Q: “When comics layout ceases to obey the rule of a grid, the reader’s eyes become free to move about in other directions.” This quote highlights the importance of correct formatting and set up of a graphic novel. If you don’t follow the “rules”, your reader will be unable to focus on the images you want them to pay attention to. With graphic novels, it can be a gamble on whether or not your reader sees the importance and depth of the illustrations. Without following the rules of the grid (mise-en-page), you could be risking the focus of the story. This passage directly claims that there is a different effect when someone reads a graphic novel versus a regular text, but you have to capture that effect with your illustrations by abiding by the rules of a grid. If you want to succeed with your graphic novel, you mustn’t let your reader get distracted by other portions of the story. 

C: It could be said that this quote connects with many things in the real world, beyond just the rules of mise-en-page. The same goes for art pieces, if you choose not to create something that fits the focus of humans, they will proceed not to focus on the big picture. This also goes with regular books. You should likely format books a certain way to make sure your reader isn’t missing an important piece of information. If they are not formatted correctly, readers will focus on what they choose to pay attention to, rather than what the author is trying to convey.

Q: Why is it that readers frequently shift their focus the second they’re provided the opportunity? Is it a lack of interest, or simple brain chemistry?