Hi,
I hope you’re well.
This is a little different, and focuses on one aspect of a comic, the splash page.
Making a Splash (Page)
A splash page is one which only has a single panel - a single image depicting the scene. They’re usually situated on the left hand page of a double-page spread, to give you an extra wow when you turn the page.
To this end, it’s a great tool to give the reader a surprise, a twist in the story, or a reveal they weren’t expecting.
When I asked Richard Fairgray, artist on upcoming Blue Fox title ‘Shed’, what he thought of splash pages, he said;
“I think they can be effective as a punchline or a big reveal, but I think they are very easy to overuse. However, I love a splash that tells a story, using movement through a large environment to show characters speaking in multiple places, especially as a way of making a dialogue driven scene more interesting.”
Whilst it’s not a single image, here’s an example page from Richard’s ‘Shed’ which shows what he means.
Sometimes, having a whole page dedicated to a single image can add make it atmospheric. Take this one by RHStewart from Part 3 of The Shadow Over Innsmouth.
When I spoke to RHStewart, he had this to say about splash pages;
“Overall, I enjoy drawing Splash pages. In terms of storytelling splash pages are an effective way for a page turn to signify to the reader a dramatic end or beginning, putting an ‘exclamation point’ to a scene. Splash pages help create space and depth allowing me to open up the visual narrative which can become truncated if the panel count is extensive.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about our upcoming Kickstarter, and seeing the campaign page as soon as we launch, click or tap the button below, and then select ‘Notify me on Launch’.
What are your favourite splash pages in comics? We’d love you to share them with us, along with why they’re your favourite!
If you found this interesting, please let us know, and send us any questions and/or topics you’d like us to talk about.
Speak soon and stay safe,
Simon