09/07/2026
Elements of Narrative Storytelling
The more I continue developing Time Enforcers®: Episode II — Flying into the Chrono-Storm, the more I discover the subtleties of visual storytelling—and how much a graphic novel can communicate beyond the written word.
In this sequence, our team has just made it through the vortex. But even without dialogue, the characters' positioning helps tell you what is happening.
Maisie is with Nick in the back of the cockpit. Amelia is at the controls, looking back toward the others. Their placement within the panels creates an implied direction and flow to the conversation—something that would normally have to be described in prose.
Then there is the use of color. Nick’s panel deliberately shifts to black and white (because he is a character based in film noir), turning his response into a visual punchline before Amelia calls him out on it.
That little bit of levity also serves a storytelling purpose.
The team has just survived a dangerous trip through the vortex. Giving the characters a moment to breathe—and be themselves—provides a brief release of tension. Amelia then turns the conversation back toward the situation at hand: they still have much bigger things to worry about.
Amelia’s expression, her backward glance, the panel composition, the shift in color, and the dialogue all work together to move the scene forward.
That’s one of the things I’ve come to appreciate most while creating a graphic novel: the artwork doesn’t simply illustrate the story. The artwork enhances the act of telling the story.
Want to see how it all comes together?
Our current Kickstarter is still accepting Late Pledges, and all stretch goals are still active, so there’s still time to experience the full story of Episode II — Flying into the Chrono-Storm for yourself.
The link is in our bio or the in the comment below.