Visual Narration and Time

BD's approach to depicting time distinguishes it from both static illustration and moving images. Through panel sequences, BD artists control temporal perception with extraordinary precision. A series of similar-sized panels suggests regular temporal intervals, while varying panel sizes can accelerate or decelerate narrative pace.

The concept of "duration" in BD differs fundamentally from film. While cinema presents fixed temporal experiences, BD allows readers to control their reading speed, lingering on complex images or racing through action sequences. This reader control creates intimate relationships between audience and narrative impossible in other media.

BD has developed unique solutions for depicting simultaneous actions. Split panels, overlapping images, and creative page layouts allow artists to present multiple temporal streams within single visual fields. Hugo Pratt's "Corto Maltese" series demonstrates masterful control of temporal flow, with panels that expand and contract time according to narrative needs.