Something interestingly new in ways of presenting webcomics

[Silentwitness]

It was very interesting to see this because the comic I am about to start is going to be completely text-free (save for a few special effects). I started doing some test panels and wasn't leaving any room for dialogue balloons, and just decided to do a story that wouldn't require them. This would have been an interesting solution to the problem, but I didn't find it very satisfying. As others have said, it can make for a fun surprise to find in the comic, but as a regular feature it seemed rather awkward. Here's to hoping that sans-text is less annoying

[Fishies]

It's an interesting idea but waaaaaay back the first time I tried to read it the hover text didn't even work for me. No clue why (my computer is sometimes annoying like that) but I didn't want to keep going.

I'd improve it by making the text show up in more word balloon-like format. A white oval with larger text, for example. I dunno it's possible I just like round things more than pointy things.

[Pimpette]

I agree with the wordballoon symbol. Have like a tiny wordballoon, and you mouseover and up pops the hovertext.
This way you could also have some people hiding out in the background having conversations if you wanted to, just for kicks.

[Komiyan]

Reminds me of the Sam and Max comic that won an eisner the other year, you hover over it for the word bubbles to appear. Sometimes it used it for animation.

I don't really think that it works too well on Sam and Max in particular, the tone of the comic doesnt suit it, but it's certainly an idea.

[Phalanx]

I agree with the wordballoon symbol. Have like a tiny wordballoon, and you mouseover and up pops the hovertext.
This way you could also have some people hiding out in the background having conversations if you wanted to, just for kicks.

Imagine all the secret stuff you could hide!

I've long been toying with the idea of doing a comic with no text, only text bubbles with pictures, but I've been worried about the story being hard to follow. This could be an alternative solution... you can read the comic without the text, but if you get confused or curious, you can mouseover for the dialogue or narration.

[Jpac]

I've done it! I made a suggestion that progresses webcomicdome. But look at the poor hover text. Everyone loves their speech bubbles.

[Heart]

Here's something I found on deviantART. I dig this method, it could make scrolling obsolete.

[Bustertheclown]

Here's something I found on deviantART. I dig this method, it could make scrolling obsolete.

At first I was like, "well this is just animation without the animated parts," but then, as it progressed and there was a greater level panel design within the frame, it started to become really appealing. Not bad. I'd read a comic presented like this.

[Rkolter]

Here's something I found on deviantART. I dig this method, it could make scrolling obsolete.

At first I was like, "well this is just animation without the animated parts," but then, as it progressed and there was a greater level panel design within the frame, it started to become really appealing. Not bad. I'd read a comic presented like this.

I like this. It's pretty well done.

[Jpac]

Here's something I found on deviantART. I dig this method, it could make scrolling obsolete.

At first I was like, "well this is just animation without the animated parts," but then, as it progressed and there was a greater level panel design within the frame, it started to become really appealing. Not bad. I'd read a comic presented like this.

I like this. It's pretty well done.

Ditto.

[Herschel Dirtwater]

Here's something I found on deviantART. I dig this method, it could make scrolling obsolete.

Brilliant indeed.

HD

[Phalanx]

Here's something I found on deviantART. I dig this method, it could make scrolling obsolete.

Brilliant indeed.

HD

I actually experimented with something similar years ago, but I think he carried it off way better. I'll have to look up that technique and technology when I pick up Undead Nigh Alpha again, probably when I'm old or something... lol.

I really like the way he combines the panels to almost become animation though. It's like the missing link I was looking for when I was playing around with it years ago.

[Robin Pierce]

Platinum Grit is one of the best examples I know of that.

[Nikara]

I agree with previous comments that the format of the hovertext impacts my opinion. Maybe if the hovertext appeared as a speech bubble, with the right fonts. I also agree that this particular kind of hovertext works well with Hero, which reads more like a story. But if there were to be live dialogue (and maybe there is--I only read the first few pages), I think I would prefer speech bubbles.

I guess I'm also a comic traditionalist--I prefer having something I can see right away, integrated with the art. I just think it's easier to read that way, with the text on equal footing with the graphics. After all, the text IS a visual element.

[Inshue]

It's... an interesting idea. It's definitely a step towards preserving the art aspect of a comic, while still allowing for a wordy story. And the way it's done is decently well-executed. But when compared to other comics, it loses something.

Part of the strength of word balloons is that they allow for better control over pacing and flow. If arranged properly, they can lead the reader's eye around the page in a very specific manner, often violating the typical notion of reading left to right. This doesn't exist if the text can be anywhere on the panel. Along with this, you lose the breakup of text in the word balloons. Using several balloons for a single character in a single panel breaks up their speech patterns, and gives what they're saying a different emphasis or inflection. It is done in a lesser fashion in Hero, with gaps between paragraphs, but it really doesn't have the same feel.

The concept is interesting, but I think it needs to be developed further before it can really be implemented in a serious manner. Perhaps clicking on the panel to make balloons and captions appear? That would keep the best of both worlds; there would be completely uncovered art, as well as the pacing and layout inherent in traditional lettering.

All in all, I like the idea of having the text be revealed, instead of constantly covering the art. It just needs some more work.

[McDuffies]

Here's something I found on deviantART. I dig this method, it could make scrolling obsolete.

Brilliant indeed.

HD

I can see it as the future of webcomics.

[Phalanx]

Here's something I found on deviantART. I dig this method, it could make scrolling obsolete.

Brilliant indeed.

HD

I can see it as the future of webcomics.

It's definitely something I want to try. I feel like I've discovered something missing I've been looking for for years. Heart, I "heart" you for posting that missing link (Sorry for the pun)

But part of the success of the format is the usage of flash to make the load time negligible... that means one has to learn flash.

Drat. Where does one even start on that...? *starts googling*