Wally Wood’s 22 Panels That Always Work

Wally Wood was a legendary figure in the comic book industry. Known for his incredible artistry and storytelling, he left an indelible mark on the world of comics. One of his most famous contributions is the “22 Panels That Always Work.” These panels are a set of visual techniques that help comic artists tell their stories more effectively.

Why are these 22 panels so important? Comics combine pictures and words to create a unique reading experience. The layout of the panels plays a crucial role in guiding the reader through the story. Wally Wood understood this better than most. He created these 22 panels to solve common problems artists face when laying out a comic book page. They offer solutions for keeping the artwork dynamic and engaging, no matter the scene.

In this article, we’ll explore who Wally Wood was, how he developed these panels, and why they still matter today. We’ll also break down some of the panels to see how they work and give practical tips for artists who want to use them. Whether you’re a seasoned comic book artist or just a fan of the medium, understanding Wally Wood’s 22 panels can deepen your appreciation for the art of comics.

Early Life and Career

Wally Wood was born on June 17, 1927, in Menahga, Minnesota. He grew up during the Great Depression, a time when life was tough for many families. Even as a child, Wood loved to draw. He spent hours sketching and dreaming of becoming a comic book artist.

After high school, Wood joined the Merchant Marine and then the Army. During his time in the military, he continued to draw, creating cartoons for military publications. When he left the Army, he moved to New York City in 1948. New York was the heart of the comic book industry, and Wood was determined to make his mark.

Wood’s big break came when he started working for EC Comics. At EC, he illustrated stories for famous titles like “Tales from the Crypt” and “Weird Science.” His work stood out because of his detailed drawings and creative layouts. He had a knack for making scenes look dramatic and exciting.

In the 1960s, Wood also worked for Marvel Comics. He helped to create characters like Daredevil, adding his unique style to the superhero genre. His contributions to Marvel showed his versatility as an artist, capable of working in different styles and genres.

Throughout his career, Wood became known for his professionalism and dedication. He was always looking for ways to improve his craft. This drive led him to create the “22 Panels That Always Work,” a tool to help other artists with their comic book layouts.

Wally Wood’s career was full of achievements and innovations. He inspired many artists and left a lasting legacy in the comic book industry. His early life experiences and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped him into one of the most influential comic book artists of all time.

The Creation of the 22 Panels

Wally Wood created the “22 Panels That Always Work” out of necessity. As a comic book artist, he often faced tight deadlines and needed to produce high-quality work quickly. He noticed that many artists struggled with making their comic pages look interesting, especially when characters were just talking.

Wood designed these 22 panels to solve that problem. He wanted to give artists a set of tools they could use to make any scene visually exciting. Whether characters were in action or having a simple conversation, these panels would ensure the page looked dynamic and engaging.

The panels cover a range of techniques. Some focus on different angles and perspectives, like close-ups or bird’s-eye views. Others suggest ways to use light and shadow to create mood. Each panel serves a specific purpose, helping artists maintain variety and keep readers interested.

When Wood first introduced the 22 panels, his fellow artists quickly saw their value. These panels became a go-to resource, making it easier to plan out complex scenes and maintain visual interest. They provided a reliable way to tackle common layout problems and helped artists meet their deadlines without sacrificing quality.

The impact of the 22 panels was immediate. Comic book artists found they could work more efficiently while still creating compelling visuals. The panels became a staple in the industry, used by both new and experienced artists. They showcased Wood’s understanding of visual storytelling and his desire to support his peers in the comic book community.

Wally Wood’s creation of the 22 panels revolutionized comic book layouts. They offered practical solutions to everyday challenges, making life easier for artists and enhancing the reader’s experience. This innovation demonstrated Wood’s genius and his lasting influence on the art of comics.

Breaking Down the 22 Panels

Wally Wood’s “22 Panels That Always Work” offer comic artists a variety of techniques to make their pages more dynamic and engaging. Here’s a detailed look at each panel and how it can be used effectively.

1. Big Head: This panel features a large close-up of a character’s head. It’s great for showing intense emotions or drawing attention to important dialogue.
2. Extreme Close-up: This panel zooms in on a specific detail, like an eye or a hand. It emphasizes small, significant details and heightens drama.
3. Back of Head, Part of Head: Showing the back or part of a character’s head focuses on what they are looking at. It creates a sense of perspective and draws the reader into the scene.
4. Profile, No Background: This side view of a character without any background elements keeps the focus on the character, making conversations clear and direct.
5. White Ben Day, Dark Foreground: This panel uses a white background with dark figures or objects in the foreground. It creates contrast and makes the foreground elements stand out.
6. Open Panel, Complete Object: This panel shows an entire object or figure without borders, creating a sense of openness and freedom.
7. All Black: Using an entirely black panel can suggest darkness, mystery, or a dramatic pause, adding suspense and intensity to the story.
8. One Big Object: Focusing on a single large object or figure in the panel highlights its importance and draws the reader’s attention.
9. Full Figure Open Panel: This panel shows a character’s full body without any borders, emphasizing their actions and movements.
10. Reverse Silhouette, Black or Ben Day, Bottom Open: The panel features a reverse silhouette where the character is light against a dark background, with the bottom open. It creates a striking visual effect and adds mystery.
11. Small Figure, Ben Day: This panel places a small figure against a textured background, creating a sense of scale and isolation.
12. Depth: Using layers of foreground, midground, and background elements adds depth to the scene, making it more immersive and realistic.
13. Down Shot, Cast Shadows: A high-angle view looking down on the scene with cast shadows creates a dramatic perspective and adds mood.
14. L-shape Silhouette: The L-shaped silhouette frames the main subject, focusing the reader’s attention and creating a strong visual anchor.
15. Diagram Eye-Level: This panel shows a scene from an eye-level view, making it relatable and easy to follow, like looking at a diagram.
16. Side Lit or Top Lit: Lighting the scene from the side or top highlights shapes and textures, adding depth and drama.
17. Reflection: Showing a reflection in water, a mirror, or glass adds a unique perspective and can reveal more about the scene or characters.
18. Frame: Framing the main subject within another shape, like a doorway or window, draws focus and adds a sense of containment or importance.
19. Light Background and Silhouette: A light background with a dark silhouette creates strong contrast, making the character or object stand out clearly.
20. Three Stage: This panel shows three stages of action in one frame, illustrating movement and progression effectively.
21. Other Media: Incorporating elements from other media, like photographs or newspaper clippings, adds variety and a mixed-media feel.
22. Contrast: Using high contrast between light and dark areas emphasizes key parts of the scene and adds visual interest.

By mastering these 22 panels, artists can make their comic pages more engaging and visually appealing. Each panel offers a unique way to solve common layout challenges, helping to tell the story more effectively.

Influence and Legacy

Wally Wood’s “22 Panels That Always Work” have had a huge impact on the comic book industry. Artists all over the world use these panels to improve their storytelling. Wood’s work showed how small changes in panel design can make a big difference in a comic’s visual appeal.

Many famous artists have praised Wood’s 22 panels. They say these panels helped them solve common problems in their work. For example, when an artist doesn’t know how to make a conversation scene look interesting, they can use Wood’s panels to find a solution. These panels offer a quick and reliable way to add variety and excitement to any page.

Comic book creators often share stories about how Wood’s panels improved their work. They talk about how using these panels helped them meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality. By relying on Wood’s tried-and-true methods, they could produce pages that were both dynamic and engaging.

Wood’s influence extends beyond individual artists. His 22 panels have become a standard teaching tool in art schools and workshops. Students learn these techniques early in their training, which helps them build strong foundations in comic book art. Teachers use Wood’s panels to show how effective storytelling works, emphasizing the importance of visual variety and clarity.

Wood’s legacy also lives on in modern comics. Many contemporary artists still use the 22 panels to guide their layouts. These panels remain relevant because they address fundamental challenges in comic book design. Whether creating superhero adventures, horror tales, or everyday dramas, artists find that Wood’s panels help them tell their stories better.

In summary, Wally Wood’s “22 Panels That Always Work” have left a lasting mark on the comic book industry. His innovative approach to panel design continues to inspire and assist artists, proving that his contributions to the art form are timeless. Wood’s legacy is a testament to his genius, showing how one artist’s work can influence generations of creators.

Practical Applications for Artists

Wally Wood’s “22 Panels That Always Work” are not just for professional artists. Anyone who wants to create comics can use them. These panels offer practical solutions for making your comic pages more engaging and dynamic. Here are some tips on how to use these panels in your own work.

Start Simple

When you first start using the 22 panels, begin with the basics. Try adding a few different angles and perspectives to your pages. For example, use an over-the-shoulder shot to show a character’s viewpoint or a wide shot to set the scene. These simple changes can make your pages more interesting.

Mix It Up

Don’t rely on just one or two types of panels. Mix different panels to keep your pages fresh and varied. For example, combine close-ups with wide shots to create a sense of contrast. This variety will keep your readers engaged and help your story flow better.

Focus on Emotions

Use panels that highlight emotions to make your characters’ feelings clear. Extreme close-ups are great for showing intense emotions, while low-angle shots can make a character seem powerful or intimidating. Choosing the right panel can enhance the emotional impact of your scenes.

Create Depth

Add depth to your pages by using panels with foreground and background elements. For example, place objects or characters in the foreground to create a sense of space. This technique can make your scenes feel more realistic and immersive.

Practice with Exercises

Practice using the 22 panels by working on short exercises. Take a simple scene, like a conversation between two characters, and try drawing it using different panels from Wood’s guide. This practice will help you understand how each panel works and how to use them effectively.

Learn from the Masters

Study comics by artists who use Wood’s panels. Look at how they apply these techniques in their work. By analyzing their layouts, you can learn new ways to use the 22 panels in your own comics.

Adapt to Your Style

While Wood’s 22 panels provide a great starting point, don’t be afraid to adapt them to fit your style. Experiment with different compositions and perspectives to find what works best for your storytelling. The goal is to enhance your story, so use the panels in ways that suit your creative vision.

Keep Practicing

Like any skill, mastering the use of these panels takes practice. Keep experimenting with different layouts and techniques. Over time, you’ll find that using these panels becomes second nature, and your comics will benefit from the added visual interest.

Wally Wood’s “22 Panels That Always Work” offer a wealth of practical tools for any comic book artist. By incorporating these panels into your work, you can create more dynamic and engaging pages, enhance your storytelling, and develop your unique style.

Denouement

Wally Wood’s “22 Panels That Always Work” have made a lasting impact on the comic book world. His innovative approach to panel design has helped countless artists tell their stories better. By breaking down complex scenes into manageable parts, Wood’s panels provide practical solutions that make comics more engaging and dynamic.

Throughout his career, Wood showed a deep understanding of visual storytelling. His panels address common challenges and offer simple yet effective ways to overcome them. This genius continues to inspire both new and experienced artists.

Using Wood’s 22 panels can improve your comic book pages. They add variety, create depth, and highlight emotions, making your stories more compelling. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist, these panels are a valuable tool in your creative arsenal.

Wally Wood’s legacy lives on through his contributions to the art of comics. His 22 panels remain a testament to his skill and creativity. As artists continue to use and adapt these panels, Wood’s influence will be felt for generations to come.

By embracing Wood’s techniques, you can elevate your work and connect with your audience more effectively. The 22 panels offer a timeless guide to creating powerful and visually interesting comics, proving that Wood’s impact on the comic book industry is truly enduring.

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