The Power of Visual Storytelling

By WB Intern Ben Wengrovitz

When you think of a medium for a story what do you think of first?

Most people probably think of books or short stories. That’s the norm because this is the way that most stories are usually told. Having large pages of text has many advantages such as in-depth description and the option for less dialogue. Another strength is that you, the author, can focus on developing your own writing style and having it front and center. While this medium of writing is standard for storytelling, let’s discuss a different route.

What Are Visual Stories?

Visual stories are a different way of writing that is starting to gain more popularity these days. Whatever the medium. Whether that’s graphic novels, comics, or manga. The strength of writing a story in a visual way is that instead of focusing on describing detail you can convey that in your art and then focus on speech as a huge strength. Give each and every character a distinct way of speaking and adding voice, not to your whole writing but to make each character real and different.

When it comes to style here it all comes down to the individual’s art style. Every single page and panel of these visual stories look so different but at the same time, it all works because each person’s drawing style evolves along with their writing. Comics also allow the authors to go very mature with their content and most do because of the ability to draw exactly what is going on and the adults who tend to read them. These are picture books, they are different which leads them to a different and much more mature audience.

Different Mediums

When it comes to the mediums there are many but the three most prominent are comics, graphic novels and manga. Comics are smaller pieces of writing where new stories are introduced weekly or monthly and you can pick them up and read them for quick enjoyment without the commitment of a long-form story. Graphic novels are longer form pieces that have a complete narrative all the way through. And last, but not least, is manga. This form of visual storytelling became popular in the U.S. in the 60s and has continued to rise in demand. They are comics that come from Japan that are translated into English. They’re read from right to left since that is the way the Japanese write and read stories. 

Here’s some of our recommendations!

Battle Pope (Comic)

Battle Pope is a comic that was originally published in 2005 and went on until 2007. It was created by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. This comic is a superhero comedy comic. It is rated mature, so I recommend being in high school or older before picking it up but it is a super creative and fun idea for a comic. The premise is that Pope Oswald Leopold II is condemned by God for all of the terrible things he has done in his life after becoming the pope. With the help of his sidekick Jesus H. Christ, he becomes mankind’s last hope in trying to defend them all. The rapture has begun so demons and monsters run rampant all over the world leaving only Pope Oswald and Jesus to protect everyone. Craziness ensues and lots of big battles along with much more.

We highly recommend picking up Battle Pope for anyone who has an itch to read something that is super creative and different. Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore got super creative here and made us laugh every single time we opened the comic. The artwork on display is really violent but wildly full of character. It’s also very different from what you would expect. Every single expression someone makes when speaking lets you really hear the tone of their voice along with how they feel.  Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore created a brilliant comic with incredible artwork.

Graveneye (Graphic Novel)

Graveneye is a graphic novel that was published on November 30th, 2021. It was written by the brilliant author Sloane Leong and the art was done by the very talented Anna Bowles. For both of them this was their debut graphic novel and the story it tells is incredibly strong and dark. This terrifying read is horror through and through. The story follows a girl named Isla who lives in a massive mansion out in the woods. Isla hires a young woman named Marie to help clean the house and take care of it but little does Isla knows Marie brings demons into the home. Some really dark and scary things follow suit.

The themes throughout it follow both hunger and obsession. I highly recommend anyone who loves horror to read this. The artwork is super interesting and the use of color is very creative and specific when they do utilize it. Sloane Leong and Anna Bowles will take you along a journey in this story and it will make you not want to put it down. Even after you have read it you will continue thinking about it.

Dandadan (Manga)

Dandadan is a manga that started publication on April 6th, 2021, and is ongoing. Written and illustrated by the up-and-coming manga star Tatsu Yukinobu. Dandadan follows the story of a high school girl named Momo and a boy of the same age named Ken. The two of them are polar opposites when they first meet. Momo believes in ghosts and Ken believes in Aliens and the occult, so the two make a bet to see which one is right. It turns out they are both correct after visiting places where supernatural occurrences are said to appear. This begins the friendship and adventures that the two share as they try to get back to having a normal life.

Most manga and comics specialize in one thing like action, comedy, romance, or something else entirely but Dandadan does a great job in all of these areas. It doesn’t fit within one genre. As the two come across supernatural threats, the fear is evident and terrifying. Then the action kicks in and the art conveys it as bombastic and insanely kinetic helping elevate the art and story. Even after the action and horror, the romance between Momo and Ken is very will-they-won’t-they and adorable. This manga will terrify you as well as tug on your heartstrings. We really recommend this manga to someone who loves genre-bending as well as supernatural high-jinx. Yukinobu has shown why his name is growing in the manga industry.

A True Wonder (Nonfiction Graphic Novel)

Graphic novels are a really fascinating and creative way for authors to show their strengths plus their own flare of art. A True Wonder: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything by Kirsten W. Larson and illustrated by Katy Wu is a nonfiction graphic novel that tells the story of the iconic hero, Wonder Woman and gives readers a behind-the-scenes look of her evolution. It’s an engaging read for all ages, and the art is so attention grabbing anyone would be interested if they saw this novel on the shelves.

If this blog interests you, check out this class we’re offering on nonfiction graphic novels with Kirsten W. Larson happening on August 13, 2022. In this course, the incredible Kirsten W. Larson will define the current landscape of graphic nonfiction, help writers decide what they want to write about, the submission process and much more!

About the Author

Ben Wengrovitz – WB Intern

Ben Wengrovitz will graduate from St. Edwards University with a BA in Writing and Rhetoric with a focus in Creative Writing in August of 2022. Originally he is from Boerne, Texas. When entering college he went in as an actor but upon reading so many more screenplays he moved into the writing program and feel in love with screenwriting. He then spent his time honing his skills there in hopes to see his scripts turned into a movie on the big screen one day. His favorite genres to write and read are horror, character dramas, and realistic fiction. When Ben isn’t writing you can find him gaming, longboarding, or working out.