ratio | Image Ratio | Panel Count |
|---|
| Action/Combat | 10-20% | 80-90% | Many small panels |
| Daily Conversation | 40-50% | 50-60% | Medium uniform panels |
| Emotional Scene | 10-20% | 80-90% | Few large panels |
| Exposition/Flashback | 30-40% | 60-70% | Narration boxes |
| Comedy | 30-40% | 60-70% | Large panel for punchline |
