The Marra Method: Traditional Comics Techniques for Visual Storytelling | 3. "You know the story, the reader doesn't"

An on-going, evolving series collecting my thoughts on the craft of telling stories through comic books. These posts do not document rules; these are the ideas passing through my mind when I'm making comic books.

3. "You know the story, the reader doesn't"

• In his comic book workshop class, David Mazzucchelli told us the secret to making good comics is that you, the writer and artist know the story and the reader doesn't.

• You, as the writer, are charged with revealing the narrative for the reader to absorb without confusion, methodically using formal techniques.

From "Vida Loca Part 3: The Death of Speedy Ortiz," by Jaime Hernandez, 1987, Page 8, Panel 3