How Saga hooks readers: Starting with action (video essay)

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

I tried something different this time by dipping into comics. The visual storytelling makes it a different beast than prose, but the structural elements beneath Saga are still something I can learn from. And that focus on making a powerful single issue to hook readers is something that translates to my quest to write great chapters. But what do you think? Is there something prose writers can learn from visual media like comics, film and TV?

[@nightowl8477]

Couldn't agree more! I'm branching out into reading comics after I came up with an idea for a story but couldn't find a format to compliment it. I realized comics were a big part of storytelling I had previously overlooked and now I'm getting into them.

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

@@nightowl8477 I look at comics with new stories as an inspiration. I think there's plenty to learn from established comics, too (such as Superman or Batman), but in terms of building a world and introducing characters, these new series have a difficult task of hooking us in one issue. Very inspiring when it's done well.

[@spectacularlysentimental]

Well, that something “different” made me find this video. I’ve been searching for some good Saga video essays because I’m currently reading it and it’s so great!

[@EmperorZelos]

@@HowTheNovelStarts WHERE ARE YOU!?

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

@@EmperorZelos I'm here! New content coming Soon(TM)! No, seriously, I'm working on some new videos :D

[@jesuslugo7231]

Nice. Love it.

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@aarondc4800]

It's amazing to see anyone talking about this wonderful comic!! I truly can't wait for the hiatus to end

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

I'm surprised more people aren't talking about SAGA. Come on, people! I haven't come back to it yet since the mid-series hiatus, but it's so fantastic and it's always something I recommend to both old and new comics readers.

[@nickollabossert153]

Another great video

[@dearisabella]

Amazing analysis!! Can’t believe your channel hasn’t blown up! Love your videos!

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

Thank you so much! I had fun with this one!

[@Craw1011]

I loved this analysis on why Saga works! I can't wait for the next video!

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

I appreciate the kind words! Welcome!

[@NoverMaC]

nice to see another video man! keep up the good work

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

Thank you ;)

[@breezy3392]

Did Alana and Marko make it???

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

You gotta read the comic series to find out! It's really terrific :D Last I checked the story was halfway done of a planned 108 issues.

[@nightowl8477]

Okay, this is going on my Watch (Much) Later playlist cos I wanna read Saga soon and I count this as spoilers. But dang this video looks good. Keep it up :)

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

Oh, definitely read the issue first! I tried to avoid spoilers as much as possible, but I do discuss Issue #1 in detail. I don't discuss anything that happens after that, though if you're like me you don't even want to see any of the images I used (some from later issues or covers of later issues). It's such a great comic, you must experience it first on your own :)