An artist’s look at Pandala

How Silent Storytelling Works

Writer Anthony Roux - Tot, Illustrator Bertrand Hottin

One of the first things I noticed about Pandala is that there’s no dialogue at all. No speech bubbles. No narration. No guiding hand.

And somehow, it works — beautifully.

“The silence is the invitation.”

Without words, Pandala relies on placement and framing to tell its story. A pause in movement, the distance between characters, or a carefully held shot becomes the dialogue

It’s surprising how quickly your eye learns to read emotion this way.

Composition takes on the role of pacing. Panels guide your eye like a quiet tour: sometimes quick, sometimes lingering, always intentional.

You don’t read the rhythm.

You feel it.

“Pacing lives in the spaces between panels.”

Colour becomes a storyteller of its own. Warm tones pull you forward. Cooler tones slow things down. Sudden changes quietly shift the mood.

It’s subtle — but unmistakable.

Because there’s no dialogue competing for attention, you start noticing details you might otherwise skim past — textures, shapes, tiny background moments.

The pages reward patience.

What I love most about silent storytelling is how participatory it is. You supply the inner voice. You decide what the characters are thinking.

You’re not just watching the story unfold — you’re inside it.

“Silence turns the reader into a collaborator.”

Pandala is a reminder that if the visuals are strong and honest enough, words aren’t always necessary. The art carries everything.

For me, it’s a quiet masterclass in visual storytelling — and a beautiful example of just how universal this medium can be.