Panel shapes

I love using odd panel shapes, but only to give the storytelling impact. As a rule, I only use them to heighten excitement, particularly in action scenes. Care should be taken so that the storytelling remains clear, arranging the panels so they flow into each other instead of confusing the reader. Compare these two pages: one of them is a talking heads page with traditional, straightforward panel shapes and arrangement, reinforcing that this is a relatively quiet, mundane scene. The calm before the storm. The other is an action page full of odd-shaped panels that convey a sense of chaos while still clearly directing the reader’s eye across the page. Be sure the shape of the panel complements the composition within.