1. Clear Rhythm:
Each panel transitions logically and clearly. Take, for example, the depiction of a ‘punch’—you can see that each panel has a well-defined rhythm. Take a look at the following panels:
① About to Punch (preparation for action)
② The Punch Lands (action in progress)
③ The Punch Sends Them Flying (result)
④ Splat! (further description of the result)
2. Omitting the ‘Process’ and Using ‘Result’ & ‘Supplementary Narration’ in Paneling:
Rather than illustrating the entire ‘process,’ Togashi often skips it entirely, allowing readers to see the ‘result’ of the action directly, followed by a ‘supplementary narration’ of the state after the result.
As soon as the action begins on the previous page, the reader immediately sees that A has already been struck.
Then, the first panel on the next page serves as a ‘supplementary narration,’ detailing A’s state after being struck, the relative positions of both characters, and B’s movement.
3. Skillful Use of Rhythm to Convey ‘Speed’ and ‘Force’:
Togashi uses the tension created by paneling to enhance the intensity of a punch. Following the logic mentioned earlier, he often uses the sequence:
① Action Occurs
② Result
③ Supplementary Narration.
As soon as a punch ‘occurs,’ the reader immediately sees the ‘result,’ which quickens the rhythm and conveys a sense of both speed and power in the punch. This is followed by a supplementary narration of the ‘result,’ further emphasizing the depiction of ‘force’.
In the first panel, there’s no action yet, but by the second panel after the page turn, the person has already been kicked into the air (the result). The third panel describes them ‘flying very high,’ further supplementing the idea of a powerful kick. This approach emphasizes both ‘speed’ and ‘force’.
4. Smooth Visual Flow in Narration:
When narrating extensive events, Togashi often divides the panels into four to five sections, ensuring that the visual guide lines flow smoothly through dialogue boxes and characters. The framing tends to maintain an eye-level perspective, with minimal changes in angles.
