THE GRAPHIC CODE OF COMICS

Scott Pilgram VS The World Series

Bryan Lee O'Malley has a unique approach to page layouts. While his paneling isn't as experimental as someone like Chris Ware, he plays with pacing, composition, and flow in a way that feels very cinematic. His style is influenced by manga (being in black and white), using dynamic action sequences, exaggerated expressions. His work also breaks the grid, with characters or effects bursting through panel borders to heighten energy, especially in action scenes. Additionally, his use of montage sequences, with quick-cut panels, mimics film editing, effectively conveying the passage of time.

Fullmetal Alchemist (Manga)

Full Metal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa is the first and only manga I have read. Manga and Western comics differ in format, storytelling, and artistic style. Manga is typically black-and-white, serialized in weekly or monthly magazines, and follows a long-form narrative by a single creator, while Western comics are usually full color, released in shorter single issues, and involve multiple writers and artists over time. ​

She uses diagonal paneling and breaking borders to enhance motion in fight scenes. What really makes her stand out is how smoothly she shifts between intense drama and sudden comedy, using the layout to enhance both. It keeps her stories visually exciting and full of personality.