Divi & Frey

“Don’t worry about it. Just draw the damn thing.” – Wally Wood

If you’ve ever stared at a comic page and felt your storytelling go a bit… flat, you’re not alone. Even legendary comic book artist Wally Wood hit those moments, which is exactly why he created his now‑famous 22 Panels That Always Work. Originally drawn as a cheat‑sheet for his team of artist, these panels are a compact masterclass in visual storytelling: dynamic angles, clever compositions, and simple tricks that instantly add energy, clarity, and drama to a page.

For new graphic‑novel illustrators, Wood’s panels are a brilliant tool because they show at a glance how many ways a single moment can be framed. They help beginners break out of the “talking heads in boxes” trap and start thinking cinematically. But they’re just as valuable for experienced creators. When you’re deep in your own project, it’s easy to become blind to alternatives. Wood’s 22 panels act like a creative reset button, offering fresh angles and storytelling solutions when you’re too close to the work to see them.

Whether you’re building your first comic or refining a complex sequence, Wood’s guide is a reminder that there’s always another way to tell the story.

Below is a PDF that I have put together on Wood’s 22 panels as a resource when I was teaching. I hope that you might find it an interesting approach that helps with your creative journey.