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I wanna share my video tutorial here about how to make storyboard and understanding all of that component. You can watch my video on youtube for better explanation and also it got some practice.

Elements That Should Be Included in a Storyboard

A. Panel Layout\

1. Determine the shape and size of the panels, whether large or small, long or short.

2. Arrange the panel order from top to bottom, since webtoons are read vertically.

3. Use whitespace as a dramatic pause.

 

B. Character Position & Composition\

1. Create rough sketches to plan character placement in each panel, simple stick figures are sufficient.

2. Decide the point of view, such as close-up, medium shot, or long shot.

3. Define the visual focus by deciding who dominates the panel and who remains in the background.

 

C. Expressions & Gestures\

Facial expressions and body movements should reflect the emotion of the scene. Expressions help convey the story without relying too heavily on dialogue.

 

D. Dialogue & Text\

1. Plan the placement of speech bubbles, narration, or sound effects (SFX).

2. Set a clear reading order for the bubbles, either right to left or top to bottom within a panel.

3. Avoid overcrowding speech bubbles with too much text.

 

E. Mood / Setting Description (Optional)\

Add short notes to describe the tone of the scene, such as dim lighting with a tense atmosphere, or a blurred background to emphasize emotion.

Types of Comic Panels (and Their Functions):

1. Standard Panel/Rectangular Panel

A basic rectangular shape, used for normal scenes or basic transitions.

🔹 Function: Stable, easy to read, suitable for regular conversations.

2. Vertical Panel (Tall Panel)

Panels that extend downward, common in webtoons.

🔹 Function: Shows towering elements (buildings, falling, deep emotions), creates dramatic effect and slows reading pace.

3. Horizontal Panel (Wide Panel)

Panels stretched sideways.

🔹 Function: Shows landscapes, broad situations, or calm scenes.

4. Close-Up Panel

Focuses on a specific part, usually the face or eyes.

🔹 Function: Expresses emotion, intense reactions, or key details.

5. Establishing Shot Panel

Shows the setting widely.

🔹 Function: Provides context for place, time, or mood.

6. Splash Panel

Very large panel can be full-page or dominant in layout.

🔹 Function: Highlights important moments, climaxes, or dramatic scenes.

7. Inset Panel

A small panel inserted into a larger one.

🔹 Function: Highlights small details, key objects, or quick reactions.

8. Borderless Panel

Panels without borders (fade into background).

🔹 Function: Gives a free, emotional, or dreamlike feeling.

9. Irregular-Shaped Panel

Panels with unusual shapes (tilted, curved, shattered).

🔹 Function: Emphasizes chaos, conflict, or extreme emotion.

10. Silent Panel

No text or dialogue.

🔹 Function: Adds emotional pause, dramatic effect, or quiet atmosphere.

Type of Speech Balloon for Comic or Webtoon

1. Speech Bubble

🔹 Shape: Standard oval with a tail pointing to the speaker’s mouth.

🔹 Function: Regular conversation between characters.

2. Thought Bubble

🔹 Shape: Cloud or bubbles pointing to the character’s head.

🔹 Function: Inner thoughts or monologue.

 

 

3. Narration Box

🔹 Shape: Square box, no tail.

🔹 Function: Narration from author or character (not direct speech).

4. Whisper Bubble

🔹 Shape: Dashed lines, small text.

🔹 Function: Whispers, quiet speech, secrets, or shyness.

5. Shout Bubble/Loud Speech

🔹 Shape: Jagged, spiky, sometimes large.

🔹 Function: Yelling, high emotion, anger, panic.

6. SFX Bubble (Sound Effects)

🔹 Shape: Varies, sometimes integrated with the image.

🔹 Function: Environmental or action sounds (e.g., tap, whoosh, slam), sometimes just bold text with no bubble.

7. Electronic/Robotic Speech

🔹 Shape: Angular, rectangular, with digital fonts.

🔹 Function: AI, robot, or electronic communication (e.g., chat, radio).

8. Broken Speech Bubble

🔹 Shape: Cracked, jagged, or wavy.

🔹 Function: Weak, emotional, or dying voice.

9. Overlapping/Shared Bubble

🔹 Shape: Two connected bubbles.

🔹 Function: Quick back-and-forth between characters, interruptions.

10. Stylized Bubble

🔹 Shape & Font: Customized to suit unique voices—ghosts, cute characters, magical beings.

🔹 Function: Creates a distinct tone—raspy, squeaky, magical, etc.