How many panels should a manga have?

Today we are gonna dig deeper, into the art of paneling.

Here is the video :

When we work on laying out panels, the most important thing we look for is “Smoothness”. How easy the panels are to follow, without distraction. It just won’t be a successful manga, if it’s not easy to read.
So what makes smooth, flowing panel layouts? Let’s take a look at this example.

THE BASIC – 2×4 grid

In most basic forms of story manga, you have a 2×4 grid. 4 rows, with 2 panels each. Sometimes you have large or small panels, so on average 6 to 8 panels a page.

To make sure the reader knows what order to read the panels, make the gap smaller, between panels that are side by side, while keeping a bigger gap, between each row.

Resulting in one continual line of motion, for the readers’ eyes. This is the foundation of good, easy to follow panel layout.

Of course, it may be a little boring, if all the panels are of the same size. So, mix it up a little. Make panels that are important or impactful, larger than the others. Divide panels vertically or at an angle, to create the rhythm, and dynamism. Maybe draw characters only, to stick out of a panel, overlaid atop multiple panels.

EXAMPLES : Hojo sensei’s works

Now let’s learn from the actual manga pages. By none other than Hojo sensei’s!

Before the climax, is a scene that tells the story background. Many details to show the reader,

Panels are arranged, right side page : “7 panels in 4 rows”
On the left page, we have our hero Ryo, so he appears in a large panel, with events happening around him. That’s “6 panels, 4 rows”.

Then it’s the climax!

Our hero Ryo fires the shot, in the wide, largest panel in this episode. That’s 5 panels, in a double page spread.

Can you see, how varying the panel size and density creates dynamism in your story telling?

EXAMPLE : Hara sensei

Now let’s take a look at Hara sensei’s panel layout!

While famous for his impactful, large panel actions,

Then the story speeds up!

Then the climax!

Composed of 3 panels, with one extremely large panel!

Conclusion

See how even the seasoned masters, stick to the basic rules of “6-8” panels a page, then only slightly deviating from it?

Those are the building blocks, that give the climax panel a strong, lasting impression.

Drawing those small panels may require a lot of effort. But it is absolutely necessary, to show the reader the scene and events that lead up to the climax.

That is why we advise everyone to stick to a “2×4” grid, with 6 to 8 panels a page. It works for the masters, no reason why it shouldn’t work for you!

GOT IT?

In the next episode, we are gonna take a look at camera angles. What and how to draw each panel, that draws a reader into your world.

And make sure to subscribe to our channel, not to miss an episode!
See you next time!

Taiyo Nakashima