Visually speaking, which are your favorite panels?

[caltino]

It could be because of a visual joke or simply the way it looks. Not a page, but just a panel.

One of mine is the last panel in 859 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0859.html) showing Holy Word rocking the world of the bad guys. I really like the multiple images of the various characters and how it contrasts with the dark colors in the previous panels.

Joke wise, the 8th panel in 438 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0438.html) where Haley is waving to Elan across the battlement with a big grin always cracks me up. The perspective, the action, visually it's all there with a great moment.

If you share yours, it would be great if you could link to the page, so everyone can easily check it out.

[Torzini]

Yes, I loved that panel in 438 with Haley and Elan as well. :smallbiggrin: Great little touch.

There are lots of spiffy details in the upgraded artwork of the later comics, but as far as earlier strips go I really liked the last panel in 300 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0300.html), where it's revealed that Xykon is planning to attack Azure City next. It works great not just because of the oh-**** moment, but because of the visual depth of the goblin army. Rich captured the moment really well.

I'll probably think of more later but that's the one that sticks in my head for now.

[Jaxzan Proditor]

I love the first panel of 635 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0635.html). I also agree that the panel with Holy Word is particularly impressive. The image of Tinkertown in 964 is also a good one.

[Peelee]

Second panel (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0181.html). I'm a simple man with simple tastes.

Also, panels 1 and 8 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0483.html). I like the duality in the visuals. Its very powerful and jarring at the same time, while still evoking strong emotion, which is done exceptionally well with the change to the first-person point of view; you get the full impact from both sides. I'm a complex man with complex taste.

[MSK]

You all know the one (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0430.html).

[Quild]

Therkla's death may have been one of the saddest moments of the story to me. Therefore I kinda like the last two panels (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0598.html) with her kickass headstone. I wish there had been one more impressive. Some big panel with a smaller zoom panel in it.

I would also point that last panel (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0638.html) for different reasons :smalleek:

[D.One]

I like the Roy vs. Xykon panel too, and the "Shapechange attack", and Holy Word is one of my favorites.

There are two others which I like very much:

Last panel (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0659.html) has a classic running gag.

And the familicide sequence (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0639.html) made me go all "HOLY ****!!!".
The following strip (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0640.html), with the "This - and no less - is the price of threatening my family..." and the "O my god!'' faces of the IFCC just reinforces the feeling.

[littlebum2002]

WANDS!

Best panel ever

[Quild]

Why not take a entire page for it's visual aspect?

The obvious unusual page is #887 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0887.html) (if you want it panel only, the breaking of the illusion two pages later reminds somehow the "Holy" panel), but I have a preference for #750 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0750.html)'s layout.

I don't know why especially, but I've also always liked the last page of third book (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0484.html). Especially the lasts panels and the way smoke joins clouds.

[Peelee]

I don't know why especially, but I've also always liked the last page of third book (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0484.html). Especially the lasts panels and the way smoke joins clouds.

The two full-page panels are also among my favorite, visually. The whole finale of the battle was amazingly done, really.

[Cizak]

The Snarl(?) (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0945.html) in digital mode is pretty spectacular.

And following right after that, I really dig the slow zoom and reveal of Durkon struggling in HoH's eye. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0946.html)

[caltino]

Why not take a entire page for it's visual aspect?

The obvious unusual page is #887 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0887.html) (if you want it panel only, the breaking of the illusion two pages later reminds somehow the "Holy" panel), but I have a preference for #750 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0750.html)'s layout.

I don't know why especially, but I've also always liked the last page of third book (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0484.html). Especially the lasts panels and the way smoke joins clouds.

Looking at pages is valid, but that would be a different thread. There's much more you can do with a page and many easily jump out from memory- the illusion/dream sequence, roy's death, miko falling, etc. But a single panel standing out from the page is a special thing. It's a moment. Like a photo vs a video.

Before starting the thread I went back and looked at my favorite moments, and most of them were great due to the sequence. I couldn't really pick a single panel out from them. When you start discovering the panels with visual impact, you get a different taste. It has a different effect on you. On me, at least.

[theNater]

You all know the one (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0430.html).
Yup. By which I mean, that one is my favorite as well.

[Bulldog Psion]

I'm definitely partial to the Snarl bursting forth (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0945.html). So unexpected after all the "it really doesn't exist" buildup; so elegant, and yet so powerfully Lovecraftian.

I don't know why, but I particularly like the strands reaching upwards. It makes it seem more alien and aloof; the humans targets of malice, yet ultimately insignificant as the Snarl gropes out to seize the world.

[ti'esar]

For one of mine that hasn't been mentioned yet, I'm rather fond of 823's establishing shot of Gobbotopia. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0823.html)

[martianmister]

You all know the one (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0430.html).

Agreed. Nothing can beat panel 8.

[Rogar Demonblud]

The last two panels here (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0496.html), plus the first one in the next strip. We're so used to Roy being the grouchy guy trying to keep the Order somewhat near the plot. It was nice to get a glimpse of what he truly desires.

It also throws a lot of light on his relationship with Elan, but I've gone on about that enough elsewhere.

[Silferdrake]

I very much like the bottom left one in 392 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0392.html) I think it was the first time it actually dawned to me how much artistic depth a comic using stick figures can have. Of course, I may be a bit biased here as that arc is hands down my favourite. But still, it's just a fun panel that just screams adventure.

[Rinion]

The infinite canvas that is the first panel of #443. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0443.html) The way the lack of panel breaks conveys Roy's downward movement, the unceremonious 'SPLAT!' at the end... although I have to wonder what became of the poor critters. A series of smaller splats?

[D.One]

The last two panels here (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0496.html), plus the first one in the next strip. We're so used to Roy being the grouchy guy trying to keep the Order somewhat near the plot. It was nice to get a glimpse of what he truly desires.

It also throws a lot of light on his relationship with Elan, but I've gone on about that enough elsewhere.

Can't forgive myself for forgetting this one. One of the most touching moments of the series, IMHO.

[Peelee]

The infinite canvas that is the first panel of #443. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0443.html) The way the lack of panel breaks conveys Roy's downward movement, the unceremonious 'SPLAT!' at the end... although I have to wonder what became of the poor critters. A series of smaller splats?

Oh man, that was an excellent one. A great way to play with the online medium. A notable time the Internet version is better than the book; the printed comic just doesn't have the same impact.

[DanaK]

The first actual appearance of the Snarl- that one panel had me a terrified, babbling mess for about fifteen minutes straight. Very impressive, very terrifying.
Definitely panel 8 here (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0449.html).

[realroadcrossin]

My favorite strip is the one where Redcloak kills Tsukiko (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0830.html), and I think the last panel we see Tsukiko's face is really well done. The contrast between the super pained look on her face and the almost bored expression on the wights' is just a really simple and creepy effect. I'm a sucker for that kind of detail, though.

[WeaselGuy]

"Guess what spell I prepared today?" (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0659.html)

My whole group reads this strip, and, inevitably, whenever one of us plays an arcane caster, we take Explosive Runes. They do come in quite handy...

[Jay R]

Really? I'm the first one to mention the sexy shoeless panel of war (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0439.html)?

[Zordrath]

A really small thing, but I loved how utterly pompous the wizard that riles up V looks in #677 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0677.html) (especially the second panel). The unique body shape, beard and mouth all combine to make him appear wonderfully puffed up, he's one of the most visually amusing characters in the comic for me.

Also, I'll second the Snarl bursting forth from the rift. That looked truly impressive - and quite terrifying!

[Tridax]

No one mentioned this one yet? (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0910.html) The amount of detail and the sudden zoom out showing the marching army with a pterodactyl squadron above their heads... I swear I already had something from Star Wars playing in my head.

[KillingAScarab]

The last two panels of #284: Shattered Expectations (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0284.html) were a great visual storytelling counterpart to the very wordy #282: Closing Arguments (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0282.html). Elan faces right in both to set-up/deliver the punch-line, but in 284 the spotlight serves to separate him and Haley from the action rather than the circular panel around him and Vaarsuvius.

The reveal of Lien's holy paladin mount in #479: Jaws of Life (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0479.html) was amazing to me at the time.

One of my favorite background gags was in #93: Teenage Wasteland (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0093.html). It's simple, but I liked it enough to expand upon it.

[caltino]

I very much like the bottom left one in 392 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0392.html) I think it was the first time it actually dawned to me how much artistic depth a comic using stick figures can have. Of course, I may be a bit biased here as that arc is hands down my favourite. But still, it's just a fun panel that just screams adventure.

Wow, this is a good one. It's very striking visually, and Thog is really funny in that shot.

I would love to see it a little larger, or as a poster.

There are no posters of OotS apart from the 4 wallpapers, are there?

[caltino]

Really? I'm the first one to mention the sexy shoeless panel of war (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0439.html)?

I actually find the previous few panels to be better. Really give you the claustrophobic feeling of being overwhelmed by numbers. The big panel is a cool heroshot, but the previous ones really set it up.

[Sockpuppet]

I have to say I love the final panel here (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0936.html). It's a perfect end to the arc and a great punchline to the preceding drama, both visually and via dialogue. As well as that, it's nice to see our heroes riding off into the sunset for once. :smallbiggrin:

[KillingAScarab]

Wow, this is a good one. It's very striking visually, and Thog is really funny in that shot.

I would love to see it a little larger, or as a poster.

There are no posters of OotS apart from the 4 wallpapers, are there?Funny how searching for "poster" on a forum doesn't work too well. Oookoodook has The Good Guys and The Bad Guys in one Mega Set (http://www.ookoodook.com/store/PostersTogether.shtml), with links to the individual posters.

[Gorfnod]

The callback to everyone's favorite character in the last panel here. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0942.html)

[Gwynfrid]

Roy's falling to his death in #443 is the one that convinced me of the validity of the webcomic as a specific art medium.

And from the visual perspective, every panel in #313 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0313.html) is amazing - the candlelight effect, the setup, the arrangement of panels with one another in a straight grid, the facial expressions, and the extra impact created by the absence of any speech bubble... Certainly among of the most memorable of all panels for me, on par with the big action shots.

Speaking of which, I think nobody mentioned #463 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0463.html) yet.

[Bird]

Roy's falling to his death in #443 is the one that convinced me of the validity of the webcomic as a specific art medium.
It is a nice use of the "infinite canvas" of the web as Scott McCloud would call it--it's not tied to the dimensions of a paper page.

Out of curiosity, for those who own the print of W&XP, how was that page handled there?

[ti'esar]

Out of curiosity, for those who own the print of W&XP, how was that page handled there?

Several long vertical panels side by side.

Probably not as effective, but that's the price you pay for adapting comics like that one into book form.

[Bird]

Several long vertical panels side by side.

Probably not as effective, but that's the price you pay for adapting comics like that one into book form.
Ah, gotcha. That'd be the most practical approach. I was curious if the Giant had done something funky like switching to a horizontal layout, so you could have one panel of Roy falling down two consecutive pages.

[Miriel]

841 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0841.html) through to 843 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0843.html).

First, the dead Draketooth family.

Then, V looking at the genealogy in 842 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0842.html).

But mostly, the 2nd panel of 843 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0843.html). The first person perspective is so jarring. I think there's a quote about that saying it was deliberate, and it works.

[IthilanorStPete]

I like the big panel with V, Blackwing, and the lightning in 955 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0955.html); it's a neat use of perspective to give a sense of depth that's not normally present in the comic.

[Sadsharks]

841 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0841.html) through to 843 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0841.html).

First, the dead Draketooth family.

Then, V looking at the genealogy in 842 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0842.html).

But mostly, the 2nd panel of 843 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0841.html). The first person perspective is so jarring. I think there's a quote about that saying it was deliberate, and it works.

It seems your first two links both go to 841, as does your last one.

[Miriel]

It seems your first two links both go to 841, as does your last one.

Weird.

Anyway, fixed.

[KillingAScarab]

I almost forgot about Belkar and Mr. Scruffy riding a dinosaur through a wall of fire (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0922.html). Silly me.

[Quild]

I almost forgot about Belkar and Mr. Scruffy riding a dinosaur through a wall of fire (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0922.html). Silly me.

I wonder how Belkar managed to get the reins above Bloodfeast the Extreme-inator's head. Their position is totally wrong.
Luckily they're back in normal in next comic! This may have required a lucky Ride Check.

[Jasdoif]

But mostly, the 2nd panel of 843 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0843.html). The first person perspective is so jarring. I think there's a quote about that saying it was deliberate, and it works.Indeed there is.


I don't think I've ever done it before, because in a series where characters sometimes break the Fourth Wall, it can easily be misinterpreted as addressing the reader (which I have done). What I usually do instead is include the top or side of the P.O.V. character's head to reinforce it, but that didn't really get the feeling of being cornered that I thought was necessary to explain V's reaction. I just took a chance that the current serious subject matter would cause the reader to instinctively discount the idea of a meta-gag.

[Zyzzyva]

Ah, gotcha. That'd be the most practical approach. I was curious if the Giant had done something funky like switching to a horizontal layout, so you could have one panel of Roy falling down two consecutive pages.

My thought would be to do something with a House Of Leaves-eqsue sequence of full-page panels: just a dozen blue sky pages with a little Roy talking and spinning in the centre, with the splat taking up the last page.

[Killer Angel]

It's a minor one, but the visual effect of implosion (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0826.html), got something really unique.

[Bird]

My thought would be to do something with a House Of Leaves-eqsue sequence of full-page panels: just a dozen blue sky pages with a little Roy talking and spinning in the centre, with the splat taking up the last page.
That'd be so cool--just like House Of Leaves, it'd take advantage of quick page turning to establish the speed of the fall.

[Gift Jeraff]

None. They're just crappy little stick figures.

[Goosefarble]

WANDS! (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0970.html)

This whole arc has been really good for Haley reaction faces. "Do you sell adamantine weapons (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0976.html)" and Haley's shocked gasp (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0971.html) particularly spring to mind.

[ti'esar]

None. They're just crappy little stick figures.

Purge the heretic.

[Zyzzyva]

WANDS! (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0970.html)

This whole arc has been really good for Haley reaction faces. "Do you sell adamantine weapons (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0976.html)" and Haley's shocked gasp (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0971.html) particularly spring to mind.

V's face in panel 2 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0929.html) is pretty great too, although I'd be lying if I said I didn't think of it as the Haleo chugging poison face. :smallwink: